Dress at Sandals Regency
Mar 19th, 2004, 07:00 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dress at Sandals Regency
I will be leaving for Sandals next week and I was wondering what evening dress is most popular...how dressy? What are examples of what women and men wear in the evening? Are there places to eat on the resort in the evening that are casual (shorts for men and women) I do not want to overpack!!! Thanks for your help!
Mar 20th, 2004, 03:49 PM
#2
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Sassers, I visited the Regency St Lucia last year & the dress code varies. During the day anything goes. Sarongs & beach wear are fine. In the evening it really depends where you dine! There are 6 restaurants at the Regency & you can also visit Sandals Halcyon & Sandals Grande where there are a further 3 & 5 (?) restaurants respectively! We only visited the Halcyon once to dine at Marios (which was ok) but I didn't think much of the Halcyon itself. The dress code here seemed to be the same as at the Regency! As we didn't get round to visiting the Grande, I can't comment on their dress code! To give examples of what guests were wearing - some women dressed fairly formally in evening dresses (especially for dining at La Toc) while the majority wore smart/casual (skirts, trousers, smart tops etc). As for the men, again smart/casual (trousers, shirts, smart t-shirts & smart shorts in some of the restaurants)! In fact from what I can remember, La Toc was the only restaurant at the Regency that had a dress code of 'long pants & collared shirts'! Armandos' dress code was 'long pants, dress shorts & collared shirts' but the dress code at the other restaurants was 'casual'. I know this probably covers most type of clothing but it was really a case of people dressing in all types of styles. I would suggest not to take loads of overly smart clothing as you will probably feel a bit over dressed -depending on how long you are visiting, maybe take one or two more dressy items & then just smart/casual for the rest! You will always find somewhere to eat whatever you wear (within reason!) but I would take a few smarter items with you so you can eat at the few places that have more stringent codes!
Anyway, I hope that longwinded reply helps a little. I hope you have a fantastic time in St Lucia! We (3 couples) had a fantastic time & we are in fact going back in september (can't wait). In fact, when you are out there, could you check if Playmakers (entertainers) Ricky, Fat Boy (also known as Bernard) & Chester are still working there 'cos we're hoping to see them when we go back this year!
Please come back & let us know how you found the resort & the beautiful St Lucia & if you've got anymore questions, just shout up!
Have a fun & safe trip!
Lew
Anyway, I hope that longwinded reply helps a little. I hope you have a fantastic time in St Lucia! We (3 couples) had a fantastic time & we are in fact going back in september (can't wait). In fact, when you are out there, could you check if Playmakers (entertainers) Ricky, Fat Boy (also known as Bernard) & Chester are still working there 'cos we're hoping to see them when we go back this year!
Please come back & let us know how you found the resort & the beautiful St Lucia & if you've got anymore questions, just shout up!
Have a fun & safe trip!
Lew
Mar 20th, 2004, 04:03 PM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much for the info Lew! Helps a lot. We have been to other all inclusives, but never a Sandals so I was insure if it was more "dressy".
A couple of more questions! We booked a deluxe room and was wondering how far these rooms were from the main pool and building?
Are there plenty of lounge chairs by the main pool, or does one have to play the dreaded "reserve your chair" game?
We are in our 40's and from what I have read most guests are much younger...are we going to be the oldest ones there!?
Did you go off the resort and if so where?
I will definatly post back when we return and update you on the playmakers!
A couple of more questions! We booked a deluxe room and was wondering how far these rooms were from the main pool and building?
Are there plenty of lounge chairs by the main pool, or does one have to play the dreaded "reserve your chair" game?
We are in our 40's and from what I have read most guests are much younger...are we going to be the oldest ones there!?
Did you go off the resort and if so where?
I will definatly post back when we return and update you on the playmakers!
