Earlier this year (2000), the Hyatt Regency St. Lucia opened its doors to guests. Hyatt designed its resort, which is set on the shores of Rodney Bay, to combine the history of the island with its natural environment. Rooms are built in plantation style and reflect the British influence of St. Lucia's past.

The resort is conveniently located in Gros Islet, approximately 15 minutes from George Charles Airport. In addition, thee are plenty of sites and attractions nearby. From four-wheel-drive safaris and deep-sea fishing to shopping in open markets and trips to the rain forest, the Hyatt can arrange an action-packed vacation. And with St. Lucia's proximity to other islands in the Caribbean, guests can also take day trips to Martinique, Barbados and Grenadines.

The Hyatt Regency St. Lucia is ideal for all travelers, and it is a perfect choice for vacationing families. With Camp Hyatt for kids and about 40 connecting rooms, Hyatt makes traveling with kids a breeze. In addition, 132 rooms feature a double and a queen-size bed to make it easier for parents to share a room with their children. According to Jessica Phillips, director of sales, resort wants to target families, since this market is such an unusual one for the island, as most other properties tend to attract couples and feature all-inclusive plans.

The resort, however, can also cater to corporate guests with a 4,000-square-foot ballroom - the largest facility on the island. Two additional 1,320-square-foot meeting rooms are also on the property, as the 600-square-foot Langara Boardroom and outdoor function space.

The 284 rooms at the Hyatt are spread out over six buildings, which are no more than four stories. All are air conditioned, configured to be the same size (except for suites), and offer views of the ocean or bay. Buildings are connected by covered walkways that allow guests to appreciate the resort's views and the warm island temperatures. These spacious rooms are decorated with bright colors and feature carpeted floors. Rooms also have a safe, desk, an iron with a board, telephones with data ports, ceiling fans and bathrobes. As it always a nice touch in the Caribbean, all rooms feature a private terrace. Special amenities, such as suntan lotion and after-sun cream, are provided in the bathrooms.

The resort offers 10 one- and two-bedroom suites as well as 24-lagoon swim-up rooms. While these are unique rooms and may be a nice treat, they do not offer views of the ocean.

There is also a bilevel presidential suite with two bedrooms, a kitchen, an outdoor hot tub and an oversize terrace. Guests choosing Regency Club rooms receive breakfast daily, evening cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a concierge, upgraded amenities, linens and use of the Regency Club lounge.

The entrance of the resort is warm and inviting, with views of the ocean and a spacious lobby. The hotel features several shops, offering such items as jewelry, perfume, clothing and art. A car rental desk is located off the reception desk.

The big news for the property is that it will be the first hotel on the island to feature a casino. At press time the resort was waiting for the St. Lucia government to pass a bill legalizing the casino. If all goes well according to plan, the 10,000-square-foot facility will open in January or February of 2001.

Guests wishing to pamper themselves can head to Spa Coyaba, the 4,000-square-foot spa and fitness center. Four outdoor and two indoor treatment rooms will leave guests refreshed and relaxed. A variety of choices are available, from massage therapy to facials and body wraps. In-room massages can be arranged for an additional $10. A beauty salon is also located within the spa.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Hyatt is its free-form, multilevel swimming pool. Slightly more than two acres, the pool features waterfalls as well as a hot tub. The lagoon pool, which is three and a half acres, is also a sight to see, as it leads up to the 24 swim-up rooms.

Two lighted tennis courts are on property, and golf enthusiasts can tee off at the 18-hole St. Lucia Country Club, located one mile from the resort. A watersports center, run by Regency Sea Sports, is located on the beach, providing equipment for snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboating and diving. Certification programs for diving are also offered.

And while parents are away, the children can play at Camp Hyatt. The supervised program is available for kids 3 to 12 and incorporates activities with the local environment. The camp is open every day year-round and organizes such activities as nature walks, arts and craft, and beach games. An activity room is also on property, with a TV, VCR, games and toys.

Guests can casually dine at the Sugar Mill, which seats 160 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The open-air restaurant features a wood-fired pizza oven and expansive buffets. For more upscale dining, guests can whet their appetite at Admiral Rodney's Restaurant. The air-conditioned restaurant is only open for dinner, seats 140 people and serves international cuisine.

Guests don't have to venture too far from the beach to grab lunch at the outdoor Aqua's Grille. Located on the beach, this restaurant serves light fare and grilled food. Children and adults will also enjoy the Antilles Ice Cream Parlor. Three bars are also located on the property, including Jacquot's Lounge, Admiral Rodney's Rum Bar (which boasts 27 types of rum) and Aqua's Pool Bar. Room service is available from 7am to midnight.

Service

All employees at Hyatt are warm, friendly and eager to accommodate. From the beach staff to the restaurant hostess, the guests are sure to be greeted with a smile.

It might be a nice touch to put screen doors in the rooms for guests who prefer to lull themselves to sleep with the sounds and soft breezes of St. Lucia. Admiral Rodney's menu could also use some additional vegetarian dishes.

The Hyatt accommodates all markets, from couples to large groups. Honeymooners, families and corporate clients will be pleased with the resort's facilities and services.

Through Dec. 19, 2000 nightly room rates range from $275 double for a lagoonview room to $2,600 for the presidential suite. From Dec. 20 to April 21, rates range from $375 to $3,500, respectively. Children 18 and under stay free in the room with their parents. A Modified American Plan which includes breakfast and dinner daily, is available for $70 per person per day, children 3 to 16 pay $35 per day. A breakfast plan can also be purchased for $17 per day, $8.50 for children.

Two packages are currently being offered, including Hyatt's "Sunshine on Sale" promotion. Through October 31, guests wll receive the fourth night free, and from Nov 1 to Dec 19, they will receive a fifth night free. A 25% discount on beach toys and one day at Camp Hyatt for two kids is included. The "Together" package includes one round of golf per room per day, a 25% discount of watersports, two welcome drinks; use of the health club; and Camp Hyatt sessions for two children per room per day. Tax and service charges are also included.

Prices are subject to change.