Travel Review: A St Lucian Love Story

If all-out luxury, turquoise water, lavish amenities and tranquil surroundings is your honeymoon vibe - Serenity and Coconut Bay on the island of St Lucia is the answer to your newlywed retreat. Captivated by the untouched beauty of the beaches, crystal clear waters, and hospitable people, my trip was one to remember. And I’m certain that if you choose this isle for your honeymoon, you too, will find yourself reluctant to leave and eager to return for your first anniversary.

Two luxury resorts nestled on one mile of private beach. Take your pick from the adults-only oasis, Harmony wing, or if you're honeymooning with the kids, choose the Splash wing complete with a water park at Coconut Bay. They also have a kids club for the little ones, so you can enjoy some time for just the two of you. But, if you’re going all-out for your first moments as a married couple, choose the second resort tucked away under the trees of the rainforest, Serenity is St Lucia’s newest all-inclusive, adults-only, ultimate luxury hotel complete with private butlers (It’s worth it, I promise!)

Situated on the exotic south coast of St Lucia, take in spectacular ocean views of the Maria Islands Nature Reserve and wildlife habitat. Add some fun to your honeymoon and take part in the complimentary water sports on the crystal clear ocean. Enjoy time together paddle boarding, snorkelling or kayaking and take in the breathtaking views of the protected oceans on Coconut Bay’s private beach. If you’re a keen kitesurfer, you can really get some exhilarating rides when the wind picks up!

Foodies, rejoice! Broaden your culinary palate with sustainably sourced and regional ingredients, utilised by the best chefs on the island, curating food that creates an experience for your tastebuds. I will certainly remember Coconut Bay for the impeccable food I devoured. I recommend sampling the Silk restaurant, where the chef’s expertise came into their own by using ingredients captivated by spice and flavour to create the best Asian food I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating. But don’t stop there, choose from seven restaurants for a different dining experience every evening from Italian to Caribbean, or seafood to the Jerk Tree House. Plus, their themed nights out on the pool deck are complimented by exciting entertainment, which makes for a night to remember!

On a full stomach, end your evening with a stroll around the resort or along the white sand beach before retiring to the comfort of your air-conditioned room with a view. The design of Coconut Bay means that almost every room has a sea view and the ones on the lower floors have a gorgeous garden view. If you are honeymooning at Serenity, end your evening in the privacy of your suite with a complimentary turn-down service. Don’t forget, you can ring ahead and your private butler will run your bath full with Molton Brown bubbles and rose petals, all romantically lit by candlelight.

Staying at Serenity truly offers you an experience like no other, and one you will likely never get to experience again. I was stunned by the secluded plunge pool suites, that have a perfect balance of outdoor and indoor living. The custom mahogany king bed is at the centre of the serene and stylish living space and just beyond your French doors is the signature private plunge pool with a waterfall. Plus, an airy yet secluded pool deck, hammock for two, fully-stocked bar and an outdoor shower. The finishing touches are unique and the 24-hour room service means you can truly relax without having to lift a finger. When you’re ready to emerge from the privacy of your suite, ask your butler to pack you a Champagne picnic to enjoy on your private deck on the beach. I really couldn’t think of a better way to spend my honeymoon.

Amongst all the luxury, don’t forget you can leave the resort! St Lucia is known to be one of the safest and crime-free of the Caribbean Islands, so get out and explore. Choose from a range of guided tours organised by Coconut Bay, from zip lining through the rainforest, visiting the world’s only drive-in volcano, botanical gardens, horseback riding, dune buggy tours, or a guided tour through the cacao groves of Hotel Chocolat’s plantation! But my favourite of the excursions and the one I was lucky enough to explore myself, is the catamaran tour, to get an uninterrupted view of St Lucia’s famous Pitons. The spectacular landmark visible for miles are twin volcanic spires majestically soaring out of the sea with waves crashing around their bases. We stopped off twice on the boat trip to snorkel in the clearest of seas, getting a first-hand look at the variety of wildlife that live in the protected waters. The tour finishes with a trip to the world’s only drive-in volcano and a dip in the sulphur waters. The mud baths of St Lucia attract people from all over the world because it detoxifies the body and helps heal sun burns, eczema, arthritis, sore joints, and more.

After all that exploring, you deserve a little R&R. Stop by the Sanctuary Spa for an oceanfront couples massage in the spa cabana. Take it from me, a full body massage surrounded by the sea air's smell and sound is a treat for the senses and an experience that replenishes, relaxes and rejuvenates. The therapists at the Coconut Bay spa use an exclusive line-up of organic Saint Lucian products, alongside fresh aloe picked from their gardens. If you chose to wed at Coconut Bay, you can spend your wedding morning at the spa with your bridal party getting preened, pampered and made-up ready for your big moment walking down the aisle.

Awarded ‘Best Destination Wedding Venue’ four years in a row at The British Wedding Awards, you really have nothing to worry about if you chose a destination wedding at Coconut Bay. The dedicated wedding team can organise everything and you can really relax knowing everything is taken care of by them. Choose a package to suit your needs, but for an unforgettable few days with loved ones, their Pearl Package incudes a welcome beach BBQ party, the big day itself, a private catamaran cruise and two nights complimentary stay on your first anniversary, all for £7,698!*