Dreamer2

I'm planning our 25th anniversary, and had always wanted to stay at Ladera for the open wall and plunge pool. However, recent reviews of the service, decline in restaurant, and chilly pools have me searching elsewhere. I've decided we would be happier on the beach in Soufrier instead.

Has anybody stayed at both Jalousie and AC? Which has the "edge?" Does either have rooms with that missing wall feature (and view of the Pitons) AND a private plunge pool?

Jade Mountain looks phenomenal - but it's $1100 a night. What's "second best?"

I'd appreciate any input or personal experiences. Thanks in advance.

joan

I believe that AC has Premium Hillside rooms with the wall missing. $575 for off season (summer thru October 07), they also have packages. Have you checked the price there compared to Jade Mountain?

Caribbean Travel & Life recently did a big spread on Jade Mountain. All I can say is WOW. Even the plunge pools are magnificent, with iridescent tiles on the bottom that change color with the light.

I stayed at AC years ago, have visited Jalousie as well. I like AC better, the beach is wonderful (there are two!), and the snorkeling is good, and my first Caribbean roti was enjoyed at their beachfront lunch restaurant. Mmmm!

leavingsoon

Hi There

We are on our way and I wondered where you read the bad reports of the food at ladera and we were planning on dining there whyile we stay in Soufrieres?

Thanks!

bosoco

I faced the same dilemma as you. Ultimately, I decided to stay at Jalousie and I am glad I did. What was great about Jalousie was that the setting, beach and rooms were great but we were able to visit Ladera and AC for the best of all worlds. There is good off the beach snorkelling at Jalousie. When we went for a snorkel trip at AC, it looked like a nice place, with an inviting beach bar and restaurant and beach. I think the food at Ladera is hit and miss because when we went there twice to eat, one evening it was fantastic, the next evening it was awful. You can get a Villa Suite with a plunge pool at Jalousie, the villa suites are very nice, well appointed and comfortable. And of course, you can't beat the setting. The spa is good as well. Don't miss Bang right next door for a great West Indian meal.

Dreamer2

LeavingSoon - I just Googled restaurant reviews, and checked here and TripAdvisor. All the reviews from a couple years ago were great, more recent reviews complained about the service, or said the food was "good," which surprised me. I definitely plan on going there for dinner and making up my own mind, however.

Thanks Joan and Bosco for the valuable information!

So AC has suites with a wall missing, and Jalousie has the plunge pools...
Are Ladera and Jade the only ones with BOTH features?

Joan, AC was about half the price of Jade!

Thanks again all for your input. Anybody else?

Dreamer2

By the way, can anyone help with the pronunciation of Anse Chastanet? Is it: ahns shasta-nay

joan

That's it, Dreamer2! The "n" in Anse is barely there.

One more crazy idea for you: when we returned to St. Lucia, we stayed at a villa located above Ladera Resort. This was the most incredible villa, it had a waterfall that ran through the middle of the home and into the swimming pool. Fourth wall was missing from the home (the master BR had clever louvers if you wanted to enclose). The dining room was open air under an enclosed roof, and there was a resident dog (and with no wall he made himself at home!) Fresh flowers all around, with gardener and maid (I am not a maid person, but I learned to deal!).

It is still available on the internet, for a ridiculously low price. Here's the URL (the pictures absolutely do not do it justice). Hermitage Terrace was the name (it is two villas, but situated for total privacy):

http://www.villa-st-lucia.de/eterrass.htm

Dreamer2

Joan,
That is an amazing price and a gorgeous place! I think I'd feel guilty for not bringing the whole family!
Any other info regarding AC or JP?

wannabakiwi

Wow Joan! Thanks for sharing such a hot tip! I am sad to hear about Ladera. My husband and I were married there ten years ago and just loved it. We will definitely check this rental out. Kelly

joan

You're welcome, Kelly!
It appears that the German owners of the home are booking it directly themselves now. At the time we rented it, they used a British man as manager, and I booked it through an American rental agency, so the transaction was easy and the agency was helpful in renting a car. But I will tell you that the pics do not do it justice!

leavingsoon

Hi

We are back and can only offer spcifics about Jalousie and generalization about Ladera.

Every villa in Jalousie is facing one or the other piton. It is unavoidable. They are right there.

I took more than 50 pictures on the grounds (and feel stupid) but they are all gorgeous and the views ever changing in terms of where you are on the resort and where the sun is in the sky.

From Ladera- there is one view...from above, up top.

Each day the campers from Ladera would spill onto our beach with their bright green wristbands and little blue and white towels. I felt sorry for them as they couldn't exchange their towels, they couldn;t pop into their rooms, couldn't sign for lunch, etc.

Once we ate at Dasheen, I felt even worse for them! The whole resort is a tiny little path (pretty but tiny), a tiny little pool and an overated restaurant.

Jalousie is definitely older, the villas throw-back not cutting edge and much less chic looking, but humongous in terms of space and resort amenities. And you can go to the beach whenever you want, not just when the camp bus takes you there!

I hope that helps.

leavingsoon

Oh no!

I wrote about ldera and you asked about AC...so sorry. But maybe that will help someone else?

Dreamer2

That's okay... It's still helpful. I keep waffling between Ladera and Anse Chastanet! Thanks for the input.