maphew13

Ok...I know that it's "Green Season" in St. Lucia during October, but what are your thoughts about it? Is it worth the chance or should I go to Aruba? I didn't really like what I saw about Aruba from the Internet. It looks like a Caribbean Panama City Beach or Daytona so that is why I'm looking at St. Lucia.

Also, I've seen some pretty good deals for non-All inclusive resorts on St. Lucia. Would it be worth it to pay less up front and then go to the restaurants of my choice? How pricey are they? I'm looking at Wyndjammers, Jalousie Hilton Resort and Spa, and Anse Chastanet Resort. Anse looks really nice, and it has a more "exotic" feel to it. I think that also means no Air-Conditioning so what are your thoughts on that?

We are in our early 30's/late 20's so we want a secluded room, but we want some things to do as well. Most of the above resorts offered non-motored sports and snorkel, but I don't want to feel like I can only stay at that one resort. As far as all-inclusive, I'm leaning heavily towards Sandals - Halcyon. I hear it's much quieter and less crowded than Grande and Regency.

Also, to save money, I have Skymiles through Delta so I know I can fly to St. Lucia. Any other islands that Delta flys to that you recommend?

A lot of questions, but I'm really frustrated right now. I have a lot concern over going during hurricane season, but I'm also trying to go on a budget. So as a recap, the weather, budget, and things to do are my order of concerns.

Thanks for the help!!

ejcrowe

I'm with you in that St. Lucia's appeal outstrips Aruba's any day of the week. I've visited St. Lucia once before during the rainy season, and I have to admit I was glad to have air conditioning at night. Usually I could take it or leave it in the Caribbean. My stay was at the Jalousie Hilton and the villa suite I stayed in had wonderful, modern air conditioning that did not make a lot of noise while it was one. If you can accept that the food at the Jalousie is below par for what you pay for it (but certainly no worse than an all-inclusive), I think you would be hard pressed to find a more romantic setting for a honeymoon. As for rain, it rained about 2-3 times per day while we were there, but never longer than 10 minutes at a time. We actually welcomed the respite the rain brought--it made a great excuse to jump up from our beach chairs and grab a fruity mixed drink. However, you should probably take out travel insurance that permits you to cancel your trip at any time sue to weather just to make sure you have peace of mind.

If I had it to over again, I would want to break up my stay and stay a couple of nights at either Ladera resort or one of the premium hillside rooms at Anse Chastenet. Their exotic feel really appeals to me, but I would miss having the easy beach access that a stay at Jalousie provides. PLease let me know if you have other questions. Have a great time planning your honeymoon!

maphew13

Thanks for the info. Do the premium hillside rooms at Anse Chastenet have air? I thought I read that some of the rooms have only 3 walls. What about bugs? Are they bad on St. Lucia in Oct.? As far as the food at Jauloise, you said it was below par considering how much it cost. So you did the all-inclusive or the European Plan?

Lots of decisions to make, and I appreciate you replying.

-matt

joan

This was quite awhile ago, but when we stayed at Anse Chastanet, we had a "regular" room that was midway up the hillside, it was octagonal, with louvers all the way around, and a small balcony overlooking the water. Even the shower had a view! No air conditioning, but none required - tradewinds! Do not get a "beachfront" room - they are very standard looking hotel like rooms. If you can, request "higher up on the hill" (hope you have strong legs!), for breezes and best views. The very expensive rooms/villas are the ones at the top, with the three walls (like Ladera). Also, unless you plan to rent a car, you may want to consider the meal plan at AC...the road in and out is very bumpy, about two miles long - which keeps out the hordes but can be annoying when you want to "run out" for a meal. Whatever you do, be sure to reserve a sunset dinner at Ladera, food and view are awesome. Also, try lunch at the Hummingbird...long and lazy and delicious!

P.S. re bugs: Another time, we rented a villa with three walls in the Ladera/Jalousie area. It came with mosquito netting for the bed - which we definitely used. There were bugs at night, but they were not the biting kind, just gnats etc. Part of the deal with those three walled places!

sailor

maphew13,

We stayed at Ladera, Sandals Halcyon (left within 24 hr.) and the Jalousie Hilton in St.Lucia. We visited Anse Chastenet, Sandals Regency and the Sandals Grande.

Tops for us on the island for the most dramatic in scenery, nice beach, and romantic seclusion.

Ladera for the most, unique and wildly romantic in the one bedroom deluxe with heated plunge pool. Open third wall, no AC here, did not need at all because of the trade winds at the top of this ridge, keep the temps quiet nice and the bugs at bay. The uniqueness, romantic, viewsssssss, etc., outweigh the short shuttle to the beach (Jalousie Hiltons or Anse Chastenets) This is truly a hideaway! Food lunches, $15-$30p/p a day and dinner here can run $30/$75p/p with drinks.

We will split our stay again next time with the Jalousie Hilton, as, we did then enjoy to be a part of this property also for the extra restaurants, inclusive water sports, and the comfy cozy cottage rooms, gave this resort another appeal to us.

Both of these resorts are located right smack dab between the dramatic Pitons, and this alone is priceless! Loved the beach (white imported sand) and water at the Jalousie Hilton. You are also able to snorkel and scuba dive right from this beach in the marine reserve. OK, snorkeling but a nice added bonus that you don't get from the resorts located in the Northern part of island. The diving is excellent from shore and most hot spots within 5 min boat rides away.

Anse Chastenet, in a perfect world I would love to stay here also. It is also a truly unique property, very exotic, with its silver/grey/black sand beach. Things here I would mention that could be minor draw backs (that would never stop me from staying, but should be mentioned). The stairs are no easy task. Very dense foliage, with gives it the wonderful jungle exotic feel, but I also think this would contribute to being a bit warmer. Amazing how hot that grey/black sand gets also and so soft!!! I think we would miss having the private plunge pool here. Anse for us had a bit better snorkeling than the Jalousie beach, but scuba diving from shore was great at both.

Three great resorts, for the right people!!!

Now for the Sandals Halcyon, for us it was so overpriced!!! It is a cute little lush resort, but I didn't feel it was secluded as advertised. It is located right on the main road just outside of Castries, at the bottom of a foot hill of houses and buildings. We did hear traffic and dogs, etc., until late night and some kind of machinery running on the property next door all night??? The beach was very average, very narrow, a couple of hut umbrellas and no palm trees on the actual beach, you can sit up the wall on the grass in the shade. Water quality looked blah. The rooms I think have been a bit updated since we were there, but they are JUST your very basic motel room. No fridge, or anything for your room, unless you have concierge and no beach or water view from Grande Luxe Beach and Ocean view room. We paid more for the Halcyon then if we had booked All-inclusive at the Jalousie Hilton!!! You could not even start to compare the quality and amenities that ARE included with every cottage room at the Jalousie, whether or not you have all-inclusive. THERE IS NO COMPARING LOCATIONS.
You would have to get an incredibly good low price to make the Halcyon worth it in my eyes. You would get to use the other two sandals resorts. The Grande has a pretty view of Rodney Bay.

For all-inclusive at the Jalousie, I really wouldn't recommend it if you are on a budget as you can make a stop at the grocery store on the way to resort and stock up on drinks for your room, and snacks if you would like. The prices of food an drinks at the Jalousie will cost basicly what you would pay at a Hilton in the US. High but within reason for a Hilton Resort in an incredible location. There are also a few places around that you might want to try. It will cost you to leave the property with taxi, so you would have to figure this in.

Donna