Hi Everyone,

I'll start and see how far I get. As always anything I say is from our experience.

Travel--We started from Sioux Falls in fine style. The baggage handlers hit an engine and dented it. We sat there for almost an hour before they said we'd have to take the next plane. Two hours later. I was just glad it was that quick, but there isn't too much excitement at our little airport to soothe the waiting. We were only going to Atlanta to spend the night before flying the next morning to SL. We also had to stay overnight coming back from Barbados on the way home. On the way home from Atlanta, we sat on the plane for almost two hours before we were able to leave because of power problems. We havn't been delayed on Northwest for a long time. Must have been our turn. We did miss our flight from Minneapolis to Sioux Falls which meant more waiting for the next flight.

Jalouise Plantation Resort--This resort situated between the pitons is really quite an amazing sight. By the time we left, I liked most everything about Jalouise. The reviews I read before I left were mixed. I paid $l,100 for 7 nights, with breakfast, one three course dinner, half day snorkeling trip, and taxes. We flew into the south airport which is near Jalouise.

I had sent an e-mail requesting a lower villa as my husband has a knee problem. The villas and cottages are placed on the hillside going from numbers 100-900. I had copied the e-mail and had it with me. It was a good move. They had assigned us to room 809. The highest villa on a very steep hill, They said they had never received the e-mail and that the resort was full. We found out later in the day the resort was about 70% full. This at times seems to be the standard answer as this has happened to us at other resorts. It makes it hard to trust what one is told. The 900 cottages are all torn apart, and my understanding is that they are being rebuilt for timeshare sales. We asked for the 100's and after discussion and rereading the e-mail, we
were booked into 107. After walking up to 809, we were certainly glad we had not stayed there. If you don't mind always taking the shuttle or if you are in fantastic shape and love to climb on a hot, humid day, take the upper numbers. In my opinion, the view was better in the 100's because you are near the water. We found it much more convenient to just walk whenever we wanted to snorkel, eat, etc. The shuttles do seem to circle a lot. We found our villa with a plunge pool (I never did get into it) very comfortable and clean. It had a nice size refrigerator, coffee pot (coffee and tea stocked daily) and good reading lights. We found this room much more comfortable than the rooms at Caneel Bay. My favorite spot was the love seat in front of the window looking out over the ocean.

Breakfast was wonderful--especially the tropical fruit. The papaya and mango were superb. All kinds of cereals, nuts, yogurt, cold meat and cheese, any kind of omlet to order, fresh baked breads, bacon, potatoes, etc. Something to please everyone. Since this is our favorite meal of the day, we were thrilled. Breakfast was long and drawn out because of the wonderful view and the fact that morning and nights were a perfect temperature. When the sun was out during the day it was hot and humid. Actually, we had great weather our entire stay. We like good food, but it is not our priority on vacation. We both fight the weight battle daily. They had take- away boxes at breakfast to fill how ever one desired. We would take some meat, cheese, bread and yogurt. Then we could snack whenever we wanted. The 3 course meal we had at the plantation room was beautifully presented and very nice. Good service and a friendly waiter. Without drinks it was $110. We had been advised to go to the Bang but it was closed while we were there. We enjoyed meeting everyone at the manager's party which was on the beach. Lots of weddings and receptions along the beach.

The beach and snorkeling--Very nice beach with an area roped off for snorkeling. Never a problem to find chairs. Some days the beach area was empty. For those that like beach service, they gave flags to everyone.
We were pleased with the snorkeling as we saw new fish we had not seen anywhere else. Beautiful drum, jackknife and two different flying ganard. I almost stepped on the ganard as I was leaving the water. They are totally entertaining to watch, and a real treat for the eyes when they spread their pectoral fins. We also went snorkeling to Anse Cochon and Anse Chastanet. Coral Gardens, near the resort, was not good for snorekling.

We ended up staying at Jalouise only six nights instead of seven. By the end of our stay, Jalouise was full because of the Jazz Fest. The manager spoke to us at his party and asked if we would consider going to their sister resort LeSport (the bodyholiday). We did go because we had to leave from the small airport at Castries which is on the north end of the island. They transported other couples that also decided to move by boat. We were given all meals, a massage, and transfer to the airport. I'm glad we saw LeSport because we know now we wouldn't want to go back. I don't know what level room we were given, but we thought it unattractive and uncomfortable. Dark, heavy furniture with lousy chairs. It was almost depressing. I didn't think I was in the Caribbean. Lovely beach and views. Tons of choices at the buffets. We just didn't like the feel of the resort. One massage is included per day for all guests. It was certainly a better massage than I had at Jalouise. In my opinion, skip the spa there. I think I have been spoiled forever after being at the spa on Peter Island. The gal I have in Sioux Falls won't see this, but she is the best I've had anywhere.
I had also read mixed reviews about the staff at Jalouise. We found, on the whole, a very friendly staff. Actually, if we didn't have so many other places to explore, we would go back to Jalouise.

Looks like I got carried away. I'll answer any questions. I'll add the second half of our trip to the Grenadines (Union Island, Bigsand, and the Tabago Cays) to this post.
For some reason, this last section didn't get posted. Owa

We flew to Barbados on Liat and used Grenadine Airlines for the flights to and from Union Island. On time for all three flights. I used Heather at Erika's Marine Service to book our flights, our two boat trips and Bigsand. She is fantastic. No problems with any of the arrangements she made for us and I was pleased to meet her while we were on Union. We were met at the airport by Bigsand Hotel staff.

