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-   -   Sandals St. Lucia- The Best Ever (https://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/sandals-st-lucia-the-best-ever-235291/)

liz Jun 28th, 2002 03:09 PM

Sandals St. Lucia- The Best Ever
 
Just got back from Sandals St. Lucia and it was the best Sandals I've ever visited (also pricier but WELL WORTH IT). It was bigger, better, nicer, and had a very lively crowd. Don't go there to just lay and do nothing in peace and quiet though. We went to Casino night and dined at the French Restaurant and were blown away. We stayed at 2 Sandals in Jamaica and this one was a completely different feel. The Halcyon was nice too-went there for dinner and liked the atmosphere but will go back to the golf resort next year. St. Lucia in general was much nicer than Jamaica and never had any hassles. <BR>Happy to answer any ??s

Martin Jun 29th, 2002 05:34 AM

Hi Liz<BR><BR>Sounds like you had a great time!<BR><BR>While you were there did you see or hear any gossip about the new Sandals Grande St Lucian (formerly the Hyatt regency)?<BR><BR>We have booked to go there next spring.<BR><BR>Thanks<BR>Martin

Vita Jun 29th, 2002 06:15 AM

Hi Liz.. I am soo happy to read your post. We are going to Sadals St. Lucia in one week!<BR><BR>We have stayed at Sandals Mo Bay and the Royal Bahamian.... Mo Bay was great but the looks of the property was defenitly lacking. Royal Bahamian was fantastic.<BR><BR>What excursions did you do? Also, how was the weather? Any other suggestions? I was thinking about going to the Ladera one night to dine at thier restaurant... I heard it was amazing... <BR><BR>Did yu go to the Gros Islet Jump-Up? Which airport did you land in... We are taking st Lucia helicopters one way to shorten the drive back home to the airport.<BR><BR>I'm sorry- I have sooo many questions! Thanks!<BR><BR>\

Princess244 Jun 29th, 2002 12:30 PM

the helicopter is supposed to be great-you will enjoy it!

liz Jun 29th, 2002 02:18 PM

Vita- flew into the large airport in the south and the drive was fine. Took about an hour but the road was fine and it was gorgeous scenery the whole way. Didn't go to the Gros Islet thing (hear there was a friday night party there and regret not doing it). We were only there for 5 days so pretty much stuck to the hotel (and Halcyon). The spa was beautiful and professional-got my nails done and was pleased. <BR>Martin-there was a lot of talk about the new one but it wasn't open and didn't see it. You'll be able to go to the 3 different hotels though and I'm looking forward to that next time. <BR>The weather was hot indeed, but not much rain except for a shower here and there that didn't last long. I heard rain 2 times during the night. It's humid (tropical!) so take very light clothing. What else, oh yes, I heard from another couple there that Royal Bahamian was fantastic but they said that Sandals St. Lucia was more fun with a younger crowd while just as upscale etc. <BR>Will also try Ladera for dinner next time but how are you getting there and back? I was told it's about 45-hour drive and thought maybe to spend one night there on the way in or out. Have fun!

kim Jun 29th, 2002 05:38 PM

Sandals St.Lucia is also one of our favorite.

curious Jul 4th, 2002 09:26 AM

Am thinking of booking this resort for Christmas time-Vita please post a report when you get back!<BR>Liz-what category room did you book and any suggestions on that?

Vita Jul 4th, 2002 05:27 PM

I'll let you know how everything is. This is our third Sandals trip and we are always upgraded sevral categories so I am hoping for the same. We are leving this weekend!<BR><BR>I did book the helicopter tour for the return trip to the south airport... looking forward to it!

Theresa Jul 9th, 2002 10:42 AM

We're really close to booking a villa on St. Lucia for this Xmas and New Years. Would love to hear a list of likes and dislikes from all of you. <BR><BR>Having great difficulty booking airfare. So far, from Atlanta, the cheapest is $770 round trip. A bunch for 6 people. Any suggestions? <BR><BR>Theresa

Martin Jul 9th, 2002 11:13 AM

<BR>Hi Vita<BR><BR>You mention that this was your third Sandals visit and that you always get upgraded.<BR><BR>Can I ask - is this because you are a "returner" or were you just lucky?<BR>We are going to a Sandals resort in Cuba in September and then to one in St Lucia in April.<BR><BR>Will we be "returners" when we go to St Lucia? Do you have to request an upgrade or is it automatic?<BR><BR>Thanks for any advice.<BR>Martin

liz Jul 19th, 2002 07:50 AM

Vita are you back and how was it?? <BR>Did you go to Ladera for dinner??

Sweenracer Jul 22nd, 2002 08:17 AM

Just back from Sandals St. Lucia<BR><BR>Absolutely gorgeous... Could not have been more perfect... well almost perfect at least...<BR><BR>Got an upgrade from deluxe to premium, which was good because we were closer.<BR><BR>The beach is great, water was perfect... as a matter fact we only went in the pool once, spent alot of time in the water at the beach. The sea was not the slightest bit angry... all watersports were open all week.<BR><BR>

Sweenracer Jul 22nd, 2002 08:19 AM

(continued)<BR><BR>Restaurants were great... Our favorite was the Pitons. We like the open air feeling and we prefer to try new things. The food is excellent. Get the banana flambaue. Kimonos was great, but our dinner was basically ruined by the two couples next to us. From the moment they were seated they complained... There are 10 seats around the table, they went in first and sat in the middle 4 seats and then refused to move when another couple asked them to move over one seat so they could sit next to each other. She caused a big stink about it and from that point on the waitress and chef did not want to even deal with the table. She complained about the Miso soup and the Sushi, and how the Creme Broulee did not taste like ginger... These poor St. Lucian people should not have to put up with that nonsense... the meal was EXCELLENT. Unfortunately our chef did not perform the way he did for the other tables, I am sure he wanted to get out of there as fast as he could... The Italian place is great for lunch, but get there early so you can sit outside. The French restaurant was eh. Good but not as good as most of the other restaurants...

