Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Caribbean Islands
Reload this Page >

Sandals Grande location in relation to excursions?

Sandals Grande location in relation to excursions?

Old Jul 14th, 2003, 04:23 PM
  #1  
honeymooner14
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Sandals Grande location in relation to excursions?

My fiance and I are thinking of honeymooning next August at Sandals Grande in St. Lucia. I have 2 questions about this resort's location:
1.) Which airport is the closer one to Sandals? Is it Castries?
2.) Is this Sandals in a location close enough to visit the drive-in volcano or the Diamond Mineral Baths?
Thank you!
 
Old Jul 15th, 2003, 09:04 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Vigies airport is about 15 minutes away. It's the smaller airport which can't handle big jets. There are differing opinions about flying into castries and taking a very long (1hr plus) ride. The ride does afford you the opportunity to "see" more of teh island. When it comes to getting to teh resort after a lot of traveling, I want the fastest ride so Vigies was much better.

Most of the excursions are on the SW side of the island, about an hour ride from the Grande. Best bet is either rent a jeep or get a local cab driver to drive you around for the day. There are hotels closer to these places.

BTW The Grande is fantastic and you will love it

Paul
PaulCR is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2003, 05:55 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
honeymooner,

Hi, Are you refering to the Sandals, that used to be the Hyatt on Rodney Bay?
Carib_Ruby is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2003, 12:05 PM
  #4  
honeymooner14
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Yes, that's exactly the hotel I am referering to.
 
Old Jul 16th, 2003, 03:06 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We stayed here and flew into the airport no problem, with a quick "cab" ride right to our hotel. However it was a smaller plane that we picked up on a San Juan Connection. I made sure we did it this way as I heard the trip from the other end of the island was really tough and didnt want to take a helicopter.

The best excursion that we had was a day sail that picked us up right at the Hyatt's Beach! There was only 89 of us on it representing 3 different countries, this was nice as we all got to know eachother, I still keep in touch with one girl from Ireland. We snorkeled, got a tour of Souffrie (bad spelling), and the "volcano". It was wan eye opening experience!

We also took a cab into Rodney Bay, I must say I wasnt that impressed here.

I would def. try and get a room with a room of Rodney Bay (Amazing!!), and def. not one with a "private pool"... no view at all
Hope this helps
Ruby
Carib_Ruby is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2003, 03:07 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
oops, that should read 9 NOT 89... big difference
Carib_Ruby is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2003, 03:22 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It does get a bit cofusing with the names (Vieux Fort and Vigie get mixed up) but here are the names and locations of airports in St.Lucia

"Hewanorra Int'l Airport" located in the city of Vieux Fort. Southern tip of island. About a 1 1/2 hour drive to Sandals Grande. Many love the drive to see the beautiful island, others don't because it's long and winding road. Air Jamaica Flights arrive here.

"Vigie Airport" is located in the city of Castries. 15 minute drive to the Grande North of Castries. American's small seater planes arrive here.

Donna
sailor is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2003, 04:04 PM
  #8  
honeymooner14
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Thank you so much for the information on the airports. It definitely does get confusing.
Any tips on what to do/see in St. Lucia when we want to leave Sandals and explore? Is there any good snorkling, or is that best done on another island?
 
Old Jul 16th, 2003, 05:15 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I dove all around the Island and felt the best snorkeling was around the Anse Chastenet hotel. You can snorkel or dive right off the beach there. Sandals does do 2 or 3 snorkeling excursions daily anyway.
PaulCR is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mpalagonia
Caribbean Islands
6
Feb 4th, 2011 03:45 PM
stykes10
Caribbean Islands
19
Jul 14th, 2007 12:05 PM
Lacy
Caribbean Islands
6
Jan 3rd, 2007 09:15 AM
mrsd2fan
Caribbean Islands
5
Aug 5th, 2006 01:10 AM
J-J
Caribbean Islands
12
Nov 16th, 2002 08:34 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -