just back from st lucia
 

we jsut returned from st lucia. stayed at sandals st. lucia and anse chastanet.....any questions?

We are going to Anse Chastanet & I was wondering what, if any, excursions into the rain forest or other land trips you took. Also, any tips or info on the resort you can share (do they supply coffee in the rooms?) etc. Thanks!

Hi Mark <BR> <BR>My husband and I are going to AC for a week beginning 4/26. Can't wait! In particular we are interested to know if you took the meal plan and if you thought it was worth it; is getting around as difficult as most imply; and did you take a half or full day catamaran or sail excursion? Thanks.

We are going to Sandals Halcyon in a couple weeks just wondering what you thought of Sandals. Any restaurants or excursions we shouldn't miss? Did you go to the Friday night jump up party?

Are there a lot of bugs on St. Lucia? <BR>What were the beaches like? <BR>Thanks!

Trip to volcano, mineral springs and botanical gardens worth it..half day only in morning. <BR> <BR>walking tour of estate attached to Anse is cool and they have new mountain bikes to use if you want to ride instead of an escorted walk with tour guide. <BR> <BR>Half day sail is excellent,we went snorkling up the coast and afternoon sail may be better due to better winds. <BR> <BR>meal plans, we used breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner and was more than enough particularly if you are going on excursions. Food was excellent and smallness of resort helped. <BR> <BR>Its very easy to sign up for excursions, they have a wall with sign up sheets for the next week and you pick which ones and which day you want to go. <BR> <BR>Rooms on hill have hot water heaters for tea and coffee and refrigerators....there is a meal plan where your fridge is stocked with snacks and water but I'm not sure what it costs. <BR> <BR>Bugs, some at nite after sun goes down but mostly ankle biters. not a problem in rooms at either anse or sandals. <BR> <BR>Sandals was great, we went to both resorts and they have different atmospheres. more lively at st. lucia than at halcyon....dinner at la toc and kimono should not be missed...coincidently only two that you need reservations for. <BR> <BR>More night life at st lucia, honeymooner show should not be missed especially by us who have been married for 7+ years. <BR> <BR>Good news for husbands, shopping was not good for my wife either at resorts or in town. <BR> <BR>Beaches small and dark sand, you'll need sandals or flip flops, beach gets hot. <BR> <BR>Last thought...a island where you will spend time without answering a phone or email,or watching tv....and do not need to wear socks, shoes, slacks or carry a wallet most of the time.

Heading to Golf in end of May any advise on excursions, dining, and did you enjoy the beach area at Sandals St. Lucia and/or Halycon. Any information would be most appreciated. We are really looking forward to this trip. Our 15th anniversary. Thanks again!

We are thinking of going to anse chastanet for our honeymoon in late Oct for a week..would you suggest we split the time between there and sandals? DId you do an all inclusive at AC? Was it worth it? Were all tours and bikes etc included as well as food and drinks? Thanks!!!

Sandals beaches are pretty good, lots to do for free(sailing, snorkling etc) suggest you sign up for intorductory dive class at either sandals or anse. I did not plan to but based on other guests comments tried it and was very cool. good instructors at both, anse has the best dive shop around and you dive right off the beach. <BR> <BR>Most excursions at sandals and anse cost additionnal but worth it. most of st. lucia's scenary is near anse so the drive from sandals can be an 1-1 1/2 hour drive along mountain roads with up and downs and sharp turns. <BR> <BR>we thought the split between sandals and anse was great for us. we wanted activities early in our trip to avoid lying on the beach and becoming lobsters and sandals gave us that. at anse we wanted to spend our last 4 days doing the sites in the am and lying on the beach in the pm. best sunset from the beach i have ever seen. <BR> <BR>anse seems to be a slightly older crowd than sandals and more laid back. you can meet more visitors from other countries at anse than at sandals. <BR> <BR>if on honeymoon, ask for rooms with #7, great views and sign up for couples swedish massage in your room. massage staff anse was top notch and very busy with all of the divers. <BR> <BR>Meal plans at anse are good, do not go to st lucia and do all meals on your own...you will pay more than from an all inclusive. alcohol is not included at anse. chef at anse is incredible <BR> <BR>check out their web sites, lots of information and they accurately reflect the experience you will have.

I understand that they take US dollars in St Lucia but may give you change back in EC dollars. Do you recommend exchanging money when you get down there? Will I save money that way? I'll be visiting St. Lucia in a couple of weeks.

Greg, <BR> <BR>If you exchange your money at a bank you may get up to 2.8 on the dollar. If you just use US while you are down there you will generally get 2.5. <BR> <BR>Juli

Juli - <BR> <BR>Did you find a bank at the airport or in Soufriere?

Does this mean that it is better to use EC? I always thought that using US would get you farther....?

just got back. it depends upon the shop if you get a better deal with dollars or EC, but many places had a better deal for EC. there is a bank in soufrere a few blocks from the market and anyone can tell you how to get there.