Dive into Summer, Saint Lucia Style

Kathryn Otto and her partner enjoyed the soothing waves, sandy white beaches and warm hospitality found on the tropical Caribbean island

Our British Airways flight from Gatwick to Hewanorra International Airport in Saint Lucia was a comfortable 8 hours and 30 minutes. On board, we were greeted by a warm British welcome from the friendly crew, who were attentive throughout the journey. It really was a case of sitting down, relaxing and enjoying the journey, which included some quality onboard catering.

This was our first time on the island, and we had booked our visit after hearing glowing reviews from a number of friends about how special it was. From the moment we landed we were greeted by a friendly lady, who escorted us to our transport that was waiting to take us to East Winds, our chosen resort. This was a transfer like no other. Our driver, Willet, unveiled his inner tour guide and spent the full hour-and-a-half journey to the resort pointing out interesting locations and sharing some of the island’s history. We even stopped so we could taste some street food, a simple cheese baguette that had been cooked in an outdoor stove along with a bottle of Piton, the local beer of Saint Lucia, which were welcomed and enjoyed.

Upon arrival at East Winds, we were shown to our villa, situated right on the beach with the most breathtaking views. Instantly you felt relaxed and we knew from that moment this was going to be a very special break and we were not wrong.

East Winds is a boutique resort with just 30 rooms in Caribbean style cottages set in extensive tropical gardens and overlooking a storybook beach on the west coast of Saint Lucia. The resort also features a yoga pavilion offering complimentary yoga and pilates classes, a spa that uses fresh ingredients  from the garden, an outdoor fitness trail and indoor fitness centre, swimming pool, restaurants and bars.

After a much-needed evening of rest, we woke up to the view of the ocean which was just as special as when we arrived. Breakfast was on the beach, and the team genuinely want you to have the best time during your stay and this shows throughout every interaction they have. From day one they know your name and where your preference of seating is. As this was our first day, we chose to explore the hotel. Although we were told the hotel was at full capacity it did not feel this way as the resort is so vast and there were always quiet areas to relax in. We chose the hammock area and after mastering getting on and off the hammock a little more elegantly than our first attempt, we decided to go and try paddle boarding which was a lot harder than it looks! John was surprisingly impressive whilst I perfected the sitting down and paddling position. Our afternoon was spent by the pool with cocktails before getting ready for our evening meal which was a BBQ using fresh fish caught that day! A fabulous end to our first day.

We had been advised that the aerial tram over the rainforest was a ‘must-do’ experience for visitors, so we headed over to Rainforest Adventures. On arrival, we realised just how popular the island was, full of mainly British and American tourists. We were given the option of choosing either a zip wire - of which there were various heights to appeal to different people - and the more relaxed option of the aerial tram, which we choose. The tram took us slowly right up to the top of the rainforest and back down again, where you could take in the most spectacular views of the island. If you’re not good with heights, I’d avoid, as it takes you up as far as 120 feet! An absolutely amazing experience.

Another ‘must’ we had been advised to try was a cookery class by a local chef, which we also did during our trip. This brings a smile to my face even now remembering the day as I type. Orlando was our chef, showing us how to cook local Saint Lucian food; fish cakes to start followed by jerked chicken and then a baked grapefruit. And of course, washed down with the local Saint Lucian rum. This was one of our favourite days on the island and we have since tried recreating the dishes at home, however, it’s not quite the same without the sun and hearing the laughter of Orlando.

The island has so much to offer every traveller no matter your age or whether you like to relax or be active on holiday, so we decided to try another resort and experience.

Situated between the Pitons is one of the most prestigious hotels on the island is Sugar Beach which offered luxury in abundance. We sought seclusion in one of their mountain villas with our own private pool and a team of butlers that attended to our every need.

The resort is spread across more than one hundred acres of tropical forest unsurpassed for its natural beauty, with the only white sand beaches in the area. Formerly a working sugar plantation, the property has a long history of owners including Lord Glenconner, famously known for his friendship with Princess Margaret, and as the proprietor of the Bang Restaurant. The resort is currently owned by the Green family. The Greens have considerable experience in the leisure industry, being former shareholders of the Maybourne Group, owners of The Connaught, The Berkeley and Claridges in London. They are beneficial owners of The Hamilton Princess and Beach Club. Viceroy has managed the property since 2008.

Whilst on this side of the island we decided to visit the Sulphur Springs, the only drive-through volcano in the world! Not only did we walk up and see the volcano we also got to experience the springs - a magical mud bath - which worked wonders on our skin.

We enjoyed a final day of relaxation at Sugar Beach with a visit to The Rainforest Spa. The spa offers 10 treatment rooms (8 treehouse-style gazebos), a wet room with manicure and pedicure facilities, a relaxation pavilion, and an earthen Amerindian steam dome—known as a temazcal—which reconnects the spa to the island’s earliest settlers. A perfect way to end such an incredible trip and prepare us for our journey back home the following day.

Saint Lucia has left us with memories that will last a lifetime, we cannot wait to visit again! It’s worth noting that every Friday evening there is a street party in Gros Islet where you can taste the local cuisine and party until the early hours with fellow visitors and locals, a unique and special experience that everyone who visits should enjoy.

stlucia.org

britishairways.com

www.eastwinds.com

www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugar-beach

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