Message: It won't seem to post my very long message, so I'm trying to break it up... <BR> <BR>We went to the Windammer for 5 nights and Ladera for 4 nights. It was fabulous, although I would recommend fewer nights at the Windjammer and more at Ladera. We did all-inclusive at the Windjammer, and felt it was a good deal, and more importantly, we didn't have to think about $$. <BR>We (obviously) didn't explore restaurants on the north side of the island, so I can't comment on those. However, we definitely felt that the north was less pretty, busier & more touristy than the south. We didn't like Castries at all. Also, most of the good sightseeing is in the south. <BR>What we did like about the north was being somewhere that had everything, pools, beach, several (fairly good) restaurants, etc. After the stress of our wedding it was nice to just relax and spend time not having to go anywhere. We had forgotten a couple of important items (shoes, sunscreen) and were able to pick up everything we needed in the resort. In addition, there were 4 restaurants, so we weren't bored eating soley in the resort. One thing - Windjammer is definitely a family-friendly place, however most of the families are European, so the kids are very well behaved and we didn't feel that it interfered with our enjoyment. I thought the "villa" setup added a great deal to the atmosphere, and even though it meant using shuttles much of the time, the fact that everything was spread out was much nicer than just a beachfront hotel.

Message: PART 2: <BR>Ladera was completely different. Our room was amazing - although I must say that after seeing both I would recommend room V over W. Mosquitoes were an issue - especially since our netting had a hole in it the first night (they repaired it once it was mentioned). They provide bug spray - and you need it. Noticed someone mentioned a furry animal in their room - probably one of the two cats that came into our room one day. I thought the open wall was amazing - my husband who is allergic to cats wasn't as happy. (we used the waterfall to scare them away and it seemed to work). You can hear other people, but it isn't bad, and again, the waterfall came in handy. <BR>The view from Ladera was amazing, the food was very good (especially the managers BBQ), and overall we loved it. <BR>We went to the beach at both Anse Chastenet & the Hilton and took the time to explore both resorts. <BR>Our impression was - stay at Ladera & go to the Hilton beach. Anse Chastenet had a fine beach too, but it is a whole day, and the beach chairs provided aren't as nice. Also the Hilton beach felt less crowded & a little more "plush". <BR>As for the resorts themselves - the Hilton felt like... a hilton. All menu prices were in US dollars only, and that says more than you'd think. It could have easily been transplanted to Miami, or anywhere warm and been identical. It was very nice and plush, but a little sterile. Anse Chastenet was nice, but just not as "rich" feeling and more "resorty". Also there were a lot of steps. When we priced it, to get the same level of room as Ladera was MORE money, and the resort just wasn't as nice. We didn't see the more deluxe rooms at AC, but the standard didn't compare. The more expensive rooms were even more steps up, and there was nowhere the view could be as good as at Ladera. The general atmosphere and public rooms also weren't as peaceful or as nice. <BR>

Message: PART 3: <BR>I think that about covers it - recommendation - if you have the time, spend a few days at a big all-inclusive up north, then go to Ladera. At Ladera you have to leave to go to the beach or to different restaurants, but if you have already relaxed at an all-inclusive, you'll be ready to sightsee and explore. And Ladera is definitely our choice of the four southern resorts we saw. <BR>Four? We ate at the hummingbird one night. Don't recommend it at all. It was the only disappointing meal we had. Instead - we tried a "very local" place called Captain Hooks. We were the only people there (not the only tourists - the only people eating), but the food was great and it was a real change of pace. You have to call ahead to make reservations -then she makes the food for you. <BR>Questions? Comments? Bring 'em on! <BR>Shari

My fiance and I booked our honeymoon for Windjammer in November. We are also planning on doing the all-inclusive plan. How were each of the four restaurants and the food generally? We are planning on eating most of our meals at the resort so the all-inclusive seemed the way to go. We booked a one-bedroom villa with plunge pool. How were your accomodations? I've heard great things about the villas. Is getting the plunge pool worth the extra money? Finally, what is the general dress code down there? Do you need to bring anything particularly dressy? We prefer to travel light.

I tend to be picky about my food, and I thought almost everything I had was very good. The house wine is also very drinkable, which was a pleasant semi-surprise. We even tried the "mediterranean" restaurant one night, and although it didn't compare to NY italian, it wasn't bad at all. The only quibbles we had were that there was only one place to eat lunch, and that the "high end restaurant" charged a little extra for certain dishes, which we thought was tacky. One suggestion - make reservations, especially for specialty nights and Josephines. <BR>Rooms - we had a one bedroom w/o plunge pool so I can't say if the pool is worth it. Our first room was on the ground floor near a restaurant/pool & not very private. We asked to be moved and were - much better. It was high up, very private and had a fabulous view. If possible I would ask for that beforehand. We had a plunge pool at Ladera, but it was cold. I think the question is - do you want to dip naked? (and based on Ladera its just a dip) <BR>Dress for dinner was "elegant casual" Long pants or long bermuda shorts for men, collared shirts. Nice sundress/skirt/pants for women. I'm from NY, so I wouldn't call it dressy, but don't plan to dine in shorts & a T-shirt.

Thanks for the trip report Shari! I love reading about peoples' impressions of Ladera & am really happy you had a good time there.

Thanks for the info, your feedback has been quite helpful! I've seen some mixed reviews of Windjammer, but your review has put our minds at ease. <BR> <BR>I, too, am a very picky eater, so your comments regarding the food were a relief. Were you satisfied with the service down there or did you sense some resentment from the wait staff arising from the all-inclusive plan? I've heard that this is a concern regarding all-inclusive plans in general. Finally, how was the weather? Did you notice a bug problem while there?

Shari; <BR> My fiance and I are honeymooning at Ladera next May. From what I've read on the board, all of the rooms are different. We have a deluxe one bedroom w/plunge pool & waterfall reserved. From what you can tell, would you recommend one room over another? Thanks, Mark

Windjammer - All in all we were very happy there. No resentment about the all-inclusive from the waitstaff. Bugs -there are bugs, bring bug spray. Side note - the Baygone spray provided in the rooms is scary stuff (and not for use on your person). <BR>Ladera - When I was researching I read S & V. We ended up in W & I saw V. From what I saw, V had a better setup.