St. Lucia has long been one of the most popular places for holidaymakers looking to unwind, and for good reason. With beautiful beaches, lush, exotic greenery, tranquil sunsets and breathtaking views thanks to the infamous Piton Peaks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. Lucia really does have it all (even the world's only drive-in volcano).
As islands go, St. Lucia is pretty small and stretches 27 miles. The north side of the island is situated near the buzzing capital city of Castries, while the south is closest to Hewanorra International Airport, and tends to offer a more secluded experience that's closer to nature. However, the beauty of this island is that it's small and accessible, meaning it's easy for tourists to enjoy every experience it has to offer.
With so many hotels and resorts to choose from on the island, we've done all the hard work for you by whittling it down to our six favourites. Read on for our guide to the absolute best hotels in St. Lucia...
BodyHoliday
Coming in at number one is BodyHoliday, an all inclusive resort on the north-west tip of the island that is the ultimate indulgent getaway. The resort, which welcomes children over the age of 12, makes a unique promise to guests: ‘Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind' and we can whole-heartedly confirm this saying rings true. After a stay at BodyHoliday, we guarantee you will feel nourished, rejuvenated and balanced.
In terms of location, you really do get the best of both worlds. The resort is directly set on Cariblue’s crescent beach, and it’s also surrounded by 32 acres of lush tropical gardens which are the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll. With 155 rooms, there is plenty on offer when it comes to accommodation. Choose from standard or luxury garden rooms, or feel the sea breeze with an ocean-front room. For bigger groups, there are sea-facing villas available - one even comes with its own private pool.
One of the biggest draws of this resort is its impressive wellness centre. The serene space houses an astonishing 33 treatment rooms serviced by 50 highly trained, welcoming massage and beauty specialists. All guests enjoy one inclusive treatment a day, with highlights including the Lime and Ginger Scrub and the Serenity Massage. There are countless extra treatments on offer, and one not to miss is the relaxing Ayurvedic massage at the Pavitra, which hands down is one of the best massages I have ever had.
There’s so much on offer here you're going to struggle to have time to fit everything in, but the beauty of BodyHoliday is you can make the experience as busy or as relaxing as you want. For the fitness fanatics, there's daily classes that include yoga (head to the sunset and sunrises on the deck for unbeatable views), pilates, box fit, beach fit, running club, water aerobics - you name it, they've got it. Then there's a host of sports, from sailing to scuba diving, archery golf and tennis. If you don't fancy donning a tank, you can grab a snorkel from the Watersports hut and head out yourself as the beach has its very own snorkelling area. Oh, and the envigorating Sulphur Springs mud tour is an absolute must (prepare for your skin to glow!)
When it comes to food, you're equally spoilt for choice. Breakfast, lunch and dinner all take place in the beautiful Cariblue restaurant, which has an incredible a la carte menu. For Japanese fusion, head to TAO, and for a healthy lunchtime salad The Wellness Cafe is top notch. Another unmissable activity is the I-TAL experience, which consists of a garden tour of the organic garden tucked behind Coubaril Valley before a delicious plant-based lunch filled with all the nutrients to fuel the body, mind, and soul. We guarantee you will come back with both mind and body restored - but we warned, it's so good, you will already want to plan your next trip as soon as you land.
Room rates at BodyHoliday start from $905 (£711.59) for a garden view room. Book here now.
StolenTime
StolenTime by Rendevous is the sister resort to BodyHoliday, situated 30 minutes away near the capital, Castries. On arrival, you're greeted with an indulgent welcoming drink and a cooling towel, before being guided through the luscious grounds and palm trees to your room. There’s even a 150-year-old Saman tree which twinkles with lights in the evening.
Set on an incredible two-mile stretch of Malabar Beach, StolenTime has to take the top spot for the best beach in St. Lucia. There's plenty of rooms and suites to choose from, but if you want to make the most of your experience, we would suggest choosing accommodation with a beach view to make the most of this incredible view.
Alongside relaxing on the beach, you also have a choice of three pools to unwind by - our favourite was the secluded 'lazy river.' With top notch poolside service, it's the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail (or two). The tagline for this resort is 'It's about Time you introduced your Body to your Mind', and we can agree the resort does just this - and more. For those seeking a holistic experience, the Spa in the Water Garden, which overlooks a tranquil pool, is the perfect place to indulge in some much needed me time. They offer everything from manicures and pedicures to Swedish Massage, Deep Remedial Tissue Therapy and and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi. To restore your body, there's plenty of Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi and body stretching on offer, all led by the resorts dedicated expert team.
