St Lucia or Grand Cayman
 

We are planning a spring break trip with two 17 year old girls. We are comparing options on St Lucia (either Windjammer Landing or the new, The Landings) to some on Grand Cayman (Marriott or a condo). Our wish list is: snorkeling/diving, golf, other teens, access to shopping/beach markets, good/decent food, beach and pool and of course a generally safe location. I don't know drinking ages in either place but access to alcohol is fine-- we just don't want the wild, drunk all inclusives we've been to on other islands.

A two room suite or condo would be better than two hotel rooms. Any other recommendations would be appreciated. The posts I've read have mostly talked about toddlers and some early teens.

Thanks!

I think from what you say GC is going to be your better choice. It has great diving and snorkeling, golf, super beaches, good shopping and lots of restaurants within walking distance. You will find more teens here too I think. There are tons of really nice Condos on seven mile beach which will easily accomadate your family.

I agree, I think the Cayman Islands will meet your requirements better than St Lucia.

Thanks for the St Lucia vs GC feedback. Specific to that, any specific hotel or condo you'd recommend? Sounds like 7 mile beach is the place to be. I have read a few posts but no clear winner when in the context of 17 year olds(lots to choose from it seems). Thanks!

We were just in GC and have also been to St. Lucia--totally different islands. As others have said, GC seems a better fit. If you have active teens I would go with a chain hotel on 7-mile such as Marriott or the Westin--it's right on the beach. There is lots to do on the island and a number of things are accessible from the Westin and probably the Marriot. If you stay in a condo, I would choose Villas of the Galleon which is in a busier, more accessible area of 7-mile.

never been to GC, but ST. Lucia was the prettiest island I've ever been to.
Great sights to see, much cleaner than jamaica, plenty of activities, not much nightlife though...

Great snorkeling, and the drive thru volcano was awesome. so were the botanical gardens...

I have teens 14 and almost 16. We went last year to GC. It has great snorkeling and diving options. GC is known for this. The water is crystal blue. Dining was very good. We walked the beaches safely at night and so did many other families. We stayed at the Marriott. The Marriott is a nice hotel. The pool area is small and the beach area is not overly wide, but good enough. It was recently refurbished in the last couple of years.
I would highly recommend GC for families with kids of all ages. I am sure they would serve the girls. My 15 year old was asked several times if she wanted a regular strawberry daquari or virgin. (She was drinking virgin ones at 15! :) )

I believe St. Lucia is a more beautiful lush island, but also harder to get around. I may be wrong, but you may be more resort bound there.
There are many condo options on GC and I would look at 7 mile beach. The Westin would probably be a larger complex than the Marriott. The Ritz is very nice and brand new.

cstearns: I looked up the Landings and it looks like a very nice resort with teen stuff to do. I have only heard that St. Lucia is beautiful scenery, but tough to get around because of bad roads. The towns are iffy at night as well. But the resort looks nice. Good luck in your decision. If you decide to go to the Landings, please do a trip report. I would be curious as to how it was.

Thanks to all of you for your very helpful feedback! It sounds like GC is going to fit the bill better than St Lucia for this trip. I still have St Lucia on my travel list so if I get to The Landings, I will write a report.

Appreciate the honest and helpful feedback.