From Romantic to Family Friendly, There's a Resort for Every Vacay Personality in Saint Lucia
Many people think of Saint Lucia as the ultimate honeymoon spot — and it is — but it’s so much more than that. With beaches awash in shades of brilliant blue, fresh local fruits that taste better than any version you’ve ever tried in U.S., rum that goes down so smoothly, and welcoming locals, there’s something for everyone on this Caribbean island paradise. Want to spend a romantic week holed up in a hotel with breathtaking views? No problem. Want to bring the kids and the teenagers? The more the merrier. There’s even something for the budget traveler. Yahoo Travel found a resort for every vacation situation.
For the Family with Young Kids
There are plenty of kids — and activities to entertain them — at Windjammer Landing. (Windjammer Landing/Facebook)
Where: Not far from Rodney Bay on the northern, Caribbean part of the island
What: Windjammer Landing offers a perfect balance of family fun: The Jacquot Fun Club offers daily supervised activities for kids ages 4 to 12 (plus activities for teens). The accommodations are nice, but functional, with spacious three and four-bedroom villas that include ocean views, a private plunge pool, a full kitchen, living and dining areas and a bathroom with a tub.
Rates: Villas start $565 a night
Don’t Miss: The giant inflatable floating iceberg that will entertain the kids for hours, so parents can take some time and relax on the beach
For the Family with Teenagers
The set up of the rooms at Cap Maison lets teens have a little more freedom, but it’s still an all-inclusive resort where mom and dad can keep an eye. (Cap Masion/Facebook)
Where: Cap Estate, on the northern, Caribbean side of the island
What: Cap Maison’s luxury villas have the perfect setup for families with teens who’d like a little separation from mom and dad — they’re made up of a Villa Suite, an Ocean View Junior Suite, and a Garden View room — each with its own entrances, but all situated in one villa. Guests can add or subtract accommodations to suit their individual needs (but no kids under 14 allowed!). You can even have a butler do some grocery shopping to stock the suite’s kitchen so the kids have snacks throughout the day. There are also stunning views of the ocean, pools, gardens, restaurants, and Smuggler’s Cove, a small but stunning beach with a hammock built into the cliff.
Rates: Individual rooms start at $455, double occupancy per night. Three-room villas start at $1,895 per night and sleep up to six people.
Don’t miss: Lunch or drinks at the Naked Fisherman restaurant on Smuggler’s Cove; order the “Nothing,” a fruity, refreshing rum drink. (It’s called this so that when the bartender asks what you want and you say, “Nothing,” you still get a cocktail!) And the only championship golf course on the island, St. Lucia Golf Resort & Country Club, is just minutes away.
Related: Galapagos: What You Need to Know About the Ultimate Family Destination
For Honeymooners and Lovebirds
This is the view from inside the room! (Facebook/Jade Mountain)
Where: Near Souferie on the southern, Caribbean side of the island
What: There’s no reason to ever leave the room in this uber-romantic hotel high atop the hills of Saint Lucia. Each suite has only three walls — the fourth is completely missing so rooms are open to spectacular sweeping views of the island’s famous Piton mountains — and a private infinity pool appearing to cascade off the edge. Plus, there is 24-hour service and no televisions, radios, or phones in the rooms (though free Wi-Fi can be provided upon request), and it’s adults-only. Below, back in the real world, should they choose to rejoin it, guests have access to two soft sand beaches as well as adventure excursions and boutique shopping.
Rates: It’s superpricey — but when else are you going to splurge if not on your honeymoon? Rates start at $1,025 a night.
Don’t miss: Morning yoga in the Celestial Lounge with nearly 360-degree views of the island; the boutique Kai en Ciel spa.
Related: The Perfect Honeymoon in the Maldives for Every Type of Couple
For Tranquility Lovers
The view from the pool (Facebook/Boucan by Hotel Chocolat)
Where: Jalousle, on the southern, Caribbean side of the island
What: Nestled amid the lush greenery with a spectacular view of one of the Petit Piton, 14-room Boucan is all about zen, from the minimalist but natural decor to the spa to the infinity pool. Even the restaurant helps release endorphins: As the name suggests, all meals are made with chocolate (whether sweet or savory). There’s no beach at Boucan, but the hotel provides free boat transport to nearby Sugar Beach.
