Just back from St Lucia
Apr 18th, 2004, 06:09 AM
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Just back from St Lucia
...and we loved it!
We stayed at the Windjammer. Our first night, we were put into a one bedroom suite despite the fact that we booked a two bedroom... but hotel management made up for it by giving us free dinner at Papa Don's and moving us into the correct room the next day. The first room was actually nicer - with full living room (pull out couch) and kitchen - but the kids fell in love with the two bedroom suite. It was actually three levels. The top floor had a sun porch. The second floor was a master bedroom with queen bed and bathroom. The bottom floor was the kids room (two twin beds) and bathroom. Each floor had a balcony with chairs and a great view. (Each floor also had it's own TV and mini fridge.) The kids room seemed like a dorm room and our kids (11,13) really enjoyed that feeling. After looking at the hotel brochures, both rooms were listed at the same price ($300) - but we booked through our travel agent for a better price that included taxes, etc.
As you probably guessed, we didn't do the all inclusive. Part of our fun on vacation is exploring sites and restaurants outside of our hotel.
Restaurants included the Coal Pot (great seafood), Charthouse (steaks, seafood), Big Chef (steaks, seafood) and the Jump Up at Gros Islet (more on this later.) We also ate at Papa Don's, Jammers, and the Upper Deck at Windjammer. All were good. We didn't try the DragonFly... although I thought the menu looked pretty good, there just wasn't enough to entice the kids and the prices were pretty high.
Activities included the Brig Unicorn day sail (full day - trip down the west coast of the island included stops at the volcano, botanical gardens, diamond falls, swimming and lunch on the ship). We also hired a driver to take us around the island to the rain forest, Marigot Bay, shopping at Castries, and a few other stops. We enjoyed this because we set our own itinerary and pace. It was $140 US for full day for four of us. We did the resort's afternoon snorkeling trip which was fine. We found the snorkeling okay but not great.
We enjoyed the beach and pools at the Windjammer. All were well maintained and beautiful. We also like happy hour at Jammers which included blended drinks at $2.50 each. (We were on vacation!)
We ventured to Pigeon Island for a hike and some snorkeling. They ran out of maps so we got sort of 'lost' but ended up having a good time anyway. It was awfully hot for hiking so we really spent more time swimming. We did have lunch at a restaurant within the park.
Our only disappointment was the Jump Up at Gros Islet. I guess I expected something different. It was about 3 blocks long and had about 4 or 5 food stands serving mostly chicken and pork. The music was recorded and coming from very large speakers. I was really hoping for more seafood and possibly some culture... ethic dancing, costumes, etc. but it was really just a local block party.
All in all, the weather was great. A bit hot at times, but I sure wouldn't complain about that! It rained a couple of times - but ususally for five minutes and the sun was shining even during the rain.
If you have questions, post them and I'll try to answer.
We stayed at the Windjammer. Our first night, we were put into a one bedroom suite despite the fact that we booked a two bedroom... but hotel management made up for it by giving us free dinner at Papa Don's and moving us into the correct room the next day. The first room was actually nicer - with full living room (pull out couch) and kitchen - but the kids fell in love with the two bedroom suite. It was actually three levels. The top floor had a sun porch. The second floor was a master bedroom with queen bed and bathroom. The bottom floor was the kids room (two twin beds) and bathroom. Each floor had a balcony with chairs and a great view. (Each floor also had it's own TV and mini fridge.) The kids room seemed like a dorm room and our kids (11,13) really enjoyed that feeling. After looking at the hotel brochures, both rooms were listed at the same price ($300) - but we booked through our travel agent for a better price that included taxes, etc.
As you probably guessed, we didn't do the all inclusive. Part of our fun on vacation is exploring sites and restaurants outside of our hotel.
Restaurants included the Coal Pot (great seafood), Charthouse (steaks, seafood), Big Chef (steaks, seafood) and the Jump Up at Gros Islet (more on this later.) We also ate at Papa Don's, Jammers, and the Upper Deck at Windjammer. All were good. We didn't try the DragonFly... although I thought the menu looked pretty good, there just wasn't enough to entice the kids and the prices were pretty high.
Activities included the Brig Unicorn day sail (full day - trip down the west coast of the island included stops at the volcano, botanical gardens, diamond falls, swimming and lunch on the ship). We also hired a driver to take us around the island to the rain forest, Marigot Bay, shopping at Castries, and a few other stops. We enjoyed this because we set our own itinerary and pace. It was $140 US for full day for four of us. We did the resort's afternoon snorkeling trip which was fine. We found the snorkeling okay but not great.
We enjoyed the beach and pools at the Windjammer. All were well maintained and beautiful. We also like happy hour at Jammers which included blended drinks at $2.50 each. (We were on vacation!)
We ventured to Pigeon Island for a hike and some snorkeling. They ran out of maps so we got sort of 'lost' but ended up having a good time anyway. It was awfully hot for hiking so we really spent more time swimming. We did have lunch at a restaurant within the park.
