Ladera
 

Hi, everyone. Brand new to this board and have a few questions about Ladera for anyone who has been there. It looks beautiful and wonderful, and I love the concept of being outdoors. I am wondering, though, about how hot it is for sleeping with the tropical climate, mosquito nets, and only a queensize bed for two people. I don't mind the heat during the daytime, but do the ocean breezes kick in at night?

I'm also wondering what you do during the day. I like the idea of quiet, no TV, etc., but I was considering a 7-day stay, and there would need to be something to do at some point. We are about to celebrate our 36th anniversary, so we are not honeymooners, if you get my drift. I understand there is a shuttle to the beach and to Castries, etc., but do you have to fight the same horrible (from my understanding of some of the other posts)roads that you have to fight to get there and back from the airport?

If anyone could answer these questions for me, I would certainly appreciate it.

Hi Bobbysue,
I would do some additional research on St. Lucia and make sure this is an island you would truely enjoy. I have been to Ladera (by choice) and a resort called Le Sport (not by choice; an awards vacation at work and it was horrible) and both times I did not enjoy the country. St. Lucia is beautiful from the air or at sea, especially the Pitons; but it is a very poor country with lots of horrible roads and endless banana fields. Many of the beaches are really small coves and the sand is volcanic (black). In my opinion I spent way too much money for what Ladrea was worth. Mosquito nets sound romantic but they are realy not. It was very humid even with a breeze and I missed the AC. There are so many more beautiful, romantic, and COMFORTABLE places to go than St. Lucia.

I love St. Lucia...also check out this place www.ansechastanet.com (Anse Chastanet)if you haven't already. It is different but beautiful and I thought the people were very pleasant and enjoyed the art, food, exploring, etc.

Thanks to both of you. I visited it briefly on a cruise ship this April and was fascinated by it. It seemed to be so different than any of the other Caribbean Islands I had visited that I wanted to see more of it. As with anything else, different strokes for different folks.

I spent my honeymoon at Ladera a couple of years ago and it was a dream come true. We can't wait to go back there. You can read my trip report and see all the pictures at www.seashelltravel.com. let me know if you ahve any questions.

Bobbysue,
I have been going to St. Lucia every year since 1983. Ladera is certainly breathtaking. They use to have an agreement with Jalousie (resort just below Ladera) for use of the beach, tennis courts, golf, etc. Check with them to see if that is still available. A day trip to Anse Chastaney shouldn't be missed. As far as the weather & bugs, it is a tropical island. December through April are the best times to go. If you do decide to stay at Ladera, say Hi to John Barley the bartender. Tell him the Eye Doctor from St. Jude sent you. And try the homemade lime juice. Happy anniversary!

Kaymit,

that's an excellent web site you have with good pictures.

how about Jalousie with family--children under 7 and 9?
is there good snorkeling and is shopping good in either Castries or Soufriere?

Thx.

I think Jalousie COULD be good for kids--it just depends on the kids. I stayed there two summers ago and loved the isolated feel of the resort. The villa suites with private plunge pool are terrific and spacious--kids would probably get a kick out of the idea of a private pool, even if it IS small. Snorkeling is very good at Jalousie--they've roped off an area along the base of one of the Pitons.

I didn't see any kids while I was there for a week (a few teens, but that's it). I know they have a children's program because I saw the building for it. I'm just not sure that they run it year round. Possibly only during high season and/or holidays.

If your kids enjoy the beach, water sports, or hiking; if they are good at making their own fun, then they'll probably enjoy Jalousie. If they prefer a lot of distractions or a constant run of entertainment, they would probably be bored at Jalousie.

As for shopping, I didn't get to Castries so I don't know about that. If you're talking about touristy shopping, there's really not a lot in Soufiere. we bought some groceries and cocktail mixers and the town was sufficient for those needs. You could buy local crafts in town, but if you're looking for fine jewelry, electronics, or boutiques, you're definitely out of luck.

Hi

The Hilton from what I saw when I was there would be OK for kids. They have a nice pool and beach area where we spent some afternoons. I don't know if they have a kids club so I don't know if the kids would get bored or not. I would probably lean against staying there with kids only because there are othr resorts with good kids programs.

The shopping in the south part of the island is very limited. We did some shoppint at Ladera and the Hilton. But most of our shopping we did in Casteries.

eamil me at [email protected] if you have any other questions.

Now leaning toward Ladera with children 7 and 9----is this advisable or is it just too couple oriented?

My husband I were in St. Lucia in November. We stayed 2 nights at Ladera & then 8 at the Hilton. There were not any children at Ladera, mostly honeymooners and anniversary couples. I would not feel comfortable taking kids to this resort...way too quiet. I'm afraid they would be bored.

At the Hilton, there were plenty of children. This resort is set up much better for children with all the activities, the beach, & several restaurant options. I not hesitate to bring children here. There were chilren of all ages from babies to teens.
Hope this helps!

Please don't take your kids to Ladera. It would be very impractical. Go to Jalousie with your kids. Much better set up.