KMCM

How are the beaches? Thinking of honeymooning there at the Hilton Jalousie.

LR

The beach at Jalousie hilton is beautiful - although not true to St. Lucia. They imported white sand to their beach, which is beautiful with the turquoise blue water. It is nestled between the two pitons which is smaller than a stretch of beach, but very cosy and romantic.<BR><BR>Have you considered honeymooning at Ladera Resort? We did and loved it. We had access to the beach at Jalousie and Anse Chastenet on a daily basis. <BR><BR>LR

KMCM

We are planning on using Hilton Honors points, which is why we are thinking of the Hilton. Is the beach crowded? Is it private? Can you let me know your thoughts on the food?

Anon.

I'd hardly call St. Lucia's waters turquoise. Sure, maybe in a few spots but it's surely not the norm. If you're truly looking for a beautiful beaches and water vacation, you'll be disappointed with St. Lucia. It's a volcanic, rainforest island with lots of rainwater runoff.

LR

I've not heard of honors point so I can't comment on that. <BR><BR>We were in St. Lucia in May/June 2000. At the Jalousie, the beach was not crowded at all. Can't recall if it was 'private' but can say that there weren't any local vendors right on the beach - and we weren't bothered at all. <BR><BR>For ANON, due to the white sand that was imported at Jalousie it had the effect of creating turquoise water right off the beach. Perhaps you don't recall?......certainly not anything like turks and caicos or other caribbean islands, but the best it gets in St. Lucia. <BR><BR>We saw many different hotels and the great thing about St.Lucia is the differing deep blue colors around the island. It is very dark by the Anse Chastenet where the sand is black. In the north, by Club St. Lucia is is a beautiful deep blue colour, turquoise in spots and dark in others.<BR><BR>We didn't eat at Jalousie but heard reports that the food was very good, but pricey.<BR><BR>hope this helps.<BR><BR>LR

Anon.

LR: That was my point exactly. There are a few spots but it's definitely not like Turks, Bahamas, and many other Caribbean islands. Let's face it, the best it gets in St. Lucia just isn't all that great.

xx

Don't let this make you think twice about staying at Jalousie. I did last summer (on points) and it was unbelievable! The beach is very nice & quiet, and you can snorkel directly off (equipment included free). Admittedly, the main draw is the dramatic setting: lush rainforest and the pitons. You won't be disappointed...

kdr

KMCM:<BR>Ignore Anon. My husband and I stayed at the Jalousie for our honeymoon and absolutely loved the resort and St. Lucia. The island is great because it is beautiful and there is so much to do--we had a great time whether we were on the rainforest safari/hike or laying on the beach beneath our tiki hut sipping on frozen rum drinks. The beach wasn't crowded, although to get one of the tiki huts you did have to go down in the morning and reserve your spot.

KMCM

Thanks kdr. I appreciate the information. How was the food at Jalousie? I heard on the expensive side and not that good. Are restaurants outside of the resort within walking distance or must you cab it?

mary

There are very few restaurtants outside of the Jalousie. Ones that come to mind are Bang, Dasheene, La Haut Plantation, Mago Estate, and there are a few (albeit very modest and not very touristy) cafe-type places in the Town of Souffriere which isn't too far away. You could always take a water Taxi to Anse Chastenet but I'm not sure of the food quality / cost there.

Gretchen

We stayed at the jalousie in 12/01 on hilton honors points. We loved it!!! It is a very quiet resort, not crowded with person after person. The water was turquoise! Go to the restaurant the "Bang" which is within walking distance. If you are looking for nite life this is not the place. You must go to Ladera for dinner one nite, very romantic. The Jalousie's food is ok, but expensive. The past and seafood buffet were excellent and I thought reasonably priced. We stocked our fridge with breakfast foods and some snacks and ate lunch at the restaurant by the pool and beach. The breakfasts at the restaurant were expensive, $80 for 4, continental too! We loved this place!

kdr

KMCM: I agree with everyone else's description of the food. Nothing great, and pretty expensive. I, too, would recommend eating at the Bang, which is walking distance from the resort, and taking a cab ride to Ladera for dinner. We regretted not trying some of the places in Souffriere so we could more of a local flavor. We also stocked up on snacks and breakfast foods in our room.<BR>In our opinion, the food is the Jalousie's one weakness, but not one that would keep us from returning as the resort's strengths far outweighed this one minor flaw.

xx

We're all on the same bandwagon! Go to Bang on Wednesday for the show + Ladera (Dasheene) at least once. The seafood buffet at Jalousie was great. We enjoyed the food at Jalousie but it was a bit pricey, definitely avoid the dining room (can't remember the name), it wasn't worth the cost. I also heard that in Souffriere the restaurant located in the courthouse was good. We stayed on points so splurged a bit on food.. but you could definitely save by going to Souffriere the first day and stocking on breakfast/snack stuff.

xxxx

Our room was an oceanview villa suite. It was right above the road where the helipad is. You walked out of our villa to the plunge pool. On the other side of the pool was a fence, shoulder height covered with vines. After that it dropped off steeply down to the road and the water was on the other side of the road. We had a great view and it was very private because the road was so far below. The only possible drawback was being near the helipad but we enjoyed watching the helicopter land and take off. It only came a few times a day also. We were told the road our villa was on (which was a side road) was the celebrity row. We thought it was a great location. Very convenient to walk to beach and restaurant's.

Shannon

Just got back from St. Lucia! The beach at the Hilton is imported white sand, while the beach at Anse Chastanet is black, volcanic sand. Both are very lovely, but the Hilton was a much nicer resort, with better snorkeling. As for food, the best restaurant we ate at all week was at the Hilton - The Plantation Room. The wine list was the best on the island, the food was amazing, the setting elegant, and the service attentive. Dasheene at Ladera (where we stayed) and The Hummingbird were are tied for second. (if you go to The Hummingbird, be sure to order the Rainforest Crayfish with garlic butter, if they are in season - the size of small lobster & absolutely delicious!) La haut Plantation was decent, but not great. My husband loved his banana milkshake. The food at Bang was not that great on Wednesday night, but most people seem to go for the show. It was fun (as long as you partake of the rum punch) but not as good as I had thought it would be, after reading so much about it on this board. We were told by locals that The Old Courthouse and Camilla's were good, but didn't get to try them. For lunch, Dasheene was the best, but if you want to eat on the beach, both Hilton & Anse Chastanet have beach side restaurants & waiters that will bring food to you. Hope that helps!

betty

Why not combine your stay at the Hilton<BR>or Ladera with a few nights at a <BR>Sandals Resort. My husband and I <BR>went to St. Lucia three Time! We loved<BR>it! Sandals Grand St. Lucien has the <BR>best beach, it opens on August 15th<BR>(previously was the Hyatt) great <BR>location. We started our last vacation'<BR>at Sandals St. Lucia Golf and Spa <BR>followed by a few nights at Ladera.<BR>It was a perfect combination. The two <BR>resorts are in diffent area of St. Lucia. Please e-mail or call me for <BR>additional informaiton. I can be <BR>reached at 800 800 6332 ex. 232 -<BR>Travel specialist for American Express.<BR>