St. Lucia or Barbados?
 

In May or October of 2000 my husband, myself, and another couple are planning a week in the carribean. We have become interested in Barbados and St. Lucia but would welcome any other suggestions. We are in our mid 20's and are interested in watersports, nightlife, hiking, etc. Don't care much about casinos or all-inclusives. Our budget is $3000 per couple.

Hi Laura. We were only in St Lucia and Barbados for a day each but I would vote for St Lucia between the two. St Lucia was a beautiful, lush island. There was a wonderful bay that we went snorkeling in, Anse Chasenet, that seemed sort of secluded. There's also a volcano and gardens you can visit and probably a lot else that we didn't have time for.

We just got home from St. Lucia, and it was magnificent! <BR>We stayed 5 nights at the all-inclusive Sandals Halcyon, and then 3 nights at Ladera Resort, in Soufriere, which you might want to check out. <BR>http://ladera-resort.com/ <BR>This place was totally awsome, and would fit your description. It sits up between the Pitons, and what a view you get. You can even hire a guide to climb the mountains. The restaurant is superb, but pretty pricy, but they do have live music a couple of times a week. If you are interested in seeing a picture, other than what the web page shows, email me.

Laura - These are my two favorite islands, but they are very different. It really depends on what kind of vacation you are looking for. St. Lucia is volcanic, and therefore is mountainous, lush and has darker sand beaches. It is a quieter island than Barbados in terms of nightlife. Barbados is a coral island and lacks the lush mountains of St. Lucia, however, the beaches are fine, pink coral sand, with bright turquoise waters. There is just about everything you could want in terms of watersports, there's a good amount of nightlife and the Barbados National Trust sponsors hikes through the countryside. I went there many times with friends in my 20's and we always had a blast. For what you're looking for, I'd pick Barbados.

St. Lucia is fantastic. My boyfriend and I went last November for a week at the Ladera resort and absolutely loved it. The best views in the world. If you go to St. Lucia, be sure to stay around the Soufriere area which is mountainous and lush. Besides the Ladera, there are two other good hotels nearby -- the Jalousie Hilton and Anse Chastanet. We spent time on their beaches and snorkeled at each of them and they were wonderful. All have excellent food and service but Ladera stands out for the views from all the rooms and because it is smaller. Since you want watersports and nightlife though I would recommend the Jalousie Hilton. There is excellent hiking in the rainforest -- we went on an all-day hike with two other couples and a local guide down to a waterfall, where we all went swimming, and then hiked back out. The people of St. Lucia are wonderful. The botanical gardens are gorgeous and there are lots of waterfalls all over the place.

hi Laura, as a former peace corps volunteer who lived in barbados for a couple of years, do know a bit about barbados. Keep in mind it has been a few years ago but somethings probably haven't changed. Barbados is one of the more developed islands in the southern caribbean. It has lotts of nice beaches, mostly white sand. People are more receptive to outsiders, ie. easier to mix it up with the locals. Rumshops are a great place to start a conversation with them. <BR>

Hi Laura, as a former peace corps volunteer who lived in Barbados for a couple of years, could maybe enlighten you a bit . Keep in mind it has been a few years ago but some things probably haven't changed. Barbados is one of the more developed islands in the southern caribbean. It has lots of nice beaches, mostly white sand. People are more receptive to outsiders, ie. easier to mix it up with the locals. Rumshops are a great place to start a conversation. I was in St. Lucia 20 some years ago so i am sure the tourisum industry has changed some things. Back then tourism on St.Lucia was almost nonexistant, now it has some nice all inclusive resorts. The people in St. Lucia are not as receptive to outsiders as they were in Barbados, however St. Lucia has more natural beauty, ie. mountains rainforest etc... <BR>If you like beaches and friendly people Barbados would do. If you prefer natural beauty and less development St. Lucia would be the choice. My personal favorite, Grenada. <BR> <BR>

We spent honeymoon at Sandals Halycon in St. Lucia and fell in love with St. Lucia! St. Lucia stands out in our mind as a truly 'unique and breathtaking' island... a place to go and kick back for a while. The locals are shy and quite freindly and proud of their gorgeous island. The Soufriere area of St. Lucia is by far will make the most 'impact' on your idea of the 'beauty of St. Lucia'. We took a boat cruise from Castries harbour to Soufriere and as we neared the fishing village the twin Piton mountains loomed overhead, coming straight out of the ocean. It is quite the site and this town and sites are a must do on holidays in St. lucia. We stayed closer to Castries and it was quite beautiful too. The beach was good and the resort itself was just fantastic. It is all inclusive though, so you may not be interested. The thing though about St. Lucia, is that we did not see a whole lot of 'have to try' restaurants (it is not much of a 'tourist trap' type of island) and we were happy we chose all inclusive. We did try the STILL in Soufriere and it was good (but not great). Restaurants in St. lucia (as well as most islands in the Caribbean) are quite expensive... and you would be suprised how quickly those drink tabs add up! <BR> <BR>Anyhow, if you are interested in our trip report on this island and resort, just email me direct and I'll send you a copy. <BR>[email protected]

You might be interested in the message I've just posted about Barbados - should be further up the Tree. <BR> <BR>Don't know about St Lucia - would advise against Barbados. I think we've ruined the Caribbean ...

Hi, <BR>Seriously heed the writings of the two <BR>peace corps workers...they are so fair in their represetations of both islands. <BR>Seriously consider St. Lucia if you know what you are getting into..steep roads(need 4 wheel drive)Barbados is my favorite island(of the 2) because the people are fantastic, and the place has so much to do....and so much going for it compared to St.Lucia :WARNING ST. LUCIA IS UNDEVELOPED!!!