Voted the #1 Honeymoon destination in the world (and my home country!), St.Lucia is usually seen on the cover of wedding magazines offering lovers rest & relaxation in paradise. With the perfect blend of beautiful scenery (my husband says it’s the greenest country he’s been to!), breathtaking boat rides, zip lining through the forest and fun in the sun, St. Lucia is also the perfect place for families and group trips with friends!
Where To Stay
Choosing a place to stay in St. Lucia can be a little tricky, the Northern part hosts more hotels, restaurants and nightlife but the South is where you’ll get the real Eco Tourism experience, full of outdoor activities. My recommendation? If you can, spend a few days in the North to enjoy some of the hot spots and then a few in the South, you’ll get a round the island experience and a taste of the city and country life.
Hotels in the North (Rodney Bay area)
Sandals Grand ($$$$)
There are three all-inclusive Sandals hotels (Halcyon, La Toc, Grande) on island, my husband’s favorite being the Grande directly on historic Pigeon Island, the best views of all three resorts. Sandals is a couple’s only resort and typically full of honeymooners, so no kids allowed here.
Royalton Resort ($$$)
This is one of the newest resorts on island, family friendly and all inclusive. Located in Cap Estate, Royalton is the perfect place to take large groups, friends and families and is easy walking distance to one of my favorite beaches, Smugglers Cove. Here you’ll find the Naked Fisherman restaurant with water front views and delicious burgers, what more could you want?!
Windjammer Landings ($$$)
As one of my old stomping grounds Windjammer Landings is a beachfront, kid friendly hotel with family style villas (the white structures remind me of Mykonos, Greece!) and plenty of fun outdoor activities to keep everyone entertained all day long. The only downside of staying here is that you are not walking distance to anything and will need a taxi to go anywhere which can add up quickly, there is no Uber in St. Lucia.
Bay Gardens Beach Resort ($$)
Located directly on Rodney Bay beach, Bay Gardens Beach Resort is part of a locally owned chain with four hotels to fit every price point (Bay Gardens Inn, Bay Gardens Hotel, and Marina Haven). Pricing at the Bay Gardens Beach Resort is family friendly with a ocean water park right in front the resort!
Their waterfront dining includes incredible sunset views of Pigeon Island and their large pool area can keep the kids entertained for hours. While you’re there take a short stroll along the beach to Spinnakers restaurant, one of the oldest beach front spots on island with delicious drinks and burgers. The St. Lucia Yacht Club is also next door if you’d like to meet some fellow yachties and get in some sailing in during your stay. They also have sailing programs for kids!
Harbor Club ($$)
Another new hotel on island, Harbor Club by Hilton is located directly on the IGY Rodney Bay Marina. Even though the hotel was primarily built for business travelers it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for something affordable near all the best restaurants and sites in the area. My favorite thing about this place is the 7th Heaven Bakery hosting the most delicious croissants, quiche and baguettes on island! Stop here for breakfast or afternoon treats even if you’re not staying at Harbor Club.
Where to stay in the South (Soufriere)
There are many guest houses available in Soufriere on AirBnb but if you prefer the hotel experience like us, these resorts are one of a kind. Note, due to this area being more remote, Soufriere is expensive, even in local spots around the town.
Sugar Beach Resort ($$$$)
A swanky Viceroy resort right in between the iconic pitons, Sugar Beach has always been one of my favorite resorts on island. From the five star service to beautiful French cottage style villas (with AC) and beach front dining this place is truly magical. The perfect spot to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary!
Sugar Beach also has the #1 spa on the island inside its own oasis with huts inside the jungle and a river flowing through the sugar mill. Getting a massage or spa experience here will be expensive, but a must do if you can make the price tag!
Jade Mountain ($$$$)
Probably one of the most famous resorts on the island and where all celebs stay is Jade Mountain located directly across from the world famous twin peaks, The Pitons. The views here are just picture perfect, they honestly don’t even look real!
With less than 30 rooms, this is the most expensive hotel on the island and with an open room concept. What does that mean? Aside from your main entry door to get into the room there are no other windows or doors in the room, that means no AC either (I’ve heard there’s a good sea breeze to keep you cool). Each view has a stunning postcard view of the Pitons and it’s own luxury plunge pool fit for royalty!
Even if you can’t afford to stay here call ahead and book some time for lunch, it’s truly spectacular to see and the burger was really one of the best I’ve ever had. (By now you can tell I really like burgers!)
LaDera Resort ($$$$)
One of Oprah’s favorite places is LaDera, a beautiful resort perched right above the Pitons with once again incredible views (we think the absolute best on island!). This hotel also has an open concept, with no windows or doors in your room obstructing your views. Sunset dinner here is a absolute MUST when visiting Soufriere. Note, dinner is pretty pricey but is delicious and you won’t be able to get over those views.
Stonefield Resort ($$$)
If you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, Stonefield is a beautiful resort with unique villas complete with you own outdoor shower and plunge pool. A quiet place to unwind with views of the pitons for a cheaper price tag. This is one of the places I used to do a quick Staycation when I was living in St. Lucia. Stop in for lunch or sunset dinner to catch some more unbelievable views, even if you don’t stay here.
Wherever you decide to lay your head to rest in St. Lucia you are guaranteed to enjoy this mountainous, luscious island full of relaxation and fun in the sun. Checkout my Instagram stories for more highlights of my trip and stay tuned for more blog posts on where to eat and what to do!
