St. John, Barbados, BVI or St. Lucia?
Feb 5th, 2008, 07:55 PM
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St. John, Barbados, BVI or St. Lucia?
We have narrowed our island choices to these four. We love the Crane on Barbados but are unsure of the island. We will be traveling to one of these places at the end of June. Which island would you choose and why? We want relaxation but some adventure as well. PLEASE HELP! Thanks!!
Feb 6th, 2008, 02:42 AM
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My opinion is a little biased as we've only to been to St. John. We have been to several other islands but they are not on your list. St. John is beautiful and very relaxing. My definition & your definition on adventure probably differs. For adventure on St. John there are many trails to hike, ruins to see & of course my favorite adventures are in the water! Snorkeling & scuba diving in that order. I'm sure you'll make do where ever you go.
Feb 6th, 2008, 04:42 AM
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Stevensarah,
I've been to all of these islands you've mentioned. It really depends on what you're looking for, as they're all very different. It also depends on your budget. Our personal favorite was Virgin Gorda (part of the BVI's), and then we liked St. Lucia, and then St. John. The reason we liked VG the most is because it is the least built up and our villa was right on the beach. But the south shore of St. Lucia also isn't built up and it's very lush and mountainous-much like Kauai, HI if you've ever been there. And there’s more to do there exploring wise. St. John is also very beautiful, although you have to drive to the beaches-and there are a lot of them to see! It’s also more built up and has a cute town to check out. They're all special in their own ways. We weren't big fans of Barbados-it's far and the island is more flat-full of sugar cane. The main town was much larger and industrial than the other islands we’ve been to. Although some people rave about it. We just prefer islands that are more remote/less built up. Tell us what you're looking for in your vaca and we can help you more. (ie, do you want to just do beaches, or also hike/explore, are restaurants important to you? Do you want nightlife and shopping? Do you want an AI, regular hotel, or villa? Is being right on the beach important to you?)
I've been to all of these islands you've mentioned. It really depends on what you're looking for, as they're all very different. It also depends on your budget. Our personal favorite was Virgin Gorda (part of the BVI's), and then we liked St. Lucia, and then St. John. The reason we liked VG the most is because it is the least built up and our villa was right on the beach. But the south shore of St. Lucia also isn't built up and it's very lush and mountainous-much like Kauai, HI if you've ever been there. And there’s more to do there exploring wise. St. John is also very beautiful, although you have to drive to the beaches-and there are a lot of them to see! It’s also more built up and has a cute town to check out. They're all special in their own ways. We weren't big fans of Barbados-it's far and the island is more flat-full of sugar cane. The main town was much larger and industrial than the other islands we’ve been to. Although some people rave about it. We just prefer islands that are more remote/less built up. Tell us what you're looking for in your vaca and we can help you more. (ie, do you want to just do beaches, or also hike/explore, are restaurants important to you? Do you want nightlife and shopping? Do you want an AI, regular hotel, or villa? Is being right on the beach important to you?)
Feb 6th, 2008, 05:32 AM
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Thanks for your input. Kelly, I'll try to give you some more info. We want beaches with water activities such as jetskis and snorkeling. We also love to hike and explore. We are not huge restaurant critics so we aren't picky about restaurants although nice ones wouldn't be a bad thing. Nightlife is also not that important but again, wouldn't mind it if it was there. In the accommodations, we are looking for a romantic retreat. we don't want the typical hotel room but we do want a resort type atmosphere. The Crane in Barbados is exactly up our alley as far as what we are looking for in an accomodation. It has the fancy white bed, marble bathrooms with a bathtub, great views, etc. But we just aren't huge fans of Barbados. Do you know any resort similar to this on any other islands? Thanks so much for all your help!
Feb 6th, 2008, 06:22 AM
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Let me know what you decide because my wife and I are looking for the exact same thing.
I was thinking St Johns, I was there for work once but only for a day. I figured renting a Jeep would be fun, and we like to hike so the trails would be nice, plus it's not too commercialized. I really want to go snorkeling and she loves to hang out at the beach.
We are looking at going in June also. I was considering Bermuda but I've ruled that out now.
I was thinking St Johns, I was there for work once but only for a day. I figured renting a Jeep would be fun, and we like to hike so the trails would be nice, plus it's not too commercialized. I really want to go snorkeling and she loves to hang out at the beach.
We are looking at going in June also. I was considering Bermuda but I've ruled that out now.
