Hotel Villa De La Gratia in Marigot Bay St. Lucia offers comfortable rooms and will arrange for water sports, tours to the Pitons and Rainforest as well as the Botanical Gardens and the world's only drive-in Volcano. For weddings we will arrange all necessary formalities and look after the necessary arrangements. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_Lucia/villadelagratia/hotel/262/12/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:50:00 EST We have planned the birth of Hotel Villa De La Gratia for a long time as we were not satisfied with being just another hotel "by the water". The result of our detailed planning is a concept which not only is new but will provide our guests with basic inclusions in our rates. This helps budgeting your vacation as our prices include services such as airport transfers, two meals daily, some excursions and all taxes and gratuities. We call our concept "non-inclusive with a twist" which means that you still have the freedom of choice as to where to eat dinner and which activities you wish to partake in. Air Lines: Several Airlines service St. Lucia depending on where you are travelling from: - Canada: Air Canada, Charters - Europe: Air France, British Airways, BWI, Virgin Atlantic - USA: American Airlines / American Eagle, BWI, Air Jamaica, US Air Airports: There are two airports in St. Lucia. The small one (servicing American Eagle and various regional airlines) is located north of Marigot Bay, and it takes about 30 minutes by car or taxi to reach us. The International Airport (Hewanorra) is located about an hour's drive south of us. Car Rentals: There are plenty of car rental agencies available on the Island, many of them are represented at the airport. However, we strongly suggest that you take advantage of the transfer service we offer rather than renting a car at the airport. After a long flight you will be tired and probably do not wish to cope with left-hand traffic on narrow roads. There are no road markings and hardly any directional signs. After you have had a day or so to acclimatize we will be pleased to make arrangements to rent a car for you. Please note: You do not require an International Driving permit. However, you must bring a valid driver's license from your State or Country and obtain a local permit (at the rental agency or any police station). Climate: Our climate is tropical and summer clothes are worn year round. In winter evenings can cool off a bit, so bring a light sweater. Casual resort wear is the norm during the day, but some restaurants may require long pants and a shirt for gentlemen. The hottest time of the year, when temperatures can go up to the mid-nineties, is during the rainy season from June to November. Expect pleasant temperatures in the mid sixties to the mid eighties during the rest of the year. Credit Cards and Travellers Checks: Major Credit Cards and Traveller Checks are usually accepted in stores and restaurants island wide. Departure Tax: St. Lucia levies a departure tax of US$ 21.00 or EC$ 54.00 per person. You must pay cash at check-in, as Credit Cards are not accepted for this transaction. Electricity: 220 volts, 50 cycles. Our rooms are equipped with outlets for 110 volts, 60 cycles, too. Exchange Rate: 1 US $ equals approximately EC$ 2.60. Please note that some vendors, bus- or taxi drivers may exchange at rates as low as EC$2.50 to one US$. You can exchange currency at any bank or at the airport. How to Get Here: Most probably, you will arrive with one of the airlines mentioned above at either one of our two airports. Taxis are available there, which will bring you to Marigot Bay in 30 or 60 minutes (depending on the airport you arrive at). Transportation from/to the airport is included in our "Non-inclusive with a twist" package. But even if you go with the hotel room/breakfast only, we will be happy to arrange a taxi for you. Language: The locals speak a French Patois among themselves although most everyone understands and speaks English, which is also the official language in St. Lucia. Tipping: Most restaurants include a 10% service charge. Therefore, tipping is not necessary although feel free to give something extra if you think the person waiting on you deserves it. AMENITIES: Hotel Villa De La Gratia offers 12 comfortable rooms all equipped with queen size beds, bathtub/shower, air condition, television, telephone and mini refrigerator. French doors lead to private balconies to enjoy unsurpassed views of Marigot Bay and the surrounding hills. In addition there is a fully equipped conference room for larger gatherings or to be used as an "Internet Cafe". - 3 bedrooms, all air conditioned, balconies - 3 bathrooms - Oversized living room with 2 French doors leading to wrap around balcony - Dining room - Fully equipped kitchen - Den with large screen TV - Maid service every second day ACTIVITIES: After an adventurous day of sightseeing , snorkeling or swimming you will be happy to return "home" where you can relax by our pool and are invited to join us every night from 5 - 10 PM for some "Sundowner Drinks" at the pool bar - compliments of your hosts. For dinner you may choose any of the four restaurants in Marigot Bay. We will always be available to assist you in planning your activities, book any tour you want to take or answer any questions you might have. Our slogan is "why stay anywhere else" and we intend to fully live up to the expectations resulting from this statement. During the constant battles between the French and British over St. Lucia, Marigot Bay proved to be a vital maritime base. Legend has it that during one of the skirmishes, the British Royal Navy - hopelessly outnumbered by the French - was hiding here and camouflaged all ships with palm fronds. The French did not notice this, sailed by Marigot Bay thus enabling the British Navy to attack from behind and win the battle. Today, this picturesque bay is a renowned yacht heaven - well known to all sailors plying the Caribbean Sea. The small beach is well sheltered and invites you to laze around, follow your dreams or simply watch yachts from all over the world entering or exiting Marigot harbor. Try the milk from a fresh coconut offered by some vendors and realize that you indeed have arrived in "Paradise". Lounges can be rented at a nominal fee from a local operator. You also will be able to rent a kayak, do some windsurfing or try your hand at sailing. During the constant battles between the French and British over St. Lucia, Marigot Bay proved to be a vital maritime base. Legend has it that during one of the skirmishes, the British Royal Navy - hopelessly outnumbered by the French - was hiding here and camouflaged all ships with palm fronds. The French did not notice this, sailed by Marigot Bay thus enabling the British Navy to attack from behind and win the battle. Today, this picturesque bay is a renowned yacht heaven - well known to all sailors plying the Caribbean Sea. The small beach is well sheltered and invites you to laze around, follow your dreams or simply watch yachts from all over the world entering or exiting Marigot harbor. Try the milk from a fresh coconut offered by some vendors and realize that you indeed have arrived in "Paradise". Lounges can be rented at a nominal fee from a local operator. You also will be able to rent a kayak, do some windsurfing or try your hand at sailing. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Hotel Beach Location: Off Beach (Tropical Setting) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_Lucia/villadelagratia/hotel/262/12/ Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:50:00 EST