Which Caribbean Island To Choose?

[kelfoan]

I am looking at a holiday in the Caribbean next year but really need some general advice on which destination to choose. There will be myself, my wife and 17 year old son. We usually do Greek or Spanish island holidays on a s/c basis. Enjoy a pool/ beach based resort with a couple of excursions. However I want to have a special holiday somewhere in the Caribbean. Any tips/advice on which island / which resort and best time to go (probably limited to one of the school holidays)What are the hurricane seasons? I fancy Jamaica or Barbados, while my wife likes the look of Dominican Republic or Saint Lucia. What are the main differences between the islands in terms of cost/resorts and excursions? I have about £5k to play with, would this be sufficient for 14 nights for the 3 of us?Thanks for any help

[Jennykenny]

I have only been to Grenada and it was a beautiful and fascinating experience.
Have a look at the hotels on Tripadvisor for various hotels, on various islands, as guests usually comment on the island itself.
Check that whereever you choose is easy to get in and out to larger areas, and to different restaurants. A lot of the hotels are luxurious but isolated. You don’t want to be hiring a car.

[Zacs-Master]

I'd pick somewhere that the recent Hurricane's didn't touch for a start.

[mallyh]

I have been to grenada(twice) ,st lucia, Antigua Dominican republic .grenada was my all time favourite very friendly and beautiful .we stayed at le source which has now changed to a sandals resort ,but there were plenty of hotels .

[rockyracoon]

Not quite the Caribbean, but what about Mexico. I've never been, but know lots of people that have and they all love it. Never heard a bad word.

[Prudie]

Very subjective I have been to Barbados once (very packed, very busy)and Antigua 4 times. Hurricane season is considered June to October and many restaurants (on Antigua at least) are closed in those months It's certainly much quieter. My view is unless you can stay in a resort hotel many of the islands are not 100% safe to travel about unescorted. I have certainly heard that about the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. I also think you will find £5K quite limiting for 2 weeks unless you go self-catering, I presume that doesn't include flights?

[CrapAtCryptics]

i was disappointed with St Lucia - two of the main attractions were grossly overrated - the food was nothing special and there appeared to be little to do other than sunbathe. I personally prefer Barbados which has lots of variety, great excursions, excellent food and drink and people amongst the friendliest in the world. Its only flaw is a mosquito problem but with the right sprays or electronic devices they arent a problem. The figure you mention doesnt specify what is/isnt included in that so its hard to give you a valid opinion.

[jno]

hurricane season is June 1 to November 30. It gets pretty hot in summer - winter is the more popular season for tourism, I think.

[Prudie]

I would have to disagree with that a bit, The summer temperatures are little more than 3 degrees higher than their winter, it generally ranges from 28-32 all year but you do have the risks of tropical storms in the summer months The tourist season is our Winter, hence some places closing up in Summer

[naomi24]

Barbados - and Friday nights at Oistins.

[-SharonA-]

It is hard to recommend an island as different tastes, different islands.
I have been to Jamaica twice and I loved it. I went to the resort of Ocho Rios which is small and bustling. Lovely beaches, sea food available on beaches and many daytime things to do. Depending on your age, there is a disco and plenty of rum!!

[jno]

personally, I find the difference between 28 and 32 noticeable; but I didn't mean to suggest they have anything like a cold season; sorry if I didn't make that clear. Europe and (especially) North America do, which is why all the snowbirds head for the Caribbean then.

In terms of local colour you might want to choose between British Caribbean (Antigua, Barbados, BVI), French Caribbean (Martinique, St Barts) and Dutch (Aruba, Curacao); but their cultural differences have become fairly homogenised.

[237SJ]

Been to St Lucia, Jamaica, Grenada, Barbados and quite a few of the BVI. I prefer Barbados which has a different vibe to the rest of the islands. The Caribbean isn't renowned for it's food but the food is good in Barbados due to there being more foreign owned restaurants. Plus you can get about easily on the zr buses for next to nothing and there are a few more things to do. I wouldn't stay at The Gap though but on the ZR bus you can still go for a night out there