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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
So we're looking into planning out Honeymoon. Right now we have 2 top choices, but we're open to other suggestions. We didn't want to do Europe because I'm the kind of person who has to try to see EVERYTHING that there is to see in a place, and we would totally not relax at all. Hawaii is too expensive of a flight.
I'm really interested in nature and I want to see a rainforest. We're not really into nightlife, shopping, or casinos. We want to spend some time at the beach, water sports, boatrides, and nature tours.
We have enough Marriott points for a decent stay at the Marriott in Costa Rica (though we've been told you really need longer in CR because there are 2 parts, one with the nice beach and one w/ the rainforest, so you need 10 days), but if we don't use the M points, it's not a waste since we can use them for the 2012 trip we're hoping to take to Italy.
Doug is leaning toward St. Lucia. We'd do the Sandals Grande St. Lucian there. He likes it better because everything is taken care of and he feels it will e easier to plan and we won't be running around like crazy. It also seems like they really add nice touches since it's really a honeymoon place.
Thoughts?
Also, all of the pics at Sandals show these open walls with views, but do you really want to leave those open? i don't want people looking into my room!
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Posted 12/3/10 1:36 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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ODonnell
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Member since 9/05 5983 total posts
Name:
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
We just stayed at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian last month in a Honeymoon Grande Luxe Beachfront room (no concierge) and it was perfect. Our balcony was not overlooked at all and we had a gorgous view. I would highly recommend this level of room. We did zip lining in the rainforest, which was extra, and had a blast.
We relaxed a lot and snorkled a few times. We ate one night at the Regency and drove through the Halcyon and I'm happy that the Grande was the right pick for us.
ETA: We weren't on our HM, but most of the people staying there were. Saying that, we didn't feel out of place or anything. It was a very romantic get away for our 5 year anniversary.
Message edited 12/3/2010 4:44:27 PM.
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| Posted 12/3/10 4:29 PM |
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anonymous20
LIF Adult
Member since 11/09 1248 total posts
Name:
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
i have not stayed at either place you mentioned but have stayed at another sandals and just wanted to say that i really had a good time!
sandals had great food, offered good excursions, great staff, etc...have fun!
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| Posted 12/3/10 5:10 PM |
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IslandBreeze
LIF Zygote
Member since 9/10 33 total posts
Name:
Mark
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
Everything is taken care of at Sandals Grande St. Lucian - it's an awesome property.
Make sure you take a copy of your Wedding certificate and have your agent let the resort know you will be on your Honeymoon. Between Paul Simoes (Hotel Manager), Ms. Daly Mariatte (Resort Sales Manager), and Shavaun Hippolyte (Wedding Manager) - they will do something nice for you.
**I know on the website it says all you have to do is check in online - but trust me on this one. Have your agent contact the three people above directly. It tends to work out much better for you :0)
What Suite category are you looking at?? Some of the suite categories - but more specifically, some of the suite numbers offer more privacy than others. Ms. Mariatte is the key to this little trick. She has her finger on everything that goes on at the resort.
We love the Chocolate Buffet - make sure you try the chocolate martini's!!
The theme nights are:
Sundays: “Grande Casino Night” – A trip to the 60?s & 70?s
Mondays: “Caribbean Beach Night” – Exotic island culinary fair, steel pan music, fire eating, limbo dancing
Tuesdays: “Island Romance”- Love is all you need!
Wednesdays: “St. Lucia Culture Fest”
Thursdays: “St. Lucian Street Party” – authentic Caribbean dishes, Seafood and BBQ…
Fridays: “Star Time Showtime” – be prepared to be blown away by amazing performances and talent
Saturdays: “Musically Yours”- Sing your hearts away, Caribbean style.
And after you get back, let us know how the new Over The Water, Tahitian style bungalows are coming along. See through to the Ocean Glass floors, hammocks on the decks, all Butler Suites (currently being constructed) No more flying around the world to stay in one of these - YAY!!
Cheers - Mark & Ann
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| Posted 12/4/10 10:34 AM |
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missfabulous
#mommyneedswine
Member since 6/09 10031 total posts
Name:
Colleen
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
We stayed at Sandals St. Lucia (but the Regency for our HM) and loved it.
If you're into nature, definatly do the tours. The drive in volcano is amazing! Also the Botancial Gardens and waterfall are gorgeous! I highly reccomend the Land and Sea tour. It's an all day tour and you see so much.
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| Posted 12/5/10 2:14 PM |
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MrsA714
Baby #2 is here!
Member since 8/07 8806 total posts
Name:
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
DH and I did the Grande St. Lucian for our HM and it was fantastic. St. Lucia was beautiful and the all-inclusive made it that more relaxing. You can check out the volcano, the botanical gardens and waterfall, and the Pitons. We also did a dolphin and whale watching tour which was nice and did some snorkeling.
It's a beautiful resort.
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| Posted 12/6/10 12:35 PM |
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IslandBreeze
LIF Zygote
Member since 9/10 33 total posts
Name:
Mark
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
Here's a few new pictures of Sandals Regency in St. Lucia that were just placed on the Sandals media site.... Image Attachment(s):
Message edited 12/6/2010 10:15:16 PM.
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| Posted 12/6/10 10:12 PM |
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JennZ
MY LIFE!!
Member since 8/05 25463 total posts
Name:
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
I'm partial to st Lucia. We stayed in the grande, in a penthouse with butler service. To die for. It was by far the best. We didn't go for our honeymoon, but it was awesome. The views are open but you can't see in anyines room. I think I have an album of pics from there. Everything you need is right there. There really is no reason the leave the resort. We did do a rum cruise one night. That's my vote.
