Last winter, I was privileged to spend a few nights at the beautiful East Winds Hotel as part of my Caribbean holiday. I enjoyed my stay here so much that it felt fitting to write a more detailed personal piece on this stunning resort.
By way of an introduction, have a peek at the following video for a visual sense of what awaited me…
I’m always happy to return to an island that I love to explore a different resort and experience.
This boutique hotel, located on one of St Lucia's most sheltered bays on the northwest coast, is renowned for providing an atmosphere of exclusivity and quality. I am delighted to be able to vouch that this is indeed the case.
The property has 30 cottages and suites situated within its lush tropical gardens, of which four are oceanfront.
We had been allocated a lovely Deluxe Cottage in the heart of the gardens, just a short walk from the pool, beach and restaurant. Sparkling wine, chocolates and a fruit basket were in the room upon our arrival.
The interior was spacious, leading out to a comfortable terrace with an outside stocked fridge/ minibar plus coffee/ tea making facilities, perfect for an early morning drink or pre-dinner cocktail. The stylish bathroom was expansive with a large sunken shower.
Being an all-inclusive resort, it's good to know that all food and drink are included, and you will enjoy a full breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and four-course dinner daily.
The restaurant is located beachside, where breakfast is served buffet style with hot dishes cooked to order. Lunch can be ordered from the menu, self-served at the buffet or enjoyed once a week from the BBQ, accompanied by a local steel band. In the evening the restaurant offers a full silver service dinner.
If you do feel peckish at any time, there is even an all-day, light-bite menu, and a picnic lunch can be organised if you are venturing out of the hotel.
As I was celebrating a special belated birthday, the hotel kindly organised a private dinner in a beachfront gazebo for us.
Whether relaxing by the pool with its swim-up bar or enjoying the beach, staff are happy to serve drinks wherever you are.
Wine, beer, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks are served in the restaurant and bar, with Champagne also served in the evening at the bar. Dinner comes with a choice of wines from the hotel’s wine cellar, house wines are available at lunch and the weekly “Manager’s Champagne & Cocktail party” comes with delicious canapés. There is plenty of regular live entertainment provided too.
The Spa and Yoga Pavilions nestled among the trees and flowers provide everything you could want for a spot of added relaxation and rejuvenation, the former using locally sourced organic ingredients in their treatments.
If you can manage to pry yourself away from this relaxing oasis, the hotel can organise trips to the rainforest to enjoy the Aerial Tram Adventure or a little zip-lining.
On the water, boat trips can be arranged to capture the sunset or view the majestic Gros and Petit Piton; and back on land, the island's drive-in volcano is a great exploration trip.
One of the highlights of my stay was the tour given by Head Gardener, Sylvanus, who has been taking tender care of the hotel’s gardens for over 17 years.
He has a wealth of knowledge about the garden, its history, the wildlife that inhabits it, the plants and trees within plus an undoubted wisdom about the benefits of plants and herbs to human health, including those with anti-ageing properties.
The entire staff were amazing, and it was no surprise to learn recently of the latest industry accolade bestowed upon the team - the prestigious Tripexpert Experts Choice Award for 2023, that receives coverage in publications such as The New York Times, The Daily Telegraph and GQ.
East Winds is a Caribbean 'all-inclusive' with a difference; low key and informal, yet elegant and very private. I can’t wait to return.
Contact me for further information and latest availability.
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