Warm-Weather Escapes: Saint Lucia
It's the treasure of the tropics.
Romance abounds at Cap Maison resort. / Courtesy photo
Calling all beach bums: This unspoiled paradise on the edge of the Caribbean wants you to remember that she’s here and open for business. After an autumn that saw many islands devastated by hurricanes, the entire region is feeling the pain of decreased tourism. But Saint Lucia’s dense rainforest and sandy beaches emerged relatively unscathed, making it the ideal place to defrost from winter. All you have to do is choose your own adventure—and, by extension, your resort.
Situated on the island’s northern side, Cap Maison is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, with pool-equipped villas and a small private beach with a hammock built into the cliff hovering over it. Toast to your Caribbean retreat on Rock Maison, a waterfront deck where you can sip bubbly zip-lined (yes, zip-lined) from the restaurant above.
Athletic types, meanwhile, can sign up for jungle biking or snorkeling through Anse Chastanet, which offers panoramas of the twin volcanic spires known as the Pitons from some of its open-air, hillside rooms. The sprawling resort is a short drive from the Tet Paul Nature Trail, where you can get even closer to the peaks. Not in the mood to break a sweat? Journey into Sulphur Springs, the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano, and enjoy the invigorating mud baths.
A rejuvenating Sulphur Springs mud bath. / iStock
For those who want to do little more than soak up the sun, there’s the white sands of Sugar Beach resort. Set within 100 acres of rainforest, the property unveiled two über-exclusive beachfront residences this winter with round-the-clock butler service.
No matter where you stay, you’ll want to drop by Tao at the BodyHoliday for East-meets-West fusion fare on a balcony overlooking Cariblue Beach. And if you’re in the mood to indulge your sweet tooth, may we suggest a cacao massage at Boucan by Hotel Chocolat’s decadent spa?
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GETTING THERE
JetBlue nonstop to Hewanorra International Airport
INSIDER TIP
On Friday nights, the fishing village of Gros Islet throws one seriously fun street party: Expect stalls hawking barbecued fish and chicken and potent rum brews, all set to a soundtrack of Caribbean beats.
More warm-weather escapes from our Boston Traveler 2018 issue.
