More about Anse Chastanet Resort
this place does it right
by BlackTshirt about Anse Chastanet
I stayed here for a week in 1997. They have really developed in a good way since then, such that I can't afford it now, but check it out to see what they have created. I wish there were more places like this. Don't expect air conditioning, it's all natural. The Anse Chastenet is sort of a little tourist village that caters to artists, naturalists, and scuba divers. The rooms are really individual huts, elaborately designed and painted with natural materials. When I was there, they had a local artist intricately carving the wooden banisters, and with that kind of connection to the community they've created a place where the fabulously wealthy go to rejuvenate themselves. Why doesn't every hotel do this?
Note: bring some digestive pills, because it's no fun getting sick if your system doesn't adapt right away to the food, which tastes excellent, btw.
Anse Chastanet - Go Elsewhere
by A TripAdvisor Member
My husband and I spent our honeymoon at Anse Chastanet. It was a lovely
place with nice accommodations, good food and drink and ample
activities for those interested. (We were more interested in sitting on
our bums on the beach than mountain biking - but it was nice to know
the option was there)While we enjoyed our stay at the resort, we became
very upset that our money went to support such a place. One of the best
things about the resort is the staff. They are interesting, welcoming
and very helpful. Much to our surprise we learned they don't get
compensated fairly or even the full amount of gratuity you are lead to
believe they receive. Even though in most packages you are charged up
front for gratuity - TIP THE STAFF EXTRA MONEY. The resort does not
always distribute the gratuity you have paid. In fact, the staff we
talked to said the percentage charged to each guest (I think it is 10%)
is not told to the employees and on average the employees only receive
about 2.5% of that money, if they receive any of it.On our last day at
the resort we watched as one of the beach staff had to swim out to save
someone in danger of smashing their small boat against large rocks to
the side of the beach. The staff member, David, was able to rescue the
woman. Unfortunately, he was slammed against the rock which BROKE his
knee cap. We asked the management what would happen to David and were
told he was given 5 days off with half pay and then his status would be
evaluated. The manager continued on to say if he wasn't able to come
back to work, he would be replaced. Mind you, he broke his knee cap
while saving a guest and had worked there for over 15 years. There is a
workers comp system in St. Lucia but Anse Chastanet does not pay into
it. David likely received little from the government, nothing from Anse
Chastanet and lost his job. We were dismayed to learn this on our last
day at the resort. We then started asking questions of staff we were
friendly with, our driver, people in town and at the airport. The
mistreatment at Anse Chastanet was well known.We did enjoy our time at
the resort but will not stay there again due to the mistreatment of
staff. The staff made our trip enjoyable and to learn they are taken
advantage of in this manner is disconcerting.Though lovely and relaxing
- there are other options in St. Lucia that do not exploit their staff
in this manner. (We asked around and were told Ladera and the chain
resorts treat their employees fairly) If you decide to stay there enjoy
and please give the staff a few extra dollars!
Anse Chastanet
by bsfreeloader
Anse Chastanet is a black sand beach located north of Soufriere. From Soufriere, it’s an easy 30 minute walk along the northern coastal road to the beach. The beach is best known for its offshore scuba diving and snorkeling. The entire area is a marine reserve, and there is a long reef running from 5 to 25 feet deep on the shallow end. This area offers arguably the best snorkeling in all of St. Lucia and some of the best in the Caribbean.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling......
by travelqueen7
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling... go to Anse Chastanet! The water is clear and full of wonderful tropical fish. Many people bring pieces of bread in the water to feed the fish and get some better views. This is the best spot for snorkeling and sucba around the island. All hotels offer day trips to this area. The beach of Anse Chanstanet is a dark soft sand and the water is very boyant. If you don't have equipment you can rent it from a shop on the beach at a very reasonable price.
simply the best!
by A TripAdvisor Member
I had my best vacations. Yes, we had been in Anse Chastanet twice (second time we bring our friends all the way from Turkey) and believe me it is never enough. I still enjoy looking to the pictures everyday (one of them is my wallpaper on my laptop) of the beatiful Anse Chastanet Resort.
