St Lucia - May 2010 by Carol Flanigan

St Lucia -
Kevin and I spent 3 nights at Almond Morgan Bay and 5 nights at Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain. Very different resorts on two very different parts of the island. We flew into UVF and took the transfer through the rain forest to Morgan Bay.
Almond rates Morgan Bay as a 4 star resort. I would say it is no higher than a 3.5 star, but a very nice option for a family wanting a smaller, easy to get around all inclusive resort. The room that we had was a hillside one bedroom suite. It had a beautiful ocean view, large balcony and separate living room, bedroom and bath with jacuzzi tub. Draw back was steep climb from the lobby, restaurant and beach area and limited shuttle service. Room had refrigerator, but was not a stocked mini-bar. Food was reasonably good, with the best choices being La Jardin and Morgan's Pier. There are at least two other beachfront restaurants. Beach area is very nice with lounge chairs and umbrellas available both on the beach and on a large grassy area with palm trees. The pool is divided between family and adults only section with the swim up bar. Plenty of lounge chairs around the pools. There is a nice kids club and separate teen area. Complimentary internet access in the lobby area.
Morgan Bay is close to Castries and taxi prices are fixed into town, $14.00 for 1-4 pax one way.
Sandals Halcyon is within view of Almond Morgan Bay. Probably only a 10 minute walk by beach.
I also toured Almond Smugglers Cove. The entire resort is small one story villas. It is on the very north part of the island. Just a stone's throw to Sandals Grande. I didn't like the lay out of this resort near as well as Morgan Bay. No rooms were near the beach.
The northern part of the island is definitely where you want to put people who want to have activities close at hand. We did the Canopy Tour in the rain forest. This tour can be combined with zip-lining and was very well done.
Each day we experienced a rain shower. Most were of the 10-15 minute variety, straight down warm rain. The island is very green and lush and depends on these frequent showers to replenish everything. The rainy season starts in June and runs through October when the showers may be more persistent.
We transferred to the south end of the island and started our adventure at Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain. Qualify your clients! We spent one night in the "walls on 3 sides" villa and Kevin declared that he really doesn't like camping. No air conditioning, but ceiling fans and mosquito netting, both very necessary. The noise of the tree frogs and other jungle sounds were enough to keep us awake most of the night. My arm stuck out of the mosquito netting for about a half hour and is covered with bites. This is a 5 star resort. Be sure that your clients are in very good physical shape. The walking is steep and intense. The morning after our stay in 15B we went to reception and said that we had made a mistake and that we were going to have to change resorts. We told them that we needed a room with air conditioning. They handled this problem very well. Within a couple hours we were upgraded (at no additional charge) to the only air conditioned room in Jade Mountain. This is a 6 star resort and is very unique. The sky terrace at this resort was featured as the finale of the this season's The Bachelor. They neglected to show that the way to reach the terrace and the Jade Mountain Club restaurant is by way of 200 stairs straight up 5 stories. That will get your heart pumping.
Our room did not have an infinity pool because we opted for air conditioning. But, it has a wonderful jacuzzi tub and very open feel. The view of the Caribbean and the Pitons was outstanding. I have lived in apartments smaller than this suite. Of the 29 suites in Jade Mountain, 24 have infinity pools.
Do not send clients to this resort without purchasing the meal plan which is $90.00 per person per day plus 18% service charge. This covers breakfast and dinner and room service. No alcoholic beverages included. Food was exceptional. True gourmet quality.
Beach is down about 100 steps from Anse Chasetnet reception. There is a shuttle service from Jade Mountain that works reasonably well. The beach is black sand and the consistency of sugar. Very nice. Complimentary snorkeling, kayaking and mountain biking. Scuba is extra. Beautiful bay for snorkeling right off the beach.
We did a half day sailing tour that was very well run and included a snorkel stop and we did the volcano, waterfall and botanical garden tour. Also, well done.
Would I go back to St Lucia? In a heartbeat. It is a fabulous island. English speaking, friendly people. Very safe. But, I would send clients to the resorts on the north side of the island unless they are very well traveled.