TEMPTED by the breathtaking views, delectable food and rich culture Saint Lucia had long been on the top of my bucket list. Known for its immense wilderness and abundance of greenery, so different from the busy streets of London, I jump on the occasion to experience the island and visit Windjammer Landing excited to immerse myself in the Caribbean adventure.
Travelling, especially across the world, tends to be the most laborious part of any holiday, involving unparalleled time-management skills and a long list of activities to ward off boredom. To my surprise, I leave the plane rested and relaxed, free from the worry of missing a connecting flight or enduring an extremely long layover thanks to British Airways Holidays direct route taking me directly from London to the heart of the Caribbean in less than nine hours.
Windjammer Landing aerial view
As we drive through the island to reach the resort, I can see why Saint Lucia is renowned as the greenest of the islands. The landscape comprises of canopies of rainforest stretching as far as I can see, bright coloured houses scattered along the tall hills and clear, turquoise water shimmering below.
Located on the hills of Laberotte Bay, Windjammer Landing immediately strikes me with its impressive 65-acre size. The recent major renovation has given the resort a brighter, contemporary lift evident across the complex starting with the open-air lobby, where I tend to grab my iced coffee every morning, upgraded villas to brand new Ocean Point Residences.
Drifting away from the usual darker island décor, the resort’s look features a lot of soft neutral tones, complimented by the island’s iconic blues and wood furnishings giving a true treat of Caribbean-Mediterranean fusion.
Bedroom, Ocean Point Residence
My favourite time of day at Windjammer are serene mornings, which I tend to spend hiking up the steep hill appreciating the views of the sun slowly rising above the island. To keep my body happy, I join Windjammer’s morning hummingbird yoga class and later pay a visit to the Windjammer Spa.
It is safe to say, the mixture of Vinyasa sequence and Signature Massage featuring full-body scrub, hydrating facial and bamboo and hot stone massage does its magic leaving me with softer skin, clearer mind and stretched quads.
Island time quickly becomes my rhythm and I start embracing the array of resort’s activities updated daily on the hotel’s app: boat trips, water sports, live performances and rum tastings or, on a particularly sunny days, simply lounging at the Windjammer’s Beach Club with endless supply of delicious piña coladas and catching up on all the reading I have been putting off.
Patio of Estate Villa
The untouched wilderness of the island provides a great range of outdoors activities to discover its less frequently visited sights. We explore the meanders of the mangrove on bamboo rafts gliding along the island’s longest river. Our tour guide tells us about Saint Lucian history and teach us fascinating facts about endless health benefits of coconut.
Later, we embark on a Jammers catamaran cruise to explore the Sulphur Springs – the only drive-in volcano in the world. Hearing about its detoxifying and healing qualities, I take time to cover myself in volcanic mud which I later soak off in the hot springs and wash any remains under an ice cold waterfall. A truly beautiful experience for both the body and soul.
View from a Hilltop Villa
The gastronomical offering at Windjammer makes each evening a separate adventure in itself. With the enhanced culinary programme, led by Culinary Director Aurelien Duarte and Executive Chef Sebastian Francis, the refreshed menus tempt even the fussiest eaters.
Papa Don’s offers intimate Mediterranean, Dragonfly specializes in Japanese seafood, Jammers presents Caribbean flavours, Masala at Embers delivers authentic Indian, and Upper Deck provides a legendary steakhouse experience with an extensive wine list. Each restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience accompanied by the soft sound of the waves in the background.
Estate Villa
Most of the guests at Windjammer return every year making the resort their second home, which doesn’t surprise me after being able to experience the amazing hospitality of the hotel’s incredible staff. Every moment spent here leaves an indelible mark, making Saint Lucia and Windjammer Landing a destination that’s hard to leave and most definitely impossible to forget.1
by Olga Petrusewicz
Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences offers Ocean View 2 Bedroom villas from $399/night USD on a B&B basis or starting at $717/night USD – for a premium all-inclusive (kids 11 and under eat for free).For more information and reservations, visit www.windjammer-landing.com.
To find out about Saint Lucia Bamboo Rafting excursions visit: www.stlucia.org
St Lucia – British Airways Holidays offers seven nights, at Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort , from £1049pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 September – 30 September 2024 inclusive. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport, 1 checked bag at 23kg per person and accommodation with breakfast.
For reservations visit https://www.britishairways.com/st-lucia or call 0344 493 0120.