Your opinion, please

[mtp51]

Now that Cozumel is out for my normal January getaway, I am about to make reservations at one of two places. I would be interested in any information/feedback, etc on the following properties:
Rendezvous - St. Lucia
Caneel Bay - St. John

Are there any travelers and/or travel agents with opinions??

I'll appreciate your feedback. Thanks!!

[DCTravelAgent]

Well, you should actually call a Travel Agent and book - you have chosen two very different resorts that miles apart in terms of luxury, service, relative price/value, and ammenities. A Travel Agent can help you narrow down by getting to know you and your likes, dislikes, priorities, etc.

[mtp51]

Thanks, DC - I do have a travel agent and I was a travel agent myself for 20 years - been out of the business for 15. In any case, I just wondered if anyone had first hand knowledge of these properties. I think we're leaning toward the Rendezvous - Caneel is way pricey!

[jfrenaye]

I would agree. Caneel is way pricey and St. Lucia is not cheap either. If the expectation is Cozumel, you will be overwhelmed by the differences especially the price in both locales.

[Eileen Sellers]

I've not stayed at Rendezvous but I have been to St. Lucia and I have been to St. John and Caneel Bay.

In terms of island experience, St. Lucia has a lot more to do. I personally think that St. Lucia is one of the most beautiful islands I've ever been to. The island is large, mountainous and very lush and green. The island is rich with culture, a mix of old Christian churches and voodoo. Colorful painted houses, open air markets, rain forest and volcanic parks. St. Lucia is also a "spice island" and a big exporter of cocoa and spices. The resort you are looking at is quiet, much like Caneel Bay atmosphere.

St John is also beautiful with pristine beaches. However, St John being mostly national park doesn't have an island culture like St. Lucia. Caneel Bay is beautiful and the island is great fun.

Each of your choices is a tough travel schedule. Neither one is a breeze to get to.

If you are looking for beautiful seclusion I would opt for Caneel Bay. If you are looking for beautiful seclusion with the option of sightseeing and exploring, I would opt for St. Lucia.

[DCTravelAgent]

Caneel is way pricey and St. Lucia is not cheap either.

Okay. Have seen both. All I will say is I don't book Rendezvous. There is a reason there is a big price differential.

Having said that - there is a "new" property on the South side of SLU (near UVF) that used to be the Club Med. I can not think of hte name - it has "Coco" in it....

I have not seen it, but did see a presentation on it. Looks good and is pricing very nicely.

[mtp51]

Originally posted by DCTravelAgent@Oct 31 2005, 10:59 AM
Okay.* Have seen both.* All I will say is I don't book Rendezvous.* There is a reason there is a big price differential.

Having said that - there is a "new" property on the South side of SLU (near UVF) that used to be the Club Med.* I can not think of hte name - it has "Coco" in it....

I have not seen it, but did see a presentation on it.* Looks good and is pricing very nicely.
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Does Coconut Bay Resort & Spa ring a bell? It is south & 10 min. from Hewanorra. Or maybe Coco Palm??

[DCTravelAgent]

I'm hoenstly not sure......

OK. After look at some photos, it is Coconut Bay.

[Eileen Sellers]

I stayed at Club Med St Lucia...(when it was Club Med) and I wouldn't go there during the winter months. The wind will kill you -- the beach becomes a sand storm. But is the good part of the island for wind surfing.

[DCTravelAgent]

That's a very good point, Eileen. I've actually never put anyone on the Southeast side there - only Southwest. Perhaps that's why it's pricing so well.

So Eileen, question for you since I don't know about this - would one think of that Southest side of St. Lucia in the way one would of the east side of Barbados? Wild and windy?

[kpelletier]

St. Lucia is my favorite place on earth but I do not recommend Rendezvous. Take a look at Anse Chastanet, Ti Kaye, Stonefield Villas or Ladera. All are amazing! I can guarantee that you will fall in love with St. Lucia. There is no island that compares. The only thing that outshines the stunning landscape are the people who are warm and friendly. If you are into hiking, make sure to hike Gros Piton or if you are into adventure travel, tackle Petite Piton. Meno, a guide at Anse Chastanet is the most entertaining guide in the world. Enjoy!

[mtp51]

But I need a room right on the beach!! Get this - my husband stayed up most of the night "researching". Now he's looking into the Turks, Tabago, Bonaire.....
Will a decision ever be made? Will there be any availability in early January? Will I lose my 10 lbs. by then? Does it really matter?
Stay tuned.......
(or not :)

[Eileen Sellers]

Well, I'm glad you're giving the internet a good work out. Finding a room on the beach in easy in the caribbean. What else do you want your vacation to have?


DC- I guess in general the south east part of any island will get the brunt of wind. If the island is mountainous like St. Lucia the north is protected.
St. Lucia being so low in the caribbean really gets it. It can get so bad you don't go on the beach because of virtual sand storms.

[DCTravelAgent]

It's funny that you sould bring the wind up - it is the reason that I am often reluctant to book The Crane on Barbados - in the "historic" rooms, you can really "feel" the wind even with everything closed up.

Back to St. Lucia - I do very much like Ti Kaye.

[cruiser]

We've been to both, although only on day visits as part of a cruise. I would suggest St Lucia in preference to St John, even though I have no knowledge of hotels or resorts in either island. There's more to see on St Lucia and probably more to do.

[Dusty Springfield]

Well if you are not decided and still researching, check out Belize. Less $$$ than the eastern Caribbean, great resorts, quiet and relaxing, not hard to get to.

[mtp51]

You all are very helpfull! The husband is more confused than ever after more research last night. These are his choices now:

Esmeralda Resort, St. Martin
Royal West Indies, Turks & C
Emerald Palms by the Sea, Andros, Bahamas
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, Long Island, Bahamas

And yes, Dusty, Belize has always been on our short list.

I apologize that yesterday's "hot topic" has turned into this cluster.
I do love hearing all of your opinions - Thanks!!

[Eileen Sellers]

At this point, I'm going to join DC agent and suggest that you consult with a professional agent, in person.

Browsing the web isn't helping you make a decision because it is a one dimensional experience. Please have the following infomation available for your agent.
1. Budget--how much money you are willing to spend for the primary parts of the trip, air, hotel.

2. What you expect to find or be able to do on this island.

3. Of the things that you want available to you - determine which are the most important to have.

4. Lastly, take the advice of your agent, and relax.

[mtp51]

Sound advice, Eileen!! Thanks!

[DCTravelAgent]

Brava Eileen!!!!

[Gigs]

do either of these resorts have a nice pool? ;)

[mtp51]

i don't think the Cape Santa Maria has a pool at all. Cross that one off! Meeting w/ travel agent this afternoon - IN PERSON.

[mtp51]

Done deal, friends. Enjoyed spending time w/ my travel agent and we booked the Royal West Indies Resort - Turks & Caicos - Jan 6-13. We are looking forward to it. If anyone is interested, I'll post a review upon our return.
Thanks to the Tripso community for their input & great ideas!

[kpelletier]

Originally posted by mtp51@Nov 2 2005, 08:23 AM
You all are very helpfull!* The husband is more confused than ever after more research last night.* These are his choices now:

Esmeralda Resort, St. Martin
Royal West Indies, Turks & C
Emerald Palms by the Sea, Andros, Bahamas
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, Long Island, Bahamas

And yes, Dusty, Belize has always been on our short list.

I apologize that yesterday's "hot topic" has turned into this cluster.
I do love hearing all of your opinions - Thanks!!
12658

[Eileen Sellers]

Glad to hear your vacation is booked! You will have a wonderful time..give a full report when you are back.