Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Plow
Wife & I were initially going to try for Hawaii, but long story short, not sure that we are going to do that now. So, we've been looking into the Sandals all inclusive vacations. I've got a few questions for those that have been:
#1 - What are your resort recommendations? We have looked at Sandals Grande St. Lucian & Sandals Royal Bahamian. Pricing is roughly the same. They have a $450 credit per person for airfare & 30% discount if booked before 9/4....so it's kind of a "rush" decision.
#2 - Neither my wife or I have been to any Sandals location, but my understanding is it is "all inclusive" - meaning room, all food, all drinks (alcoholic as well) are included. Is that right? Anything else included that I should be aware of?
#3 - Any hidden costs that we should be aware of? Other than any shopping, etc that we decide to do.
#4 - Anything in general that we should be aware of? We are looking to go in May 2009 - is that a good time or do you recommend any "good weather" times? Not going during hurricane season, that's for sure.
I know that this has been discussed in some other threads, but searching didn't really give me much....so repost me all you want.....this thread is here to say.
Thanks in advance for any help.
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The wife and I did Sandals Grande St. Lucia and loved it. It is all included and we never had any problems. Their "mini bar" is a couple bottles of booze in your room and they had no problem switching out for whatever we wanted. If they had it we could get it. They only have two beers on tap, Heineken and a local brew called Piton. Piton is fine and gets the job done. The restaurants were good and because there were 3 Sandals on the island you could go to any of the restaurants at any of them for free.
As for "hidden fees" that was mostly just the services we contracted with. Sandals had a concierge service where they would book whatever you wanted to do on whatever day you wanted to do it and put the bill on your tab because they were working with local merchants. We did a wonderful snorkeling tour around the island, had a blast on zip lines through the jungle, scuba diving was fun as well. Other than that no problems, their employees are strictly prohibited from taking tips.
The locals in St. Lucia are great people, poor but very nice. They recognize the value you, as a tourist, bring to their island. They do a weekly street party in the capitol city and it's a blast. You can pay a local cab driver about $50 bucks to take you down, give you the tour, and hang out. I thought it was great. If anyone even looks like they might mess with you the local dude will straighten them right the f out. I didn't feel like it was necessary but it was the same dude that gave us another tour of the island and we got along great so I had no problem throwing the guy a little work to support his family.
You can strictly be-bop between the three resorts on the island and have a fine time that way simply relaxing.
If you have the means reserve a room with the swim up option to your deck and concierge service. It costs a little more but they swing off your nuts a little bit and that's nice. And waking up to a little morning tumble, shower, and dropping straight into the pool for a quick swim is awesome.
The airport in St. Lucia is a little rustic but customs was quick enough. They'll have shuttle service ready to take you to the resort. Be warned: they drive on the left side of the road. The island is a volcano and has steep inclines and switch backs. If you or your wife has a propencity for motion sickness pop a dramamine.
Once you get to the resort it's an open air lobby where they greet you with champagne and cold towels and you just relax while they get you checked in. They take your bags straight to your room and you're free to unwind during the check in process. Again, the locals are very nice people and friendly to deal with and happy to oblige you if they can.
That's what I got for you. Happy to answer questions if you have them.
PS. I have a new political ambition, set up a US Embassy in St. Lucia. Get assigned there. My wife and I will be going back.