Secrets St. Lucia Resort and Spa: Great value and good for toddlers
We came to the St James Club with our 16-month-old and 2 1/2-year-old for March Break. I would definitely recommend the hotel to other young families.
FOOD: Some of the best all-inclusive food I've had. Lots of variety with the buffet, and plenty of other options to try. If your kids are picky, there might be a meal or two where they are harder to please from the buffet, and sometimes slower service at the restaurants made the 6pm dinner tricky, but that's part of the challenge of toddler tr[... read more]avel. It's also tricky to get a healthy afternoon snack (so we usually grabbed bananas from the breakfast buffet).
FUN: The kiddie pool wasn't fancy but it was perfect for toddlers. The beach was also great, with gentle waves, no seaweed, and soft sand (not much visibility though). There was also a fantastic playground and even an indoor play-place. We didn't take the organized tours (which were all quite expensive and too long for little ones) but rented a car for two days and explored.
ROOMS: We had a 1-bedroom ocean view suite. It was clean and comfortable with a great balcony overlooking the ocean. It was also at the top of a BIG hill. It worked off every dessert, but if you aren't fit, you'll need to get around by calling for a golf cart if you stay on the hill (which I would find less convenient). It was also on the opposite hill of the kid pool, which made that a big trek (so lots of carrying). Our room was in the 1000's; I think 800 and below are on the other side. We also brought a portable noise machine which is a must for kids -- loud music was on from 9-11 most nights and we wouldn't have gotten them to sleep without it. I also appreciated that the TV had English kid's cartoons at all times, for those few minutes we needed to keep a little one occupied or escape the heat.
ATMOSPHERE: The staff were AMAZING -- incredibly friendly and professional. There was a mix of guests, from young couples to old couples to families.There are two adult pools which I think helped to avoid a "drunk party everywhere" vibe that I've found at other resorts with a mixed crowd.
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Secrets St. Lucia Resort and Spa: St. James Club
The grounds of this resort were very lush & tropical & were well maintained!
Staff are very friendly! Buffet restaurants were ok nothing over the top. A la carte restaurants were very good especially Morgan’s Pier!
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Secrets St. Lucia Resort and Spa: Fantastic Family Resort
The St. James resort on Morgan Bay was a top notch resort. Rooms were clean and spacious, the view was incredible and food was above average. However, most important was the attitude, friendliness and generosity of spirit of the staff that work there. This is one of the few groups that could make a 20 minute bus breakdown thoroughly enjoyable.
We were three adults and 2 children and I was very impressed that my 11 year old and 3 year old granddaughters were treated to the same attention an[... read more]d respect as the adults. All in all a fantastic vacation
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Starfish Saint Lucia: Great resort
The starfish Saint Lucia formerly known as the Papillon de Rex is a small resort, the beach is super nice, clear water no rocks or weeds. The pool was big and clean, the food was excellent, there is 2 a la carte the Italian and the Asian both are good just needed to go to the lobby and book the day before, the buffet was small not much selection but everything was good. the snack bar was also great, hot dog, hamburger, fish and chip were all great. No issues getting beach towels or chairs for th[... read more]e pool or beach, on the beach you put your towels on the chairs and they would install a umbrella. There is a bar near buy that you can hear loud music on the weekends.The only bad thing was my room, there was no hot water but went to the lobby and they changed my room. No shows at night, only have a DJ. You are walking distance to 2 malls and duty free shops and restaurants. Overall I strongly recommend this resort went week of March 9th, great price.
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Starfish Saint Lucia: Amazing place
Small resort, very clean, very nice staff , beach is awesome. Only problem was we lost hot water & water pressure on a couple of occasions. Local bar's music very loud on the weekend hard to sleep. overall very happy.
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Miramichi Lady -
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Starfish Saint Lucia: A little piece of paradise!
We stayed at this resort March 3-10th. Although the resort is dated we really enjoyed it. The location is perfect, such a beautiful view of the bay, Pigeon Island and a hillside right next to the edge of the property.
