casuarina vs. bougainvillea?
 

I'm planning a trip to Barbados in April. I'm looking for a peaceful, laid back atmosphere, with few children, near good restaurants, and a great beach. Which resort would you recommend?

Anne-both great choices-both properties are located literally next door to one another-we stayed at Bougainvillea last year and enjoyed it. Would say the beach at Casuarina is bigger and better. There's only one restaurant at Bougainvillea, but this property is next door to it's older, sister property, Sand Acres Resort, which also has a restuarant(Water's Edge-which is fantastic). Staying at either Bougainvillea or Sand Acres allows you access to the facilities of the other property. Found the landscaping at Casuarina nicer, and their gift shop was better than at Bougainvillea-wider selection of 'stuff'. Both properties will have their fair share of families, with kids of all ages, in tow. Casuarina also served a 'high tea', which Bougainvillea did not, if that's of any interest. Both properties just on the edge of St Lawrence Gap-lots of dining and nightlife. Can recommend Pisces restaurant in the Gap-food and service were excellent. Have heard only great things about David's as well-just up the street from Pisces. There are also plenty of convenience-type stores located near both properties so you can stock up on goodies for the room. Enjoy Barbados-it's a beautiful island.

Debbie, Thanks so much for the info. and the recommendations for restaurants in Barbados! I'll make sure we eat at the restaurants that you suggested. Anne

Anne-another food suggestion-if you get a chance, head on down to the Oistins Fish Fry, which is held every night, but Friday night is the most popular and crowded-the fishing town of Oistins is less than a 10 minute ride away from Bougainvillea, which has a shuttle service, for a small fee, to Oistins. You'll be greeted by about 20 different food stalls & your dinner will be cooked to order while you wait-mostly fish-grilled, steamed, fried or whatever. You must try flying fish-don't usually eat fish, but this is soooooooooo good. It's on just about all menus anywhere you go on the island. Even had it for breakfast on our last day in Barbados(at the Water's Edge). It's quite a party atmosphere at Oistins-live music, dancing and so forth. It can't help but put you in a good mood. <BR> <BR>Have you decided where you're going to stay? If you decide on Bougainvillea, ask to stay in the newer wing-our suite consisted of a large king-sized bed, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining table seating 4, and a living room. We were supposed to be on an upper level with an ocean view, but wound up on the first floor, which we wound up really enjoying-there was so much foliage around our patio, that we were afforded a lot more privacy than had we had a balcony. Bougainvillea/Sand Acres are actually time shares, but you will never be approached to attend a sales pitch to buy a unit. ENJOY!!

Hi Debbie, At this point I'm probably going to stay at Bougainvillea, I'll make sure to request the new wing. How was the restaurant at Bougainvillea? What exactly is flying fish? Are there any beaches that you would recommend? Thanks a million for all of your suggestions! <BR>

Hi Anne-Flying fish is served at most restuarants in Barbados-understand it's a deep water fish that actually glides over the water, giving it the appearance of flying. Found it to be very mild when eaten, and doesn't have a 'fishy' taste at all. It's seasoned-maybe that's what makes it taste so delicious. You can order it prepared and served in many different ways, from a sandwich with fries, to a full course meal. The restaurant at Bougainvillea is called Lanterns By The Sea-we ate there a couple times, but our preference was towards Water's Edge, at the Sand Acres resort. Seemed to enjoy both the food and service more at WE. Don't know how far you want to venture for the beach, but the one at Bougainvillea and/or SA was ok-the water on the South Coast, where you'll be staying, is just a bit rougher than on the calmer West Coast. If you're able to get to the East Coast of the island, head towards Bathsheba-for the view alone. The water is much too rough for swimming. The beach at Bougainvillea/SA and Casuarina was very clean and not filled with debris. There will be beach vendors all over the place, but if you're not interested in anything, a polite no will suffice. Actually, some handicrafts they were selling looked quite interesting. Because you're so close to the equator, the sun will be quite intense-be careful not to get a nasty burn. We chose not to rent a car, so our travels were limited to public transportation or taxi, so we were limited in exploring the island and visiting other beaches, although we did see quite a few that looked picture perfect. Have heard that Crane Beach is beautiful-wish we'd seen it. Have fun!

Anne, <BR>We've been to Crane Beach, it's beautiful. Pink sand, and great for boogie boarding. The hotel is kind of old, but I think they might have built new units since our trip. They have a web site, I'm just not sure what it is (maybe a travel agent would know). Our favorite beach was bottom bay, you have to walk down a steep stairway and the water is too rough for swimming, but the palm trees and the sand are both beautiful. Anywhere you go on the island is nice. Out of all our trips to the islands, we liked Barbados the best. Enjoy.