leanne

I am planning my honeymoon for April 2003 and I am debating between Ladera in St. Lucia and the Nisbet Plantation in Nevis. Any recommendations? We are in our late twenties and we want privacy, romance, tropical surroundings, good snorkeling and a nice friendly resort. Any advice would be appreciated!

Harry

Nevis would be a good place for you. In my spouse's and my eyes, St. Lucia had "bad" water for snorkeling and we found the islanders to not be friendly. Our favorite island is Bermuda. St. Lucia is our least favorite.

leanne

Any opinions on which island has nicer beaches?

Island Girl

In terms of beaches, Nevis wins over St. Lucia. Having been both to Ladera and to Nisbet, I would say you would have be better off at Nisbet. Sure, Ladera is a great place, but if you want to be close to the beach, it's not the place for you. Nevis is easier to navigate (even though the main road is very bumpy).

GM

Leanne, we LOVE St. Lucia and the beaches are nice. They are not THE most spectacular compared to other Carib Islands, but where you are considering (Ladera) has better beach area than where we usually stay (LeSport, Northern St. Lucia). Ladera is a VERY unique resort, and some accommodations have their own plunge pools, and the best part is that spectacular view, never mind the award winning restaurant.<BR><BR>St. Lucia is a 'schlep' tho; very worth it to us (we're in the NYC area) but some folks hate it for that reason alone. April is a WONDERFUL month to have your honeymoon down in St. Lucia; my advice, tho, is that you consider (if possible) doing a 10 day trip, cause 2 days are pretty much shot with travel.<BR><BR>Nevis IS closer altho you have a 2 'hop' plane ride from what I understand (SJ and then into St. Kitts). From what I know of Nisbet Plantation, it's a nice unspoiled spot. If you decide to go here in April, you won't be disappointed weather-wise, either.<BR><BR>We are considering St. Kitts when Marriott opens their resort.<BR><BR>Hope this helps, and all the best to you in your upcoming marriage.

qqq

As Islands go, these two are at opposite ends of the spectrum.<BR>Nevis is very rural (the road has been repaved)and the local people very accommodating.<BR>We go to St. Kitts / Nevis twice a year.<BR>Been to St Lucia once.<BR>We felt we always needed to be on guard and ready to respond to individuals looking for money or selling something.<BR>Both have alot of natural beauty.<BR>SLU has a much higher population.<BR>Honeymoon on Nevis / St Kitts, but at some point do visit St Lucia.

nadine

you won't get great snorkeling in st. lucia. don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful island, but the water is not that crystal-clear water you find with other islands.<BR>i haven't been to nevis so i can't help you there.<BR>have a great honeymoon though!<BR>

Nancy

Hi Leanne,<BR>The snorkeling is much better on St. Lucia - particularly in the Anse Chastanet area. (It's on the same side of SL as Ladera.)<BR>Both Ladera and Nisbet are wonderful properties, but Ladera is up in the mountains as opposed to Nisbet which is on the beach.<BR>St. Lucia would be more tropical/exotic of the two.<BR>Either one would be an excellent choice for a honeymoon. <BR>

Anne-MarieC

Hello Leanne!<BR><BR>I just got back from my honeymoon in St. Lucia and had a fabulous time. We stayed at the Jalouise Hilton (just below Ladera) and it was the most spectacular location on the island in my opinion. (Basically everything you described -- tropical, private, romantic, &amp; great snorkeling) The snorkeling might depend on the time of year, but in December the water was terrifically clear and sights spectacular. Twice we ate at Dasheen (the restaurant at the Ladera resort) and Ladera really is a spectacular place. The only hitch is that you have to travel about 20 minutes to the Hilton property to hangout on the beach. You might want to look into the Jalouise Hilton...it was awesome! Flowers on the bed every night, friendly staff, secluded villas. The food is average but Dasheen is just a cab-ride away. Anyhow, if it's beach you want then Nevis sounds nice. But if it's a tropical paradise, then southwestern St. Lucia is the answer. (just make sure April isn't the rainy season)<BR><BR>All the best!