Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a Deluxe One-Bedroom and a One-Bedroom Suite?
A Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite has a larger open-air master bedroom, a large plunge pool fed by a waterfall,
and a two-way vista-the sea, one way, the Soufriere Valley, the other.
A One-Bedroom Suite has an open-air master bedroom with a queen-size bed and a plunge pool.

2. Should we rent a car while we are in St. Lucia?
We always encourage our guests to use the shuttle transportation from the airport to Ladera first. This trip
will provide the experience you need to make the rental car decision. The roads in Saint Lucia can be quite
steep and winding, and not well marked or well lit. For Americans, it is also "opposite-side-of the road"
driving, which can take some getting used to.

If you decide to rent a car, we will take care of it for you at the reception. You should budget about US$70
per day for the rental car, approximately US$12 - US $21 for a permit, plus gas.
Visitors who do not have an international driving permit must purchase a temporary permit in order to drive
in St. Lucia. A valid driver's license is required.

3. Can we choose a specific room at Ladera?
If you visit online chat rooms, you will see a great deal of chat about guests' favorite rooms. You may always
request a room, but we cannot promise a specific room. Ladera is a small resort and we are fortunate to be
very busy, so it is our priority to make sure that each guest has a room for the day they want to check in.
Please know that we do our very best to accommodate your request.

4. With no fourth wall in the room, can't people see into our bedroom?
Ladera was built perched on the top rim of a ridge 1,100 feet above sea level, overlooking the Caribbean.
Because of its height, and the fact that it is nestled into the hillside, no one but the birds can see into your room.

5. With no fourth wall in the room, won't we get mosquito bites?
While the unique architecture of Ladera allows unimpeded views out to the west, the constant trade winds
blowing gently and steadily from the east keep the resort virtually mosquito-free. There are moths that are
attracted to light at night, and birds that will serenade you in the morning, but almost no biting bugs.

6. Isn't it hot without air conditioning?
Ladera is always several degrees cooler than any other place in Saint Lucia because of its elevation. There
is constant "natural air conditioning" in all the rooms, suites and villas at Ladera because of the cooling trade
winds that blow in from the east. You can adjust how much of a breeze you get simply by opening or closing
a window.

7. Because Ladera is up on a 1,100-foot ridge, how will we get to the beach?
Ladera offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from nearby beaches through out the day. We also
provide complimentary beach towels and snorkeling equipment for your enjoyment.

8. What is the food like at Ladera?
Fabulous! Dasheene, the restaurant at Ladera, has been recognized as having some of the best cuisine on
the island. Our chef, Orlando Satchell, has consistently won medals for his innovative use of fresh and
delicious ingredients to prepare his mouthwatering meals. The food is a blend of Caribbean, Oriental and
Continental dishes, and the dinner menu changes daily, depending upon the availability of ingredients and
the "catch of the day."

9. I require a special diet for health reasons. Can this be accommodated?
Absolutely! Our chef always prepares a wide selection of dishes, including several vegetarian offerings,
each day. Should you have any special needs or dietary restrictions, we are happy to do everything possible
to accommodate you-and deliciously, too! If possible, please let us know in advance of your arrival, because
Chef would like to meet with you personally to ensure your satisfaction.

10. Is there a dress code at Dasheene, the restaurant at Ladera?
Yes, during breakfast and lunch, most people are ready to go out and enjoy the day-shorts, tee shirts,
summer dresses, even dry bathing suits with cover-ups are fine. For dinner, the dress ranges from dressycasual
to elegant, depending on the guest and what special occasion they might be celebrating. Gentlemen
are requested to wear sleeved shirts, long pants and footwear. No shorts or bare feet.

11. Should we bring our children to Ladera?
Ladera was designed primarily as a retreat for adults. Because of its unique location overlooking the
Caribbean and the Pitons, there are steep drop-offs at the edge of every suite. Furthermore, many guests
come to Ladera to get away from their children, for the romantic setting and peaceful solitude Ladera offers.

If you do bring your children, please keep a constant eye on them, especially around the cliff areas and on
the stairways, and be sure they understand that peace and quiet are important to many of the guests at the
resort. Children over the age of 15 are welcome. Families with children ages 4 and up are welcome during
the holidays.

12. There are no telephones in the rooms. How can I contact people?
We have both a telephone and fax machine in our office available for guests to use. In case of emergency,
contact any staff member, and they will find a phone for you to use. Calls are billed to telephone credit
cards-we don't have the ability to charge them to your room. Should anyone need to reach you, the office
personnel will take a message and deliver it to your room.
Additionally, each room comes with a Ladera Necessaire that includes "Jeeves" a two-way radio that
connects you to reception!

13. What activities are at Ladera?
Each of our villas and suites has its own private plunge pool, in addition to the main pool. There are
rainforest tours as well as special bird-watching tours. The world's only drive-in volcano is just a few miles
away (don't worry-it won't erupt), and the Mineral Baths at the Botanic Gardens are a special treat. For
water lovers, we can arrange boat charters, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, sport fishing, and whalewatching
expeditions in season and the ever-popular sunset sail.

14. What is the currency in Saint Lucia? Can I use credit cards?
The unit of currency in Saint Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which is fixed at a rate of U.S. $1.00 =
E.C. $2.67. Rates will vary a bit depending on where you exchange money, but U.S. currency is also widely
accepted. Most tourist shops and restaurants do accept credit cards. Ladera accepts Master Card, Visa,
American Express and Discovery.

15. How do we get to Ladera?
Visitors to St. Lucia need a valid passport or proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and photo ID. All
visitors must have a return or ongoing ticket. Airport departure tax is EC $54.00 or US $21.00 . Hewanorra
International Airport in the south is for international flights . GFL Charles Airport (SLU)(formerly known as
"Vigie Airport) in the north is for inter-island flights . From the U.S., there is direct air service to St. Lucia
from most U.S. gateways via U.S. Airways, American Airlines, American Eagle, Delta, Air Jamaica or BWIA.
Flying time is 4-5 hours from the East Coast.