The Caribbean has long been seen as a destination for those in search of sun, sea and sand yet, as Luxurious Magazine’s Henry McIntosh discovers, St. Lucia is hiding so much more.
The aerial view of St. Lucia as you fly into Hewanorra is stunning but unexpected. This is my first visit to the Caribbean and my perception of the region has always been guided by desktop screensavers promising golden sands and crystal clear blue waters. The vision I am greeted with affords a different colour palette altogether, however, with the deep blue ocean greeted by a sea of lush green rainforest which blankets the island.
St. Lucia is a tropical paradise of great depth. Blessed with an abundance of natural wonders the adventurous traveller can explore the rainforest, Atlantic and Caribbean oceans and all their wonders, the active Soufriere Volcano and everything that geothermal activity results in – hot springs to bathe in and dark-sand beaches, right through to the iconic dual cones which are so ubiquitous to St. Lucia – The Pitons.
Another such wonder is Marigot Bay. Once described by American author James A. Michener as the “the Caribbean’s most beautiful bay”, it’s easy to see the allure. Positioned on the west coast of the island, Marigot Bay’s beauty owes much to the impressive palm tree-lined hills that surround it and create an oasis of calm within its confines.
These hills also provide a practical purpose. The bay’s waters are 90 ft deep in places and the natural ‘S’ shape of the hills diminish winds to a third of their strength, making Marigot Bay a ‘hurricane hole’ and safe haven for luxury yachts visiting the region.
Just as alluring as the tranquil nature of the bay is the uber-luxurious Marigot Bay Marina and Resort by Capella. Perched overlooking the bay, the hotel makes for an impressive sight from the water and up close it doesn’t disappoint either.
From the balcony of my suite I can make out a superyacht lying idle in the bay below, the glistening infinity pool sparkling in the St. Lucian sun and the manicured gardens which surround the resort’s pathways. The interior of the suite hides equally exciting delights. Spacious enough for a family, it boasts a fully functional kitchen, a luxurious lounge area and a four-poster bed in a glamorously decorated bedroom.
While I doubt a guest has ever used the kitchen for anything other than a drink from the fridge, the hotel does offer in-suite dining, which is a truly exquisite experience for which you are joined by a chef, sous-chef and waiter. The chef (who will most-likely be award-winning) will craft a menu to your taste and the meal will be prepared in front of you.
The experience is brilliantly luxurious, convenient and fun. The food is also sublime, crafted exquisitely to suit your taste and whilst it’s tempting to take every meal in your suite, you won’t have to stray far for truly dazzling culinary delights.