What a welcome!
by A TripAdvisor Member
I went alone to Anse Chastanet Resort on business but I received a very warm welcome from the start. Despite it being a haven for honeymooners, the staff made sure that I never felt alone or out of place. They remembered my name and wanted to know that I was enjoying my stay, nothing seemed too much trouble.St. Lucia was my first trip to the Caribbean and the beauty of the island and the people was a great introduction. I made some great friends and have some wonderful memories and have recommended it to family and friends alike. Anse Chastanet is a place that you would never tire of coming back to.
The Perfect Honeymoon
by A TripAdvisor Member
I'm in the travel business and researched my June honeymoon for months. My husband and I wanted a small, intimate resort with a nice beach and lots of activities to amuse high-strung New Yorkers. We decided on Anse Chastanet because the resort fit this criteria was ranked in the top 10 of Most Romantic lists for bridal and travel publications. We loved the laid-back luxury of the accommodations, were blown away by the breathtaking views of the majestic Piton Mountains and were charmed by the friendliest and most accommodating staff Ive ever had the pleasure to encounter. When not relaxing on the beach with a cocktail brought by the efficient Troy, we were snorkeling at the Anse Chastanet reef, hiking the nearby Pitons, jungle biking, taking a plantation tour with the knowledgeable amusing Meno or enjoying a spa treatment on our HUGE deck. My husband and I plan to go back every year. Why look around the Caribbean when perfection is to be found at St. Lucias Anse Chastanet???
Wed on the Beach
by A TripAdvisor Member
I have been visiting Anse Chastanet for 20 years. The resort gets better every year. This July 2003, I chose this secluded, romantic destination resort for my wedding and honeymoon. My wife had never been here and was totally pleased with my choice. She conceded that all my rave promises about Anse Chastanet were true. Peter handled all the wedding details perfectly and we were officially wed right on the beach without a hitch. We met other honeymooners who were all delighted with their accommodations and hotel ambience. The staff is well trained, friendly and grateful for having the best jobs in the area. We enjoyed the art gallery and the unique local art decor throughout the resort.
There was plenty of outdoor activity, including unique tours or time to enjoy the peace and solitude of the private suites. Food was gourmet and abundant. No one could go hungry here. The owners live on site and are dedicated to continue to develop and improve Anse Chastanet as an international first class destination resort. They are approachable and earnest about providing each guest the best possible service. Many, like us, will continue to return year after year.
The Most Incredible Resort in the Caribbean
by A TripAdvisor Member
Anse Chastenet is one of the most magical and mysterious resorts on Earth. It's natural splendor is unsurpassed and it lacks nothing other than the useless Western 'amenities' to which we have become accustomed (TV, etc.) At Anse Chastanet you will find a lovely beach, wonderful restaurants, and rooms that defy the imagination. If you chose any resort in the Caribbean, make it Anse Chastenet. I've been eight times and am greatly looking forward to my visit this Christmas.
Photos
Anse Chastanet, St Lucia
Forum Posts
Anse Chastanet vs Jalousie Hilton
by Marlaina6
My fiance and I are looking to travel to St. Lucia in the late fall. We were looking at two hotels, Anse Chastanet and the Hilton.
Can anyone recommend either place. Is no air conditioning a big issue in St. Lucia? The might make a the difference in booking.
Re: Anse Chastanet vs Jalousie Hilton
by jpl3
We were in St. Lucia last September - just before Hurricane Ivan came through the area.
Our hotel had A/C, but good fans might have been adequate. But, we're from Arizona, so the Caribbean (although more humid) seems cooler for us.
Visited the south end of the island, where the two hotels you are considering are located - it's very scenic. Anse Chastanet is up on the hillside (overlooking the Pitons), so it may get more cooling breezes than Jalousie Hilton (at the base of the Pitons).
RE: Anse Chastanet vs Jalousie Hilton
by taylorl
I atayed at the Jalousie in November for my honeymoon and had an amazing time. The resort is beautiful, we stayed in an ocean view cottage which was very nice, the air conditioning was definately necessary! The staff were incredibly friendly and the food was good in all restaurants, although the Plantation was my favourite place to eat. It's probably worth going all inclusive though as drinks were quite expensive.
The sand at Jalousie is imported while at Anse Chastnet it has the natural black sand, apparantly this means you can't walk on it in the afternoon as it gets incredibly hot!
Hope this helps and I'm sure you'll have a great time whichever you choose as St Lucia is an incredibly beautiful island.