Feb 6th, 2008, 10:54 AM
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It depends on what you are seeking from your holiday. St. John is 2/3 a national park, very scenic and laid back and close to the several other islands (Virgin Gorda was mentioned) via ferry. The Crane is on a remote part of Barbados but absolutely beautiful. The resort is under heavy construction, however. If Barbados is your choice, you'll need to be on the West Coast for water activities---calm there v rough surf at the Crane and there are no watersports at the Crane. In June, there should be fantastic deals. No to St Lucia given your needs. Barbados offers a lot of choices for activities. For Barbados, I always recommend BarbadosBarbados.com. For St John, try using stjohnusvi.com or tripadvisor.com.
Feb 6th, 2008, 05:43 PM
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stevensarah, just a word to you about your request for jet skis and snorkeling in the same destination...you generally won't find both in the same place. Jet skis can be incredibly harmful to delicate reef environments. I would actually encourage you *not* to ride any, even if you end up in a location that offers that.
Feb 6th, 2008, 06:24 PM
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Stevensarah,
Thanks for describing in more detail what you're looking for. Well, the whole jetski thing is throwing me for a loop, as I didn’t see jetskis on any of these islands. As a matter of fact, the places we stayed on each island specifically don’t allow them. With that being said, I’ll address the other things you’re interested in. You may have to forgo the jetskis and maybe do a power boat rental or water taxi instead to get out on the water.
Snorkeling: We found the snorkeling best on St. John –Hawksnest beach in particular.
Restaurants: St. John has the most to choose from.
Nightlife: Again, probably St. John.
Hiking/exploring: St. Lucia has the most to do –rainforest hikes, volcano hikes, hikes up the pitons, mountain biking, horseback riding, boat tours, botanical garden hikes, banana plantation tours...and the list goes on...(there is hiking on VG and St. John as well, and the Baths on VG are not to be missed, but there are definitely more land activities on St. Lucia.)
Accommodations:
St. John-check out Caneel Bay, although it isn’t the upscale marble you’re looking for. Maybe try the Westin on St. John? Otherwise, you’re pretty much looking at renting a villa there (which is what we did).
Virgin Gorda-check out Little Dix, Leverick Bay, or Bitter End Yacht Club. I have a feeling VG may be too quiet for you though. We rented a gorgeous villa on Mahoe Bay, but it’s a private villa, not part of a resort.
St. Lucia-check out Ladera, Anse Chastenet, Jade Mountain (this is the most luxurious of the bunch), Stonefield Resort, and Jalousie. These are the hotels near the beautiful Pitons (we stayed at Stonefield, but again this isn’t the marble you’re looking for). Jade Mountain might be closer to something you’d be interested in.
After checking out the Crane’s website, I think you may want to look into a different island, or maybe the Sandals on the northern shore of St. Lucia. St. Maarten seems to have all of the things you’re looking for (check out the hotels on Orient beach-there are water sports there, fabulous restaurants, lots of nightlife, and bigger hotels) -we rented a villa there. Another place to look into is Anguilla-maybe Cap Jaluca, CoveCastles, Malliouhana, or CuisineArt? Those hotels all have the marble luxury you’re referring to, plus some of the best dining around (from what I’ve read on this site-haven’t made it there –yet!
Good luck!
Thanks for describing in more detail what you're looking for. Well, the whole jetski thing is throwing me for a loop, as I didn’t see jetskis on any of these islands. As a matter of fact, the places we stayed on each island specifically don’t allow them. With that being said, I’ll address the other things you’re interested in. You may have to forgo the jetskis and maybe do a power boat rental or water taxi instead to get out on the water.
Snorkeling: We found the snorkeling best on St. John –Hawksnest beach in particular.
Restaurants: St. John has the most to choose from.
Nightlife: Again, probably St. John.
Hiking/exploring: St. Lucia has the most to do –rainforest hikes, volcano hikes, hikes up the pitons, mountain biking, horseback riding, boat tours, botanical garden hikes, banana plantation tours...and the list goes on...(there is hiking on VG and St. John as well, and the Baths on VG are not to be missed, but there are definitely more land activities on St. Lucia.)
Accommodations:
St. John-check out Caneel Bay, although it isn’t the upscale marble you’re looking for. Maybe try the Westin on St. John? Otherwise, you’re pretty much looking at renting a villa there (which is what we did).
Virgin Gorda-check out Little Dix, Leverick Bay, or Bitter End Yacht Club. I have a feeling VG may be too quiet for you though. We rented a gorgeous villa on Mahoe Bay, but it’s a private villa, not part of a resort.
St. Lucia-check out Ladera, Anse Chastenet, Jade Mountain (this is the most luxurious of the bunch), Stonefield Resort, and Jalousie. These are the hotels near the beautiful Pitons (we stayed at Stonefield, but again this isn’t the marble you’re looking for). Jade Mountain might be closer to something you’d be interested in.
