Trip Report

I started off my third day in St Lucia by visiting all three of the Sandals resorts on the island. If you’ve done your research on Sandals or are familiar with the brand, you know that they target honeymooners and couples looking for an ultra-all inclusive romantic escape.  The service, quality of accommodations and amenities are consistent across all resorts.  No matter which resort you stay at, you have access to the sister properties (Stay at 1, Play at 3).  So which Sandals resort is right for you?

Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort –  the furthest north outside of Rodney Bay

This is probably my favorite Sandals resort for a beach vacation. The beach here is long, clear and mild.  The swim-out rooms and romantic Rondoval Suites make it an ideal honeymoon hot spot. This resort feels very open and airy with one of the larger Red Lane spas and fitness centers.  The main pool area is very lively and winds around through the room buildings. So no matter where you stay, you’re close to the water.  There are several wedding gazebos and a very large indoor reception/meeting area that would work well for larger groups.  I also liked the little hidden nooks throughout the property. You’ll find a private bench or hammock for two tucked away between the trees.  Perfect for spending an afternoon away from the beach but out of your rooms. Thankfully it was a sunny day so I was able to take quite a few photos.

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Sandals Halcyon – a boutique beach retreat

On the other side of Castries is Sandals Halcyon.  This is the smallest of the three resorts (169 rooms), also with a lovely beachfront location. I really like the smaller atmosphere of Halcyon.  While there is not a full Red Lane Spa onsite, guests can take the shuttle to one of the nearby hotels for full services. I really liked the smaller, almost cottage like vibe that the rooms have.  Most of the accommodations are tucked back in the gardens which are lush and filled with beautiful flowers.   There is a row of rooms closest to the beach that would be ideal if you want to be closer to the action. The patios however here are not private at all as they open right out to the lawn and public areas.  Inside, the rooms are quite modest decor wise of the three.  Nice bed, bathroom area etc. but not super luxurious. Comfortable though. I had lunch in the main buffet which was quite good with plenty of salad options. Of the three Sandals property this resort had a more mature feel.   There were still plenty of young honeymooners but I also saw more mature couples looking for that ultra-all inclusive romantic getaway on St Lucia.  The main pool is quite lively with music, entertainment and of course a swim up bar.  On the back side of the property is a quiet garden pool near the rooms. So even if you opt to stay in one of the lower priced room categories, you’ll still be close to a pool and because the property itself it not very large, it’s just a short walk to get anyway.

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Sandals La Toc — the Grand Dame of St Lucia

So I have a little trouble describing this property. It’s just soooo big with just over 210 acres!  I think the main reason you would stay at Sandals La Toc is if you’re a golfer.  This is the only resort on the island with a 9- hole golf course. Green fees are included (mandatory caddy/cart is extra).  The resort also has the largest pool in the Caribbean! This is a good thing because the beach (while half a mile long) is super narrow and a bit rough given the rocky coastline that most of the property hugs.   All of the lower tiered rooms are near the main resort building.  You may not have a view but you’ll be closest to the restaurants, pools, bars, etc.  If you look at the property maps, it looks like there is a second beach in front of the Royal buildings (12) but the beach washed away in a storm a few years ago. So the only sandy beach access is near the main access to the resort.   The Royal section of the resort is where you’ll have the top tier rooms including concierge level rooms, ocean front butler suites.  It’s almost a resort within a resort as there is a separate pool area for this zone.  If you’re looking for really quiet, larger accommodations with butler access and don’t mind being a 5 min golf cart ride away from the beach, this is a great option.  Rooms are all very lovely no matter where you stay.   The resort just involves a lot of walking which I normally don’t mind at all but there is a lot of golf cart traffic and it just seems “busy”. I can see this being a good option for larger destination wedding groups with the variety of room type options, numerous venue locations and onsite activities like the golf course.

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So to recap – a Sandals is a Sandals.  You can be confident that you’ll receive the same high level of service, attention to detail, ultra-all inclusive amenities including food, beverage, gratuities and onsite activities. The real difference is location, and the specific room type you can get at each resort within your desired budget.  You might find you’ll be much closer to the beach at Halcyon which is more important to you so you’re ok with a more modest room. Or you might find you want a much larger suite, don’t mind not being right at the beach because you want R&R with some golf through in, in which case La Toc is perfect for you.  Or if you love the beach and want a more lively atmosphere with a healthier budget – do a Rondoval suite at Grande St Lucian.

