My husband and I are planning a trip to the Caribbean this Thanksgiving. We are looking for a place that:
*Has beautiful beaches, waterfalls, forests
*Has some nightlife, but no casinos
*Is not overrun with tourists or too densly populated.

We are leaning toward St. Lucia or Barbados. Which would be the better choice?

Well, I visited each island once and loved both for various reasons. I'm not a big nightlife person, but I'm sure both offer some options. Neither in my opinion was overrun with tourists nor densely populated.

Barbados has beautiful beaches that are more traditionally what one pictures: beautiful, blue water, white sand, calm surf, that go on and on. It's not a particularly dry island, but it doesn't have waterfalls and rainforests.

St. Lucia on the other hand has rain forest galore with some lovely falls, but its beaches are darker sand, which makes the water look darker. Very beautiful in their own right, but not the quintessential Caribbean beach.

If you want more nature options, I'd choose the southern part of St. Lucia near the Pitons. A nice straightforward resort would be the Hilton Jalousie. Typical resort ameneties, rooms are individual cottages with private plunge pools, spa on site, good snorkeling from shore, etc. If you'd like something a bit more adventurous and less resort-y, look at either Anse Chastenet or Ladera. AC is built both on a beach and up a hillside, with the premium rooms having fantastic views with one entire wall missing so your room is open to nature and the panorama of the Pitons. Ladera is high on the mountainside above the Jalousie, and each room is missing one wall. Both very romantic, but more for an adventurous spirit. It offers free shuttle to either AC or Jalousie beaches. THe drawback to all three is their isolation if you're looking for nightlife.

The northern part of St. Lucia is more densely populated with locals and tourists, with more variety of hotels, restaurants, etc, but with less natural beauty. The Pitons really are spectacular, in my opinion.

Barbados is easier to get around, so even if you stay at a hotel that is somewhat isolated, you can easily get a cab or drive yourself to the nightlife spots. I stayed at Cobblers Cove on the northwest coast and loved it, but it was very secluded and the nightlife on site consisted of a serene 4 piece jazz band playing in the bar for two nights. Just my speed. NO doubt others will have plentiful suggestions for you. Hope you have a great time no matter where you choose!

St. Lucia is not known for it's beaches and the water can be very rough. It also has no nightlife.
Truly, I would go to Barbados in a heartbeat.

While it sounds like Barbados may be the better choice for you based on your likes (can't speak to Barbados, I have never been), I would like to give you my opinion of St Lucia. Again, this is just to give you an idea of what it is like there.

This site has been a wonderful discovery because I am always surfing for what island to go to next. These are the experts and I thank them all.

We went to St Lucia last year and immediately decided we wanted to go back again because we didn't get to do everything we wanted to do. When I started reading these reviews, initially I was surprised at the bad reviews for STL.It really just depends on what you want for your vacation.

We like lush and tropical and like to experience the local culture. STL is not the place if you like hopping night life, beautiful turquoise beaches and fine dining. But if you like plenty of excursions, beautiful scenery and wonderful islanders, you will like STL. It is much easier to get a taxi or shuttle, driving is not the best at all, but we had no problem getting around the island. We are more the type to get up early, go on an excursion or the beach, dinner, some coctails then to bed. It's hard not to wake up early, the sun rises about 6am. Recommend checking out stlucia.org and sunlinktours.com to get an idea of what STL has to offer. You can also take day excursions to The Grenadine Islands from either Barbados or STL. We are going to try the Grenadines this year. We leave Nov 28th, around the same time as you. Enjoy your vacation!!!

MAB,
I'm with ejcrowe on this one, I liked both but for different reasons. But did prefer St. Lucia. Barbados has nicer beaches but its a busier place, its not as lush as St. Lucia...with its dramatic Pitons and rain forests. However, Barbados does have something most islands don't...some really interesting caves and probably about the best fresh water supply of any island. Barbados is more upscale, more int'l restaurants, shopping, etc, St. Lucia has more Caribbean charm, more local restaurants, local shops. They both really are different places and contrast alot...guess its best to decide your priorities.

My wife and I stayed at Anse Chastanet December 02. It has a most beautiful black sand type beach. The resort itself is in a "forest type" environment.(built into the side of a hill) We stayed at the highest level room up the side of the hill. Cloud 9a was the room number. Quite a hike from the beach (ages 52 and 47) but ok if your legs are in shape. The rooms with a 7 are also great. The view from the rooms is spectacular and most likely the best in the Caribbean. You wake up each morning and go "wow"! The missing wall should not concern you. I did not receive a bug bite the entire trip. They must spray a lot as I am prone to mosquito bites.

Scuba diving is excellent on the property and several excursions to rain forest, plantation with beautiful gardens and waterfalls. Sourfrierre(sp) is not much of a town for shopping. There is a shuttle boat to Castries for shopping. You are your own nightlife.

We are going to Barbados in a few weeks which seems to have the best "Caribbean" type beaches, more nightlife and a large town if you like to shop. Bridgetown has rush hours so it must be somewhat populated.

We have been to many islands and actually use Frommers "Caribbean Hideaways" book as a starting point when planning some of our trips. We wanted to stay at Coral Reef (full) so we are staying at sister resort Sandpiper. Both sound good to us.

Good Luck.

Ray

RayS: I also love the Caribbean Hideaways book. The writer hasn't steered us wrong yet. Another guide I have enjoyed in the past is published by Houghton Mifflin and is called Best Places to Stay. Neither one focuses on large, impersonal resorts and they only mention all-inclusives when they really stand out--definitely my kind of travel.

To ejcrowe:

Thanks for the info on the other book. I will order a copy.

Ray