Hopper Editors - Thu Oct 26 2017
Pushing its way out from the azure waters of the eastern Caribbean Sea, the verdant rises of volcanic Saint Lucia hint at drama and romance from the get go. Accordingly, travellers young and old flock to the island’s shores for exploration, relaxation and enjoyment in one of the most paradisal settings on the planet. Many head for the all-inclusive resorts that now exist en masse around Saint Lucia’s coast, offering luxurious service and world-class accommodation to boot.
If that sounds like the holiday for you, then consider this list of Hopper’s top five St Lucia resorts before choosing your all-inclusive. The picks are broad and varied, with a little something for every type of traveller.
There’s one thing about the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa Beach Resort that makes it stand out from the crowd on Saint Lucia: Location. Location. Location. It’s nestled on its very own headland between the magnificent Rodney Bay and lush, green Pigeon Island National Park. But the perks don’t stop there, because the resort also boasts one mile of glistening beachfront, eight fine-dining bistros, its very own nine-hole golf course and four individual swimming pools. Pure luxury.
Beneath the undulating coastal hills of north-eastern Saint Lucia, the Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort sits in the cool shade of swaying palms. Guests enjoy a hotel that seems to rise naturally from its surroundings, built in classic Carib styles and awash with natural woods, stone and greenery. But, between the earthy buildings and gardens there are also six separate dining spots, two pools with their own swim-in, swim-out bars and a sprawling private fitness centre.
With a patchwork of turquoise swimming pools just metres from the shore, half a mile of private beachfront, an array of ocean view accommodation and a whopping 12 separate dining joints, it’s little wonder that the Sandals Regency La Toc has been hailed as the leading resort in all of Saint Lucia. Those looking for the pinnacle of luxury should be sure to check out the appropriately named Millionaire Suites, which stand perched above the resort on their own private bluff, enjoying panoramic views of the bay and personal butler service.
If you’re after a truly relaxing Caribbean experience, away from the action and energy of Saint Lucia’s other mega resorts, then the quaint and sleepy, 30-room East Winds Inn may just be the choice for you. It’s nestled amidst 12 acres of coastal palm forest on the picturesque Labrelotte Bay, and guests are treated to secluded and private cottage accommodation, surrounded by tropical gardens alive with the chirping of hummingbirds and the distant tunes from the on-site jazz bar. There’s also a luxurious swimming pool and a range of stylish bars and restaurants to enjoy.
Photo via their official FB page.
For nearly 50 years, the Rendezvous Resort has provided some of the most romantic holiday accommodation in all of Saint Lucia. Oriented towards couples and honeymoon travellers, the site offers a range of stylish and comfortable suites, along with more bespoke services, such as candlelit evening dining on the beach and a state-of-the-art spa facility. What’s more, the streams and lazy rivers of the on-site pool wind their way around the resort’s gardens, so it’s never difficult to find a moment of seclusion and romance.