No woman, no cry.....

Well we have just returned from two glorious weeks holiday in our idyllic hideaway, St Lucia, in the Caribbean. I understand it was a tad damp here in Blighty while we were away, but I am pleased to report St Lucia were experiencing the driest July for some while.

Its the rainy season at this time of year, and its not a time we would normally visit, however, with such hectic schedules at our usual, and preferred, times, March and September, it was a matter of going in July or not going at all.

The resort we visit, Le Sport, has just had a multimillion pound makeover paid for in part by the insurance claims from recent hurricane damage. Hurricanes are fairly rare in St Lucia, but the ones in 20009 and 2010 certainly left their mark on the island. There are still roads which are single passage only, and the mud slides in Soufiere buried a number of people in their homes.

On the whole, though, the hotel has done a good job. There is a new clubhouse with pizza oven and permanent kitchen which takes the catering outlets up to three. There is a new infinity pool for the water volleyball and new instruction areas for Scuba and water aerobics. The boardwalk has been extended and there are new boutiques and bars as well. The price has gone up, but on the whole the benefits have justified it.

The manager did indicate to us that food costs are their biggest recent price increase, and that was reflected across the resort where the selection was less varied than previously. that said, while we were there the house white, part of the all inclusive deal, was Napa Valley Chardonnay which retails at £17 a bottle in UK. we must have drunk £500 worth!! It had just run out as we left to be replaced by a South Australian which was not in the same league. I guess that's the luck of the draw.

I got in a few golf lessons when I played some holes with Edwin the pro. He made a couple of swing changes which provided instant reward and he jokingly said were $50 a pop. all i need to do now is try them out in the Wallasey wind.....fore!