Contact me today for your complimentary consultation!  Remember, when you book your Sandals vacation with Travel by Darcy you also receive up to a $100 activity credit when staying 7+ nights!   

My recent visit to St Lucia included a 3 night stay at the all-inclusive St James Club Morgan Bay.  This is a family friendly, beachfront resort located in Gros Islet, between Castries and Rodney Bay.   It’s about a 90min drive from the airport in Hewanorra to the south.  It’s a scenic drive as you come up the east coast and through the rain forest. So you’re passing small fishing villages, banana plantations and beautiful vegetation.

I arrived to the hotel rather late, about 8PM when most guests are in the restaurants. Check-in was a bit old school, filled out a few forms and told to come back at some point so they can run my card.  I had VIP dinner reservations that evening at Bambou – one of the ala carte specialty restaurants. Now normally when you arrive, guests are advised to eat dinner that evening in The Palms restaurant which is the main buffet (breakfast, lunch and dinner daily). Then the next day you can stop by the hospitality desk to make reservations for either Bambou or Le Jardin for other nights during your stay.

DINING:  Meals in the main buffet, The Palms, are what you’d expect of a buffet.  There were ample hot and cold choices including a cooked-to-order omelette station.  I’ve never been to a buffet where I was really wowed by the food. When you’re cooking for masses of people you can’t get super creative or complicated.  The key to enjoying a buffet is to arrive just as the restaurant opens so that your food is fresh and hot. The restaurant typically opened for dinner at 6P and since I have kids at home I’m used to eating earlier so this was fine for me.  They do change the menu each evening to a different theme (Italian, French, Asian etc.).

Bambou is one of the ala carte restaurants offering breakfast, light lunch options, Brittish afternoon tea and dinner. Dinner is Asian-Caribbean inspired cuisine. This restaurant is the closest to the ocean so it’s quite lovely in the evening with those sea breezes and the sounds of the waves nearby.  The menu is not incredibly large but the food was quite good.

Le Jardin is the French-Creole specialty restaurant that is open for dinner. There is a $35 per person surcharge for this restaurant which is added to your room bill.   This is also the only restaurant in a building with AC.  They’ve set the mood well with dim lighting, white table clothes, live classical piano music and very attentive service.  Personally, I love the french-creole inspired foods (fresh seafood dishes, hints of spice with lots of veggies) and so I thought this restaurant was well worth the surcharge.  There is also a nice wine list ($) available.  I don’t know if it’s the norm but the night I was there the pianist was playing all 80’s classic rock and people were humming along which made it kind of fun. That gentleman was super talented.

There are additional dining choices like the Plum Tree Bar & Grill in the Kid Pool area (quick burgers, chicken tenders, paninis, ice cream etc..) which is perfect for families looking for a quick and easy lunch.   Morgan’s Pier Restaurant was not available while I was there but is known for their fresh seafood and fantastic views.

I will make note that there are cats all over the place.  Not just at this resort but I saw them at all of the resorts I went to.  They tend to show up at night when it’s dinner time and do wander around freely. The resorts all actively try to collect them and take them to the local vet where there is an initiative to try to get them fixed and adopted out.   It didn’t bother me particularly but I mention it because it’s not just at this resort but throughout the island. Just ignore them and move on. If anything it helps keep the rodent and lizard population down.

ROOMS: This is one of the larger resorts that I saw on the island with 320 rooms and suites spread out in several hillside buildings.  While this resort is beachfront and almost all of the rooms offer some kind of a view, the room blocks are not directly beachfront.  There is quite a bit of walking involved at this property.  Thankfully the staff has several golf carts readily available to whisk you to any part of the resort.  I was in a 1 bedroom ocean view room in one of the blocks closest to the ocean so the views were really nice.  I could easily see out over the entire resort including the gardens, pools, restaurants and beach. On the flip side, I could also hear all the noise. There is live music every night at the pool bar that goes until 11P. I would imagine if I was in a garden room on the other side of the tennis courts, this may not be an issue.   So something to take note of if you like to retire early or traveling with little ones.  I found the rooms to be very spacious, well decorated with large balconies and sufficient bathrooms.

