I am debating between staying at either the Tamarind Cove resort in Barbados or the Couples Swept Away or Sans Souci in Jamaica... Can anyone compare the two destinations, or even the resorts? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

I have not been to Jamaica but have heard that there are areas of bad violence and gun crime.
I stayed in Barbados several years ago and it and the people were brilliant, friendly and helpful. They call it Little England and many names are the same as England, ie Hastings. They also have a Nelsons Column. The kids all waved at you as you drove by and the staff in all the businesses realy wanted to help. I would not only love to go back but I'd love to live in Barbados.

Good Luck
Derek

Hands Down---BARBADOS==way more civilized!!

I haven't been to Barbados but I can tell you that Swept Away is certainly not in a high crime area and it is quite civilized. The resort is beautiful and the beach is incredible and never crowded. You can walk for hours on the beach or float for hours on the calm blue water. I'd be interested in hearing about the beach and rooms from people who have stayed at Tamarind. Reviews at www.tripadvisor.com refer to crowded beach and disappointing rooms.

Oh, please, with the crime in Jamaica...yes, if you stay in Kingston and walk through some of the less desirable areas at night--just like the less desireable areas of any city--you'll be at risk. But Jamaica's Negril is the safest place I've ever been to. And if you're going to stay at an all-inclusive, in which you are basically insulated from the country, you'll think you were in Miami! (For me, the all-inclusives could be located really in any country; the experience of cultural interchange is barren). Enjoy Jamaica or Barbados, whichever! You'll have an easier time travelling to Jamaica and you'll enjoy either country.

Well said bach4me. I have given up on commenting on comments about crime in Jamaica. Especially from people who have never been there. The fail to realize that for an Island in the Caribbean Jamaica is quite big and diverse. If I listened to all the people (most have never been) who comment about crime and poverty in both Brazil and Jamaica I would never ever have a fun vacation.

Don't let these folks fool you. Barbados has it's share of crime. Just watch the AP breaking news.

Bach4me summed it up pretty well, the resorts in Jamaica are very well controlled, people that are not staying there can't get on the property. I've been there twice and had fabulous vacations, once to Montego Bay and once to Negril (and am contemplating a 3rd trip), the beaches are gorgeous, the sun is shining, the water warm and the drinks cold, what more could you want out of a beach vacation?

A lot of people never leave the property that they are staying at,but we've gone on excursions arranged both with a tour group and a private guide and have had lovely experiences.

I was just travelling around Jamaica for a couple of weeks and never had any problems--or saw anything alarming. Out of all the places we stayed at though, I would say that Negril was the only place we were really hasseled and treated like tourists.
Jamaica is truly a beautiful country; it's a shame that it has a reputation for being so dangerous.

Totally agree with beach4me. Most crime is in Kingston. So don't go there! We have been to Ocho Rios 3 times and loved it. And think about this. What is the #1 source of income for JA? TOURISM!! They have to protect that. And if anyone is hurt or killed while in ANY island it makes the news. Hear of any problems there lately? Just don't let alarmist views skew your choice. JM2C. Larry

Derek, please. Little England? Give me a break. Not everyone going on vacation is looking for an imitation to "her majesty's" kingdom.

Dave, come on..."more civilized?" Please don't insult us all. Just because Jamaica has more poverty does not mean the place is uncivilized, jeez!