Mariarosa

OK, I thought I had finally made up my mind and would island-hop through the BVI's in September, but now I'm not sure! I was booked to go to Le Sport 2 years ago (June '99) and they cancelled because they were doing renovations. I know that I saw plenty of mixed reviews in '99, including that the rooms and the bathrooms were showing their age. Can anyone tell me if they have renovated the entire property (all the rooms, bathrooms, etc)? I was thinking of staying in their cheapest rooms (Luxury), are they OK?

Finally, is there a good mix of ages? My husband and I are 28 and 29, but we enjoy mingling with folks of all ages. Is the age range pretty wide (20's - 60's) or does LeSport attract a particular age group?

Finally, has anyone who has been to St. Lucia and to the BVI's can make a comparison for me? Thanks!

Mariarosa

Topping and hoping to catch a recent Le Sport visitor!

been there

We spent a week last December at LeSport. We had a very clean room with a light pink marble vanity which I remember as being very pretty! The room was recently refurbished and I think it was a Dlx or one up. Though, I must say that the room furnishings were no where near the quality of any Sandals/Beaches rooms that I have ever seen if that matters to you. We had the BEST vacation as the spa services are a real bonus. TAO resturant is 1st rate we ate there 3 nights! The staff are all friendly and very attentive. At the beach you just put your flag in the sand and the cocktail waitress comes over with drinks...very cool for this property. The reef off the beach is a nice way to leasurely spend some snorkeling time. The daytime activites are so full of choices.

As for BVI, about 7 years ago we spent a vacation at Long Bay in Tortola. It was great, but I prefer the all inclusive now as at night I don't like driving the rental car or taking taxi's. Although, my husband loved Tortola and the exploring...

Ask if you have any more questions.

kathy

which Sandals have you been to and how did it compare overall? thanks!!

been there

Kathy - I've been to Sandals St. Lucia & Halcyon, Sandals Montego Bay, Royal Caribbean, Negril & Beaches Negril. The furniture & decor is much more superior in any of the Sandals properties. I really loved having the spa services included in the price. Even though many of the Sandals that I stayed at have world class spa's facilities (which are much, much nicer than LeSports)the hands-on services aren't included so maybe I'd only book only 1 or 2 treatments during my weeks stay since they are additional. It really depends what you are into and what you are used to in regard to spa-ing. I loved TAO, but at Sandals you have many more choices for evening dining. Any other ??

kathy

Hi, we have been to Sandals Negril and Sandals Dunns River and really liked them both. We are thinking about going to either Antigua or St Lucia next. We really like the alacart dining options at sandals and since scuba is included that is also a big plus for us. We are really interested in Sandals Halcyon, how did you like it there? Sandals St Lucia looks very nice but I've heard the water sports aren't as good there. It also looks very large. Any thoughts? Am I correct in assuming you rank Sandals a little better than LeSport? Thanks so much for you help!!

ken daniel

My wife & I stayed @ LeSport in dec' 00. we are 27 and 29. The hotel is very nice and relaxing, we met several people our age and ended up becoming friends w/ several of them. nice piano bar!!

Mariarosa

Thanks to 'been there' and to Ken for your very helpful input! 'Been there', how is the snorkeling at LeSport in comparison to the BVI's?

Lisa

Hi Been There

I am also interested in your answer to Kathy's question about the differences in Sandals Halcyon and St. Lucia. Sandals St. Lucia looks incredible, but very big! Also, how are the accomodations at Halcyon? Which do you think is more romantic and restful? Do you think we will miss the dining options and the action of Sandals St. Lucia? Also, do you have a favorite Sandals property?

Thanks for your help. I'll be looking forward to reading your reply.

Been There

Hi Kathy & Lisa - Even though the Sunset Bluff Suites at SSL are incrediable the property is truly to large for my tastes. It would be convienent if you or spouse likes to golf as the 9 hole is right there, but if you're not into golf than Halcyon is great. You can take the shuttle over for dinner at St. Lucia and than come back to the most peaceful/laid back resort in the Sandals chain (only my opinion). I think you can make any room romantic if you're in it with the right person...

Hi Mariarosa - As for the snorkeling...the reef off the LeSport beach was better than any shore snorkeling I saw in Tortola. It's not as good as the reef in front of FDR/Breezes Golf & Tennis on Runaway Beach in Jamaica but it's good

Been There

I forgot to mention that my favorite property currently is Beaches Negril as my family loved the vacation...looking forward to a trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos, however without the kids Halcyon was nice. Scuba is a great bonus at Sandals just like spa is the bonus at LeSport...whatever you are into. The dive boats are the best. I found the food at LeSport to rival Sandals. The selection was pretty good, but the evening entertainment was lame in comparison.

kathy

thank you Been there. Would love to hear about Beaches T&C too. Are you going soon? Would you consider beaches to be too geared to young families for us empty nesters to enjoy it there?
Thanks too, to Mariarosa, for letting us intrude on your question about LeSport.

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Mariarosa

Thanks to all! Kathy, I enjoy other questions in the thread I posted, as I can learn about potential future destinations!

Been There

Hi - I don't have anything in the works yet for Beaches but would love to go to Beaches Turks & Caicos a year from this September...that way my oldest child will be 10 and old enough to take the resort dive course and do some open water dives (up to 25 feet). If you really enjoy Sandals and want to go to Turks than Beaches is the way to go...if you go when it's not a school break maybe the kids at the property will be younger and not teenagers. I'm planning on another trip to LeSport before the Christmas holidays for a little pampering.

Alex

Maria,

Let me help you with your age group question. During our stay, the age groups were very diverse (20s - 60s). If I had to place an average age for all guests, I would say high-30s. My wife and I are 32 and 33, respectively. We enjoyed hanging out with the different age groups and appreciated the different cultures as well. To give you more of a demographic breakout during our visit, most (approx. 70%) were British with about 20% Americans. Although I may get some backlash for this comment, but it was nice visiting an island that wasn't filled with predominantly American tourists.

Alex

Mariarosa

Hi Alex! Thank you very much for your input!