We liked the food and drinks. Although theres only 2 a la carte restaurants we always had variety and good food.
Rooms were clean, but dated. Always cleaned early. Hot water in the shower was dicey.
The Activity department was great.... we enjoyed Antonio and Joel.
I [... read more]plan on returning....
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Sandals St Lucia La Toc: Great Resort
The resort was well maintained. The staff were there to please the guests. The grounds were well maintained and organized. The food and entertainment was excellent. The only negative that I can think of was the beach. It was a little short. I would have liked a longer beach to allow for long walks.
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1956heidi -
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Sandals St Lucia La Toc: Amazing Resort
We had wonderful trip to Sandals La Toc in St Lucia. We received a warm welcoming by all staff. Buffet food was great with a good variety and the restaurants were amazing. Rooms were very nice and clean. We would recommend this resort. In addition we booked with trip central, thank you Stephanie for being so accommodating with all our questions and great vacation.
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Den&Jean -
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Secrets St. Lucia Resort and Spa: A perfect choice
The hotel grounds are beautiful, the staff are friendly and helpful, all of that made for an amazing 2 weeks of vacation. Our ocean view room, 729 was right on the beach, incredible views of the hotel pools and palms right in front of our balcony. I wasn’t too sure when I booked, it said rooms were air conditioned, but the restaurants weren’t other than the extra charge le Jardin. As long as you aren’t in the sun, it’s like the whole place was air conditioned, always a nice breeze, never[... read more] hot and humid. Every morning we ate breakfast at Bamboo, we were outdoors, only a few meters from the beach and the gentle waves breaking, it was a really good buffet and a better choice than in The Palms, the indoor buffet. Being a picky eater, I didn’t have a lot of choices in the evening at Morgan’s Pier or Bamboo, but I didn't lose any weight so I guess I did ok. I could go on about what a great time we had, but I think I have said enough. This was the first time we have used Tripcentral, but from now on they are our travel agency.
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Nicky9kids -
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Sandals St Lucia Grand Bay: Beautiful St.Lucia
This facility was outstanding, from the grounds to the rooms. Would like to thank our Trip Central agent Angela Wolfe, whom planned this trip from start to finish for us and we could not be more happy with everything.
Thanks again Angela
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No Arc -
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Secrets St. Lucia Resort and Spa: Would return, very happy with this resort
Great place to stay, clean and refreshing
Review of St. James's Club Morgan Bay
Reviewed yesterday
Just returned from a week at this lovely resort. A few things, first off if you want a resort for peace, quiet and not doing much this would be the place for you. I loved the rooms, the resort was clean, looked after, up to date and by the way have the european plugs which I neglected to check out before going. Wasn't too much of a problem every room did have one as I call them normal plugs behi[... read more]nd the dresser and at the lobby in one corner by the front entrance. This resort has a lot of big hills and if you can't do hills there are golf carts to take you there, you just have to go to the front desk to get the rides. We only ventured to one restaurant and it was the one at the pier that did the seafood dinner. The food was touch and go, if you are a person with allergies or do not like spice, then you might want to consider elsewhere, there was very little items at this resort that was not loaded with some kind of spice. Please keep in mind I do not like even pepper as it plays havoc on my stomach, but the spice is strong, even when they said there was no spices, they were loaded with spices, but I managed and my husband of course was in his glory. Rooms were always clean and taken care of everyday. Nothing missed, great service in that area. I did notice that most of the staff at the resort were not your overly friendly type. They would not speak to you unless you greeted them first. Like I said if you want a lot of peace and quiet greet resort. The entertainment during the daytime, was non existent. They gave us a page front and back with days listed and events by the time yet, not once other than water aerobics was there anyone there doing anything the whole day. Some people got together to play water volleyball but that was it. The nighttime lacked great entertainment, one night was karaoke, another night a jazz band, Wednesday they have there normal beach party. We usually went to bed earlier so if there was great entertainment we missed it. I am used to seeing dancers, and comedies and different entertainment, was quite surprised a lovely resort like that would lack this. This resort has sailboats, skiing, skidoos, and small trips around available. Lots of free beach items to get involved in. I would definitely return, knowing what i know now, I would prepare for better food choices and take some stuff with me. There were places we didn't know about until almost check out, taking a little longer to let everyone know the areas were things can be gotten would be great. Found out the day I was leaving across from the lobby on the hill was pizza place where you could make your own pizza, I could of eaten there a few times had I known it existed. Still would return though, beautiful property, but very small beach area. Oh one last thing, if you want a beach chair get up and on the beach by 7.30 at the latest, chairs go fast and even though the no towel on the chairs savings, every morning they are everywhere. enjoy!
