St Lucia vs. Antigua vs. Negril,Jamaica

[aj_may2011]

Hello All!

 

I am just starting the planning process to marry in May 2011.

 

I am having a hard time distinguishing the best location for our wedding!

 

We want an AI at an adult only resort - and can't decide between St. Lucia, Antigua and Jamaica.

 

We have the following criteria:

 

AI

Decent flight availability from Philadelphia

Ability to leave resort with relative freedom

Warm pleasant local staff/native population

Adventurous/party atmosphere

Wedding that does not feel like we are in a "wedding mill"

 

Can anyone help with an island and resort recommendation? We have started to talk to a TA who seems to really steer us to Sandals franchises only, especially in Jamaica, but we want to get a broader view.

 

For agents out there-is Sandals truly the best for getting it all for the best value?!! We looked at Couples, don't seem to compare to Sandals.

 

Thanks!

 

Amanda

[JenniferSS]

For the three locations that you are looking at Sandals really does fit the bill for what you stated are your requirements.

 

Personally I would have recommend St. Lucia or Jamaica as flights are very limited for Antigua. Although flights to St. Lucia can be pricey and somewhat limited- just overall better especially since JetBlue entered the market!

 

In St. Lucia Sandals Regency La Toc would be the best fit! In Jamaica we'd have to talk more about additional needs as there are many differences between the properties and what is available for activities in each town!

 

Many of the other adult only all inclusives tend to be low key and quieter ( although be careful as Sandals has many quiet resorts also!)

 

Antigua Sandals is the only adult only AI - Jamaica there are a couple but they are very laid back & quiet ( and tend to be more expensive than Sandals) and in Jamaica - Couples, Breezes -16 and up are the only ones i can think off off the top of my head.

[aj_may2011]

Jennifer

 

Thanks for the quick response-not quite clear on your last comment - about "16 and up" - are you talking about the ability to have children?

 

Can children stay at Sandals La Toc?

 

Can I ask how Sandals La Toc compares to the Windjammer in St. Lucia? That's another resort I saw on this board and it looks beautiful from their website.

 

The only reason why we are thinking Windjammer is we may have to accommodate children.

 

Amanda

[JenniferSS]

Thanks Maureen- I was thinking of the Grand lido befire it became the Breezes!

 

Adult only properties do not allow children to stay- then it wouldn't be an adult only resort!

[Kristy!]

I'm all for St. Lucia since I got married there. I believe USAir flies direct from Philly to St. Lucia, but that may just be seasonally (Dec.-April). Just something you may want to check into.

 

Another AI resort you may want to check into on St. Lucia is Almond Morgan Bay. I believe there is also an Almond Smugglers Cove Resort. I've heard wonderful things about Windjammer, but I have never stayed at any of the resorts I just mentioned. I've stayed at Coconut Bay which is a really secluded AI resort, but I enjoyed it. I've also stayed at a villa (Villa Capri) and a private cottage (Orchid Cottage). The villa came with cooks and housekeeping, so that was a nice option for our immediate families for the wedding.

 

Hope that helps.