I am in the early stages of planning a trip for my husband's 40th birthday in January 2004. I have been reading about Ladera resort and its sounds awesome. <BR>My husband enjoys scuba diving. Is St. Lucia a good diving island? Does anyone know if Ladera has scuba diving excursions?<BR><BR>Also, what is your recommendation for getting the best price on a room? Should I use a travel agent or book online someplace? We are planning to use American Express points for airfare. <BR>Has anyone taken the helicopter ride to and from the airport to Ladera? I read that the trip up to the resort can by scary by car depending on the driver you get.<BR>Thanks for your help.<BR>Cyn

Hi Cyn, Ladera has shuttles to the Jalousie Hilton beach located right below Ladera, and Anse Chastanet beach and resort, 5/10min boat taxi from the Jalousie. Both Jalousie and Anse Chastanet offer water sports/diving centers, that you will be welcomed to use. Jalousie's is a small outfit, we enjoyed useing them as the groups are small. Anse Chastanet has a complete dive and training facility.<BR>http://www.scubastlucia.com<BR>The diving is incredible in this area.<BR>As booking at Ladera, I would highly reccomend booking directly with Ladera, if you will be getting your air flight on your own. This would be just to make sure you are getting the room you want. You really want to book a one bedroom deluxe, with heated plunge pool. Heated plunge pool is the Key. As far as getting any good discounts for Ladera, with TA's or online. I don't know. If you go with TA or online, I would comfirm, myself, the room catagory you are booked in with Ladera.<BR>Donna<BR>

Ladera is a lovely resort and St. Lucia is one of the most beauutiful islands in the Caribbean. I don't think you'll be disappointed in either of them.<BR><BR>Definitely book a room with a heated plunge pool as the previous poster said, as many ofd the pools do not receive a day in the sun, which makes the water quite chilly.<BR><BR>I've seen nice 7-night packages at Ladera with extras being offered on the website luxurylink.com. Check it out, verify with the resort what it is you're interested in, and chances are they'll work with you, even though it's an auction site. Or, check out the price the auction goes for and ask the Ladera folks directly if they'll accept the same price from you. (Usually luxurylink auctions sell for less than the rack rate, but do double check before bidding to make sure!)<BR><BR>Have a great time. Your husband is fortunate to have such a trip planned for his birthday!

Hi Cyn,<BR> Ladera Resort is awesome and hugely romantic! It's not on the beach, however, a great view of it. Diving is good (not great) in St.Lucia and it can be arranged by the staff.<BR> A helicopter ride one way is a great idea. St.Lucia is beautiful from the air.<BR> Anse Chastenet is also lovely and it is on the water and has diving available.<BR> Have a great time!

Pattie1548, I was wondering what dive sites, you dove? I find it surprising for the good not great comment?<BR>Donna

Patty1548, I'm also surprised by your comment regarding the diving in St. Lucia. We thought the diving near the pitons was terrific! Colorful, healthy reefs, tons of fish, we loved it! <BR><BR>Lucky husband, what a wonderful 40th birthday present!

Me three!<BR>We first discovered SCUBA in St. Lucia on a resort course in 1991. We got certified, traveled to many other well-known dive islands/areas (Cozumel, etc.) and were still as impressed as ever with St. Lucia when we returned in 1997.<BR>We stayed at Anse Chast., and the diving there and around the corner toward the Pitons is incredible!<BR>It's amazing the way the drop off makes kind of a mini-wall just encrusted with everything under the sun.<BR>The diving at AC varies from shore dives to boat dives. (The ones we did were not a long ride.)<BR>I think you have chosen the perfect island and a very romantic resort!