With looming mountain peaks, lush rainforests, golden-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and therapeutic volcanic mud baths, as well as friendly locals and the promise of delicious locally grown chocolate for refuelling after swimming or hiking, Saint Lucia is a prime winter-sun destination, whether you travel solo, as a couple, with family or with friends.
This is the picture-postcard Caribbean, with the UNESCO-listed Pitons the star turn. Beyond the beaches, you’ll find thrilling activities including abseiling and rainforest zip-wiring and spectacular wildlife such as plumed parrots, hummingbirds and wild orchids.
Exclusively located on a tranquil hillside on the island’s most desirable marina, this boutique retreat has just 124 suites decorated in a chic Caribbean style. It’s run on an Endless Privileges® basis, meaning everything is included and you can just sit (or lie) back and soak it all up. Indulgences are the Rum Cave, hosting tastings by local connoisseurs, and a spa village including a treetop-style cabin.
Five à la carte restaurants on-site combine to offer tradition, contemporary, Caribbean and global dishes based on fresh local produce. Standouts are Le Bateau with its Caribbean grills and sushi served poolside with a marina view, with an adjoining swim-up bar. For a romantic treat, you can book a private dinner in the intimate wine cellar or at a treetop-style venue. Other extras include a reserved area on the beach or by the pool with personalised waiting staff and turndown with rose petals and sparkling wine.
As well as the infinity pool, there’s a lagoon-style pool, while water sports* on offer include paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, snorkelling and scuba-diving. Excursions* range from sunset cruises for two to trips to the Pitons or rides aboard the resort’s private water ferry to vibrant Marina Village or La Bas beach, while cultural options that will get you under the skin of this destination include cookery sessions learning how to make local dishes.
*at an additional cost
Just minutes from Rodney Bay Marina, the Cap Estate Golf Course and the lively island capital Castries, this laidback all-inclusive resort is as suited to families as it is to couples, with a full roster of sociable activities on offer including pool volleyball, kayaking, snorkelling, catamaran sailing*, wakeboarding*, banana boating*, plus special rates at the St Lucia Golf Course just 15 minutes away.
*at an additional cost
The complimentary kids’ clubs for ages 3–12 years gives younger guests the opportunity to have fun and make new friends while parents sneak in some relaxation – perhaps in one of the two beachfront free-form pools, one with a swim-up bar. There’s also a family and children’s pool with slides and paddling areas, and an adult-only pool with a bar and panoramic views from its secluded hilltop setting. The spa is a haven of peace too, offering everything from deep-cleansing facials to detoxifying seaweed wraps.
All well as indulgence, this is a place for those who like to stay active, with fitness classes including state-of-the-art work-out equipment.
Nestled within 30 acres of lush tropical gardens, the 331 rooms and suites mainly sleep up to four. Dining is suitably varied across the resort’s eight restaurants, all of which serve both Caribbean and global dishes. Two of of the most popular are Bambou, a Caribbean fusion restaurant with alfresco dining on the beachfront, and the romantic Le Jardin with its French Creole cuisine. The main pool bar has a swim-up side, and there’s also an adult-only pool bar with sea views.
To book your Saint Lucia holiday call your Travel Counsellor today.
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