My husband and I went there for our honeymoon on June 27, 2004. We stayed at Ladera, (Go to DASHEENE for dinner!!!) but shared the Jalouise beach. The car ride is long, about and hour and a half because sometimes they can only go not even one mile per hour because the roads are so bad there. NOT ALL , but most. They have huge pot holes in them and they are doing a lot of construction. Sometimes it looked as if you were going to fall into the ditch when there was another car coming the other way because the roads are sooo narrow, but dont worry, the drivers there are so good, you dont have any idea how they can cut it so close. If you tend to get sick, take a Dramamine when you get off the plane. The roads are curvy and on the way home, I felt a little queezy but it didnt last long. If you are lucky you will get a taxi driver that actually talks to you (if you can understand him) and tell you about certain things about the island, and maybe even stop for a good picture. Dont worry, you will be fine, its the best place we have ever been. I hope you have a great vacation.

My boyfriend and I were in St Lucia in November. We took the Helicopter in and out. I believe the cost was $100p/p each way. What an experience. I would go this route before riding in those buses for an hour and a half risking car sickness. That is what the majority of the people we met stated. It is a crazy ride.

Have a great time.

OH! I forgot about the helicopter. There is a launch pad just a hop, skip and a jump from Jalouise. The cost was I think $85 and takes 20 minutes - 1/2 hr. You can also take a "Water Taxi" - I dont recall how much that was though I am sure it was not as expensive as the Helicopter.

Oh! I forgot about the helicopter. There is a launch pad near Jalouise - walking distance. I think it was $110 for 2 people. Also, you could take a water taxi, but I am not sure how much that was. I am sure it is not as expensive as the helicopter.

Purplcav, my boyfriend and I are going to Ladera this Saturday (9/4/04), assuming Hurricane Frances doesn't interfere, that is. Did you arrange the picnic on the private beach through Ladera? Did you need to do it right away due to popularity, or is it pretty much open? We're planning on hiking Gros Piton, and definitely want to do the sunset cruise. I've heard the "Safari Jeep" tour is pretty cool, too. Which ones did you do?

If you have pictures, I'd love to see them! Email me directly at j_ordehi@hotmail.com

I've read in other forums about the long, windy car ride to Ladera from the airport, but it was pretty much split down the middle—either people loved it because they got to see so much of the island, or they hated it because it was hot and cramped, and they got carsick. Regarding the water taxi, is it difficult to arrange that upon arrival? Right now I've made arrangements through Ladera for a car, but the water taxi sounds really cool. :-)

Thanks!