my head is spinning

head is spinning trying to decide where to book for my friend's first visit to JA! narrowed to Banana Shout, Catcha, Xtabi.. suggestions?

well for a first time visit for your friend...I'd pick Xtabi.
We did visit and tour Banana Shout....looked to be an awesome spot..great location right beside Ricks and all but the gals we spoke to that stayed said that the water was a bit of an issue. Not that they minded...not that it ruined anything for them but for first timers I'd want to make sure the basics were all there.
We haven't stayed at Xtabi yet...we are on our way the end of the month. We ate many meals at Xtabi 5 months ago...and that's partly why we looked into staying.
We stayed at Samsara on our last trip, in one of the Pillar houses. That was a neat experience, with transfers to the beach that are included. Nothing wrong with Samsara but we always like to check new places out. Thats my 2 cents for what it's worth.

Can't miss with Catcha!!

Catcha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't come up with one complaint about Catcha...just LUV it. Haven't stayed at the others though. Been to Xtabi to eat and swim and it's on my list now...very very cool, so you've narrowed it down to some real winners. Have FUn!

I'm heading to Xtabi tomorrow - so ask me next week and I can answer questions - I'm coming in on the newb angle myself. ;) We're staying in the guesthouse with A/C since we're on a budget - but the cliffside cottages look absolutely amazing. Can't wait - it's coming on so fast and I'm not even packed yet! :D

thank all you guys for replies.. all were helpful. i don't know why i didn't think of this before.. we're traveling light, so i decided while traveling solo to stay at BS, then 2 nights with my friend at Catcha, and 2 with her at Xtabi Cliffside.. i am not a strong swimmer, so wondering about getting in water.. thinking coves at Xtabi might be calmer? is it usually calm enough to float around on a raft at Catcha?

p.s. Nicole let me know about your trip to Xtabi, and Tizzy, i love your TR but haven't finished it yet.. reminds me of my solo trips when i was your age!

Thanks Sonja!!! Your plan sounds awesome and to answer your question....it's really hit or miss on the cove at catcha. The water is perfect sometimes and other times it can get pretty rough, so just use your best judgement. If the conditions are dangerous, I want to say they pull up ladders or rope it off with a sign? I know they did something like that on one of the days this past April...

Sure hoping to hear how it went pon di return Heeeeehe ;)

If no storm, the mornings at Xtabi are calm and so nice. Easy access with the cave entrance.Attachment 30478Attachment 30479Attachment 30480Attachment 30481

You don't say what month you want to go, you also don't mention expense, some more some less, some with food, some without, the waves can be high for days up the clifts.

If you pick places with a pool, you will have swimming options even when the sea is too rough, or at night...

I have stayed at both Catch and Xtabi, would stay at both again if the opportunity comes up!

Catcha has a nice little in ground pool that is just perfect for cooling down and chilling.We are not ocean swimmers unless we are at the beach where we can wade out to swim.

where is the beach cave??what side of the property? any one know??

I think the cave with the sandy water entry is on the left side of the property as you are looking at the water (the side closest to 3-dives)