Our only disappointment was the Jump Up at Gros Islet. I guess I expected something different. It was about 3 blocks long and had about 4 or 5 food stands serving mostly chicken and pork. The music was recorded and coming from very large speakers. I was really hoping for more seafood and possibly some culture... ethic dancing, costumes, etc. but it was really just a local block party.
All in all, the weather was great. A bit hot at times, but I sure wouldn't complain about that! It rained a couple of times - but ususally for five minutes and the sun was shining even during the rain.
If you have questions, post them and I'll try to answer.
Apr 18th, 2004, 03:07 PM
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Thank you for your trip report! If I may, how was getting around the island? Everything I have heard is that St. Lucia roads are horrendous. Helicopters and boats were the way to go, but apparently you had a driver so perhaps not so bad? Did you happen to see Anse Chastenet or the Hilton? How did they compare to the Windjammer? Thanks so much.
Apr 18th, 2004, 04:31 PM
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The roads were full of twists, turns and pot holes. We stuck with taxis. From the Windjammer to Rodney Bay was $10 and to Castries was $16. We didn't travel the roads much (only from the water to the volcano and botanical gardens)near Soufriere so I can't really comment. I really wanted to see the Jalouise Hilton (since I heard so much about it) but never made it there. (When I called ahead of time to get a room for Easter week, they quoted $625/night!!!) The Windjammer was nice but I would expect that the Hilton is probably nicer. If you don't mind driving on the left, you could probably get around less expensively with a rental. (By the way, our "driver" was just a free lance taxi driver.)
Apr 18th, 2004, 04:35 PM
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One more thought... although the island is only 25 or so miles north to south, the travel time probaly exceeds 1 1/2 hours due to road conditions. Pay attention to which airport you want to travel to. Since we stayed in the north, we choose the Castries/Vigie airport which was only 10 - 15 minutes from our resort. The other airport is much closer to the Jalouise Hilton and to Anse Chastenet (which we didn't see either). We were traveling with kids so we never considered Anse Chastenet.
Apr 20th, 2004, 05:12 AM
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Far better than the Jump Up in Gros Islet is the 'Fish Fry' in Anse La Raye (think it's on a Tuesday). Although there are some tourists, there are more locals, a good choice of food, and sometimes live music. Some vendors are licenced to sell lobster out of season and you pay by weight.
Apr 20th, 2004, 08:55 AM
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We stayed at the Hilton Jalousie. It was very nice. We also rented a car for one day and explored ourselves. The roads are twisty turny and have potholes and you do drive on the left but..... that is what it made driving ourselves around for a day fun. My husband had a ball driving the roads. We took our time and stopped at various overlooks and picked up some groceries in Castries. I think if you rent the car knowing it will take you forever to get anywhere and you just want to take your time and enjoy the experience, it's fun. If you just want to get from point A to Point B there are better ways such as water taxi. Oh, if you do the water taxi from the Hilton up to Castries look for Moby Dick. He was wonderful. He stopped at various scenic places along the coast and took some pictures of our family and gave us a great "tour" of the coast.
We did go and snorkel at Anse Chastenet and liked the beach at the hilton much better.
We did go and snorkel at Anse Chastenet and liked the beach at the hilton much better.
May 27th, 2004, 11:05 AM
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Dear Southernmoon. You do not need to bring converters as they run on the same voltage as the States. However, their hairdryers are not very strong, I recommend you bring your own. Have a wonderful time, you're going to love the Windjammer.
Jun 1st, 2004, 08:43 AM
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Thanks for all the info.
My bf and I will be in St lucia on the 21st for 8 days. We were told that we can take a helicopter from the airport rather then the hour and half drive to the resort, So i think we may do that. I am alittle concerned because every time i check the weather all i see is rain..Did it rain every day? How bad was it?
My bf and I will be in St lucia on the 21st for 8 days. We were told that we can take a helicopter from the airport rather then the hour and half drive to the resort, So i think we may do that. I am alittle concerned because every time i check the weather all i see is rain..Did it rain every day? How bad was it?
Jun 5th, 2004, 08:46 AM
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Star star, St.Lucia is an island with much to offer in activities that would be wonderful for children.
Swimming, snorkeling, sailing, hiking, biking, waterfalls,rain forest, thermal mineral baths, horse back riding, ATV adventures, prirate ship sail (Brig Unicorn), in-active volcano. What an adventure it is for the lucky kids that get to experience such a diverse island!!!
As far as more for adult??? t
There are a few resorts that are more geared for adults, as Ladera and some of the adult only resorts.
It might not be the most appropriate place for tiny tots, but what island is???
Donna
Swimming, snorkeling, sailing, hiking, biking, waterfalls,rain forest, thermal mineral baths, horse back riding, ATV adventures, prirate ship sail (Brig Unicorn), in-active volcano. What an adventure it is for the lucky kids that get to experience such a diverse island!!!
As far as more for adult??? t
There are a few resorts that are more geared for adults, as Ladera and some of the adult only resorts.
It might not be the most appropriate place for tiny tots, but what island is???
Donna