There are all sorts of cuisine to indulge in here. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, head to The Terrace, the culinary heart of StolenTime. Overlooking the beautiful beach, you can enjoy a menu inspired by international flavours, regional tastes and local produce - all with the sound of the waves lapping the shore in the background. At night, the restaurant is candlelit, making it even more magical, and a la carte dinner is offered a few nights a week. Food lovers shouldn't miss out on Thyme, the resorts elegant fine-dining restaurant with a menu influenced by the best French and Caribbean flavours. And for the ultimate beachside dining experience, Malabar Beach Club - the resort's 'Toes in the Sand' restaurant - is an absolute must. Another indulgent experience is the Champagne Bar, a luxury experience that stays open until the last guest goes to bed.
Like BodyHoliday, there are lots of activities on offer here making it a paradise for adventure lovers. StolenTime boasts a PADI, so if you're a Scuba newbie or pro diver, it's a great place to discover the incredible marine life St. Lucia has to offer. You can also choose from a whole host of other activities, including Hobie Cat sailing, waterskiing, paddleboarding and kayaking. On land, the activities available are equally as impressive. Take part in tennis, archery, golf and volleyball, or hone your artistic skills with the Sip and Paint classes. One unmissable activity is the authentic St. Lucian cooking class, where you can discover inside tips and tricks on how the StolenTime chefs make their delicious concoctions.
Everything at StolenTime is catered with your well-being in mind, so you can go home feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on your busy life.
Room rates at StolenTime start from $895 (£703.56) for a garden view room. Book here now.
Sugar Beach
Nestled between the breathtaking Pitons and more than 100 acres of luscious rainforest is Sugar Beach, a resort with awe-inspiring views built on a former Sugar plantation. Located on a dreamy stretch of white beach, this family-friendly hotel is certainly one for watersports lovers, with snorkelling, scuba diving and tubing all on your doorstep. And with a crystal clear ocean teeming with colourful corals and tropical fish, it’s an offer that’s pretty hard to resist.
From formal dining to casual beach-front snacks, there’s a cuisine here to suit every taste. A lavish breakfast buffet with an impressive choice of juices can be found at The Terrace Restaurant, while Bonté restaurant is the go-to spot for day-to-night beachside dining and entertainment. For a sophisticated sushi and cocktail experience, head to The Cane Bar, while the Jalousie Grill is the perfect spot for barbecues. The Saltwood Bar offers cocktails inspired by botanical ingredients followed by live music to set the tone for a romantic evening.
When it comes to accommodation, the 96-room resort really does have it all. Each room is furnished in trademark white interiors and designed so you can have a luxurious, secluded experience. Accommodation options range from new one bedroom beachfront bungalows to villas, cottages and even the original plantation building, which is filled with beautiful modern art. All the rooms have a four-poster bed, butler and plunge pool and you can get from place to place via a handy Tuk Tuk. The biggest residences sleep up to eight people, making the resort a clear win for group trips or large families.
When you’re all beached out, take a stroll through the luscious grounds to the rainforest spa, which offers revitalizing treatments harnessing the restorative ingredients of nearby volcanic springs and cocoa plantations. The treatment rooms are in individual tree houses separated by walkways, and there’s a treatment for everyone, from nourishing body scrubs to therapeutic massages.
Take note, because this place also has celebrity appeal. Matt Damon rented out the whole property to celebrate the renewal of his wedding vows. If that doesn’t convince you, we don’t know what will.
Room rates at StolenTime start from $929 (£730.15) for a garden view room. Book here now.
Jade Mountain
Situated on St. Lucia’s south-western Caribbean coastline, this mesmerizing 600-acre resort is a true celebration of St. Lucia’s beauty. Indulge in panoramic views of The Pitons and the Caribbean coastline, nestled within bold, architectural design, including bridges leading to infinity pools and outhouses, and columns reaching into the sky. Jade Mountain resort is renowned for being hot on sustainability, so the eco-conscious traveler can be reassured their stay will have minimal impact on the environment - there is even an organic farm that provides materials for the restaurants on the resort.
The rooms are all designed with the beautiful views in mind, to create a harmonious experience with nature. For those looking for an upgraded experience, the resort has 24 infinity pool sanctuaries, which are expertly designed to fuse the bedroom, living area, and a stunning private infinity pool into a seamless setting that blends into the natural surroundings.
When it comes to food, you really are spoilt for choice at Jade Mountain. There’s Jade Mountain Club, which features ‘Jade Cuisine’ created by James Beard award winner, Chef Allen Susser. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, expect bold, exotic flavours that celebrate the world’s tropical cultures. For times when only a little privacy will do, the resort allows guests to dine on the Jade Cuisine from the comfort of their sanctuaries. For the most exquisite sunset views, don’t miss the Celestial Terrace, which as the name suggests is one of the most romantic places to look at the stars.
