Maldives or Barbados?

[PDR]

That's it basically.

1 week (without DC) all-inclusive in either The Maldives or Barbados.

We want a quiet week where we can enjoy each other's company, eat and drink well and just relax together.

We probably won't leave the resort.

We honeymooned in The Seychelles and I imagine The Maldives to be a very similar experience. I therefore vote Maldives.

My DH wants to go to Barbados... he has no strong reasons why (just likes to be awkward lol) but the flights there are with Virgin as opposed to charter flights to Maldives and he loves Virgin.

That's it.

Anyone been to both/either...?

I've been to both, did honeymoon in Maldives, and loved it. We dived every day and had an excellent time. Even if you don't dive there are still things to do just very little sightseeing etc.

We loved it and would readily go back with / without the kids.

Barbados, I've been a couple of times, and enjoyed but wouldn't rush back. Decent hotels are ridiculously expensive for what we wanted and we felt you got much more for your money in the Maldives.

Incidentally our fave place is Zanzibar. Truly fantastic, have been several times both backpacking and luxury and everything in between. Worth looking at...

Been to both

Malvives v v v v quiet, perfect for doing nadda, 'cept reading/snorkling/drinking

Barbados I found to be a friendly, 'safe' island to travel round. More to do, obviously

More diverse landscape and coast (the Southern and Eastern side are Atlantic and rugged, big waves etc)

Am not sure what I'd do!

I am soooo close to booking The Maldives!

Lotkinsgonecurly We have been to Zanzibar a few years ago - agree very nice - we used to live in Kenya so just a short hop!

You're so right about the hotel thing as well. Barbados hotel looks nice enough but Maldives hotel looks very nice indeed and they are offering a guaranteed room upgrade as part of the deal.

Longhaul economy flights are going to be shit whichever airline we go with TBH! Try telling this to DH tho!

Maldives includes seaplane transfers too which is a fun thing in itself as on honeymoon we paid an extortionate amount to charter a chopper to see the islands from above.

I think I might have already decided....

Aren't you lucky

I've never been to the Maldives, so can't comment. But if you end up going to B'dos, don't go AI, instead stay somewhere like this or this

Been to both and would definitely, defintely go back to Maldives. Wouldn't rush back to Barbados...

Lucky you either way!

I find the caribbean generally hit and miss in terms of service. Ridiculously overpriced hotels that will never match asian hospitality, even of a slightly lower standard IMHO.

maldives!

Ooooo Little Good Harbour looks gorgeous Rindercella

Just been on the phone and "guaranteed" rooms upgrade in the Maldives is "subject to availability" which usually means no chance (I work in a hotel)

Still thinking....

I liked Barbados, why do you all not want to go back?

Never been to the Maldives so can't compare. Zanzibar sounds so romantic somehow. I'd be quite tempted by that definitely if you want quiet, wouldn't really describe Barbados as a quiet place on the whole.

ZZZ, it was the service for me in Barbados. Also, thought it was expensive for what you get/got. Just didn't have as good a time there as I've had in Maldives.

PDR, the two places I linked to are, imo, in the best locations on the island. Little Good Harbour is right on the north west coast, away from the glitz of the west coast (which is becoming really choked now - you can barely glimpse the sea when you drive along the coast road) and Little Arches is right on the south east tip of the island - away from the usual package holidays of St Lawrence Gap. Little Arches is adults only too - nice place to escape to if you're sans enfants

Wherever you end up, I hope you have a lovely time.

Maldives is sounding good then BelleDame

Been to both and definitely the Maldives for me.

have you tried hayes and jarvis as as well as flights with Emirates and Sri Lankan airlines they now offer direct flights with BA. If you are going charter I would only fly with first choice planes (now thomson fly) as the leg room is much better than the others.

Charter flight is with Monarch - DH already kicking off so have asked agent about BA and only £200 extra so think we'd "upgrade".

They'd better not go on strike!

Sri Lankan is the other option (direct) and I have flown with them before and they were quite good (old plane tho) so that's a possibility (also £200).

Picking hotel and room type now (have started another thread for recommendations!)

Very exciting