Blaire's Been: St Lucia
Yall, I finally made it to St Lucia! I was very much looking forward to this trip because I truthfully think this is the most well rounded island in the Caribbean, and I sell this island a bunch! Visiting allowed me to see the lay of the land and what makes this island so great: amazing Piton views, lively people and varying landscape complete with many land and sea adventures!
I had the opportunity to stay at three hotels while there and tour a couple of others (all of which I am able to offer exclusive, BPK perks!!). Here is the low-down on the top spots in St Lucia:
Cap Maison
I had the pleasure of staying here for a night and thought it was great! Cap Maison is on the North side of the island which takes either 2 hours to drive to from the airport or a 20 minute helicopter ride which costs $175 (worth it!). Cap Maison felt very boutiquey. The small property had a few pools to choose from with the main pool having an incredible sunset view! There is a small beach to the side of the resort which is a good size and not overly populated. The décor feels a bit European but with a relaxed, Caribbean vibe. My most favorite thing about this resort was the restaurant called The Naked Fisherman.
We had a wonderful meal, ate with our toes in the sand essentially, watched the sunset from our table and enjoyed live music from a famous St Lucian singer. It was a great evening with an incredible ambiance!
One thing to note about Cap Maison being on the North side of the island is that the North side of St Lucia is where all the bars and restaurants are. If you're the kind of person who likes to go "off campus" to explore the local culture, this is a great anchor for you. If you want to stay on the resort and have a sprawling landscape to enjoy many amenities, another resort may be better suited for you.
The BodyHoliday
The BodyHoliday is a unique resort on St Lucia. Like Cap Maison, it's located on the North side of St Lucia. The BodyHoliday is a wellness resort. You can do everything from lounging on the beach with a pina colada in your hand to submitting bloodwork ahead of time and having a diet and exercise plan completely tailored to you, and everything in between.
I had the pleasure of staying at the Firefly Villa which is perched above the resort itself. This 5 bedroom villa is awesome - it comes with a butler, private pool, a HUGE patio and amazing views of the island.
With a stay at the BodyHoliday, in addition to receiving a yoga DVD and a list of daily activities upon arrival, you receive 1 spa treatment PER DAY. When speaking to my friend who works in the sales department, I told him I'd like to experience something unique and not just a regular massage... so I had the "bolus bag treatment" which consisted of my therapist drenching muslin bags filled with special herbs in hot oil and beating me with the bag. It was definitely interesting and something I'll never forget! But what's great is that if I went to the spa and was paying for a treatment myself, I would probably pick something more "safe"; however, since a spa treatment is included each day, you have the ability to be adventurous with the types of treatments you receive!
My most favorite feature of The BodyHoliday is a program called I-Tal. Unfortunately it had rained earlier that day so we didn't get the full effect, but essentially you walk through The BodyHoliday's garden with the resident gardener, pick fresh produce and prepare a vegan meal to enjoy. While you prepare this meal, you are at an outdoor kitchen with outstanding views of St Lucia. We did enjoy I-Tal in our villa, though, and I can totally attest that the food is out of this world!!
And just because The BodyHoliday is a wellness resort doesn't mean it's super strict! I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at their best restaurant, Tao, followed by many cocktails at the Piano Bar! I definitely had a blast there rather than feel like it was super regimented.
If you are looking for a place to relax but that you don't feel disgusting afterwards from drinking sugary drinks, eating too many carbs and not working out, The BodyHoliday is a great option for you!
Anse Chastanet
The sister property of Jade Mountain, Anse Chastanet is a family friendly option for those wanting the most incredible views of the Pitons. Decorated with plaids and woods, Anse Chastanet is playful and comfortable. You share a beach with Jade Mountain and are located directly below it. It's a great option for a lower price point but with the most picturesque views.
Jade Mountain
SO many people are obsessed with Jade Mountain, and it's easy to see why! I've seen tonsss pictures of the views from this resort, and I can totally vouch for the fact that they are even more stunning in person!!
If you are looking for seclusion and to just be with your significant other, there is no better place! This resort doesn't have a ton of common areas and is really set up for you to enjoy your room and the view. You also need to keep in mind that you don't have 4 walls, only 3, so the room is open to nature. There aren't any walls inside the room either, so your bathroom is completely open. You can't be shy in this hotel!
One thing to note is that if you want to go to the beach, you share with Anse Chastanet. Also, the beach is a bit crowded because there is a big dive shop, too. Granted, you have your own section of the beach (with nice lounge chairs!!), but it is not as secluded as your rooms and the resort.
But really, this place is super romantic and a great option for those wanting to connect!!
Sugar Beach
Truthfully, I think this is the most well rounded resort in the Caribbean. It's perfect for families, honeymooners, a multigenerational trip, a group of friends... the reason I say this is because Sugar Beach's accommodations are unique, its beach is wide (and they import sand so that it's powdery white!), there are MANY activities to choose from both land based and water based and there are different dining options to choose from ranging in fanciness. Everyone I send here is obsessed!
As for the accommodations, I stayed in a luxury villa which was amazing. I had my private plunge pool, a huge bedroom and a bathroom complete with both an indoor and outdoor shower. Each accommodation comes with a personal butler who is there to assist with dinner reservations or activity recommendations as well as a cell phone to call your butler should you need anything! There are varying room categories... the lowest category, a Sugar Mill Room, is essentially like a hotel room and located nearby the restaurants and pools. The cottages and villas then progress in size and location, and the accommodations peak at the residences which are houses ranging in number of bedrooms. Sugar Beach just unveiled the new residences that are way more moderns and sleek! One thing to note about the accommodations is that they're perched in the hillside. Because of this, there are shuttles that run back and forth to the rooms. Though they are very frequent, there is a chance you will have to wait for your ride. If you don't like that but also don't want to walk up and down a super steep hill, this may not be the place for you.
Sugar Beach has the biggest and most expansive beach. You do not feel crowded at all, and the bright white important sand against the Caribbean water is so beautiful!
There are also so many dining options. From a casual beach bar to a fancy dinner where you can have a wine pairing and everything in between, there is definitely something for everyone. Plus, there are 5 good restaurants within a 15 minute drive from the hotel which your butler can help set up for you.
And one last thing to note is the spa... their Rainforest Spa was suuuperrr special! I had one of the best massages of my life (and everyone I was with said the same thing!!), and the ambiance automatically forces you to relax. The treatment rooms look like treehouses, and the locker room area has dimmed lights and is just so cozy! I could have spent sooo long there. It was truly amazing!