Amy

I have read great things about Ladera but I was wondering if there is anyone out there who has gotten married there (most of the messages are from people who have been on their honeymoon) . What have your experiences been?

Julie

Hi Amy, <BR> <BR>We too were initially thinking of getting married at Ladera--this was about a year and a half ago. I made a phone call to the agency (in NY, I think) that handles Ladera reservations and had trouble getting anyone to call me back. When I finally did reach the appropriate person, I had a list of questions. He promised to call me back w/ additional information but never did, even after I left 2 subsequent messages. At this point, I decided that I really didn't feel comfortable with having them handle our wedding plans, so we gave up. I've heard wonderful things about the resort in general and we would still like to go someday, but as far as their wedding planning department is concerned, I was not impressed.

Mike

We had the same experience Julie. But we went there on our honeymoon. Oh yes, our room was really nice but we found meals very disappointing (maybe because it was off season and the chef was on vacation) and too far to get to the beach. They did have a shuttle but it went to Hilton twice a day and Anse Chastanet only once. So we had to stay on the beach twice during a very heavy and long rain. We couldn't use a lodge because it is only for peeople who stay there besides we needed to stay outside to make sure that we wouldn't miss a shuttle. We wished we stayed in Hilton or Anse Chastanet and just got to visit Ladera. I wouldn't want to eat there though. We like to go for a morning run but it was impossible in Ladera. It is right on the main road which is very narrow and no place to move to the side.

Kay

Hi Amy: <BR> <BR>We spent our honeymoon at Ladera last sumer and had the most romatnic ownder ful time of our life. We did nto get married there but did see a wedding there and talked with the couple. They faxed the hotel directly to make all arrangements. They did not deal with a third party. I took a picture of the wedding arch all decorated with fabulours view betweent eh Pitons. If you would like to see them go to my web site www.seashelltravel.com and click on photo album. <BR> <BR>I would highly recommend deluxe suite "S" I was sorry to hear of the other person haveing such a bad experience at Ladera. It seem to be an isolated incident. I ahve heard nothign but fantastic recommendations form others besides my self. We rented a jeep while there so could go and come everywhere when we wanted. But those who did use the shuttle when we were there just took a taxi if they really wanted to go back to Ladera before the shuttle arrived to take them back. The food at Dasheene was fantastic when we were there. <BR> <BR>The Hilton is very nice as is anse but neither of which come close to matching Ladera. <BR> <BR>Do go take a look at my pictures of the wedidng arch. also the wedding took place at 5 pm before the sun sets (a law on St. Lucia) <BR> <BR>My best freind got married on St. Lucia last year at the Hilton and they too just dealt directly with the hotel and did not go threw a third party. <BR> <BR>Let me know if you have any questions

JA Chan

I feel like I have to respond to this since the first responses were less than favorable. <BR>Like most everyone else, we honeymooned there in November of 1999. However, we did meet a number of couples who had actually gotten married there and they had nothing bad to say. You will DEFINITELY want to get ahold of the resort directly OR work thru a good travel agent of your own. The third party that they use in NY is not terribly helpful and, like the first response, never bothered to try to help us. <BR>We have NEVER regretted spending our 2 weeks solely at Ladera. There are many tours you can take, cars to rent, walks around the area... We were also there during Hurricane Lenny which provided one solid week of rain and overcast skies. If you're honeymooning, it doesn't matter too much. ;-) They also have a tv/game/reading room in case you get bored. <BR>As far as the restaurant is concerned, we have never eaten better at a resort. The prices were very reasonable, especially compared to the Jalousie Hilton at the base of the mountain. (We spent $50 for a salad, burger and 2 cokes one afternoon at the Hilton; our Thanksgiving dinner at Dasheene - 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 2 desserts and a bottle of wine - was only about $80.) <BR>The rooms were incredible, too! <BR>There's one thing, above all, that we really appreciated, however, and that was the staff. We arrived late (11pm) and they had someone there with dinner waiting for us. We got to know the staff at the restaurant, the office personnel and even our cleaning lady. They were all very friendly and more than willing to help us with whatever we needed - from arranging tours to answering questions about the island. One incident I remember clearly is the receptionist who offered us a ride from Soufriere if our taxi didn't show up. Talk about going out of your way! <BR>With only 24 rooms (we had Villa E), they really are able to get to know everyone and, quite simply, they make the effort. We absolutely loved our stay and can't wait until we can go back! <BR>I wish you all the best and hope that you don't discount Ladera as a wedding/honeymoon site as I think you'd really miss out on something incredibly romantic!! <BR>Good luck - Jen and Jeff