Knoxa53

My husband and I just booked a last minute vacation to Soufriere St. Lucia for the middle of August (I know I know....HOT and HUMID). That's okay with us We are staying in the Fond Doux Holiday Plantation. I was wondering 1) has any one been there and have any specific recommendations for fun things to do. We are adventurous and outdoorsy people, but would also like any ideas for relaxing and/or romantic things to do while on vacation and 2) I was wondering how you got around the island? Taxis? Are they expensive? If we book something like scuba diving for instance do they usually provide transportation or do we need to find a way there? I know our hotel is sort of off the beaten path so I'm worried about finding ways to get around like if we want to go out to dinner or something. Oh and are the taxi's safe?

Thank you! Amanda

Odin

Yes the taxis are safe, as safe as they can be. We usually rent a car and get around that way, next time though we will rent a jeep due to potholes. Reduit beach/Rodney bay has lots of bars/restaurants, best probably to take a taxi.

KVR

We enjoyed the land and sea tour and the jeep adventure tour. We went to waterfalls, bontanical gardens, black sand beaches, plantations and snorkeling. There are several things to see and do there. We also hiked up Pidgeon Point, which was down the way from our hotel.

Try this link for info:

http://stluciareps.com/

You can also visit St. Vincent, the Grenadines and Martinique.

If you book a tour, the tour company will usually do a pick up and drop off from your hotel. If not, they will provide you with a place to meet. We didn't have any issues with taxis. We stayed at Sandals though and they offered us free shuttle service a specific times. St. Lucia is very spread out the and roads are winding and not in the greatest condition. It a gorgeous Island though. Have a great trip!

eastenderusvi

I love Fond Doux! We stayed there in November 2009 and had a great time. We had been to the north side of St Lucia and weren't too interested in that. We did arrange taxis to go to the volcano and the springs, to go out to dinner a couple of times. We hiked the Tete Paul trail, which is in the neighborhood and enjoyed walking the grounds which are full of fruit trees, cocoa trees and flowers. Ladera is next door. The Lamontagnes will make sure you have a true St Lucian experience.

markob17

Renting a car is probably your best bet, and as Odin said, you may want to get an SUV if you do go this route. Roads are a bit iffy. Taxis are safe too, so have no worries. Want to get around the different islands, definitely look into chartering a boat. If you have the extra cash, a yacht is going to be so worth it. I've experienced a small but amazing chartered yacht with a group of close long-time friends once and the experience was amazing. The captain and crew were awesome. You can look for a local yacht charter when there or check out yacht charter company website like http://www.internationalyachtchartergroup.com/ if you prefer to setup something in advance. Have a great time and safe travels!

KirkElliott

Most tours that you sign up for, including scuba diving, will arrange your pick up. A must do romantic evening out in SOufriere is Dinner at Orlando's. Chef Orlando was the Ladera Chef for many years and now he has opened his own restaurant to rave reviews. Chef Orlando cooks with lots of love and passion and he adds surprising twists to fresh local produce. How do I know this? ...because I have enjoyed his cooking both at Ladera and at private functions though I must confess that I haven't visited his new restaurant as yet.

St Lucia's roads are much improved from days gone by, however they are much narrower than the roads you are used to, plus driving is on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on your right...oh and the roads wind a lot. So you might wish to wait until you arrive to decide on taxis versus a rental car or jeep

Odin

It is only a couple of years since I was last in St Lucia and the roads were still potholed. Maybe they have repaired those since and the unmade roads eg the road to Anse Chastenet and Tikaye.

Knoxa53

Thanks! So for anyone who's stayed at or around fond doux estate in soufriere, what does an average taxi ride to lets say the volcano cost? I'm trying to decide if i will spend just as much on taxis as i would renting a car. If it's the same amount it might just be worth it to rent... thanks!

eastenderusvi

I can't remember the cost, but it wasn't bad. We used taxis for a couple of dinners out, the volcano and hot springs. If you get there and decide you want a car after you see the roads, I'm certain the Lamontagnes can arrange it.

diann24

We took a jeep tour while in St.Lucia it was the best time ever. Check out there web site. Jungle tours st. Lucia. That is not to be missed. You cannot go to St. Lucia without doing this tour. You will have a blast. You can also go on trip advisors for other ideas etc. I had never actually stayed there but I was there for 2 times on cruise for the day. A lovely island, lush and tropical.