SERVICE & ENTERTAINMENT:  As far as entertainment, the main pool and bar is where it is at.  It’s the central hang out spot to enjoy music, a drink at the swim-up bar, meet new friends, play some games or just soak up the sunshine.  For the kiddos, there is a separate family friendly pool area with a few slides, ample loungers and the Plum Tree Bar & Grill for snacks and a light lunch.  Just next to the pool area is a large open kid’s zone with a play ground and open lawn area to burn off some energy. In the winter months there is a kid’s club with scheduled activities that are age appropriate.

Free WIFI is available in the lobby and pool bar. You can also get internet in your room for $10 p/day which is really reasonable.   It’s always amazing to me to see literally 50 people in the lobby on their device checking emails and what not. I was guilty of it too. I think it just goes to show how hard it is for us to truly unplug and relax.   I read once that it takes a solid 2 days for us to let go of every day stress to START enjoying a vacation. Then the last day you’re usually worried about getting home. All the more reason to take a longer holiday to make sure you get enough time to recharge your batteries!

I found all of the staff from the front desk, lobby/cart attendants, restaurant and bar team etc. to be very friendly.  Service is a bit slow but again to be expected. This is island life and you’re on vacation. Sit down and relax. If it takes 5 min for your drink, be patient.  I don’t know if the St James staff is trained to be inquisitive of their guests or if it’s just the natural openness of the St Lucian people but they always had a warm smile, asked how my day was going,  what hotels I saw that day, did I need anything, did I talk to my kids that day etc.  They remember you and want you to have a good time on their little slice of paradise.

The beach is small and cove like. St Lucia is not known for having long stretches of sandy beach as most of the coast line is rocky. The beach at St James was nice for this size resort. There is drink service at the beach and the protective cove layout means you don’t have to worry about vendors coming up to you and hawking their goods.  Options are available for non motorized and motorized water sports ($)

All in all I think St James Morgan Bay is a solid 4* resort. Fun, casual, comfortable with excellent dining and entertainment options.  This resort would be an ideal spot for families, couples and groups that want a beachfront location.

I was battling overcast skies and drizzles so I don’t have too many photos unfortunately.  Here are just a few and of course you can visit the hotel website for specific photos or contact me and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!

 

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St. Lucia — an island in the eastern Caribbean possesses a wealth of natural beauty—lush mountains, a steaming sulfur volcano, 19,000 acres of rain forest (35% of the country), charming black- and white-sand beaches, rare colorful foliage and exotic wildlife. Add to this mix the pleasant St. Lucia weather and the nice beaches, and you understand why it is a popular Caribbean destination.

There’s plenty to do on this small island. The rain forest is an ideal place for hiking, mountain biking, bird-watching or standing near a waterfall to soak up the mist from its spray. There’s also whale- and dolphin-watching, snorkeling, kite-sailing, fishing and diving.

Vacationers who go to St. Lucia travel there generally for two distinct reasons: either to enjoy its charm and undeveloped feel, still found in some places, or to luxuriate in five-star waterfront luxury.

On my recent trip, I had the opportunity to sample the best of both worlds

Ladera Resort — an Eco Luxe Retreat

My first stop of the day was the hilltop retreat known as Ladera.  Located in Soufriere, it’s about a 45min drive from the airport. Once a cocoa plantation, this resort is ideal for those looking to unplug from the world for a few days (there are no phones or televisions in the room). It’s a quiet, relaxing hideaway ideal for honeymooners or couples.  Each of the 32 rooms and suites feature hand carved wood furniture, local artwork, four poster canopy beds with mosquito netting, outdoor rain showers, private plunge pools and magnificent views of the Pitons.  Rooms are spacious and one whole wall is open to the outside to take advantage of those cool Caribbean breezes (= no AC). In the award-winning Dasheene, guests can enjoy classic Caribbean cooking utilizing all local grown ingredients.  There is a main pool area near The Bar but sees little action since each of the rooms & suites have their own plunge pool. While there is occasional entertainment like local musicians in the evening, everyone pretty much retreats back to their own space once the sun goes down.   For those that want to go to the beach, guests can use the beach club at nearby Sugar Beach which is about a 5 min drive down the road.  This is also your next best option for dining outside of the hotel.    This is a hard hotel to rate as it’s really unique and unlike any other hotel options on the island.  Super romantic and I think eco-luxe describes it best.

