Saint Lucia’s charms go beyond lush beauty and Creole character: the array of hotels are geared to many travel styles, but especially to those looking for romance. After all, the island has won Best Honeymoon Destination 13 times in a row at the World Travel Awards.
On a recent visit I was lucky enough to stay at Sandals Grande St. Lucian and visit both Zoëtry and Sugar Beach as well as gain insight into other property styles on offer.
Not surprisingly, the three Saint Lucian Sandals properties are hugely poplar with honeymooners and couples celebrating a milestone anniversary.
Sandals Grande is a lovely resort, spread out along a fine white sand beach. There are five pools including the massive main one which is home to games, contests and a large swim up bar.
As usual with Sandals, there’s a plethora of room categories – 22 in all with the crème-de-la-crème being the over-the-water bungalows complete with butler service. There are 12 restaurants including three requiring reservations (Indian, Japanese and the international Gordon’s Pier with stunning tables-for-two facing the beach).
As the saying goes at Sandals, “Love is all you need” but a well-padded credit card comes in handy too. Surcharged items include spa treatments ($139 to $370 – all prices in USD); use of beach cabanas ($130 per day), golf lessons ($100), fine wines, “Table for 2 Under the Stars” 4 course dinner ($199) and an Anniversary Bundle: sparkling wine, 6 roses and chocolate dipped fruit for $180.
The resort is showing a few spots of wear and tear: a plug in my room didn’t work and the beach chair cushions are a bit tired. My dinner at the much-touted Gordon’s Pier resto included dry swordfish (the lady at the next table experienced the same) but in fairness when it was pointed out to the waiter, he instantly offered to replace it.
However these are small quibbles when compared to the overall experience: everyone I spoke to was thrilled to be there and very pleased with their choice of resort. I found the staff attitude incredibly warm and welcoming, from the front desk to the guy sweeping the walkways to the outstanding waiters and waitresses.
As on other islands with multiple Sandals, guests are welcome to visit the other properties (Sandals Halcyon Beach and Sandals Regency La Toc) for the day – or evening – and take advantage of all their facilities. Sandals even provides a scheduled shuttle service between the three, and, as Omar Josephs, Senior Manager Groups Sales Canada told me, just about every Canadian guest does the resort-hopping thing.
As my breakfast waitress said, “It was a pleasure having you.” It was a pleasure to be there, indeed.
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
While in Saint Lucia I also had the opportunity to spend a few hours at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort. Located on 100 verdant acres between Saint Lucia’s famed Piton Mountains, Sugar Beach is one of the most luxurious hotels I’ve had the pleasure to experience. With 67 suites, bungalows, villas and cottages sweeping down the hilly, lush mountainside to the white sand beach, it’s known for its extensive collection of original modern art (Warhol, Banksy, Jeff Koons) displayed in public areas.
Accommodation at Sugar Beach features pristine white décor and furniture in the style of an upscale cottage in the Hamptons. Food is luxe, of course (I noticed a US$500 bottle of wine at the “grab and go” convenience shop) and the vibe is one of serenity, calm, and gracious service provided by the butlers and numerous staff. Not surprisingly, Sugar Beach often welcomes A-listers and celebrities.
Zoëtry Marigot Bay
Many Canadian travel advisors will be familiar with the Zoëtry brand (rhymes with poetry), part of The World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection. The St. Lucia Zoëtry is in a truly jaw-dropping location in sheltered Marigot Bay, a Gilligan’s Island setting with its perfect little beach, towering palms, foliage bursting with colour and the occasional multi-million dollar yacht. While not exactly beachfront, waterfront Zoëtry has 2 infinity pools and a free on-demand private shuttle to the beach 1 minute away across the bay.
There are 124 rooms served by over 200 staff, and again the resort is quite hilly (no elevators and there are lots of stairs) but the payoff is some of the prettiest views in the Caribbean. The resort’s spa is located in the rainforest and has a rustic, charming Swiss Family Robinson vibe.
Smaller properties
As well as these impressive hotels there are lots of smaller boutique options for clients on Saint Lucia, from villas to private homes. There’s even a designated group – the Collection De Pépites (“collection of nuggets”) which is one-stop-shopping for clients or agents looking for a charming smaller-property experience.
Wherever your clients stay, if their experience is anything like mine they will be blown away by the kindness, friendliness and relaxed welcome of Saint Lucians. Find out more about Saint Lucia and its charms at www.stlucia.org.