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Tibor -
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Secrets St. Lucia Resort and Spa: A DEFINITE, outstanding resort spot...!
A truly welcoming, well appointed resort/club which caters to the old and young in every sense of the word...in the traditional sense where expectation from guest are attended to the fullest. Staff is outstanding in the service they provide from the front desk to the gardener..always cheerful, welcoming each and every guest, gentle and proud. One can truly relax, feel safe and at ease. Rooms are very well appointed, clean and fully maintained. Food, either at the main dining area or the number o[... read more]f specialy restaurants to the special coffee/pastry bar throughout the facility,.. is superior to culinary expectations! Being in many vacation places, this is the first when I actually saw food being checked with a thermometer...! Activities within are great where guest are happy to be and take part or simply to enjoy. Numerous trips outside are arranged to provide the best for guests... We took the Land and Sea tour of this beautiful island...from the lush rainforest to the Pitons, banana plantations, tropical gardens to the vulcanic mud-bath at Souffrier, then an exciting return trip studded with an awsome sunset to Morgan Bay on a large catamaran—-life was GOOD!
In summation...our vacation was beyond our expectation, worth every bit, and MUCH MORE!
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Rex Papillon: Loved this resort
Property and location are second to none. Hotel needs updating. Food was tasty but lacking in variety at diners. View is breathtaking. Ocean is clear and safe. Massage on the beach was amazing. We would return.
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Nora -
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Anse Chastanet: One of a kind resort
The entire arrangement is exceptional. Very friendly, helpful staff. Beach and food fabulous. I was impressed by the three-sided open air rooms which allowed the bird songs, breezes and sounds of the surf to wake one up in the morning. We enjoyed the snorkeling and the quiet of the beaches. No music to interrupt the sounds of Nature. Really, back to the staff....I have travelled a lot in the Caribbean and found that Anse Chastanet staff has probably been to a CONGENIALITY SCHOOL because every[... read more]body looked happy, spic and span,open and ready to help in whatever way they could. They are exceptional. I hope their salaries are acceptable, although we tipped off and on.
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Coconut Bay Resort & Spa: Nice but keep expectations in check
The property was nice. The kept it and the rooms clean at all times. Overall the property was dated and in my opinion a little overpriced. I did understand though the price premium was for Saint Lucia. Being on the Atlantic side, it was very windy most days and evenings. Beach was very weedy. Not really a "hang out" kind of beach. We walked the length of it but that was about it. They did have trucks going up and down the beach daily to clean seaweed.
Food was pretty good. Not knock your socks [... read more]off spectacular but good. I have little to complain about there. Although, did have one of the best steaks in recent memory at the Calabash a la carte restaurant on Valentine's day!
Staff were friendly but many didn't go out of there way to show you were welcome there. Although, we did have a blast with Merhan the bartender one night. (Management, give that young man a pat on the back for good work and service)
There was always something going on. Especially for kids.
Anyway, be aware of what you pay for. Keep your expectations in check and you will enjoy Coconut Bay.
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Coconut Bay Resort & Spa: Awesome Vacation
We enjoyed our one week stay at Coconut Bay Resort. The staff and entertainment team made us feel welcomed. Everywhere you turn you are acknowledged with a smile. Entertainment team became our friends while there. We participated in some of the games and it was fun.