Bigsand Hotel--There aren't many choices on Union. I choose the one with A/C. They have eight units and are building more. Our unit consisted of a small kitchen area, a living room, bedroom, and bathroom with bath and shower. There was only A/C in the bedroom, but it cooled the living room as well. It would have been a problem without it. At least for us. Bigsand served our purposes very well for $112/night with breakfast. I knew we wouldn't be sending much time there. It needs some help in the bed and bedsheet area. Chairs on the deck and on the beach were not all in one piece. The beach had pieces of glass that should have been cleaned away. Cows wandered freely on the beach and around the hotel. The cows chips were not wasted on one local gentleman. Every morning he would ride his bike to the beach with a large plastic bag. First he would swim, rest at the beach tables, and then walk around picking up cow chips. My husband and I made a guess he was using them for his garden. He confirmed our theory. He is European and owns an art store--most shops were owned by Europeans, Back to Bigsand. There was one other guest there so it was very quiet. The cook and assistant manager were very friendly and helpful. Sherry, the cook, made fantastic omlets for us the three mornings we were there. On our early morning walks, we would meet extremely friendly Union Island born workers. We actually liked Union Island very much. It is so much more interesting than some other islands that are too much like America. I would stay at Bigsand again. It certainly isn't for anyone that wants luxury.

Tobago Cays--Oh my!!! What a beautiful spot on this earth!! And the islands that are scattered all around the Cays. We absolutely loved the whole area. Since we only had two full days on Union, we decided to go to the Cays twice. The first day we went out with Yannis with a crew of three. We stopped at Palm Island to pick up a British couple. We couldn't have asked for better companions. The crew cooked us a wonderful lunch of fresh fish, salads, rice and fruit. The crew was also great. The whole day was magic. The water is clear, warm and beautiful in color. We left about ten and arrived back about four. It went all to fast. The next day we went on a schooner called Scaramouche. We were joined by nine people who flew in from another island for the day. Same routine as the day before, but we stopped at different places. More time in paradise!

Snorkeling--snorkeling varied at each stop. We stopped both days to swim with the turtles, but the first day I saw many more turtles. At one stop, we swam with the largest school of fish we had ever seen. Another location provided colorful fans and more soft coral. The reason we had different stops the second day is because the schooner had trouble anchoring. Both days were unbelievable and ended too soon. We are so lucky and feel extremely grateful for the privilege to enjoy the caribbean. We are going to see if we can get some friends together to rent a boat and a crew and do a repeat of the islands for a few nights.

Now we only have to wait until the end of September to go to Bonaire. Any questions, just ask. Owa

Thanks owa for the awaited trip report! You really get the best of both worlds with that island combination. Lush, exotic St Lucia, then the beautiful waters and white sand beaches of the Grenadines. We had the opportunity to day trip to the Grenadines from STL and had a great day. Was that your first STL vacation? Glad you had a nice time. Its fun to read the trip reports when Fodorites return.

Welcome back, Owa !

Thanks for a wonderful trip report !

You always give just enough detail and your reports are enjoyable to read and educational

I hope your weather at home is warming up !

Take care...

Marion

brenandg, We did a day and a night in STL on one of my husband's business trips two years ago. We stayed at a lovely, small hotel called Auberge Seraphine near Castries. The wonderful cafe was filled with business owners. I don't know if I saw one American staying there. We went to the market and took an island tour which we didn't do this time. Jalouise is definitely away from the crowds.

Marion, yes it is warming up nicely. I was so glad I had not planted my annuals before I left as it was cold and windy while I was gone. My daughter in Bemidji, MN lost some of her uncovered flowers last week due to a hard frost. Owa

Owa wonderful account. Once you visit the experience stays with you a life time.

Hi Owa. Thanks for the trip report. I remember how much you were looking forward to the Tobago Cays part of your trip. So glad it was all you expected and more!
I have a co-worker who recently came back from sailing through the Grenadines with some friends. She can't stop raving about those islands and the water and the fresh air. They also ran into Prince William on Mustique! Too funny. Anyway, welcome back!

Thanks for the report owa. Tabago cays sounds so wonderful...

Owa, I'm just now reading your wonderful trip report. It sounds magnificent and it has sharpened my appetite even more for my upccoming trip this summer. Are you pleased now that you chose to stay on Unin Island rather than listen to recomendations that there was nothing to do there?

What did you think of the snorkeling that was in the roped off area at Jalousie? That was my first snorkeling experience and it was what hooked me on the activity. I remember it as being full of color, with the shadow of the Piton throwing a purple hue on everything.

i also found myself pleasantly surprised with the staff at Jalousie after reading so many negative reviews. We didn't care for the food there, but we found the setting to be incomparable. Glad you had a great time!

EJ,

I think I knew we would be just fine with Union Island because we liked Bequia so much. We like walking around and talking to people that have lived on the islands all their life.

It was at the snorkeling area by Jalouise that we saw new fish. Walking off a resort beach to snorkel is my ideal. Caneel Bay is tops in my book with their seven beaches.

I'm so sorry you didn't get to snorkel more on Vieques. Owa