1WayOut

Getting ready to celebrate 25th anniversary in July 03. Need romantic place for vacation. Money is not a problem. I have enough set aside for a high end vacation for 7-10 days. We are in our late 40's.<BR><BR>Thinking Sandals St. Lucia Golf Resort. I like the idea of getting a room on the bluff with the private plunge pool. Has anyone ever been to this resort and stayed on the bluffs?<BR><BR>What other AI spots in the caribbean can compare to this Sandals resort? Is there a better Sandals that I should be thinking of?<BR><BR>Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.<BR><BR>Also, should I consider Hawaii? Never been their either. What about St. Barts?

GM

Congratulations! We are 25 yrs also!<BR><BR>I think a 2.5 week stay around Hawaii would be great for this special milestone. That's what I would do, if we could possibly do it. We are caregivers to hubby's old/sick folks, so we can't take off that long.<BR><BR>However, for ours we are going to LeSport in St. Lucia again. We want to do 2 trips for the anniversary, so the 1st half of this year we're going there, and the 2nd half we have plans for a week somewhere else.<BR><BR>LeSport is a WONDERFUL AI. It IS high-end, but - you are planning your trip in their low season, so it'll be better prices. There's no plunge pool (bummer) but there are 3 pools and it's right on it's own private beach. The property / food / staff / entertainment are great, and as well 2x daily spa treatments and all the watersports and tons of other activities (if you want to or don't want) are included during your stay for both of you. Check out their website; query Body Holiday.<BR><BR>You might also want to check out Ladera Resort, from the input you noted. The rooms are unique, with plunge pools, and their onsite restaurant is renowned. Very romantic place; the only thing is, you must take a shuttle to the beach cause you are on the mountain. Check out their website also.<BR><BR>The above I've noted are not in the same class as Sandals - they're better, IMHO.<BR><BR>Hope this helps, and all the best to you folks!<BR>

1WayOut

GM ([email protected])<BR><BR>Thanks for the info. <BR><BR>Does anyone out there have an opinion regarding Sandals, Couples, Hawaii or LeSport. Need some help!!<BR>

ANgela

I have info on Couples, Negril, Jamaica, it is beautiful...If u like , email me with any questions

just married

Have you thought about Grenada?<BR>We just returned from LaSource, which is the sister hotel of LaSport in StLucia. We chose Grenada because people on the message boards commented on how natural and original Caribbean the Island still is - and it is! We had booked 2 weeks and actually extended to stay a third week! LaSource is fantastic, rustic, but elegant, wonderful food, excellent staff, not posh, if that's what you are looking for, but extremely nice! The clientel is mainly English speaking European and US American, upscale, and EVERYONE we spoke with commented that this is the place they would come back to. Most guests are actually repeat visitors. As far as romantic is concerned, a suggestion would be to make arrangements to renew your vows. We got married there, and Conny, the wedding coordinator, makes sure you will do nothing but enjoy your time while she organizes everything for you. Another big plus at the resort are the treatments of which you can get one per day. Everything from aromatherapy to facials is included, and they are truly wonderful! The grounds of the hotel are lush, tropical, full of beautiful flowers, little creeks, etc. The great house restaurant is quite romantic and the staff members make sure that you feel completely comfortable and taken care of.<BR>We are already planning a trip back to LaSource this year! <BR>Please let me know if you have any questions - I will be happy to respond.

it's decided!

I never get tired of posting over and over about St. Barth's. You can see my comments under the hotel section of Fodors about Le Toiny. If price is no object, don't hesitate for a moment. Only 12 villas, each with a private pool, gorgeous views, all the food imported from France, amazing restaurant both at the hotel and all over the island, class class class, no chains, no busses, no groups, no highrises, Europe in the Carib. We went for two weeks in July and just adored it, cried upon leaving. <BR><BR>I have heard great things about the Jalousie Hilton in St. Lucia, believe it or not! It is on a beautiful property. If you are set on golf, though, why not go to the newly renovated Sandy Lane in Barbados. The price is STEEP but you will be in the total lap of luxury. Le Toiny is for lovers, it is the ultimate in pampered privacy and total indulgence, the only thing St.B lacks is golf. Otherwise I would make a beeline there, you will want to return annually, believe me.

Kim

Perfect choice! thats where we spent our 25th Anniversary. It was wonderful, we took the Sunset Party Cruise that same night and had a blast. What a way to celebrate our 25th. We go to a Sandals resort every Anniversary but that was the best. Will be back at Sandals Negril in Feb to celebrate our 27th. Email me if you have any ?'s.

not good

I wouldn't recommend the suites on the bluff at the Sandals Golf resort. I haven't read a single good comment about them. All I have read are that the plunge pools are cold, the paint is chipping and the walkways are close to them so they are not very private. You may want to research that more, as this is not first hand.<BR><BR>The golf resort is going to have more action and is very large (you have to wait on a shuttle to go where you need to go because it is so large). Halcyon or the new Grande would be better, if looking for something more low key and romantic. <BR><BR>If looking for a great beach, St. Lucia would not be the island. It is an island more for it's hills, rainforests, etc. It's not known for it's beaches. We honeymooned at Sandals Antigua this past year and we really enjoyed it. It has been voted the most romantic resort of all the Sandals for several years. It is located on a great beach, has a laid back/romantic feel to it....well I could go on and on (but I won't!). If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask.<BR><BR>If looking for a bit more luxury, check out Jumby Bay in Antigua. Or Cap Juluca in Angilla. Good luck and congrats!!

