Holiday showdown: St. Lucia versus Barbados

A round-the-world culinary adventure for the taste buds is on the cards when holidaying in Barbados. A mixture of African, Indian, Irish, Creole and British influences can be found throughout the island’s gastronomy along with a range of signature dishes. Cou cou and flying fish is one of these. Corn meal and okra are combined, stirring continuously, to create a deliciously mellow and smooth dish which is served with flying fish. It can be found throughout the area along with eateries boasting a wealth of international cuisine such as Italian, Chinese, Indian and Thai food. Sushi restaurants are also common near the larger resorts and affluent areas.
 
Traditional flavours are also on the menu in St. Lucia. The most common fare is seafood which is served in the form of local delicacies and fantastic dishes that are certain to please the palate. Lobster is popular too with their being a significant difference to the UK variety. Spiny with large tails and long pointed barbs instead of claws, the lobsters are full of island flavour that really packs a punch. For times when you fancy a snack you simply have to try Lambi fritters. Conche, onion, pepper, lime, lemon and cilantro are sautéed for 10 minutes before being deep fried. While it might not be good for the waistline it’s certainly a delicious pick-me-up. 

In Barbados you’re in for a treat when it comes to five-star hotels. Home to the infamous Sandy Lane, here you can spend the days wandering along the private beach, scoring holes-in-one on the golf course and taking some time out for yourself at the spa. Alternatively, if you’re after a romantic affair the adults-only The House By Elegant Hotels is perfect. With a complimentary champagne breakfast each morning and a beachfront swimming pool to take a dip in, you and your other half will be loved up in no time. There are also some great family hotels. From Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels with it’s ice cream parlour and daily rounds at the Barbados Golf Club, to Saint Peter’s Bay where you can enjoy a movie screening on the beach, every member of the party is catered for.
 
Idyllic scenes can also be found at the five-star hotels of St. Lucia. From the views of the Pitons at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort to Rodney Bay vistas at The Landings St. Lucia, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped in a picture postcard with whichever choice you choose. Many of the resorts cater for budding adventurers too. Cap Maison Resort & Spa has its very own running and hiking club while the fitness centre at BodyHoliday Resort, St. Lucia is high in the treetops. Both offer watersports so you can explore the ocean depths too. Relaxation then comes to fruition at Calabash Cove Resort and Spa. Fantastic for couples you can enjoy a joint treatment at the spa, post-dinner drinks at the swim-up pool bar and the ultimate unwind with your other half in cottage havens. Alternatively, the multi-bedroomed accommodation at The Landings St. Lucia is marvellous for families after a beach getaway. The kids’ club will keep little ones entertained with activities ranging from cricket and treasure hunts to Pigeon Island picnic trips and fishing in the bay. Oh, and the option of butler service certainly cranks the luxury dial up a few notches, too.
 

Beach warriors listen up! The sands of Barbados are amongst the most picturesque in the world, catering to all holiday makers wanting some fun in the sun. The east coast is great for surfing thanks to the big waves while the west coast is wonderful for a calmer affair as the waves are milder and the beaches are more secluded. If you’ve come to the Caribbean to party then the west coast is where you should be heading to. Accra Beach is lively with watersports on offer and a wide choice of bars and restaurants to keep everyone happy. On the other hand, Mullins Beach has 300 yards of beach front that makes for quite the evening stroll.
 
With all the beaches of St. Lucia being public you’re able to sunbathe on whichever one you set your eyes on. Reduit Beach boasts lovely views of Pigeon Island as well as having a beach bar for cocktails. Popular with families, you’ll be able to swim in the sea, make sand castles and most importantly, have a great time. If you fancy exploring the ocean, Anse Cochon is spectacular with its shipwrecks and abundance of marine life. For an Instagram-worthy picture though we recommend Anse des Pitos. Complete with sand imported from Guyana, it has to be seen to be believed.

While Barbados is very much a beach destination, there are plenty of other things to do besides sunbathing and making sure you look good in your new swimwear. Harrison’s Cave is definitely worth a visit. This limestone crystalized sight is one of the major tourist attractions of the island and is able to be seen via tram. Work your way through the streams of this underground world as you relish sights of cascading waterfalls and beautiful rock formations. For something a little greener, Andromeda Gardens has you covered. This six-acre botanical garden sees countless flora and fauna call it home such as hummingbirds and monkeys. As well as this there is also a restaurant serving both international and traditional dishes and a gift shop where you can pick up homemade crafts and souvenirs.
 
St. Lucia boasts a more varied ecosystem with plenty of rainforests, botanical gardens and even a drive-in volcano as well as tranquil beaches. The Pitons are one of the most legendary landmarks in St. Lucia and you’re able to relish views of them pretty much anywhere on the island. There are various tours that can be booked in advance, through Winged Boots of course, such as walking tours, helicopter trips and catamaran outings. For even more brilliant vistas you can also head to Pigeon Island National Park. 44-acres of beaches, military ruins and beautiful flora and fauna are yours to explore courtesy of walking trails catering to all skill levels. There’s also a pub which is the perfect place to pitstop once your legs decide that they need a break.

Barbados has a portfolio of 200 shipwrecks making it quite the diving destination for every budding water baby. Pamir, Friars Crag and the Stavronikita are the top wrecks to head to or swing by the Bay of Carlisle for a shipwreck extravaganza as there are multiple wreckages to explore. Alternatively, the reefs of Barbados are also beautiful. You can get up close with sea turtles, parrotfish and manta rays… just be sure to bring a waterproof camera as you’ll be snapping away for sure.
 
Equally, St. Lucia is fantastic for diving and with more than 150 species of fish to make friends with, all lovers of exotic marine life will be in their element. Anse Chastanet Reef is known as one of the top diving sites in the Caribbean. Located in the heart of St. Lucia’s Marine Park, a mere 10-yards beyond the water’s edge, it’s a diver’s paradise. Waters are shallow and calm enough for beginners as well as pros, with guided boat trips also able to be booked. Night diving adds another string to St. Lucia’s bow. At this time of day it’s common to meet eels, octopus, lobsters, sleeping parrot fish and more. An unforgettable experience is guaranteed.