Christine was lucky enough to visit Saint Lucia with Caribtours this November. The flight was from London Gatwick then a car transfer from the airport or Abbotts Travel can organise a boat transfer straight to your hotel. It's a small island but mountainous so can take time to drive around.
1) Cap Maison is a stylish and luxurious resort with beach bar and grill, The Naked Fisherman. You can head into Gros Islet during the day or relax on the beach at Cap Maison. Rooms are lovely and comfortable and the gardens have a sea view. Head to Gros Islet's renowned street party on Friday nights for grilled fish, local rums, Piton beer or partake in local 'traditions'. We met Floridian tourists who were on weekend holidays.
Smuggler’s Cove beach is great to relax during the day. For a toes in the sand moment, whilst listening to the gentle lapping of the waves, or watching stunning sunsets. The The Naked Fisherman is right on the beach under a thatched Caribbean style roof, with a state-of-the art BBQ and grill.
The Cliff at Cap Maison has magnificent food, drinks and view, with a menu inspired by a fusion of Caribbean and French influence. With unobstructed views towards Martinique to the north and Pigeon Island to the West, and surrounded by the Caribbean sea
2) Next stop, Anse Chastanet boasts a beautiful beachfront setting with wonderful views, close to the town of Soufrière. We had one of the best rooms with a wraparound balcony for stunning views: one side overlooks the Pitons and the other side the Caribbean ocean.
We went sailing on a sunset cruise for a couple of hours on a small boat with just eight people. Drinks and snacks were provided and the boat was expertly driven by the captain. Guests staying at Anse Chastanet Resort have direct access to two soft sand beaches The Anse Chastanet beach and the Anse Mamin beach. Activities include sunset cruises, kayaking, and snorkelling - with equipment available on the beach.
Visiting the volcano in Soufrière, we were shown around the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths by a knowledgeable guide who described the different plants in exchange for a tip. We took a dip in the lovely warm mineral baths.
3) Our last stay was at the lavish luxury Jade Mountain as seen on BBC's Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby. It's the ultimate romantic retreat, perfect for extravagant honeymoons, with open-walled suites, stunning architecture and breathtaking panoramic views of the Pitons and Caribbean sea.
Rising majestically above the 600 acre beach front resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain Resort on St. Lucia’s south-western Caribbean coastline. All the rooms/sanctuaries are different, some with private pools or a hot tub. The spaces blend bedroom, living area, and private infinity pool into a seamless, expansive setting that extends into the natural surroundings. With a distinctive design where the fourth wall is deliberately absent, for breathtaking views while ensuring privacy.
The hotel make their own chocolate as there are over 2000 cocoa trees on the resort estates, including the organic farm Emerald’s. We visited the Chocolate Laboratory to taste and participate in the making of the chocolate. The chocolatier demonstrates, then we made our own. You can take it home with you... that is if you don't eat it first!
Walk to the beach or take the shuttle boat to Anse Mamin beach, where we saw a wedding take place. Jungle Grill and Bar is a relaxed laid-back beach restaurant (part of the all-inclusive) There were steel drums playing on the Thursday night. Jade Mountain guests can enjoy all the Anse Chastanet facilities as well (but not vice versa)
If you’re looking to get away from it all and relax, Saint Lucia is the perfect destination.
See offers: Saint Lucia with Caribtours
Read: Saint Lucia travel blog
To book your holiday, call Christine or Julie at Abbotts Travel or pop in for a brochure:
134 George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1BA, 020 8989 9445 / info@abbottstravel.com