For those looking for a little me-time, the resort boasts a boutique spa, Kai en Ciel, where the luxurious treatments are second to none - expect everything from chocolate treatments to deep tissue massages to ease away any aches and pains. Between your pampering, make sure to try out one of the wide range of activities on offer, from biking down the estate trails at Anse Mamin to snorkelling and scuba diving. The resort’s excellent location means that there are a whole range of major sight-seeing activities on your doorstep, such as the rainforest, Botanical Gardens, Drive-In Volcano, and Sulphur Springs. For those with a more sweet tooth, you can even visit the resort’s very own chocolate lab, where chocolate is produced from organically grown cocoa right on site.
Room rates at StolenTime start from $1595 (£1253.83) for the Sky Suite. Book here now.
Cap Maison
For those who prefer a more boutique hotel experience, you can’t get much better than Cap Maison, an elegant hotel situated on the north west coast of the island - one of St. Lucia’s most sought after areas which offers breathtaking ocean views. The Spanish-Caribbean architecture of the hotel is made up of beautiful individual villas and outbuildings, mixed in with fountains, botanical courtyards and tropical gardens. Plus, it’s family-friendly - children under 12 stay and eat for free when sharing rooms with their parents.
Accommodation ranges from beautiful ocean-view suites to whole villas, to cater for different party sizes. The villas are a great option if you want the flexibility to build your own private holiday as a group or family while enjoying everything the resort has to offer on site - there is even the option to add a private pool to the roof terrace.
The resort is well known for its amazing cuisine, making it a firm favourite among foodies. For the best seat to see unforgettable sunsets, head to the Cliff at Cap, which offers a delicious menu fusing Caribbean and French influence. When you want to feel the sand between your toes, the Naked Fisherman, situated on Smugglers Cove, is the only place you need to know. Located under a thatched Carribean roof, the grill and BBQ serves delicious steaks and freshly cooked fish. There’s also a specially-curated children’s menu on offer, which features non-processed food and plenty of fresh ingredients.
The resort has a well-equipped gym, Cybex, on site that features a cross-trainer, Peloton bikes and free weights, to name a few. If you want to relax after your workout, Spa Maison has a range of indulgent treatments on offer using products from Sothys of Paris. The stunning beach at the resort is known as ‘smugglers cove,’ and between sunbathing stints you can head out on kayaks and paddle boards, or try your hand at windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing and snorkelling. Golf fans will be pleased to know that Sandals Golf and Country Club is literally a few minutes from the gates of Cap Maison, offering some of the most scenic, challenging 18 holes of golf in the Caribbean.
Room rates at Cap Maison start from £501. Book here now.
Serenity at Coconut Bay
One for all the lovebirds out there, Serenity at Coconut Bay is an all-inclusive couples only resort that offers romantic getaways in a lush enclave of St Lucia, just minutes away from Hewanorra International Airport.
The hotel’s 36 rooms are all lavishly kitted out with mahogany four-poster beds, which flow into an outdoor area with a private plunge-pool. There is also 24-hour room and pool service and the hotel offers plenty of in-suite dining and even your very own butler service, making it perfect for people who don’t want to be disturbed on holiday. If you do fancy leaving your love nest to eat out, The Greathouse restaurant is the perfect place to discover signature dishes and new takes on classics for every meal.
The peace and tranquility of the hotel means there's nothing better than sipping a cocktail as you relax by the pool with the first-class service. There are also plenty of activities on offer for you to master, from sushi making classes to the UnWine French cheese & wine pairing class (ooh la la.)
If it's a honeymoon you're after, Serenity is one of the best hotels on the market. With a dedicated 'romance' section on their website, couples can enjoy everything from joint massages to aromatherapy baths and private dining experiences. Count us in.
Room rates at Serenity start from £1120 (£880.64) for the premium butler suite. Book here now.
And don't miss out on these things to do while your in St Lucia...
Wherever you end up staying on the island, there's a whole host of incredible activities that should be on every tourists lists. Three of our favourites are...
1. Bamboo rafting
As you travel down the west coast to the south of the island, stop off at the Bamboo River rafting on the river Roseau. Here you get to see a different side of Saint Lucia as you enjoy the peace and tranquility of the water and the mangroves.
2. Project Chocolat
Calling all chocolate lovers. Hotel Chocolat has its cocoa farm in Saint Lucia, in Soufriere. If you don't stay at the gorgeous resort you can visit Project Chocolat, a new visitor experience, to plant your own cocoa tree and make your own chocolate. You can also enjoy the acres of beautiful nature trails too.
3. Castries market
Castries market is an absolute must on a Saturday morning. Pop along to the stalls in the island's capital to buy souvenirs, fresh produce and spices that are unique to the island.
For more information, visit www.stlucia.org.