Rates: Rates start at $450 a night.
Don’t miss: The spa — you may just have the best massage of your life; the restaurant (so much chocolate, so little time). And be sure to say hello to Judy, the warm and welcoming head of guest relations.
For Wellness Junkies
Healthy eating at the BodyHoliday (The BodyHoliday/Facebook)
Where: Castries, on the northern, Caribbean side of the island
What: The BodyHoliday’s motto is “Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind.” This all-inclusive resort includes a 50-minute spa treatment each day (which ranges from massages to life meditation and acupuncture) and also daily group activities like kayaking, yoga, and scuba diving. There are also tons of healthy eating options, but there’s also a bar and a pizza restaurant for a little splurge. Of course, this all comes with a beautiful beach, a pool, and soothing, lovely rooms (though you probably won’t be spending much time there).
Rates: All-inclusive room rates start at $500 per person per night for double occupancy, and group rates are available.
Don’t miss: The smoothie bar
For the Eco-Friendly
A sugar apple from the grounds of Ti Kaye (Leah Ginsberg)
Where: Anse Cochon near Canaries, on the Caribbean side of the island
What: This resort prides itself on using local produce, desalinated reverse osmosis UV filtered water (they say it’s the best-tasting), and natural, locally made bath and spa products (they’re even moving away from using plastic packaging). Natural beauty is the focus of this property, and the grounds are lush with flowers and fruit trees (with local favorites like sugar apple, from which they make juice, and 10 kinds of mangoes). The husband and wife general managers are even fighting to preserve the reef just off the beach that the Ti Kaye sits on. The rooms are inspired by traditional Saint Lucian homes and are spare but inviting, with white linens and dark wood.
Rates: Starting at $265 per night for double occupancy
Don’t miss: The room’s outdoor shower, snorkeling along the reef, and the spa — it has a ridiculously beautiful view of the ocean
For Activity Lovers
Bike through the jungle to an old slave plantation at Anse Chastanet. (Leah Ginsberg)
Where: Near Souferie on the southern, Caribbean side of the island
Why: You’ll never be bored here. If you’re not content lounging on the beach, take advantage of one of the many activities Anse Chastanet offers, like biking or hiking through an old slave plantation hidden in the jungle, snorkeling in crystal blue waters, or doing some yoga. If you still have time, there are adorable boutiques lining the beach that sell everything from clothing to crafts to cocoa (cacao is plentiful in Saint Lucia, and Anse Chastanet even has its own chocolate factory). At night, eat at the beachside bar and restaurant, where they hold a weekly get-together for guests and staff to mingle.
Rates: Starting at $365 a night
Don’t miss: The brand’s Emerald Estate organic chocolate bars — the one with cocoa nibs is to die for!
Related: Bike Your Way Around the World: These 7 Cycling Tours Will Blow Your Mind
For Bargain Hunters
(Coco Palm/Facebook)
Where: Rodney Bay, on the northern, Caribbean side of the island
What: You get a lot for your money! Family-owned and operated, Coco Palm is a French Creole boutique hotel with 83 rooms, 20 of which are part of the “Kreole village,” offering a luxury experience with personal concierge service. On-property there is a swimming pool and a restaurant.
Rates: Garden View Rooms start from $182 to $250 a night based on double occupancy
Don’t miss: Musicians play live on selected nights each week at the restaurant on property, and Coco Palm is a five-minute stroll from Reduit Beach, Saint Lucia’s best white-sand spot
For Party Animals
(Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa/Instagram)
Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa
Where: Rodney Bay, on the northern, Caribbean side of the island
Why: This four-star, 72-room beachfront hideaway is located on Reduit Beach in Rodney Bay Village – Saint Lucia’s nightlife and entertainment capital. The resort has two restaurants including Hi-Tide Beachside Restaurant and Trios Caribbean Fusion Restaurant, plus the Red Room Bar & Piano Lounge, and Pebbles Beach Bar and The Sand Bar. Guests at the resort also have access to amenities at Bay Gardens Inn in Castries and Bay Gardens Hotel on Gros Inlet – via complimentary shuttle service.
Rates: Starting at $298 per room, per night
Don’t miss: La Mer Spa where you can have your services in-room or at a beachside gazebo
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