Wedding season also means honeymoon season, so we’re rounding up some of our favorite destinations that are guaranteed to be perfect choices. Whether its basking in the sunny sands sipping on coladas, or hiking up the steepest mountains, your honeymoon should be a once in a lifetime experience you remember forever. An island that checks all these boxes is St. Lucia. Not to be biased or anything, but this is where Brandon and I went for our honeymoon and it was one of the best decisions we ever made. We chose St. Lucia because of the amazing beaches, tropical landscape and honestly because it’s on every “Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations” article that I read researching spots. Boasting a drive-through volcano, as well as its own National Rain Forest Reserve with over 19,000 color-splashed acres of natural wonders, St. Lucia’s exotic beauty truly captures the luxuriant allure of the Caribbean. Here’s the info you need to know:
If you’re lucky, you’ll snag a direct flight. If not, you’re probably going to transfer in Miami and take a 3 hour ride to UVF airport where you’ll de-plane fancy style straight off the steps of the plane. This is a tiny, tiny airport friends. So if you can, try not to arrive at noon on a Saturday or you’ll be hanging out in the customs line for a hot minute. Then you can shuttle or arrange private transport (highly recommend) to your resort, which will be anywhere from a 1 to 2 hour ride. Think of it kinda like a free tour of the island.
I have two top picks here. I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend our hotel, the Sandals Grande St. Lucian, because they truly provided an amazing honeymoon experience. The open air lobby faces the beach and the gorgeous hills in the distance. Every single person working at the resort had a smile on their face and wanted to make sure you had the same. The grounds were absolutely immaculate. They had perfect little spots set up all over for newlyweds to have romantic moments together, from hammocks to cabanas and private gazebos. And even though the resort was almost at capacity, it literally never felt crowded. Plus, there were lots of other newlyweds to make friends with. Oh, and can we talk about the food? (No, really, because you know the only thing I was more excited about besides marrying Brandon was eating everything I could get my hands on #weddingdiet) Seriously, the food at the resort was spectacular. We especially loved the restaurant on the pier, Gordon’s. There were so many delicious options, from Italian to Sushi, Indian and everything in between.
If we went back, I think we would definitely have to spend a few nights at Jade Mountain. If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury spot, this is the one. This resort is right up next to the picturesque Piton mountains and has a very exclusive feel. The bold architectural design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain St. Lucia one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences.
Expect grand sweeping spaces where bedroom, living area and an extravagant private infinity pool glide into one another. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s sanctuaries are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of St. Lucia. They have an award winning spa and fine dining, so there’s really no reason to leave. Although it’s on the pricier side, we can guarantee it would be well worth it.
I recommend a mix of relaxation and adventure. When we were in St. Lucia, most days we rented a cabana on the beach where we read our books, took swims out in the gorgeous water and enjoyed delicious tropical drink after drink. Get a massage, take a cooking or mixology class, eat your heart out and soak up the sun.
On the adventure side, I definitely recommend hiking through the gorgeous rainforest. If you’re staying need the Grande, Pigeon Island is located just outside the resort, so we hiked that one day and the views were absolutely incredible.
You’re in one of the most gorgeous bodies of water in the world, so you better hit up the water sports too! Most resorts will have everything from sail boats to snorkeling, jet skis and waverunners. Take advantage! We also booked a boat tour through the resort and it was easily one of the highlights of our trip. We took a speed boat ride to a volcano, did a mud bath in the sulphur springs, rinsed off in a beautiful waterfall, snorkled, had a home cooked meal in Marigot Bay and then drank one too many rum punches on our dance party boat ride back to the resort.
Pretty much everything on this list (clothes) and this list (travel essentials). St. Lucia is HOT and the humidity is no joke. Bring lots of sunscreen, floppy hats and cover ups. Breezy, light weight dresses for dinner and sunglasses and a big straw beach bag for day time. Bring some goggles, because there’s so many beautiful fish and coral reef to see. Also pack some athletic wear and sneakers (not for the gym, YEA RIGHT) but for the little bit of adventuring we recommend you do 🙂