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Sugar Beach by Viceroy — Beachfront Chic

Hands down my favorite beachfront, non-inclusive resort that I saw on this trip. Formerly the Hilton Jalousie Plantation, the Viceroy Sugar Beach has reemerged after a 100-million dollar renovation and is just spectacular.   It’s luxurious but not over the top in your face.  Aesthetically for me, I love British Colonial + Caribbean decor (picture white marble, shutters, rich mahogany, four poster beds, breezy linens… sigh…  ) so I thought this place was just dreamy.  It’s a crazy drive down to the beach on horrendous roads but it’s completely worth it as the property is right on the beach.  All beaches are public in St Lucia but because of it’s unique location in a protected cove, it’s primarily just guests of the hotel and the nearby hotels of Ladera and Stonefield Estate.   Spread out over 192 acres, rooms in the main hotel overlook either the garden/pool or beach. Larger 2-5 bedroom villa residences are perched above the resort on the hillside. There is quite a bit of walking involved at this property however there are golf carts readily available to take you around as needed. The Rainforest Spa is a unique experience with treatment rooms up on stilts and in the trees (picture a cooler version of Swiss Family Robinson).  There are numerous types of rooms to choose from depending on the size and location that you prefer. With the larger villa residences, Sugar Beach is also a great option for families or groups. The villas are all individually owned and in a rental pool but with consistent decor. When I was there they were setting up for a wedding on the beach followed by a reception at The Terrace Restaurant, one of two main dining options onsite. This resort is a gorgeous setting for a wedding! I  did speak with a couple on the plane ride home that stayed at this resort for their babymoon and they were thrilled with the accommodations. Biggest shock for them was the sticker price on food. You are pretty much in the middle of nowhere so unless you’re ready to take a taxi back/forth to town, you’re dining at the restaurants onsite and prices are high. So definitely look at meal plan options when factoring your overall budget.

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Anse Chastenet & Jade Mountain — Brothers from another Mother?

These two resorts are owned and operated by the same Euro-Canadian couple and the resorts couldn’t be more different. Anse Chastenet is a laid back, beachfront, Caribbean style resort. Whereas Jade Mountain would be it’s ultra modern, wealthy, chic big sister. Or little sister because it’s so much smaller? I’ll stop with the analogies now.  I arrived late in the afternoon to the resort in the middle of a rainstorm just as a yoga group was checking in so unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to see the individual rooms but I have had clients at both properties. And just as the resorts are so different, they would each cater to a very different type of traveler. Anse Chastenet is super casual, fun and quite modest as far as accommodations go.  Rooms feature traditional Madras patterned linens which are authentic to the island and most do not have air conditioning. The best feature really is the beachfront location.  The hotel does not accept small children so it would be ideal for a honeymoon, romantic retreat or even a spa/wellness escape with your friends! The onsite Kai Belte Spa is very popular and offers a range of treatments, fitness and Yoga classes.    Rooms are spread out throughout the property so if you book a garden view, be prepared to be up on the hillside and ready for a healthy walk (or golf cart ride) to the main hotel.  There is a full range of water activities available at the beach club as well so if you’re looking for an active holiday this would be a good spot.

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Jade Mountain is located majestically on the hillside behind Anse Chastenet.  If you’re staying at Jade, it’s only about a 5-7 min walk down to the beach and you can utilize all the services available at Anse Chastenet including the bars, restaurants and spa.  Jade Mountain is stunning architecturally with private bridges leading to each suite.  With just 29 suites you’re assured a private and relaxing escape from the rest of the world.  Each of these majestic suites feature either a jacuzzi tub (Sky Suite) or large infinity pool that is open to the outside. The way the property is built makes each suite very private as you can’t see into any of the suites near you so if you prefer to sunbathe au natural it’s not an issue.  Each of the suites (or sanctuaries as they’re called onsite) are very large ranging from 1400-1800 square feet and elegantly decorated.  There is one restaurant onsite on the roof which again offers fantastic views.  Most guests that stay at Jade Mountain are usually on either a romance / honeymoon package or meal plan.  Honestly, if you’re going to pay the money to stay here you will not want to leave.  It’s on par with rates of a Sandals resort vacation once you factor in the meal plan but the experience is completely different.  Way more private and more personal.  The roads again are insane getting to the property and many times I thought my driver was lost but the drive is completely worth it to be embraced by the pure luxury of Jade Mountain. This is the ideal resort for those looking for an uber luxe escape.

