I have never been to St Lucia, and ALWAYS have wanted to go. My husband and I usually do the Florida thing with the kids just for ease, but I want more this year. I came across Coconut Bay resort and it looks nice. The slides would be appealing to my kids. Then I came across the Windjammer. My kids are HUGE pool boys, not as interested in the ocean. I would like a very family-friendly resort. I'm travelling from Boston and the flights aren't great. It's a LONG day. What is the time difference from the east coast? We are looking at late March 2008. Does anyone have suggestions or reviews that would be helpful?? Thank you

Oh!! One more thing... my kids are wild about wildlife. I think they would love hiking and exploring.

The only problem with Coconut Bay is that it is extremely isolated, well over an hour from anyplace else on the island you might want to go and not in a particularly scenic location. However, it is right by the airport, and that's an advantage. Most of the other resorts are far away, so doing day-trips seems to me much less of an ordeal than the trip to and from the airport.

If you can fly through San Juan and into Castries, then I think you should consider one of the Rodney Bay area resorts such as Windjammer Landing or maybe one of the Almond resorts. Jamaica has a large number of family-friendly resorts, but if you just want to stay put, find one with lots of activities and facilities and enjoy.

Good to know!! I will look into that. I don't know if Windjammer is within our budget. I am also confused about which airport we are flying into. I have some work to do. Thank you!!

Doug.... I guess I'm confused. Maybe you can clear things up. I was under the understanding that the southern part of the island was where all the "wildlife" was. The rain forests, Pitons, etc... We (well, my kids) have no interest in the shopping and restaurants, so wouldn't the southern area be more appealing? If I'm off-base, please clear things up. This is a big trip for us, and I don't want to screw it up. I looked into the Windjammer and although it looks PERFECT, it's out of our budget. Thanks Doug. I appreciate your input.

Even though St Lucia is not a huge island, it takes a while to travel around because of the terrain. Coconut Coast is on the southeast side of the island. The main touristy attractions are on the southwest side I'm only guessing but I think it would still be about an hour drive.

I must confess that I haven't done the drive from Hewanorra Airport (the airport ou will be flying into if you are on a nonstop flight from the US) to Soufriere, near most of the interesting sights on the southwest coast. When I did the trip last (years ago), the drive was almost 90 minutes ... and only 2 hours to Rodney Bay). That's why I'm concerned about the relative isolation.

Rodney Bay is near Pigeon Island, but it's still a long drive down to the rain forest. But there are only 4 resorts that I know of near Soufriere, and 2 of them are surely out of your price range (Ladera and Anse Chastanet). Jalousie Plantation is probably out of your range; Hummingbird is inexpensive but not a family resort .. just a small place (and I don't remember off the top of my head if hte rooms have a/c).

If Windjammer is out of your range, look at the Almond resorts ... these are AIs and in the mid-range ... and all are family-oriented and better located than Coconut Bay.

If you want lush and wildlife, go to Costa Rica....they can see a live volcano and walk through rain forests, it's gorgeous, educational, rugged and relaxing all at the same time....I do love St. Lucia, but I'm not sure it would be the best choice for this description of what you want..just my opinion.

GettinBye:

I can't comment about St. Lucia, but you sound like the perfect family for St. John USVI! Caneel Bay and the Westin are great - Caneel being more pristine, with the Westin having a wonderful pool and child activities. It is easy to get to AND is a US National Park - with historic wildlife on the island and under water.

Just a thought!

Neither the Westin nor Caneel Bay are suitable for this poster. They're both out of her clearly stated price range.

Paul, I can't make any comments about Coconut Bay,as I have no idea where it is in St Lucia. We stayed at the Windjammer Landing recently and can confirm that it is family friendly with awesome ocean views from your private villa with a plunge pool. For about $2.5K plus flight you can get a one week package there (my experience, we paid $4.2K flights included). You will have to shop around for the best deals, but we highly recommend Serenity Vacations & Tours www.serenitytvl.com. I am sure you can get a special family package there even with free tours. There is a short video on the site that help explain whats available.