Chantelle

We are in the beginning stages of planning a wedding/honeymoon on St.
Lucia in the Caribbean. Specifically we are interested in staying at
the Sandals Grande Resort on this island.

I'm looking for any recommendations, comments, warnings, or to hear
feedback from anyone who has done this.. we are having a private
ceremony, just my fiance' and I, no family or friends, and we would
like to stay for a week.

We are planning for the first week of January 2005. How is the
weather this time of year? I know that there are several options for
the ceremony, beach wedding, garden wedding and chapel wedding.. how
do these differ?

Any suggestions/comments would be appreciated. We aren't set in stone
as to St. Lucia, but from the pictures I have seen it is beautiful!
Are the other islands comparable?

Thanks!

Chantelle

Verena

(Chantelle) wrote in message news:<>...

    > We are in the beginning stages of planning a wedding/honeymoon on St.
    > Lucia in the Caribbean. Specifically we are interested in staying at
    > the Sandals Grande Resort on this island.
    >
    > We are planning for the first week of January 2005. How is the
    > weather this time of year? I know that there are several options for
    > the ceremony, beach wedding, garden wedding and chapel wedding.. how
    > do these differ?
    >
    > Any suggestions/comments would be appreciated. We aren't set in stone
    > as to St. Lucia, but from the pictures I have seen it is beautiful!
    > Are the other islands comparable?
    >
    > Thanks!
    >
    > Chantelle


Hi!

I live and work in St. Lucia, and my family runs a small guesthouse
there, Balenbouche Estate. I cannot tell you too much about Sandals,
except that is a very popular hotel for weddings, and I think your
expectations will be met. But the island is really one of the most
diverse, beautiful, natural and fun places in the Caribbean. The north
of the island is fairly developed, but the rest isn't - the views and
landscape are spectacular. St.Lucia may be a little pricey compared to
other islands, but it's worthwhile. You may want to rent a car for a
day or two to explore the island. Mind you, the distances can be quite
large and the roads are not always very good. You can also take one of
many organized tours. You can check out some of St.Lucia's best
attractions at www.heritagetoursstlucia.com

Verena

Jim Sparks

On 14 Apr 2004 05:16:56 -0700, (Chantelle)
wrote:

    >We are in the beginning stages of planning a wedding/honeymoon on St.
    >Lucia in the Caribbean. Specifically we are interested in staying at
    >the Sandals Grande Resort on this island.
    >I'm looking for any recommendations, comments, warnings, or to hear
    >feedback from anyone who has done this.. we are having a private
    >ceremony, just my fiance' and I, no family or friends, and we would
    >like to stay for a week.
    >We are planning for the first week of January 2005. How is the
    >weather this time of year? I know that there are several options for
    >the ceremony, beach wedding, garden wedding and chapel wedding.. how
    >do these differ?
    >Any suggestions/comments would be appreciated. We aren't set in stone
    >as to St. Lucia, but from the pictures I have seen it is beautiful!
    >Are the other islands comparable?
    >Thanks!
    >Chantelle


You might want to check www.ladera.com They are considered one of the
5 most romantic hotels in the workd.

Cathy

Chantelle

My husband and I stayed at Sandals Halcyon for our honeymoon last
year.

My opinion is that Sandals is very commercialised, very expensive for
what you get and the marketing just doesn't live up to the reality. As
most people there are either getting married or on honeymoon, you
won't get special treatment.

Don't get me wrong, we visited Sandals Grande, and it was in a
beautiful location, but it was a very busy resort. I'd recommend that
if you want to feel really pampered and special on your wedding day,
go to somewhere else.

I don't know if they do weddings, but I've heard that the Tradewinds
Inn, next door to Sandals Halcyon, is very romantic and exclusive, and
is no more expensive than Sandals...

Cathy

Fiona

Check out www.tripadvisor.com for lots of reviews.

I haven't been to the Sandals in St Lucia, but the one I have been to
(Royal Caribbean in Jamaica) was fantastic for a vacation, but not for
a wedding. Although I think it is "nice" - weddings are meant to be
unique and special, and I don't think you find that in a Sandals type
resort.

Go elsewhere for the wedding and to Sandals either after or for your
wedding anniversary.