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I wish I had better photos but I had to zip in and out in between rain storms.  Feel free to contact me with any questions!  Stay tuned for Day 2!

I recently had the opportunity to tour Royal Caribbean’s “Brilliance of the Seas” when she was in Boston for the day. There is a lot of hype for the mega ships that Royal Caribbean offers like the Oasis of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and the new Harmony of the Seas which debuts next year.  These ships really are amazing with all the bells and whistles you could possibly dream of rivaling a Disney resort.  But that’s not to say that the smaller ships (90,000 tons) shouldn’t be considered. In fact, I really liked this size ship — not too big and not too small!

The Brilliance of the Seas is an older ship but was completely renovated in 2013. Cabins are quite spacious and there are several dining options on board. I think the BEST feature is the glass surround.  No matter where this ship sails to, you’ll have amazing views from any part of the ship.  The adult-only Solarium was toasty warm and next to the spa, perfect for an adult only retreat.  The kid zone is smaller but completely sufficient if you’re traveling with smaller kids. There is a full children’s program (age appropriate), a rock climbing wall, mini golf and water slide. I could definitely see my kids having a good time.

I also learned about My Family Time Dining.  If you have kids you know how hectic dinner time can be. Dining on a cruise is an experience (or it should be at least). I don’t know many kids though that will sit through a 3-4 course meal that can easily take 2 hours.  Enroll in the My Family Time Dinning and 45 min into dinner, the kid’s club coordinators will come to the dining room to get your kids and bring them back to the kid’s club for crafts, games and movies so you can enjoy the rest of your meal in peace. Genius! How can I get this service at home??…..

Another tick in the “pro” column for Royal Caribbean is their entertainment. They have Broadway style and Broadway licensed shows like Mama Mia, Saturday Night Fever and much more. When you consider and average show ticket is maybe $120 a piece but included for free on your Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s an excellent value.

I’ve cruised with Royal Caribbean several times and as the worlds largest cruise company, chances are they have just the right ship and itinerary to fit your family and budget.  Contact me today to discuss your future cruise plans!

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It’s our last day in the Riviera Maya! Started off early and headed into Playa del Carmen to drive through the Playacar community.  Here you’ll find the majority of condo and villa rentals for the area, most of which are NOT on the beach but will generally have some kind of affinity with the nearby golf clubs or beach club offering beach services.  You’ll also find many shops, restaurants and the Hotel Zone with a wide range of 3-4* all inclusive resorts in addition to two upscale properties – The RIU Palace and the Royal Hideaway.

Then we drove through Playa del Carmen to the Paradisus La Perla & Esmeralda.

I have one word for this resort: GORGEOUS.  A true 5* resort experience. The Esmeralda side is for families and La Perla for adults-only. For families looking for an upscale resort that is moderately sized (approx. 500 rooms), this would be an excellent choice.  La Perla is adults-only and absolutely perfect for a honeymoon or destination wedding. The beach here is small (narrow) because of it’s location on the coast but the pool areas here are really lovely. The hotels have a crisp and contemporary vibe. This is a picture of the standard rooms which are super spacious and just beautiful.  At La Perla, I would suggest one of the swim-out rooms on the lower levels which feel quite private as they are not connected to the main pool.  There are many restaurant choices (one of which has a surcharge) and plenty of children’s activities and connecting rooms for those staying at Esmeralda.  I would not hesitate to stay at this resort nor recommend it to my clients.  I have some stunning photos that I’ll have to organize into a slideshow and insert into this post later.