After checking out the Crane’s website, I think you may want to look into a different island, or maybe the Sandals on the northern shore of St. Lucia. St. Maarten seems to have all of the things you’re looking for (check out the hotels on Orient beach-there are water sports there, fabulous restaurants, lots of nightlife, and bigger hotels) -we rented a villa there. Another place to look into is Anguilla-maybe Cap Jaluca, CoveCastles, Malliouhana, or CuisineArt? Those hotels all have the marble luxury you’re referring to, plus some of the best dining around (from what I’ve read on this site-haven’t made it there –yet!
Good luck!
Feb 7th, 2008, 05:17 AM
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One more thought-check out this link-it’s blamona’s TR on Turks and Caicos. This might be up your alley-check out her pictures-the one hotel in her pictures has the luxury you’re looking for, and it looks like you can do many boat trips to neighboring cays. I’ve also heard there’s night life there too. (haven’t been there myself yet!)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35104026
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35104026
Feb 7th, 2008, 06:26 PM
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Hey kelly, thank you so much for your time and effort in helping us. You really are a great asset to us right now. I think after realizing that most hotels won't fit in our budget and idea, we have decided on a villa which is more private and much cheaper. My question is, do villas provide everything for you like towels, etc? Also, we have decided that we like St. John the most with Virgin Gorda a close second. Is it hard driving around St. John and to the beaches? Also, is it feasible to travel to Virgin Gorda to see the baths one day? Or to travel to St. Thomas for a day? If we can, how do you go about that and what are the costs? If you could help answer any of these questions, that would be awesome. Thanks again so much for all your help!!
Feb 8th, 2008, 03:13 AM
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Stevensarah, I find that the driving on St. John is very easy once you are comfortable with driving on the left side. All the main roads are in great shape. You will make some steep turns that make you wonder if your jeep will flip over! Don't worry they won't.
I don't know where you are from but for us (Beaufort, SC) lunches & dinners are around 10 - 15% more than what we pay here.
We rent a villa and pack lunches so we don't waste beach/snorkle time at a restaurant.
Check out Gallows Point, you might like it, if it's just you & hubby.
I don't know where you are from but for us (Beaufort, SC) lunches & dinners are around 10 - 15% more than what we pay here.
We rent a villa and pack lunches so we don't waste beach/snorkle time at a restaurant.
Check out Gallows Point, you might like it, if it's just you & hubby.
Feb 8th, 2008, 04:55 AM
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http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.co...-calendar.html
Here is a link to the ferry schedules if you decide to day trip via that route. Unless you want to shop til you drop, I probably wouldn't do a day trip to St Thomas. New Horizons II is a power boat trip to The Bath's and other BVI's if you haven't already heard of it.
I would also recommend you have a look at Gallow's Point Resort. It is a nice condo complex that is basically run as a hotel, daily maid service etc. We have stayed there four times and we really love the close proximity to town. It's nice to be able to walk to town for dinner. I agree about the food prices. It's hard to find a burger under $10. There are cheap eats to be found though.
Here is a link to the ferry schedules if you decide to day trip via that route. Unless you want to shop til you drop, I probably wouldn't do a day trip to St Thomas. New Horizons II is a power boat trip to The Bath's and other BVI's if you haven't already heard of it.
I would also recommend you have a look at Gallow's Point Resort. It is a nice condo complex that is basically run as a hotel, daily maid service etc. We have stayed there four times and we really love the close proximity to town. It's nice to be able to walk to town for dinner. I agree about the food prices. It's hard to find a burger under $10. There are cheap eats to be found though.
Feb 8th, 2008, 05:26 AM
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Stevensarah,
I think you’ll be happy with St. John. We rented the villa Andante by the Sea, which was great, but there are many villas to choose from on St. John. Yes, villas do provide linens, dishes, basic house items, etc. It’s pretty easy driving around St. John, but the hills are steep and you do drive on the left. You can do the day trip to VG, and I also highly recommend doing a day trip to Jost Van Dyke and checking out the soggy dollar bar for a painkiller. Just make sure you bring your passports to both VG and JVD. You’ll actually fly into St. Thomas, so you’ll get a glimpse of that there-it’s pretty built up. It’s only about a 15 minute ferry ride from STT to STJ. Regarding food, it is definitely more expensive than back home, but you’re going to find that anywhere in the islands. Lunches and dinners out ranged from about $50-60 for 2 of us. The food store there has pretty much everything you would find back home, so you could stock up there and eat at the villa which will save $.
