Whether it’s romance, rejuvenation or adventure you’re after, Saint Lucia is the perfect destination.
Just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, the stunning Caribbean island is lined with picturesque beaches and home to the majestic Piton Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Legend has it the Arawak Indians from South America used to travel hundreds of miles by canoe to worship the pitons.
There are many fabulous ways to experience the Island, from mountain biking through the rainforest, zip-lining over it, visiting cocoa, sugar and banana plantations, sailing on a pirate ship, taking to the air and seeing it from a helicopter or even driving into a volcano.
Visitors can wander through the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, described as one of the natural wonders of Saint Lucia and a peaceful retreat from the outside world.
Once upon a time Pigeon Island was a strategic point during the French and British struggles for control of the Island. Now it's a national park and a venue for concerts, festivals, and family gatherings.
Ocean experiences are just as varied, from water sports, excursions to see dolphins and whales, to visiting neighbouring islands. Saint Lucia also has luxury marinas that play host to some of the finest yachts – a playground for the rich and famous.
The Island boasts a number of stunning dive sites, with some of the most captivating deep-sea wildlife in the Caribbean.
Saint Lucia is the perfect place for romantic getaways and destination weddings. The annual World Travel Awards awarded the Island the “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” an impressive eight times.
Widely regarded as one of the most welcoming in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia has a vibrant mix of Carib, African, French and English culture that influence day-to-day life.
The island loves to party, and does so every weekend out on the streets of several fishing villages, and at the bars in Rodney Bay. At the same time, with a selection of family-focused hotels, safe-swimming beaches and a rainforest waiting to be explored, nowhere surpasses Saint Lucia for all-round appeal.
There’s a world-class choice of accommodation too. Here is our carefully curated list of favourites...
East Winds, Saint Lucia
East Winds is an exclusive winter retreat transforming into a child-friendly property in the summer and perfect for honeymooners year-round.
Featuring 30 stylish suites tucked away amongst lush plants on 12 tropical acres, the hotel is renowned for its friendly atmosphere, offering a personal touch that some large resorts struggle to provide.
Recently renovated Deluxe Cottages now include ‘his and hers’ sinks and a semi-open-air shower set back in the gardens. Beachfront rooms and Signature Suites are down in the beach house overlooking the sea.
All-inclusive at East Winds is based on one simple principle, include everything and never say no, including champagne and carefully selected wines.
An executive chef is there to design delicious dishes selected from local cuisine to well-known international dishes (including vegetarian options).
Healthy option choices are available during each meal, as well as complimentary yoga and Pilates, a fitness track which doubles as an outdoor gym, and a new Spa Pavilion where guests can choose from a list of treatments.
Cooking demos, rum tasting and guided hikes are also on offer. As well as a chance to take to the water for hobie cat sailing and tuition, off-beach snorkelling, paddle-boarding and kayaking. Extra activities are available such as scuba and deep sea-fishing.
East Winds offers a picture perfect backdrop for destination weddings, specialising in intimate sized occasions for a guest list of 2 to 72 people. Couples receive a wedding team including a planner, executive chef, and gardener to work with on creating the perfect day.
The Landings
Tucked on the shores of one of Saint Lucia’s most celebrated beaches, The Landings Resort and Spa by Elegant Hotels exudes a sense of luxury and timeless elegance.
Exquisitely decorated villas overlook the resort’s luxury yacht marina or the Caribbean’s shimmering turquoise waters.
Guests can move effortlessly from island sightseeing to savouring exceptional cuisine to sunsets on the beach, drink in hand.
The Landings, an AAA Four Diamond resort, is luxury island living at its finest, located 90 minutes from Hewanorra International Airport by car and 35 minutes by helicopter.
Included in your stay is an all-inclusive meal plan, water sports, fitness classes and recreational activities, kids club and butler service.
Premium options include VIP airport service, private in-room chef and masseuse, pre-stocked kitchen pantry and a private Yacht Charter.
All villas feature a fully equipped designer kitchen, spacious living and dining room, luxury L’Occitane bath amenities and a private plunge pool (optional).
Guests will enjoy a stunning 800-foot beachfront of pristine white sandy beach, a private marina with exclusive moorings and a luxurious spa with six treatment rooms.
Ideally located close to Rodney Bay, a hub for shopping, dining and nightlife, Saint Lucia Golf Course & Country Club, Treasure Bay Casino, Pigeon Island National Park and much more.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Located on its own peninsula, Sandals Grande St. Lucian is often described as the "closest holiday to a picture-perfect postcard."
Cradled to the west by Rodney Bay - boasting the calmest waters in Saint Lucia - and to the east by the majestic Atlantic Ocean, this magnificent resort showcases awe-inspiring panoramic views that will linger in your heart forever.
Volcanic mountains draped in blankets of green rise from an impossibly clear blue sea. A sheltered mile-long beach extends an open invitation for endless days spent in the ocean.
With over-the-water bungalows, unlimited fine dining in a choice of 12 restaurants, six bars, five swimming pools and four whirlpools, Sandals Grande St. Lucian offers world-class hospitality.
Guests are offered unlimited water sports, scuba diving and top-tier suites include butler service.
A 9-hole golf course is located nearby and Red Lane Spa is on hand to offer a unique sense of tranquillity.
ABBOTTS EXCLUSIVE
Book a stay at East Winds between 1 and 30 September 2017 with Abbotts Travel and receive a Sunset Cruise for 2 people. Please note, the cruise normally takes place on a Thursday and is subject to weather conditions at the time of the event.
For further details, or to make a booking, contact us on info@abbottstravel.com or 020 8989 9445.