Mar 21st, 2004, 04:43 AM
#4
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HI 
Just a tip,
My husband was not allowed in the Casino at night without closed toes shoes... I however was fine with my "flip flop" sandals
Ruby
[email protected]
Just a tip,
My husband was not allowed in the Casino at night without closed toes shoes... I however was fine with my "flip flop" sandals
Ruby
[email protected]
Mar 21st, 2004, 02:55 PM
#6
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Sassers,
When we went we booked a basic room (may have been the deluxe category) but as it was our 2nd trip to Sandals we were upgraded. The upgrade wasn't to a really expensive room, but it was in the block which overlooked the pool & had a sea view. I think the deluxe rooms were in the same block, but had garden views as opposed to sea views. If you have a look at the resort map on the Sandals website, these rooms are in the orange part which says block 15. They are right next to the main pool & the main building (where the Pavilion restaurant & bar are). The rooms are also close to the beach, the spa & the golf course. The resort has been built into the hillside so the rest of the restaurants, more rooms & a couple of more secluded bars & pools are up a fairly steep hill (there is a shuttle bus that will take you up there if you want!) One word of warning - the air conditioning is fairly primative (or was when we were there) & although it works, it is quite noisy. I hate the slightest noise when I try to sleep but I did get used to it (maybe it was all the sea air, activities & piton!) but if you are light sleepers you may want to take decent earplugs!
With regards to lounge chairs. There did seem to be plenty but we often got up & went to the Pavilion restaurant for breakfast at about 8, & on our way there, left towels on the chairs. As we were only in breakfast for about 30 mins this usually worked. There were 6 of us though so it may have been more difficult to get chairs together if we didn't do this!
As for the ages of people there. We were all in our mid-late twenties but we met people of our age & older so I wouldn't imagine that you'll be the oldest there! Some people may feel that some of the activities are geared to younger guests (pool volleyball, water olympics etc) but if you don't want to join in you don't have to - their motto is 'no pressure, no problem' so you won't be forced into joining in!
We did go offsite a few times. We went to the Halcyon for a meal, but like I said we didn't make it to the Grande, although this is something we will definitely do this year as we heard it was lovely. We went on the Daysail to Soufriere which was on a catamaran. (You can also do a days trip to Soufriere by land & sea where you are driven there & get the catamaran back. Although this means you get to see some of St Lucia, if you don't care for travelling on windy hilly roads in the heat, I would suggest taking the day sail instead). The trip lasts from around 9-4 & you go to the sulphur springs (which smell v bad) & see the Pitons up close. You also go to the diamond waterfall (not v spectacular) & the botanical gardens & you go for lunch at a place in Soufriere. On your way back, the catamaran stops for you to snorkel & also pulls in to Marigot Bay(a beautiful bay, but you stay on the catamaran). All in all, the trip was ok, it was great to see the Pitons but I wouldn't go again!
We also went on the dolphin & whale spotting trip. I loved this as I love dolphins & we were lucky enough to see both dolphins & whales, however as you aren't guaranteed to see anything, it probably depends on how much you like the creatures as to whether you'll want to take the trip! This is all we did but other trips on offer included deep sea fishing, trip to rum distillery, trip into castries (although it's only about 5 minutes in a taxi so I wouldn't pay for the trip!) horse riding, day sail to Martinique, sunset cruise & I think a pirate type cruise which apparantly uses the same boats/ship as the one in Pirates of the Caribbean! You also get free scuba diving & snorkelling included with you stay at Sandals, so this is something else to do!
Finally, with regards to the casino, this is part of the evening entertainment schedule. On a wednesday night, the playmakers have a charity casino where you pay a few $ in return for 'funny money' (all the $ raised go to local charities). You exchange this at the blackjack/roulette tables (where the playmakers are the croupiers) & after a couple of hours, they pack up the casino & hold an auction where you can bid for Sandals souveniers with the 'funny money' you've won. It's really good fun (especially trying to cheat the dealers - it's the only chance you'll get to do this at a casino table!)
Hope this covers a few more things but if you think of anything else, again, just ask!
I really hope you have as great a time as we did!
