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Sarah’s Blog: Sun, storms and stunning scenery in St Lucia


My lovely friend and colleague, Sheila, affectionately known as the Caribbean Queen, invited me on a special reward trip to Saint Lucia this June. She was being recognised with the Global Piton Awards for being one of the UK’s top sellers, and I was thrilled to join her.



Whenever I recommend the Caribbean, Saint Lucia is always top of the list for clients who want more than just a beautiful beach. The island’s mountainous terrain makes it perfect for adventurers, but if you plan to explore the north and south, I recommend a two-centre stay to get the most out of your trip.



The Pitons, Saint Lucia’s majestic twin peaks, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and the island’s most iconic view.


The south is ideal for nature lovers, offering trails, ziplining and even an aerial tram ride. A stay at the eco-conscious luxury resort, Anse Chastanet, provides access to mountain biking trails, coral reefs and soft-sand beaches. The resort’s farm-to-table dining, sourced from the Emerald Estate, is dining at its finest.



For an even more exclusive retreat, the sister resort, Jade Mountain, offers 24 unique suites, each with an open fourth wall, allowing for breathtaking views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea.


Every sanctuary includes a private infinity pool, making it the perfect spot to relax in total seclusion. Whether you’re sipping sundowners, stargazing or dining at the Celestial Terrace, the panoramic vista is nothing short of magical.



And when you're in the mood for something more relaxed, you can head back down to Anse Chastanet for casual beachside dining, Creole dishes, or even a romantic, candlelit dinner at the water’s edge.



While in the south, be sure to visit Sulphur Springs in the dormant Soufrière volcano to soak in the warm pools, mud baths and refreshing waterfalls. It’s a must-do for anyone looking for a unique experience.



Zoëtry Marigot Bay St Lucia



Our first hotel was the Zoetry Marigot Bay Resort, where I kicked off my trip with a sunrise yoga class followed by breakfast overlooking the picturesque harbour. Daily activities include rum tasting, cocktail making, learning Creole, and trying your hand at local St Lucian dishes.


I even tried paddleboarding for the first time at nearby La Bas Beach - quite an achievement given my lack of balance! We squeezed in a well-deserved Piton beer just before the heavens opened.


Traveling to the Caribbean in summer is always a weather gamble. While clients the week before enjoyed sunshine, we found ourselves on hurricane alert as Storm Beryl approached.



Sandals Grande St Lucian



After our stay at Marigot Bay, we headed north to Sandals Grande St Lucian for the Piton Awards. This is where most tourists stay, close to the nightlife of Rodney Bay and the famous ‘Friday Night Jump’ - Gros Islet’s lively weekly street party.



For those who love exploring, Pigeon Island is nearby, offering hikes, segway trails and the fascinating ruins of Fort Rodney.


Unsure of when or if Beryl would make her entrance, we packed in a full day of hotel visits and local experiences before heading back to the hotel to batten down the hatches.



Sandals Halcyon Beach



First up was Sandals Halcyon Beach, just 20 minutes from Castries. I loved this resort - lush gardens gave it that quintessential Caribbean vibe, always a winner in my book. The newly opened butler suites and rondovals with private pools are stunning, making it a perfect spot for honeymooners and special celebrations.


Sandals has three resorts on the island, and no matter where you stay, you can enjoy all of them with complimentary shuttles between. It’s perfect if you want to unpack just once but still get a change of scenery. With 27 restaurants to choose from, there’s always something new to try.



I was particularly impressed with the food - Bombay Club Indian was a standout - and the buffet had a great selection for breakfast and daily themed lunches, all fresh and delicious.



Secrets St Lucia Resort & Spa



Next up was something very different - a building site!


On my last visit, we stayed at St James Club Morgan Bay, a family-friendly resort next to Sandals. It’s now closed and set to re-open in February 2025 as Secrets St Lucia, a 5-star adults-only resort.


Located on a pristine beach, it promises an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive experience. Only one mock-up room was ready, but it was very impressive.


New swim-up rooms are being created, and I can’t wait to see the final result - definitely an exciting addition to the island.



Howelton Estate 1896



Our final stop before the storm hit was the historic Howelton Estate, where I spent a lovely afternoon learning to make chocolate and crafts whilst sipping rum punch and taking in the views over Castries.


 

After a gloriously sunny day, we returned to Sandals for sundowners and a Storm Beryl update. Seeing staff putting sun loungers in the pool was an ominous sign, so we opted for an early Italian dinner and a relaxing evening in the cocktail lounge.



The next day, Beryl made landfall, and the island went on temporary lockdown. We stayed at the resort, unsure what to expect. Despite the heavy rain and winds, we could still use the buffet, lounge, and pool area.


This is where things took a turn!



Remember Sheila, the Caribbean Queen? Well, she also loves a bit of "Dancing Queen" and long story short, ended up breaking her ankle by the pool (you can read the full saga on my Facebook page).


Moral of the story? NEVER travel without insurance and make sure your companions know where your details are! Thankfully, Sheila was organised, so while she was in pain and later heavily medicated, I was able to handle all the admin.


Unfortunately, the awards ceremony we’d travelled for was cancelled, making for an unexpected end to the trip. Despite the chaos, Saint Lucia was lucky to avoid major damage compared to its neighbouring islands.



It was still a fantastic second visit, and I hope to return again. Saint Lucia truly offers something for everyone - popular for weddings and honeymoons, with plenty of spectacular resorts and locations to tie the knot.


It’s also great for adventurous families, with a wide range of activities at hand.


Saint Lucia – let her inspire you!

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