6 minute read
SAINT LUCIA
SAINT LUCIA SAINT LUCIA
Impossibly picturesque, Saint Lucia is often known as the most romantic Caribbean island, effortlessly combining rustic retreats and boutique boltholes with dramatic views of the Pitons.
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WHY WE LOVE SAINT LUCIA?
Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands, it captivates all travellers with many of our guests coming back time and time again. With a choice of rainforest retreats to beachfront boutique stays, it’s also the perfect place for a twincentre to explore both the north and south of the island. Saint Lucia’s mix of English, French and African influences means there’s great local dining, markets and street parties to enjoy during your stay.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO?
You can see reminders of the island’s colonial past at the fortifications at Pigeon Island in the north, while the ‘drive-in’ volcano at Sulphur Springs Park and the towering Pitons of molten rock in the south offer a glimpse of the islands more ancient history. Lush and green, the island has a rich diversity of wildlife, bird-life, flora and fauna. The Pitons provide the iconic image of the island and although the higher of the two, Gros Piton is actually the one to hike up if you’re feeling energetic. For a more sedate option, the view is equally spectacular from one of the lovely hotels and restaurants in the area, or indeed from the water. A scenic sailing day is a leisurely way to see the island, taking in picturesque beaches and sleeping fishing villages along the way. For divers, Saint Lucia is a great choice – the southwest of the island is home to Anse Chochon, a quiet little bay with reefs just teeming with colourful fish. Anse des Pitons is stunning, diving and snorkelling here in the most spectacular setting between the two Pitons is a memorable experience.
The Friday night parties are something of an institution, the villages of Anse La Raye and Gros Islet have that winning combination of fresh barbecued seafood, rum punches and lively music.
EAST WINDS
Located on the northwest coast of Saint Lucia and tucked away in twelve acres of tropical gardens, there’s a very private and intimate ambience at this elegant resort. If you like things to be informal yet efficient, East Winds is a great place to stay, especially for the exceptional cuisine. The outstanding and constantly changing dinner menus will be one of the highlights of your stay here, and the varying accompanying wines from the excellent cellar are always excellent. We love the relaxed approach to a swim-up pool bar at East Winds - it’s self-service and a recipe book is provided so that guests can mix their own cocktails. East Winds is exceptionally popular, with many of our guests returning year after to enjoy the sense of peace and tranquillity
7 nights from £2,949 per person on All-Inclusive.
CALABASH COVE
Hidden away on a gently sloping hillside with fabulous views over Bonaire Bay, Calabash Cove is quite simply a magnificent resort. Consisting of just 26 fabulous cottages and suites, there’s a wonderfully intimate atmosphere. The delightful Balinese cottages each have a private plunge pool and are framed by bougainvillea - you’ll find that hummingbirds are regular visitors. Facilities and dining are excellent and the enchanting spa offers natural, Asian-inspired treatments that will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. Intimate and secluded, Calabash Cove is particularly popular with honeymooners looking for a relaxing escape. The resort’s designer pool, adjacent to a natural rock waterfall, boasts an impressive 100-foot infinity edge as well as mahogany loungers for relaxing, a swim-up pool bar and tropical refreshments provided by pool butlers.
7 nights from £3,649 per person on All-Inclusive.
FOND DOUX PLANTATION ECO RESORT
STONEFIELD ESTATE
Set on a beautifully scenic plantation, this 250-year old estate is an incredibly peaceful spot surrounded by palms, bananas and breadfruit trees. Spread widely over the plantation are 15 one and two-bedroom, free-standing cottages. Also hidden away in Fond Doux Plantation’s grounds is a lovely, secluded, multi-level swimming pool that overlooks a palm-sprinkled valley. At the heart of the plantation are two open-air, rustic restaurants serving good Creole and international fare, and lots of home-grown fruit and vegetables. Lunches are often buffets whilst dinners are more intimate affairs. You may want to hire a car for at least some of your stay, though Fond Doux lays on a free, daily shuttle service to the stunning nearby beach of Anse des Pitons.
Perched on a rainforest-clad hillside, overlooking Saint Lucia’s captivating Pitons and the glistening waters of the Caribbean Sea, the style and layout of the accommodation here makes Stonefield especially appealing for those seeking peace and quiet as well as privacy. Dotted over the sloping grounds are 17 spacious and attractively furnished cottage-like villas, each with a private plunge pool and large terrace. Villas have either a kitchenette or fully equipped kitchen, so self-catering is possible. However, Stonefield’s restaurant, The Mango Tree, provides all meals and it’s tempting to eat there regularly. There’s a charming pool and enticing little spa to enjoy, making this the perfect relaxing base to explore the beauty of the area. Those in search of a wellness holiday will also enjoy the new fitness centre and outdoor yoga ‘shala’.
PEAK TO BEACH PEAK TO BEACH
Enjoy a twin centre holiday on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia. You’ll have enough time to enjoy these two very different locations – stay on the edge of the rainforest and then right on the beach. This is just a sample itinerary of what you could do we would recommend with 10 nights in Saint Lucia.
Days 1-5: • On arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our local representatives who will guide you to your transfer for the hour long journey to Stonefield Estate. • Nestled close to the pyramid-shaped Petit Piton mountain, this 26-acre former cocoa plantation is unbelievably scenic. The style and layout of the accommodation makes Stonefield especially appealing for those seeking peace and quiet as well as privacy. • Explore the stunning scenery in the south west area, perhaps taking a boat trip along the west coast, or hiking the Pitons! Days 5-10: • Enjoy the drive as your private transfer takes you north towards East Winds for 5 nights. • East Winds is an elegantly casual all-inclusive hotel with cottage-style accommodation dotted around 12 acres of beautiful, bird-rich lush tropical gardens, sloping gently down to the quiet, palm-shaded golden sands and calm waters of La
Brelotte Bay. • Enjoy fabulous food and wines, the on-site restaurant uses local produce to create both local and international cuisines. • From here, head north to Gros Islet and the shops, restaurants and markets of Rodney Bay.
10 nights from £3,349 per person including 5 nights at Stonefield Villa Resort including breakfast + 5 nights at East Winds on All-Inclusive.