I am going on my honeymoon in December <BR>to St. Lucia. I am curious about the best <BR>beaches there. We are staying at Sandals <BR>golf & spa and Anse Chastenet. Are they <BR>white sand beaches and if not where are <BR>the best white sands? Also is the water <BR>there blue like in Cancun?? Should we <BR>rent a car to sightsee and is it safe at nite?

Beaches: no white sand in St. Lucia because it is a volcanic island; you need another island for that. Sandals beach is mediocre--there are resorts with worse beaches and many with better... AC has great beach. <BR> <BR>Water is clear, but not that crystal blue color. <BR> <BR>Do not even think about renting a car. There are tourists getting into accidents all the time and the roads are treacherous. Cabs are plentiful but cost roughly $1 per minute. <BR> <BR>Seems reasonably safe at night if you use common sense. It is not developed like Cancun, so don't expect miles of bars and nightclubs.

I agree that Anse Chastanet is known for having a great beach......actually toted as having the "best beach in ST. LUCIA" It is known for its famous snorkeling and diving reef... I don't think you'll find better snorkeling anywhere in St Lucia. When we were there in Sept *honeymoon at Sandals Halycon*, we found the best snorkeling to be at Anse Cochon beach; but then heard and read from others that Anse Chastanet's beach is the best for this. Anse Chastanets beach is very dark sand...different, but unique and St. Lucia is such a beautiful island...... you will not miss that white sand and turquoise water for a second. <BR>For instance; we just returned from a trip to Cuba *amazing beach and clear turquoise water as far as the eye could see*, but...... blah, blah, blah! The landscape of the island is flat and boring. We got spoiled I guess, by St. Lucias natural beauty, you are surrounded by green, lush, plant life and mountainous scenery and you will feel like you are in another world. Enjoy -the time will fly by. <BR>

<BR>Hello, <BR> <BR>I have just returned from Sandals Halycon. The water was not very blue like the brochure shows. We went to the beach at Sandals Golf &Spa. It didn't look like they had much of a beach at all. I have also hear that the snorkeling is great at Anse Chastenet. Enjoy.

My wife and I were in St. Lucia in 1998. We stayed at the Wyndham Morgan Bay Resort (really nice place). The beaches in St. Lucia are not not white sand, but rather brown in places and even black in others. The source of the sand is volcanic rock. This should not deter you from going and enjoying this island. The snorkelling is great, especially at Anse Chastenet. Another recommendation is a tour of the island by boat (try to find Joy's boat tours), the views are simply spectacular. <BR> <BR>By the way, the beach at the Hilton, located bewteen the Pitons, is white. Apparently they brought in sand from Grenada or some other nearby island. <BR> <BR>Hope you enjoy your trip <BR>

Sorry to hear you are going to be at the Sandals Resort. Hope they don't mess you over like they did us. If you wish to hear our sad tale...e-mail me. If I can discourage anyone from going through what we did...it would make me very happy...Mark