The Beacon of the Caribbean
I originally planned an escapade to Finland the happiest country in the world I hear but unfortunately Europe lockdown was extended the day prior to my departure. Since the Caribbean covid travel requirements were more lenient and I only had 5 days I selected a country out of the 4 I had left to explore.
My driver was waiting for me at arrival. I hired him for my entire stay for $100, 8 hours each day. On the way to the resort, we stopped at one of his favorite local restaurant and bar/lounge for lunch. While it was a hearty meal, I unfortunately forgot the name. After our meal we were at Ladera Resort within 30 minutes. For the next 3 days 2 nights I planned on exploring the southern coast of St. Lucia.
Day 1: I chose to explore the resort on my first day. I was greeted at arrival by one of the hotels employees she requested that I sat on a beautiful gazebo surrounded by hummingbirds for a welcome rum punch and cool mint towels. She then escorted me to my suites while giving me an overview of the property. My bags where already waiting. My resort was the best component of my visit in St. Lucia’s. I stayed at one of their hilltop suites. Ladera offered a distinctive tropical experience. Each suite only had 3 walls. The fourth wall was open to the twin peaks of the Piton mountains rising majestically above the Caribbean Sea, making it a spectacular view when swimming or laying in bed. The binoculars for watching birds and water gun were a fun touch. Cold complimentary champagne, sodas, water, local Piton beer were waiting for me in the suites and replaced everyday thereafter during my stay free of charge. The wellness gym has a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea and Pitons. A jacuzzi just a few feet away is surrounded by trees and plants. Various activities at the resort are complimentary such as: the nature hike along the volcanic ridge, tours of the wellness garden, the carpentry shop, yoga and shuttle buses to the beach.
Day 2: I scheduled to visit Diamond Botanical Gardens, horseback riding at the beach and Toraille Waterfall. Everything was within proximity. The botanical garden of the island boasts a variety of tropical flowers and fruit trees. The waterfall is no longer open to the public for baths, but there are 3 hot pools where guests can bathe in mineral water for an additional cost. For horseback riding in the South, Atlantic Shores Riding Stable is the perfect place. Max the owner directed me along an untouched green field before heading to the picturesque ocean where I was able to freely gallop my horse. My last stop was Toraille Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall about 60ft high fed by natural mountain water creating a depth of about 3ft made my experience fun and exciting. The tumbling waterfall is great for a massage beware the water is cold. They have changing and bathroom facilities on site. Before heading back to the resort, I had late lunch at Mama Rose Creole Cuisine another local’s favorite restaurant.
Day 3: On my last day in the South, I wanted to hike one of the Piton mountains. The Piton mountains are the most stunning sight on the entire island. I selected the most challenging and longest hike Gros Piton and was at the entrance by 9am right after breakfast. My plan was to avoid the tropical heat. My guide Margivin led me through Fond Gens Libre Village to the beginning of the hike. The trail had 3 points before finally reaching the top. The first quarter rest offers a beautiful view of the island and the Caribbean Sea below; the half point view which is the best view of the entire hike of Petit Piton mountain rising majestically from the turquoise blue water; the third point was right under the giant mango tree; and the final stretch was the Island Viewpoint. I was back at the Ice cream parlor right at the end of the hike by 12:30pm. The homemade ice cream at Ay Poye Park was the perfect reward after the hike. Their rum raisin was the best I have ever tasted. We later drove to Sulfur Springs bath and volcano the ideal attractions after a hike. Soufriere Volcano erupted over 200 years from a weak spot in the crust of a collapsed volcanic crater but today it is a dormant volcano. I walked to the top of the volcanic mountain closer to the bridge for a view of the explosion of steam. The mud baths detoxify the body and helps heal sun burns, eczema, arthritis, sore joints, and more. After soaking in the mud, I had hand designs painted on. Just be prepared to smell like rotten eggs. I would recommend clothes that you do not mind throwing away. after our excursion we stopped for lunch at the Beacon Restaurant. A buffet style restaurant serving authentic local food. As a bonus while savoring the meal, I was treated to a marvelous view of the Pitons rising triumphantly among the ocean and lush green landscape.
On the way to the Gros Islet, we toured the Castries and Marigot Bay. Marigot Bay is a gorgeous shore, just south of Castries along the central western coast, an idyllic bay with swaying palm trees, anchored boats, and white sand beaches. My driver stopped at the village right at the top of the hill to admire the scenic landscape.
We arrived at Bay Gardens Hotel right after sundown. After spending a whopping $2,700 for 2 nights at Ladera. I went for a humbler stay in the north. Did I mention that was the discounted rate? Could you also believe this price tag only included breakfast? I must add that it was well worth it.
Bay Gardens Resort although an average accommodation was nonetheless a lovely stay. It has 3 different location at proximity to one another; the resort, the hotel, and the inn. I suggest staying at the resort where most activities are located. Bay Gardens sits in the back of Rodney Bay Village on a prime location on Rodney Beach. I do not enjoy sitting in the sun or partaking in outdoor activities when it is hotter than 75 degrees, but I must highlight for those interested that the beach offered complimentary non-motorized water sports such as: Hobie Cat sailing, kayaking, standup paddle boarding, paddle boating, and splash island water park. For an extra charge, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and water tubing.
Day 4: As a new tradition I allocate at least a day spa for each country that I visit. Luckily, Bay Gardens Resort La Mer Spa exceeded my expectation. They had a Caribbean-inspired spa with a beachside gazebo for outdoor massage treatments. My masseuse was incredibly insightful and helpful when selecting a package. I eventually settled for a 3-hour treatment starting with a coconut body scrub, coffee body wrap, and at last a deep tissue massage. The session was relaxing and overall a great experience.
I had an incredible vacation on St. Lucia. The Southern Coast of the island was the ideal destination for my exploits but the treatment at La Mer Spa was worth my visit of the North. Unfortunately, due to covid I did not have the opportunity to experience Fish Fridays, a popular street party held every Friday night in the small fishing village of Anse La Raye but if you make your way to St. Lucia, it is worth a try.
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