GM

For poster, 'Just Married' - congrats and SO nice to see your great post on LaSource; thanks for sharing that.<BR><BR>For poster '1WayOut' - do a search on this website for LeSport and you will see a number of positives for the property. Don't forget to check out their website, either.

pam

For &quot;just married&quot; thanks for sharing your experience with Grenada. Many years ago I spent one day there on a cruise port stop. I loved the Island. It was my favorite. The people seemed so friendly and the beaches were amazing. Such an interesting Island. I would love to return and spend more time. You were fortunate to have been able to spend 3 weeks. Thanks for sharing with us.

cecelia

This is your 25th anniversary. I would recommend going to Hawaii. May I recommend the Four Seasons Hualalai - or Wailea. The Hyatt Regency Kauai is also another excellent choice if Four Seasons is too much money. You would be more in your age range in Hawaii and for July, I personally think Hawaii would be more comfortable than the Caribbean. Good luck and congratulations on 25 years!!

Jim

Stay away from Hawaii, too touristy and over rated. We will never go back their, overly priced and not worth it.

IslandGirl

I agree with the previous poster that Sandals Golf and Spa isn't the best place to be. We had the top room with the plunge pool, very expensive, and although it was nice, clean, and very roomy, it really was NOT worth it. You think you'll use the plunge pool, but you really won't! And it was freezing. I do have to say, the area is private, but FAR away from everthing else. Bring your walking shoes!<BR><BR>And the beach was HORRIBLE - small sand area and rough water. <BR><BR>Have you considered Blue Waters in Antigua? I've been all over the Carribean and this is anoher place I'm realy interested in. A cruise is always fun too. Consider a 10 day sothern carribbean on Celebrity or Princess.<BR><BR>Let us know what you decide!<BR><BR>

1WayOut

Thanks all for info.<BR><BR>We would probably be traveling in July 03 but we are somewhat flexible.<BR><BR>I've been giving this a bit of thought and reading all the posts on the web.<BR><BR>I guess I'm lucky. My better half is not interested in Hawaii...she thinks it is touristy and over-rated. <BR><BR>I like a beautiful beach, the wife likes a fantastic pool. Any idea's in the Caribbean? I like the looks of Cap Jaluca but the pool there looks basic. What about CuisinArt? Can the beach compare to CJ? How is their pool? Their web site is poor.<BR><BR>If go to Sandals, I think Sandals Antigua would be my choice? How is the beach there? <BR><BR>What about Sandy Lane. Is this place worth the money? Anybody have experience there? <BR><BR>Any ideas are much appreciated!!

beachlover

Sandals Antigua would be the best choice, if going to go with Sandals. The beach is great. It's very long and spread out, so that you never feel crowded. Soft, powder-like sand and the aquamarine water that everyone loves!!

Shirley

Congratulations! We just got back from our 25th anniversary vacation. We stayed at the Jalousie Hilton on St. Lucia. What a romantic spot! Individual villas perched privately on a hillside with a view of one the famous Pitons and the ocean from your room! Absolutely gorgeous countryside, the hotel is situated between the two Pitons and has the best beach and snorkelling on the island. Very relaxing and peaceful. Lots to do as well, as there are hikes through the rain forest, tours to the towns and markets, sailing and diving excursions, etc. For a real thrill, book a helicopter transfer from the airport to the Hilton (which has its own helipad) - magnificent view and saves a lot of time on twisty roads. You can book it over the internet, the company is extremely well organized and will be waiting for you at the airport [St. Lucia Helicopters, [email protected]]. The island has a balmy year-round narrow temperature range in the high 80's and a cooling trade wind breeze, so July will not be too warm there as it will in other Caribbean islands. If you would like more information I would be happy to correspond with you by email.<BR><BR>Good luck and have a great anniversary!<BR>Shirley<BR>

suzy

Too bad your better half has misinformation about Hawaii. The Caribbean is beautiful but reallynot comparable to the range of beauty you can find in Hawaii. People who say it is overrated and too touristy have probably never left Oahu or maybe the main beach at Kaanapali (Maui). July in the Caribbean is just too hot and can be wet. You would get much better weather in Hawaii and it is comparable price wise to the Caribbean and sometimes even LESS money.

emma

I would have to agree with Suzy on this for the time of year you are going. However, if you still decide to go to St. Lucia, I would definitely think that Sandals Grande would be better for your age range than the Golf. I would say though that Jalousie Hilton would be my first choice. Actually, Hawaii would be but I've been to both and think Hawaii is more of a true romantic tropical getaway and consistently better summer weather . . JMHO

Jan

WE stayed at the HIlton Jalousie and oved--has an &quot;imported&quot; beach which is large with fine sand--unlike most of the island--it is gorgeous and the plunge pool was fun--very romantic adn very secluded and gorgeous

cecelia

I've been to every Hawaiian Island and ten Caribbean islands. I am going to my eleventh island in 3 weeks. I have to agree with the above, though, that In JULY Hawaii would be a better choice and there are good deals to be had. Stay away from Oahu and it is in no way too touristy.