Here are my pictures from our St. John trip (with my TR as captions to each picture) and our pictures from our VG trip. A picture says a thousand words
St. John:
Part 1:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...uf3aj&Ux=0
Part 2:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLan...share&Ux=0
VG:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLan...share&Ux=0
I think you’ll be happy with St. John. We rented the villa Andante by the Sea, which was great, but there are many villas to choose from on St. John. Yes, villas do provide linens, dishes, basic house items, etc. It’s pretty easy driving around St. John, but the hills are steep and you do drive on the left. You can do the day trip to VG, and I also highly recommend doing a day trip to Jost Van Dyke and checking out the soggy dollar bar for a painkiller. Just make sure you bring your passports to both VG and JVD. You’ll actually fly into St. Thomas, so you’ll get a glimpse of that there-it’s pretty built up. It’s only about a 15 minute ferry ride from STT to STJ. Regarding food, it is definitely more expensive than back home, but you’re going to find that anywhere in the islands. Lunches and dinners out ranged from about $50-60 for 2 of us. The food store there has pretty much everything you would find back home, so you could stock up there and eat at the villa which will save $.
Here are my pictures from our St. John trip (with my TR as captions to each picture) and our pictures from our VG trip. A picture says a thousand words
St. John:
Part 1:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...uf3aj&Ux=0
Part 2:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLan...share&Ux=0
VG:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLan...share&Ux=0
Feb 8th, 2008, 07:12 AM
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Misscris,
Thanks! I'm actually expecting in July, so no travel this year, but we're planning on going to Long Island, Bahamas next year! St. John is really nice, and has lots of day trip opportunities to neighboring islands.
Thanks! I'm actually expecting in July, so no travel this year, but we're planning on going to Long Island, Bahamas next year! St. John is really nice, and has lots of day trip opportunities to neighboring islands.
Feb 8th, 2008, 08:55 AM
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Kelly, loved the pictures and remember seeing them from a previous post. Not matter how many times I've been to St. John, 14 trips I believe, I still get antsy even 8 months out. Going back in August.
We have not been to Long Island but spent a week on Eluthera. It was beautiful but the snorkeling wasn't that great.
We have not been to Long Island but spent a week on Eluthera. It was beautiful but the snorkeling wasn't that great.
Feb 8th, 2008, 10:09 AM
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Misscris,
We’re eyeing up Cape Santa Maria Resort in Long Island, Bahamas, for a few reasons. We want a flat scrubby island with clear blue water for our next trip. We want a place that has very few people, sunset views, and villa options (they have villas on the resort-we prefer villas over hotel rooms especially with kids-and my husband loves to cook!). We’ll be traveling w/my in-laws and our kids, and we found that being directly on a beach as we were in VG is much better with small kids than loading them up into the car to go to the beach each day. It was so nice being right on the beach! Also, the price isn’t so bad either
I’ve been to Nassau twice. Stayed on Cable beach both times –Breezes and the Wyndham. This was for a girls trip and a before kids trip. I wouldn’t go to Cable beach again-actually the thought of a large hotel swarming with people makes me shudder. It was fun back then, but now I prefer low key-the more remote the better in my book. With that being said, I’m sure you’ll have a great time if it’s your first time to Nassau. And cruises are always fun too. There are lots of things to check out –Atlantis, the straw market, the town. If you’re docked overnight and can go out for dinner, do try Graycliff. It’s our favorite restaurant so far! You could also take the fast ferry over to Harbor Island for the day if you have time.
Pulley-glad you liked the pix. 14 times to St. John! That’s great! You’re almost a local! Do you always stay at the same place? If so, where? Where did you stay in Eleuthera? That may be a future destination for us too-and we would check out Harbor Island too.
We’re eyeing up Cape Santa Maria Resort in Long Island, Bahamas, for a few reasons. We want a flat scrubby island with clear blue water for our next trip. We want a place that has very few people, sunset views, and villa options (they have villas on the resort-we prefer villas over hotel rooms especially with kids-and my husband loves to cook!). We’ll be traveling w/my in-laws and our kids, and we found that being directly on a beach as we were in VG is much better with small kids than loading them up into the car to go to the beach each day. It was so nice being right on the beach! Also, the price isn’t so bad either
I’ve been to Nassau twice. Stayed on Cable beach both times –Breezes and the Wyndham. This was for a girls trip and a before kids trip. I wouldn’t go to Cable beach again-actually the thought of a large hotel swarming with people makes me shudder. It was fun back then, but now I prefer low key-the more remote the better in my book. With that being said, I’m sure you’ll have a great time if it’s your first time to Nassau. And cruises are always fun too. There are lots of things to check out –Atlantis, the straw market, the town. If you’re docked overnight and can go out for dinner, do try Graycliff. It’s our favorite restaurant so far! You could also take the fast ferry over to Harbor Island for the day if you have time.
Pulley-glad you liked the pix. 14 times to St. John! That’s great! You’re almost a local! Do you always stay at the same place? If so, where? Where did you stay in Eleuthera? That may be a future destination for us too-and we would check out Harbor Island too.
