Stunning, Sensual and Sexy St. Lucia

Photo Courtesy of SLTB

Celebrated for her simply spectacular natural beauty, St. Lucia is a sensual slice of paradise with the awesome twin Piton Mountains, black sandy beaches and a greener than green rainforest that teems with wild orchids and fragrant fruit trees. Honored as the “Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” at the World Travel Awards, St. Lucia retains her crown as the most romantic island under the tropical sun. “The romance market is our most important niche,” said Senator Allen Chastanet, minister of tourism, “it is also recession-proof because couples fall in love regardless of the economy.”

In a gazebo overlooking the azure bay, weddings at the Smugglers Cove Resort & Spa are sublime. For couples who bond over football “The Big Game Event” – from February 3 – 7 – includes big screen TV’s for Superbowl watching and partying with NFL players including Billy Taylor, Derek Brown and Eric Dorsey who will also teach exercise classes.  Check out Smugglers Cove Resort & Spa.

Photo Courtesy of Rodney Bay Resorts

On Reduit Beach in the heart of Rodney Bay, La Mer Spa at the seafront Bay Gardens Beach Resort tempts with a medley of massages from a seaweed wrap to an all-day “Island Bliss” package. “Weddings aren’t only in June anymore,” said Berthia Parle, general manager, “we organize every aspect of the special day year round.” Check out Bay Gardens Beach Resort.

A former lime and cocoa plantation, Stonefield Estate excels with seventeen swishy villas with jaw-dropping views of the Piton Mountains.  “Honeymoons are our major market with JetBlue flying in on Thursday and departing on Sunday,” said Ernie George, general manager. “We did twenty-seven weddings in 2010 and have nine already booked for 2011.” Check out Stonefield Estate Resort & Spa.

So enchanted by the magnificent Piton Mountains, visionary architect Nick Troubetzkoy built a monument in their honour. Scaling the heights of luxury, AAA Five Diamond Jade Mountain is not only the highest hotel in St. Lucia but also the most romantic with the no-fourth-wall Piton-view design that leaves the room completely exposed to the elements. Check out Jade Mountain.

Photo Courtesy of CAM

And for couples who dream of a unique wedding, Coconut Bay Beach is offering a “Weddings 11” package for $2011.00 available to only 11 couples during 2011.  Lovebirds can say ‘I Do’ on four dates: January 1, January 11, November 1 and November 11. “With the success of our first-ever lighthouse wedding, we want to continue offering unique experiences for our wedding couples and this is certainly one of them,” said Mark Adams, president.  Check out Coconut Bay Resort and Spa.

A Blue Streak

Beaches are open to the public with sun worshippers hunkering down on Reduit Beach, and Anse des Pitons where the sea is a feast of sparkling blues in shades from ripe blueberries to just-blooming irises.

Between the Gros and Petit Piton peaks, Jalousie Beach welcomes with waters as clear as high-octane rum.  The Atlantic side is tricky to reach but the sheltered coves render the journey worthwhile for couples looking to take five under the sunny sky.

Hot Tables

Photo Courtesy of M. Reffes

On the waterfront at Vigie Marina, Coal Pot is a hip honeymoon hot spot for delectable fresh crab backs created with flair by Chef Xavier.  For dessert, a scrumptious wedge of pineapple cheesecake (two forks, please) is a must-try. Visit www.coalpotrestaurant.com.

Bottoms Up

Get down with the Rhythm of Rum tour at St. Lucia Distillers that includes a sampling of twenty-seven potent varieties. “I see many newlyweds on our tour, “smiles Ezra James, tour supervisor, “nothing says romance finer than a sip or two of our rums.” Reservations recommended.  tour@sludistillers.com.