Lew
When we went we booked a basic room (may have been the deluxe category) but as it was our 2nd trip to Sandals we were upgraded. The upgrade wasn't to a really expensive room, but it was in the block which overlooked the pool & had a sea view. I think the deluxe rooms were in the same block, but had garden views as opposed to sea views. If you have a look at the resort map on the Sandals website, these rooms are in the orange part which says block 15. They are right next to the main pool & the main building (where the Pavilion restaurant & bar are). The rooms are also close to the beach, the spa & the golf course. The resort has been built into the hillside so the rest of the restaurants, more rooms & a couple of more secluded bars & pools are up a fairly steep hill (there is a shuttle bus that will take you up there if you want!) One word of warning - the air conditioning is fairly primative (or was when we were there) & although it works, it is quite noisy. I hate the slightest noise when I try to sleep but I did get used to it (maybe it was all the sea air, activities & piton!) but if you are light sleepers you may want to take decent earplugs!
With regards to lounge chairs. There did seem to be plenty but we often got up & went to the Pavilion restaurant for breakfast at about 8, & on our way there, left towels on the chairs. As we were only in breakfast for about 30 mins this usually worked. There were 6 of us though so it may have been more difficult to get chairs together if we didn't do this!
As for the ages of people there. We were all in our mid-late twenties but we met people of our age & older so I wouldn't imagine that you'll be the oldest there! Some people may feel that some of the activities are geared to younger guests (pool volleyball, water olympics etc) but if you don't want to join in you don't have to - their motto is 'no pressure, no problem' so you won't be forced into joining in!
We did go offsite a few times. We went to the Halcyon for a meal, but like I said we didn't make it to the Grande, although this is something we will definitely do this year as we heard it was lovely. We went on the Daysail to Soufriere which was on a catamaran. (You can also do a days trip to Soufriere by land & sea where you are driven there & get the catamaran back. Although this means you get to see some of St Lucia, if you don't care for travelling on windy hilly roads in the heat, I would suggest taking the day sail instead). The trip lasts from around 9-4 & you go to the sulphur springs (which smell v bad) & see the Pitons up close. You also go to the diamond waterfall (not v spectacular) & the botanical gardens & you go for lunch at a place in Soufriere. On your way back, the catamaran stops for you to snorkel & also pulls in to Marigot Bay(a beautiful bay, but you stay on the catamaran). All in all, the trip was ok, it was great to see the Pitons but I wouldn't go again!
We also went on the dolphin & whale spotting trip. I loved this as I love dolphins & we were lucky enough to see both dolphins & whales, however as you aren't guaranteed to see anything, it probably depends on how much you like the creatures as to whether you'll want to take the trip! This is all we did but other trips on offer included deep sea fishing, trip to rum distillery, trip into castries (although it's only about 5 minutes in a taxi so I wouldn't pay for the trip!) horse riding, day sail to Martinique, sunset cruise & I think a pirate type cruise which apparantly uses the same boats/ship as the one in Pirates of the Caribbean! You also get free scuba diving & snorkelling included with you stay at Sandals, so this is something else to do!
Finally, with regards to the casino, this is part of the evening entertainment schedule. On a wednesday night, the playmakers have a charity casino where you pay a few $ in return for 'funny money' (all the $ raised go to local charities). You exchange this at the blackjack/roulette tables (where the playmakers are the croupiers) & after a couple of hours, they pack up the casino & hold an auction where you can bid for Sandals souveniers with the 'funny money' you've won. It's really good fun (especially trying to cheat the dealers - it's the only chance you'll get to do this at a casino table!)
Hope this covers a few more things but if you think of anything else, again, just ask!
I really hope you have as great a time as we did!
Lew
Mar 22nd, 2004, 09:26 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks again for the info! Less than a week and we will be out of the freezing weather! 
I looked at the map and the basic or deluxe room s are in location 1, which is above the one bedroom honeymoon suites. Looks far from the main building. We like to be close to the main pool and action!
How do you go about upgrading for free. We are part of the signature club and have some points....do they recognize this upon check-in and upgrade? I would like to be in the premium of luxe room...Does an upgrade work if the travel agent faxes something to them? Seems that some people get upgrades and some do not...so there must be a method.