Food was delicious. Service was excellent.
We would go back again.
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Peter -
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Sandals St Lucia La Toc: Beautiful Resort
We both enjoyed the resort, food was excellent, the staff were very accommodating and for the excursions we have done was exciting and the staff overall they look out for your interest and concerns. We both liked Sandals Resort and looking forward doing this again. Thank You for assisting on the choices you've given us and being patience with us, Thank You and will continue doing business with you. Once again Thank You Michelle Turco.
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Leah -
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Anse Chastanet: Amazing Vacation Spot
We booked a week at Anse Chastanet for our 10 year anniversary, and we couldn't have been happier! We had a lot of issues with the air lines, including the loss of our luggage, but the staff at Anse Chastanet was so accomedating, including opening their store to provide my husband with contact solution.
Our room was large, and had a view of both the ocean and the mountains. Each night, the staff would light a bug light and set up a bug net on the bed.
The food was exquisite, and we enjoye[... read more]d everything we tried.
The resort is one of only a few with a beach, and it had two. The beach chairs and umbrellas that are provided, make for a beautiful spot to spend the day. Some days the beach did get a bit crowded with other people visiting from other resorts and cruise ships. There are also a lot of steps down to the beach, but a shuttle is available to take you up or down.
The staff were always friendly and helpful. Anything we needed, they were quick to help. Make sure to check out the chocolate lab, to make your own chocolates.
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Cshonik -
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Coconut Bay Resort & Spa: Lovely Resort
We have just returned after a week at Coconut Bay Resort in St. Lucia. This is a lovely resort located minutes from the International Airport on the south end of the island. There are not too many flights each day so there isn’t a noise issue. The resort is divided into 2 areas, Harmony (adults only) and Splash (families). We were in the Harmony section. Our room was a Junior Suite located on the 4th floor with an ocean view. All rooms face the ocean and the 2nd through 4th floor have a [... read more]view. Our housekeeper Giselle did a wonderful job on our room, leaving towel art and flowers each day.
There are several swimming pools throughout the resort, a waterpark including water slides and a lazy river that were all well maintained. Daily activities took place in the Splash area pools, the Harmony section were “quiet†pools. We didn’t have any problems getting lounge chairs although there seemed to be an issue throughout the resort to find sun umbrellas for shade. It would be a definite plus to have more umbrellas made available.
We were more than pleased with the variety of food offered at the buffet and the selection of ala-carte restaurants. Dress codes are in affect at several of the ala-carte restaurants requiring long pants for the men. We made our dinner reservations as soon as we checked in – the young lady on the desk was very helpful with suggestions for sittings. There were special events, such as a Super Bowl Party, where a large buffet was set up around the main Splash pool. The game was shown on 2 large screens at the theatre.
The beach area definitely has a seaweed issue. Every day there was a front end loader scooping large quantities of seaweed from the entire length of the beach and depositing it into a dump truck to be hauled away.
Excursions are offered at the resort. We had tried to book a couple of different excursions but because they required minimum numbers of participants we were unable to go.
The hotel website is very informative and is worth a look before you go.
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Troy68 -
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Secrets St. Lucia Resort and Spa: Fantastic stay
The room, grounds, facilities and staff were fantastic for the duration of our stay. After talking to a few other guests, some of whom had been there several times over the years, the St. James Club Morgan Bay offers the best value for the money spent of any resort on the island. The food was always fresh, tasty and with a wide variety with absolutely no crowding. The location was very central, half-way between Castries and Rodney Bay, making a trip into either very easy ($1 U.S. for a bus ride [... read more]to the markets).
The only downside was that the refrigerator in the only came with 2 small bottles of water and were not refilled each day. The upside - the tap water was as good as or better than the bottled stuff. The variety of complimentary water sports equipment was awesome and the gym was fully functional and not some after-thought as with most resorts.
In the future I would definitely be looking to go back to the same resort.