In the afternoon we drove south to visit the ruins at Tulum.  Wow. This area has changed a lot since I was here last. The small food court that had a few local handicraft shops has bloomed to include a Starbucks, Subway, Quizno’s and a few other restaurants with AC! Parking is about $5 (50 pesos) and from there it’s a 10-15 min walk to the park entrance or you can take the “train” (trolley pulled by a tractor) for $2 round trip (totally worth it). Entrance to the park is 64 pesos (about $6) each and a guide service is available if you wish for an additional cost.  I’ve been to Tulum before as well as nearby Coba and Chichen Itza which are popular ruin sites and Tulum really is so beautiful and unique.  It is the only Mayan ruin site right on the ocean. The views are simply amazing and worth a visit. There is a lot of walking over rocky terrain so good walking shoes are recommended.

My next stop was at the Barcelo Resort Complex. This massive area is actually 5 resorts  – the Barcelo Maya Beach, Maya Caribe, Maya Colonial, Maya Tropical and Maya Palace Deluxe

This is another example of “5*” resorts that are actually 3*.  Maya Beach, Caribe, Colonial and Tropical are all quite standard and I would say a solid 3*. The rooms are very basic and no matter which resort you select there is a ton of walking involved to get from A to B.  The Barcelo Maya Beach has the best stretch of sandy beach and will soon be adding an adult-only pool.  The Barcelo Maya Caribe has just added a new mall area that includes more shopping choices and an indoor bowling alley.  The Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe is undergoing soft-renovations (paint, carpet, bedding etc.) and would be a good 4* .  Guests at this resort do have access to the other resorts if you wish (but not the other way around).  My main issue is just how big this property is and how far away the rooms are from the beach and pool areas.  If you want to be closer to the action or are traveling with small children I’d strongly suggest booking a Club room which come with upgraded amenities and are the best located rooms on the property.  One big plus I think is the wide stretch of beach frontage. There is a path and it takes about 30min to walk from one end to the other. So this is a great option for those that like to take those long beach walks each day.

The last stop today was at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya.  Another WOW property. This used to be the Aventura Spa Palace which Hard Rock took over and completely remodeled a few years ago. There are two sections to this resort – Heaven – which is adults only and – Hacienda – which is for families.  The resort lay outs are the same on both sides with the exception of the spa and nightclub being on the Heaven side.  This place is just funky cool.  Fantastic music and Hard Rock memorabilia throughout the property, many dining options most of which are ala carte and fantastic live entertainment each evening. They also draw in well known artists for concerts throughout the year (additional cost) that would be fantastic to tie in with your vacation. In fact when I arrived they were breaking down the event area because we had just missed the 1st annual Jazz Festival for this area.  Because of this properties location, they do not have a sandy beach but a small cove protected by a seawall. This is actually a great feature especially if you have small children as you won’t have to worry about waves or undertow at all. They’ve also been able to avoid the worst of the seaweed problem this summer.

I found it interesting that my contact said the # 1 complaint from guests is that they didn’t know there wasn’t a beach!! This could definitely be a disappointment if you were expecting a long sandy beach.  Kind of a big deal if you ask me.  [Ahem, yet another reason you should be booking your travel with someone who has been there first hand or at a minimum has done thorough research beforehand. ]

I almost felt like I was not quite cool enough for this resort but could be if I stayed here lol.  Just a very cool, fun vibe. Great for groups, families, singles and couples. Perfect if you’re not ocean swimmers and prefer the pools anyway. Taxi’s are readily available if you want to head into Playa del Carmen about 20min away and the airport is about 50min.

So to recap:

Good 3* hotels:

Occidental Grand Xcaret
Barcelo Maya, Caribe, Tropical or Colonial

Good 4* hotels:

Ocean Coral & Turquesa (modest 4*)
Hotel Marina El Cid
Barcelo Maya Palace (4.5* once reno is complete)
Moon Palace (4.5*)

True 5* experience:

Paradisus La Perla or Esmeralda
Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Of course I only scratched the surface and this list doesn’t include the many resorts that I’ve seen or stayed at on previous visits. If you’re considering a trip to the Riviera Maya, contact me.  I’m happy to discuss your plans with you and recommend a resort that will best fit your needs!

Whew, I think I need a vacation from my vacation…