St. Lucia----Jalousie Hilton
 

Just back from 2 weeks there. It was great---best trip ever---travel is hard and expensive, food just ok at the hotel----very good in the main rest. and very good elsewhere. Water taxis are the way to go if possible----neither those or land taxis are cheap. It is the Helen of the West Indies.

Would love to know more ! What was the beach like ? Scenery , surrounding foilage etc. We are interested in Stonefield Estate Villas which uses this beach . Any extra input is great ! Faith

Also wondering about whether the snorkeling/scuba and hiking were special there. My husband and I are eager to find a place in early March that combines a resort and active experience.

Faithie, the beach at the hilton is outstanding----and probably one of the best of the island. There are not many beaches on this island. Anse Chastenat was almost as good. I talked to a lady that was I think staying at Stonefield and she liked it. The scenery is quite lush and unlike any other place. Food at Dasheen's is great (Ladera) and striking scenery.

Potterlane, snorkeling is very good----good right at the Hilton, very good at Anse Chastanet, even though not as varied and not quite as pristine as Cayman, but very good. I did not dive----have friends that did and they enjoyed it very much.

I highly recomend St. Lucia!!

We stayed at the Jalousie two years ago and thought it was beautiful--at that time Hilton had just acquired the propoperty--the rooms are lovely and built into the side of the hill--the bathrooms were fabulous--as was the plunge pool--diving was interesting to say the least--the dive site at the hotel was most convenient--we drove the first night to the hotel--never again--we took the helicopter to the airport going home--much more sane--the roads are horrible--we rented a car and then asked to have it picked up at our departure ( and we usually love to drive ourselves--but those pitons are formidable). Please let me know if you would like more info--we would definitely stay there again--but we like to try different places to dive and be spoiled--i think you would definitely enjoy it!!!!!

Potterlane, the hiking/walking is excellent also, the scenery is fantastic and the Hilton organises guided walks into the Pitons from reception quite a few days of the week.

Stayed there for a week in March and loved it. The beach is white sand, only one of a few on St. Lucia; most are the black volcanic sand as was the Hilton. Apparently Hilton shipped in the white sand a few years back.

Snorkeling is great for a resort beach, just to the side at the base of one of the pitons is a roped off and protected area for Marine life and snorkeling. Be prepared for expensive food, without any options because you're very isolated at the Jalousie, but the people do make up for it, they were so nice.

If you can, take a day and water taxi up the coast for more snorkeling; you can negotiate with the boat captains on the beach (very reasonable) I also recommend the Helicopter to and from the airport. Enjoy!

croix, so glad your trip was great! Did you end up renting a car for any of your time there? How did the kids like it?

Was there any buzz/rumors going around the property of a the Hilton sell out to another resort chain? I know Hilton did a partial buy out with the St.Lucian government back in 1997, when they took it over. I heard there contract is now over, and someone mentioned "One and Only" was the talk?

Just when I was saving up my Hilton points, that would be a bummer, LOL.


Donna

Sailor--did not rent a car. The road width as you know is about 1.5 car widths in many places, no guard rails and just very winding and hilly----too much time to get places far away. Rented a very nice driver far the day, after that water taxis were much preferred.

My children REALLY loved it---lush foiliage, geckos, bats at night, hummingbirds, mongooses---and much more. Good beach and snorkeling. Most of all not very developed in the South and people everywhere extremely nice and always asked if we were enjoying St. Lucia. Soufriere was different---a real fishing village.

As far as the change of ownership----the Coconut Tele is well and alive----I heard the same from the water taxi guys that the previous owner wanted it back, wants to make it a 5 star and call it the One & Only something---but just rumor for now I think.

Can't wait to get back and bask in its beauty.

croix, great to hear the kids enjoyed! What a neat place for them to experience.

Oh boy, oh boy, if the rumors do come true! I'm going to need to get back there quick, LOL, do you think I can use this one on my husband?

My gut tells me that this could be really in the workings, as Lord Glenconnor's dream was for the Jalousie to be a playground for the rich and famous. One and Only Resorts are a international luxury chain with properties world wide with the prices to boot! Oh my!

Donna

Sailor, One and Only would rule me out. Call the Conceirge----Rossina and she might be of help. What is LOL?

EEEEK !!! Hope it is not before November !! LOL , is laughing out loud , I recently found out . lol !!! Faithie