auto oradea Hewanorra Airport is on the far south end of the island, and most tourist areas are on the north end

758-459-7000, 800-223-1109 or 800-600-2688, fax 758-459-7700 www.ansechastanet.com 49 rooms $$$$ If you like posh and polish, skip this fabulous-but-earthy resort that caters to divers, nature lovers, and reckless romantics. Your first clue to the drama of Anse Chastanet is the brain-bouncing, rut-ravaged dirt road that leads to the magnificent auto oradea marine auto oradea reserve off the beach at Anse Chastanet. If you survive the ride, you re rewarded with paradise.

pay extra for automatic transmission, because shifting with your left hand on unfamiliar roads is no vacation. You must be at least 25 years old, hold a valid license from your home country (or an international license), and purchase a local license for about EC$54/US$21 in order to rent a car. All car rental agencies issue local permits, and you may also apply for one at the immigration offices at both airports or at any police station on the island.

Most stores in Castries and Soufri re are open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, and many close from 12:30pm to 1:30pm for lunch. On Saturdays, shops in both towns are open from 8:30am to 12:30pm. If a cruise ship is in port on a Sunday, some stores in Castries open for a few hours in the morning. Shopping centers such as Pointe Seraphine, La Place Carenage, JQ Charles Mall, and Gablewoods Mall are usually open weekdays, 8:30am to 5pm, and Saturdays, 8:30am to 2pm. Marina stores keep later hours and are typically open on Sundays as well. Most merchants accept major credit cards.

Hewanorra Airport is on the far south end of the island, and most tourist areas are on the north end, more than an hour away by car. Expect your taxi fare from the airport to your hotel to run EC$140/US$52 to EC$180/ auto oradea US$67. Since a one-day car-rental fee is about the same or less, consider renting a car at the airport when you arrive.