The Caribbean - Which islands?

Being a weird Australian who actually likes and understands the greatest game of all, cricket, I'm thinking of coming to the Caribbean in April or May 2008 when the Australians play the West Indies. The World Cup, currently on there, has given me the inspiration. The Australians will tour for about 2 months - I can't afford anywhere near that much time but, looking at the tentative program, I could visit several of Barbados, Antigua, St Kitts, St Lucia and Grenada.

Apart from the cricket I be interested in seeing places with historic character, good food, attractive scenery, pleasant beaches and, maybe above all, places that could be described as safe.

I'd be grateful for any views on the islands listed above and anywhere else you would go in addition.

Thanks

Michael

Michael, while I don't understand cricket at all, I have spent a lot of time in the West Indies.

Each of the islands you mention has much to recommend it, and all satisfy your criteria beyond cricket. First of all, they are all safe destinations.

If you get around St Lucia you may encounter a slight hassle factor--pushy vendors, beggars, and scam artists. All very much Jamaica-lite. But you should not let them deter you from this stunningly beautiful island. For attractive scenery, it is the most striking of the islands on your list.

Barbados is more "upscale" than the other islands you mention, with about the friendliest people you'll ever meet (outside of Australia ;) ). In general, fine dining is more expensive here than on the other islands you mention. You will find some of the best beaches in the Caribbean on Barbados, and on the wild east coast you can get away from the touristy world and really relax.

Antigua has great beaches and, with Nelson's Dockyard, important history. While all-inclusives have a grip on the island, there are still some excellent independent restaurants (particularly The Home (www.thehomerestaurant.com)). Capital St John's has a gritty charm in an old-fashioned Caribbean kind of way.

St Kitts is less blessed with beaches than the others. It makes up for it with the spectacular Brimstone Hill fortress and its charming sister island of Nevis. I would stay on Nevis, but if you do stay on St Kitts please don't stay at the Marriott. Find something real!

Grenada is more rough and ready than the rest, but is probably the best island in providing value for money (both in accomodations and dining). To really get in touch with the West Indies, spend a few days on Carriacou.

I wouldn't travel from the other side of the world to the Caribbean without visiting a French island. Guadeloupe has the most of everything in the categories you mention, and can be reached easily via Antigua.

Enjoy the West Indies! :)

Wow Ohioflyer, you nailed this one. Turtlemichael you will love each if the destinations.

I am actually a St. Lucian currently residing in St. Kitts (let me know when you will be here would love to have a drink with a fellow FTER). I also lived and worked in Both Barbados and Antigua.

I would just like to add one more tip to the earlier post. Depending on your bookings you may want to take in the St. Lucia Jazz Festival May 4 - 13.

http://stluciajazz.org/

Enjoy myCaribbean and please post a trip report

P.S. My West Indies team crashed out of the World Cup but we are still proud to host the World ^

He did nail it! Many thanks to both of you. It's quite interesting to go through a process of challenging pre-conceived notions. My pre-conception is hoards of tourists, massive rip offs, too many cruise ships, too many touts, a lack of safety and a destination 30 years past it's prime. Maybe there are elements of that but the research I have done in the last 48 hours, starting from Ohioflyer's recommendations, makes me realise that I can find another sort of Caribbean. Even if my prejudices have a factual base there should be many places still worth seeing. And there is always the cricket!