Sweenracer Jul 22nd, 2002 08:20 AM

(cont.)<BR><BR>Took the day sail... alot of fun. Hated the sulphur smell, I could only smell sulphur for three days after that... it rained the whole afternoon on the way back though... <BR><BR>HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP---&gt; You MUST do the Jungle trail tour... NOT the trail trekkers, on the Jeep... The all-day jungle trail tour. We had the best tour guide. He was a little rastafarian guy named Johnny. He is hilarious, and he will show you everything, and truly the friendliest guy we met. First he takes you through the island in his little Rasta-Van showing you everything. Every once in a while he would stop the van and get out and steal you some fruit, we got to try guava, bananas, cashews, and mango. Then he takes you to this little old mans farm and gives you fresh coconut, pineapple, and grapefruit. Then you go to the rainforest trail and hike for about 2 hours... it really is cool. It is tarantula mating season, and they are everywhere, so it makes for an interesting trip. The island is incredible... Watch for thoses snakes and taratulas though... Johnny was good about pointing anything out, you are safe... Then we went over to Mangi Domei restaurant for some local food, plantains, bread fruit pie, and fish... try the hot sauce. Finally, the tour wraps up at the waterfalls. You can swim in the one. We were the wussy couple that did not go swimming. We had heard it is possible to get a certain parasite that is native the fresh water in St. Lucia... a little information is a dangerous thing... the other couples seemed to be fine...

Sweenracer Jul 22nd, 2002 08:21 AM

(cont.)<BR>HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP---&gt; You MUST do the Jungle trail tour... NOT the trail trekkers, on the Jeep... The all-day jungle trail tour. We had the best tour guide. He was a little rastafarian guy named Johnny. He is hilarious, and he will show you everything, and truly the friendliest guy we met. First he takes you through the island in his little Rasta-Van showing you everything. Every once in a while he would stop the van and get out and steal you some fruit, we got to try guava, bananas, cashews, and mango. Then he takes you to this little old mans farm and gives you fresh coconut, pineapple, and grapefruit. Then you go to the rainforest trail and hike for about 2 hours... it really is cool. It is tarantula mating season, and they are everywhere, so it makes for an interesting trip. The island is incredible... Watch for thoses snakes and taratulas though... Johnny was good about pointing anything out, you are safe... Then we went over to Mangi Domei restaurant for some local food, plantains, bread fruit pie, and fish... try the hot sauce. Finally, the tour wraps up at the waterfalls. You can swim in the one. We were the wussy couple that did not go swimming.

Sweenracer Jul 22nd, 2002 08:22 AM

(cont.)<BR>HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP---&gt; You MUST do the Jungle trail tour... NOT the trail trekkers, on the Jeep... The all-day jungle trail tour. We had the best tour guide. He was a little rastafarian guy named Johnny. He is hilarious, and he will show you everything, and truly the friendliest guy we met. First he takes you through the island in his little Rasta-Van showing you everything. Every once in a while he would stop the van and get out and steal you some fruit, we got to try guava, bananas, cashews, and mango. Then he takes you to this little old mans farm and gives you fresh coconut, pineapple, and grapefruit. Then you go to the rainforest trail and hike for about 2 hours. It is tarantula mating season, and they are everywhere, so it makes for an interesting trip. The island is incredible... Watch for thoses snakes and taratulas though... Johnny was good about pointing anything out, you are safe... Then we went over to Mangi Domei restaurant for some local food, plantains, bread fruit pie, and fish... try the hot sauce. Finally, the tour wraps up at the waterfalls. You can swim in the one.

Sweenracer Jul 22nd, 2002 08:23 AM

(cont.)<BR>took the day sail... alot of fun. Hated the sulphur smell, I could only smell sulphur for three days after that... it rained the whole afternoon on the way back though... <BR><BR>HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP---&gt; You MUST do the Jungle trail tour... NOT the trail trekkers, on the Jeep... The all-day jungle trail tour. We had the best tour guide. He was a little rastafarian guy named Johnny. He is hilarious, and he will show you everything, and truly the friendliest guy we met.

Sweenracer Jul 22nd, 2002 08:25 AM

(cont.)<BR>The resort is great... There is a guitar player that plays at the piano bar every few nights who is excellent, we sat down with him for a little while, and we got him to play some blues for us... We won second place in the newlywed game.<BR><BR>The only things that went wrong were: The first night our door would not lock. Maintenance came up three times, and it still would not lock... They finally got it fixed, and we went to pulle the door shut on our way out and I pulled to door knob right off... I was not happy, but the poor little guy from maintenance did all he could to fix it up... also, I would never fly Air Jamaica again, and I would NEVER EVER transfer over in Montego Bay again... all of our flights were delayed at least 2 hours for no apparent reason... And that airport is hot as hell, I don't think I would have made it it weren't for Red Stripe...<BR><BR>Never even made it to Halcyon, no need to... SSL was great...

liz Jul 30th, 2002 05:22 AM

Wow that was a great report- are you Vita or a different person? I can't believe you didn't make it to Halcyon but SSL is huge and lots to do. <BR>For my next trip- where was the premium room? We had deluxe and were right near the main pool and action but want to be a little further away next time??

sam Jul 30th, 2002 08:01 AM

Planning to honeymoon on Saint Lucia at Sandals Golf and Spa Nov 14-21-02. We are booked in the Water's Edge 1Bdrm Suite category. How is this category as far as, the size of the room, distance from the beach and the view from this room? What are the must see and do items while on St. Lucia? Where is the restaurant Mangi Domei located? Thanks for any info!


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