nyja44

I am Jamaican and have been to many places including st. marteen, cozumel, bahamas, key west. We want a honeymoon spot that neither of us have been to before. We have managed to narrow it down to Barbados, TCI, and Antigua and St. Lucia. We want GREAT beaches for watersports and swimming, a small town for some shopping and good food. We have been told that the food in barbados is bad and that TCI and Antigua are boring and that St. Lucian beaches are not the best but is great for honeymooners! Anyone been to all locations with a spouse and can share their insight as to which might be best for a honeymoon! THANKS!

Caribzack

TCI is not boring, it is laid back and a wonderful beach/chill location. No zip lines, wild parties etc

Lois

I think you have been mislead. The food in Barbados is some of the best in the world. All types of restaurants are available from gourmet in spectacular settings, to local places (also in fantastic settings). That's one of the reasons we love the island -- fabulous food.

There are also tons of stuff you can do while in Barbados. Most hotels have watersports right there, and there are catamaran cruises that are very popular. Then for the more adventurous you can go zip-lining and also go on Segway tours. We especially love Island Safari -- very interesting, lots of fun and you do lots of off-roading to places you could not get to see if you drove yourself.

For the history buffs, there are lots of historical sites in Barbados, and you can take tours that tell you lots more history if you like that. A great tour for that is with Sarah at Glory Tours. Her family are original settlers of Barbados.

For nature lovers, there are great gardens to tour - especially check out Huntes Gardens -- a magical gully that has been transformed into a nature lover's paradise. Also good are Andromeda Gardens.

Check out my tips at: www.barbadostips.com for some of my photos and write-ups of various things in Barbados from a personal standpoint. Might be helpful in deciding.

virginia

look at playa del carmen or the smaller akumal on the maya riviera coast south of cancun.
or consider grand cayman. a lot like t&c but with more shopping and nightlife.

Knowing

Have not been to TCI, but have been to the others. We disliked St Lucia, but have been back to both Antigua and Barbados a couple of times. We are going to Barbados again in February.

I think Barbados would be a good choice for you. Great atmosphere in the restaurants and lots of fine dining. Make sure you check out Tides.

The water and beaches are beautiful!

bajangirl

I have been to 3 out of 4 of your possible destinations, so think I am qualified to provide an opinion. The beaches in Antigua and Barbados are similar - very nice, lots of them, good snorkeling, diving, sailing, water/beach activities. The food in Barbados is generally very good and there are, literally, hundreds of restaurants of varying price ranges and types of food. There's also lots of land based stuff to do. Antigua is not my favourite destination, but to each his/her own, and from a historical point of view, there is much of interest (Nelsons Dockyard, Shirley Heights and much of St John's itself). I love St Lucia and there are some couple nice beaches, both white and black sand, with all the associated water sports. However, St Lucia also has the mountains with outstanding hiking/exploring and such things to do. I would imagine in terrain, St Lucia is relatively similar to Jamaica, but on a much smaller scale. Antigua and Barbados are completely different from the landscape of JA. Haven't been to the TCI so cannot comment.
You may find www.destinationcaribbean.net to be helpful in providing more information on these destinations too.

KVR

Have been to TCI and St. Lucia. Those two Island are completly opposite. TCi is flat and arid. It will have the best beach. Lots of watersports, sailing, snorkeling and diving. Not much of anything else. Limited shopping and nightly entertainment.

St. Lucia's topography reminded us a lot of Jamaica. Lots of mountians, waterfalls, flora, fauna, etc. If you want something different then what you are already used to, I would go with a different Island.

TPAYT

Been to all.

TCI(3 times) is our favorite. Grace Bay is a fantastic beach. The properties and restaurants are just wonderful.

Barbados(2 times) has lovely beaches. On the west coast, calm---on the south coast, wavy. We prefer the west coast. Contrary to above, the food is excellent.

Antigua, not one of our favorites.
St. Lucia, so-so.

Shopping on all is hit & miss, mostly in hotel shops. If you want shopping, go to St. Bart's or Nassau.

Good Luck!

nyja44

THANKS ALL for your insight and tips! VERY helpful!!!!! As far as TCI and barbados goes what are some nice places to stay? We want 4-5 stars, AI if possible. Any suggestions? THanks!