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| Posted 12/7/10 5:57 PM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
WOW! Sounds like you're agreeing with FH!
We were thinking of the Honeymoon oceanfront, the regular level, not the concierge or butler level. Cost is a big factor.
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| Posted 12/8/10 11:08 AM |
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ODonnell
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Member since 9/05 5983 total posts
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
Posted by JenniferEver
WOW! Sounds like you're agreeing with FH!
We were thinking of the Honeymoon oceanfront, the regular level, not the concierge or butler level. Cost is a big factor.
Go for the Beachfront over the Oceanfront. Much nicer view.
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| Posted 12/8/10 11:24 AM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
Posted by ODonnell
Posted by JenniferEver
WOW! Sounds like you're agreeing with FH!
We were thinking of the Honeymoon oceanfront, the regular level, not the concierge or butler level. Cost is a big factor.
Go for the Beachfront over the Oceanfront. Much nicer view.
Why do you say so? I thought Oceanfront would be nicer/quieter/more private?
or are you saying the beachfront view is more entertaining?
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| Posted 12/8/10 12:32 PM |
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Tulips915
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Member since 8/08 6851 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
We stayed at the Regency for our HM. Had the butler service too.. LOVED IT!!!
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| Posted 12/8/10 12:40 PM |
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ODonnell
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Member since 9/05 5983 total posts
Name:
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
Posted by JenniferEver
Posted by ODonnell
Posted by JenniferEver
WOW! Sounds like you're agreeing with FH!
We were thinking of the Honeymoon oceanfront, the regular level, not the concierge or butler level. Cost is a big factor.
Go for the Beachfront over the Oceanfront. Much nicer view.
Why do you say so? I thought Oceanfront would be nicer/quieter/more private?
or are you saying the beachfront view is more entertaining?
Beachview looks over the beach and Pigeon Island. The Oceanview is the other side of the peninsula where the hotel is situated and overlooks the ocean. Not as pretty IMO. Having been there, I would go back to the exact room we stayed in.
Here are a few photos showing the view from our room. It was heavenly.  Image Attachment(s):
Message edited 12/9/2010 9:33:22 AM.
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| Posted 12/9/10 9:18 AM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
What Mariott in Costa Rica? The one in San Jose? We went to CR for our HM, but traveled throughout the country and stayed in several hotels. We did stay in the San Jose Marriott, but it wasn't an all-inclusive. It was very nice though.
I will say Costa Rica is an amazing, amazing country and we had the most fabulous time there. We still talk about it all the time and would go back in a heartbeat.
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| Posted 12/9/10 11:02 PM |
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RocPin
Life's Beachy <3
Member since 2/08 6765 total posts
Name:
Heather
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
Got married and Honneymooned at the Sandals St Lucia Regency La Toc. LOVED IT. It was beautiful. We visited all three and enjoyed the Regency the best. There are some pics of the landscapes in my wedding album
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| Posted 12/13/10 8:03 PM |
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FirstMate
My lil cowboy
Member since 10/10 7790 total posts
Name:
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
If you are referring to the Marriott Los Suenos in Jaco, Costa Rica...the place is amazing. Top of the line. We didn't stay there but we went to the marina there. My boss stayed there for his son's wedding and said it was perfection. We went to Costa Rica for 7 days for our HM and we LOVED it. CR is definitely do-able in a week's time if you plan right. Jaco is right by the beach but the rain forest is nearby. It was amazing. My suggestion is that if you do plan on going to Costa Rica, use a travel agent. It's a lot of planning and you don't want to be doing it all yourself.
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| Posted 12/14/10 4:55 PM |
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bella
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 1871 total posts
Name:
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
Posted by FirstMate
If you are referring to the Marriott Los Suenos in Jaco, Costa Rica...the place is amazing. Top of the line. We didn't stay there but we went to the marina there. My boss stayed there for his son's wedding and said it was perfection. We went to Costa Rica for 7 days for our HM and we LOVED it. CR is definitely do-able in a week's time if you plan right. Jaco is right by the beach but the rain forest is nearby. It was amazing. My suggestion is that if you do plan on going to Costa Rica, use a travel agent. It's a lot of planning and you don't want to be doing it all yourself.
DH and I went on our honeymoon to Costa Rcia and stayed ten days in the Marriott Los Suenos....it was WONDERFUL! I didn't like the view from the bottom floor they originally put us in and they instantly upgraded us (knowing it was our honeymoon) to an AMAZING suite on the top floor....service was top notch and we found it to be in a good location for what we planned to do but that said Costa Rica is large and it really depends where and what you intend to do....never been to St. Lucia but would definitely go back to Costa Rica, LOVED it!!
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| Posted 12/22/10 12:38 AM |
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DGoldfarb0776
LIF Adolescent
Member since 4/08 767 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
We Honeymooned at the Halcyon in Sandals St. Lucia... I loved it and everything was nothing short of perfect to say the least.
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| Posted 12/22/10 6:31 PM |
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ns1011
I'm wide awake
Member since 4/09 2697 total posts
Name:
Nic
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Re: BTDT Honeymooners Sandals St. Lucia vs. Marriott Resort in Costa Rica
If you decide to go with St. Lucia, I would recommend checking out Jade Mountain. It is the southern more "natural" part of St. Lucia but the place is AMAZING. We honeymooned there - pics in my album!
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| Posted 12/29/10 6:43 PM |
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