Glad to hear that chairs won't be a problem. We have been to some resorts where towels will sit on chairs for HOURS!!!!
I looked at the map and the basic or deluxe room s are in location 1, which is above the one bedroom honeymoon suites. Looks far from the main building. We like to be close to the main pool and action!
How do you go about upgrading for free. We are part of the signature club and have some points....do they recognize this upon check-in and upgrade? I would like to be in the premium of luxe room...Does an upgrade work if the travel agent faxes something to them? Seems that some people get upgrades and some do not...so there must be a method.
Glad to hear that chairs won't be a problem. We have been to some resorts where towels will sit on chairs for HOURS!!!!
Mar 22nd, 2004, 02:26 PM
#9
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From what I can remember the more basic rooms are closer to the main pool (unless they've changed things around) but there may be rooms further away! As for the upgrade, are you signature members because you've already been to a Sandals resort? If so, you should get a free upgrade (providing they have rooms) but it certainly would be worth either your travel agent (or yourselves) faxing something through to request an upgrade if at all possible. After all, you never know until you try! If you want to email them directly to try, the email address for the hotel is [email protected]
If you do manage to get an upgrade, it's only to the next level up from what you've paid! It may all depend on how busy the hotel is for the time you're there!
I've just double checked with a Sandals brochure I have & I think we paid for a Deluxe Room but ended up in the Grande Luxe Oceanview Room in the main hotel block, which seems to be 3 room types better than we booked! I have no idea how they allocate upgrades though!
If you do manage to get an upgrade, it's only to the next level up from what you've paid! It may all depend on how busy the hotel is for the time you're there!
I've just double checked with a Sandals brochure I have & I think we paid for a Deluxe Room but ended up in the Grande Luxe Oceanview Room in the main hotel block, which seems to be 3 room types better than we booked! I have no idea how they allocate upgrades though!
Mar 23rd, 2004, 10:17 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey Lew....what are the departure taxes??? I hear you need cash in the exact amount? Also, did you guys go to or hear from anyone who went to the Gross Islet (?) street party? What exactly is it???? Thanks
Mar 23rd, 2004, 11:59 AM
#12
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The departure tax is either US$21 or EC$54 - I think they prefer to have the right money (I can't remember if they give change or not!). We made sure we left the exact money to one side so we just handed it over on departure!
No we didn't go to the Gros Islet street party (but it's on our list of things to do this year!). It's a jump up held on a friday night where the locals & tourists get together - there's music, food & beer from about 10pm onwards! It sounds like fun, so if you do get to go, let me know - like I said, it's something we hope to do this year!
No we didn't go to the Gros Islet street party (but it's on our list of things to do this year!). It's a jump up held on a friday night where the locals & tourists get together - there's music, food & beer from about 10pm onwards! It sounds like fun, so if you do get to go, let me know - like I said, it's something we hope to do this year!
Apr 6th, 2004, 01:03 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In fact, when you are out there, could you check if Playmakers (entertainers) Ricky, Fat Boy (also known as Bernard) & Chester are still working there 'cos we're hoping to see them when we go back this year!
Hey! We are back and the above mentioned playmakers were there! We had a great time...thanks for the advice all!
Hey! We are back and the above mentioned playmakers were there! We had a great time...thanks for the advice all!
Apr 7th, 2004, 09:22 AM
#14
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To Sassers or anyone,
Any tips for us? We leave in a week. How was the weather? Any rain? We have been to Sandal's Antigua but never St Lucia. We are older than you but we love to join in the games and activities. Is there anything we should be sure to bring, or be sure to see while we are there? Any tours you recommend? We are not really tour people.
Any tips for us? We leave in a week. How was the weather? Any rain? We have been to Sandal's Antigua but never St Lucia. We are older than you but we love to join in the games and activities. Is there anything we should be sure to bring, or be sure to see while we are there? Any tours you recommend? We are not really tour people.
