To St Lucia or not to St Lucia, that is the question.....

Dearest Gurus

I have been researching a possible trip to St Lucia in early September & would appreciate any advice on where to stay. There'll only be Mr Roxy-Popsy & I so am looking at child free hotels.

Have been looking at possibly Rendezvous on Malabar Beach, the smallish Sandals on Halcyon Beach or TheBodyHoliday (yes, it's all one word) on Cariblue Beach.

We have not previously visited the island so all thoughts appreciated. oo)

Have been looking at pretty pics on the Virgin Holidays brochure, lethal

Many thanks in advance.

Roxy Popsy

Depends on what your're looking for in the property itself , but my vote would be for East Winds Inn. Can't guarantee the child freeness, but the price and lack of child enticing facilities make it a low count on the ankle biter meter. Small, excellent food, no booking tables malarkey, swim up serve yourself bar....

I would thoroughly recommend TheBodyHoliday. I've been several times, although not for a couple of years. They had a refurb just prior to my last visit and the location is just stunning. A lot of people are put off the resort as they think that they 'must' be as active as possible for the whole trip. Although there is a mind blowing array of sports, activities and classes there is no pressure at all to get involved in everything and you really can do as much or as little as you like.

The food in Cariblue (The main restaurant) was always of a high standard with great service and 'Tao' their fine dining restaurant was also superb. You do have to make a reservation in advance for this though and there are some supplements on items on the menu as well as some wines.

I have visited Rendezvous for dinner but haven't stayed there so I can't really comment of the resort itself - the food was great though!

Make sure you visit The Pitons and if you're feeling energetic I can recommend climbing Gros Piton - a moderate 2hr hike but well worth it when you get to see the view from the top.

Oh, and talking of Pitons did I mention the local beer? Another thumbs up.

Matt

We've been half a dozen or so times, but nearly all child based holidays so I can't help first hand with hotels, apart from Eastwinds Inn. We went about 16 years ago, pre babies, so you may need to check it is still there and current reviews. At the time it was a small luxurious resort with amazing food and wine.

BUT if you do ONE thing, you MUST take the helicopter to or from the airport, preferably both.

I hate flying, I hate heights, but it was fantastic.

I can't help first hand with hotels, apart from Eastwinds Inn. We went about 16 years ago, pre babies, so you may need to check it is still there and current reviews. At the time it was a small luxurious resort with amazing food and wine.

It is still there, it still gets amazing reviews and I'll be there again, all being well, in early August two years after our last visit.

Unfortunately though I would like to take the helicopter, it would prove grounds for immediate divorce for MrsPJH...

BUT if you do ONE thing, you MUST take the helicopter to or from the airport, preferably both.

I hate flying, I hate heights, but it was fantastic.

Agreed, definitely experience the helicopter. Most of the resorts are at the north of the island and the airport is right on the southern tip. It's about an hour and a half drive on an average day but there can be all sorts of unexpected hold ups and the roads are very slow and quite bendy.

We preferred to do the helicopter one way and then drive the other, I always like to get a feel for the country I'm in and you'll pass through a lot of villages which really open your eyes to the real St Lucia!

If you choose a Sandals property the Sandals Grande St Lucian is the nicest of the 3. You can also dine and use the facilities of all 3.

I stay at BodyHoliday before its refurb and have to say it was fantastic. Also did the helicopter from the airport and road transfer back. Both require the wearing of a seat belt

Another vote for Sandals Grande. Nicest out of the three. We haven't stayed at the Halcyon, but would rate this as third out of three having dined there 3/4 times. We've stayed at Regency and we also liked it there, but your room can be someway from the main areas, as it's spread over a large site.

Do not stay at Club St Lucia, that is for sure... stayed there once and would never go back. Just not up to standard, felt like a Caribbean Butlins.

Cant go wrong with Sandals... stayed at Sandals Grande in Antigua and was amazing, so would expect similar in St Lucia.

Dearest Gurus oo)

Thank you all for your advice, really appreciated as we have not previously visited the island.

The Upgrade Fairy shone upon me as I bagged two G's from S fares which were a really good use of our miles, even though M fares were available but value for money wise weren't as good value overall.

I made an executive decision on behalf of us because I had whittled down our choice to two properties, St James or Rendezvous due to the deals I was offered which were brilliant

Sooooo...Rendezvous it is

Will report back after we return.

Thank you again.

Roxy-Popsy

[buns]

Rosy-Popsy

Splendid news that you have been able to secure G's y) y)

As always, the V Flyer Community can be relied upon to give loud advice

buns

Ahem, not just a report on the hotel, but TR are now obligatory!