Russ

Anyone ever stayed at Ladera? If so, how easy is it to get around the island from there and are there any negatives to watch out for?

mary

Yeah, taxis are very expensive (we felt) and make sure you have small bills. We found the drivers often didn't have change forcing us to leave a larger than usual tip. Also, when talking price, make sure they're referring to EC or US dollars (do this anywhere).

Jeff Hindman

It's worth every penny! If you're staying at Ladera, you can certainly afford the occaisional taxi ride. Small bills?? I didn't leave any of my drivers anything smaller than $10 EC ... usually $20 EC (or more) depending on distance.

mary

Regardless of what Jeff says, make sure you have small bills, regardless of what you plan to tip. We had lots of large bills in both EC and US, e.g., $50's, $100's, etc. Make sure to get small change as soon as you get there, or bring it with, if you plan on taking some taxis. This will also help if you're purchasing something from a smaller run business or vendor. They also don't often carry large bills for change. Probably not a good idea to carry large bills around anyway.

Laderafan

Stayed there a few years ago. The best view in the carinnean, no doubt. As someone that collects islands for a living, I would have to say Ladera is the best pool around. Forget the small bill debate....Not too hard to get around, but it does take some advance planning. The Ladera shuttle is awesome during day to get you into town to shop/eat (Souffiere) and the beaches Anse Chastenet and Jalouise. Durring day, if you can plan and read a shuttle schedule, you will need no cabs during day. Just dinner you will need one. The only negatives.....if you dont like to live amidst nature...it is louder and more adventurous than one may think. Also, the open 4th wall is great for views (unmatched) but you can really hear the next door neighbors. Be careful with hanky-panky...it can be heard. The fun thing is to listen to other honeymooners...its like a soap opera. We found the waterfall in the plunge pool a great way to "drown" them out. Plus, once the crickets and frogs get going at night, it gets loud....other than that, no negatives...have fun!!!!!<BR>

Kay

Hi Russ:<BR><BR>My husband and I spent our honeymoon at Ladera last year. We thought it was the most beautiful roamntic place in all the Caribbean (and I have been just about everywhere) It was like being in paradise to us. Our full trip report and pictures can be found at www.seashelltravel.com.<BR><BR>As for the money issue. I always take lots of cash in small bills $1, $5 and $10 that way you rarely get change or if you do just a little. We also use our credit card for big purchases of over $20. <BR><BR>We rented a jeep while there and had a blast driving but driving on St. Lucia is not for everyone as the roads are narrow with lots of turns and no shoulder per say but Ladera does ahve shuttles to take you to the Hilton and ANse Chastanet all day. There are water taxis if you want to go to the north part of the island for the day.<BR><BR>As for hearing neighbors at Ladera. We never did. We always turned our water fall on at night so with that background noise and the nightly nature sounds we never heard anything. <BR><BR>The pool is to die for see my pictures <BR><BR>If you have any more specific questions let me know as I am going to a seminar on St. Lucia next week and I can ask their reps in person