Saint Lucia, the east Caribbean Island famend for its lush peaks, subtle resorts and sun-kissed local weather, is a sought-after winter solar vacation spot. Right here we share an genuine island expertise, staying on the charming East Winds Saint Lucia, an intimate, all-inclusive luxurious Caribbean retreat of gorgeous visitor cottages set amongst a beachside backyard. East Winds lets you be immersed in the true Saint Lucia, away from the large model resorts.
The enchantment of Saint Lucia begins to embrace you even earlier than arriving. Because the aircraft handed over the luxurious inexperienced peaks of a neighbouring island, the colourful colors of Saint Lucia got here into view. Modest, brightly painted homes dotted the panorama as we made our strategy to Hewanorra Worldwide Airport
Quickly after touchdown, we have been by way of immigration and launched into a non-public switch organized by East Winds, passing by way of the guts of this tropical haven, with the journey taking us alongside the winding Micoud Freeway.
As we crossed the island I used to be captivated by the verdant surroundings, with towering tree ferns overhanging the street, and views of banana plantations set amongst a lush panorama of palms and mango timber, flourishing below the Caribbean solar.
A Heat Welcome
East Winds, situated on the northwest coast, is a non-public beachside property that embodies the essence of the timeless Caribbean. We have been greeted with real heat by Glenda and Jennel who made the check-in course of a breeze.
Learn our information to the most effective luxurious inns in St Lucia
As soon as we’d arrived at our cottage, and had a fast go searching, we headed straight to the seashore, because the soothing sound of waves paired with the mild cooing of turtle doves beckoned us to sit back and loosen up. The seashore itself, with its classic wood chairs tucked beneath palm timber, is cradled in a pure bay, making a sheltered spot to take a dip within the heat Caribbean waters.
Caribbean Cottages
The lodge’s all-inclusive strategy presents a tranquil escape, with lodging in charming cottages set amongst flowering hibiscus and swaying palms. Right here, you awaken simply steps from certainly one of Saint Lucia’s most pleasant seashores, naturally framed by palms.
Our lodging, in one of many Superior Cottages, was a delight. Spacious and thoughtfully designed, it featured a king mattress, chaise longue, bamboo furnishings, daring print materials and artisan decorations. The newly appointed lavatory had pretty bathrobes in domestically impressed prints – each element created an inviting ambiance.
East Winds presents quite a lot of room sorts, every with its personal attraction. The Ocean Entrance Rooms are near the shores of the Caribbean Sea, whereas the Deluxe Cottages are favourites with repeat friends as they’re secluded inside the lush tropical gardens.
For these looking for a little bit extra exclusivity, the Ocean Entrance Suite incorporates a personal patio, excellent for having fun with the gorgeous sunsets that paint the horizon.
Inside the gardens are little gazebos, pavilions, and areas to loosen up. The primary pool, surrounded by fantastically upholstered sunbeds in daring coral pink, and shaded by vintage-style parasols and swaying palms, is a captivating and sociable area. There’s a swim-up bar too, for a wonderfully combined rum punch.
Gastronomy
Eating at East Winds is an expertise that enhances the island’s tradition and historical past. The primary oceanfront restaurant serves meals in a relaxed but elegant setting, the place breakfast and lunch are relaxed buffets, typically accompanied by a Caribbean metal band. Dinner transforms right into a extra elegant affair, with a night gown code that invitations friends to embrace a contact of sophistication. Dinner is paired with a rigorously curated menu paired with chosen wines. Menus have been a mixture of worldwide dishes reminiscent of Mussel Mariniere and beef Carpaccio with native specialities together with Saint Lucian Floor Provisions Stew or pan-seared contemporary catch of the day.
Evenings have their very own rituals, starting with an aperitif on the bar, then a sublime dinner with attentive service from the pleasant chatty workforce, adopted by laughter, chatting and perhaps a dance on the bar accompanied by the late-night stay music.
One memorable night featured a Land and Sea BBQ, the place the chef ready contemporary catches and meats at an outside pit – it’s a beneficiant and enjoyable expertise. There’s additionally a weekly cocktail reception, the place you may mingle with fellow travellers and the resort workforce.
Vacation spot Saint Lucia
East Winds is not only a spot to loosen up; it’s an invite to discover. The lodge presents an array of complementary actions, together with a sundown cruise, a ship journey with Captain Nico and cooking lessons. There may be complimentary crusing and kayaking too.
We took benefit of the kayaks and paddled to a secluded seashore, accessible solely by water. The golden sands, dotted with rosy, pink conch shells and bits of coral, felt like a hidden paradise, just like the promotional picture-perfect scenes on the native tourism authority’s web site.
An unforgettable expertise was our day spent with David; an area Rastafarian anticipate information, really helpful by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. He shared his intimate information of the island, guiding us by way of native communities and pure wonders, serving to us to know genuine Saint Lucia, from stopping to play dominoes on the terrace for an area bar, to consuming freshly made road meals together with the tasty cinnamon-flavoured ‘bakes.’
Lunch was an genuine delicacies served at a humble roadside eatery, the place we savoured native rooster curry and stewed salted codfish, served with ‘provisions’—the island’s inexperienced bananas and plantains.
David launched us to the island’s agricultural richness, taking us to a farm plentiful with spices like cinnamon, and clove. Every flavour tells a narrative of Saint Lucia’s various culinary heritage, influenced by French Creole and African traditions. Actually, the island has had the twin affect of each France and Nice Britain, mirrored in all features of the island from language to gastronomy.
A go to to the capital Castries is effectively price it to go to the Basilica, the most important Church within the Caribbean, generally known as the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, with its vibrant murals. The sprawling Central Market presents an interesting glimpse into the native produce in addition to arts and crafts.
Wellness and Rest
After a day exploring within the Caribbean humid warmth, it’s refreshing to return to the lodge’s Backyard Spa. Right here we’re instructed that wellness takes on a holistic strategy, with yoga classes and guided walks provided to friends, encouraging them, to reconnect with nature.
East Winds Saint Lucia embodies basic old-school Caribbean attraction, with its intimate cottages, home made dishes, and immersive native experiences. It invitations you to embrace the magic of Saint Lucia, surrounded by lush surroundings and vibrant tradition.
Saint Lucia Tourism Authority: www.stlucia.org
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