When it comes to honeymoon destinations, St. Lucia is possibly the most romantic island in the Caribbean. The impressive Pitons rival the romantic landscapes of Tahiti and Hawaii, and dreamy views of the twin peaks are maximized from some of the sexiest hotel rooms ever. Here are our top picks for a St. Lucia honeymoon (or just a romantic getaway) for the best hotels, restaurants and things to do for lovebirds.
Hands down the sexiest hotel room award goes to Jade Mountain. Built and owned by the architectural pioneer of the open wall concept, each room (or sanctuary, as they are called) leads out to its own limestone stage where nothing separates you from the view overlooking Jalousie Bay and the Pitons. It may be a cliché, but this is truly a room you won't want to leave on your St Lucia honeymoon. Have your butler bring you breakfast and eat in your four-poster bed. Lounge in your private glass-tiled infinity pool where you can see for miles across the jungle canopy. Feel free to skinny dip — the resort's ingenious design means not another soul will spot you two. And if you do decide to emerge from your sanctuary, book a couple's massage at Kai en Ciel Spa or head to sister property Anse Chastanet, where you can use all the amenities.
With the same architect owner as Jade Mountain, the rooms at Anse Chastanet also capitalize on the open wall concept. The 600-acre tropical estate not only offers incredible views of the Pitons but also has its own black-sand beach, which is connected to a pristine marine reserve teaming with fish and colorful coral. Snorkel right off the pier then refresh with a signature Bentley cocktail under your own tiki hut. End the day dining on local mahi and tuna at the Indian-Creole fusion Apsara restaurant.
Once a vast coconut estate, you wouldn't guess that the all-inclusive Rendezvous boutique hotel is only a short walk from the center of Castries, St. Lucia's capital city. With 7 acres of gardens and a 2-mile stretch of white-sand beach, the private oasis is only three minutes from George F.L. Charles Airport. The newly refurbished Beachfront Cottages are perfect for honeymooners: the charming front porches with gingerbread trim face the beach and two private loungers on the sand are reserved just for you. Kayaking, windsurfing and even scuba diving is complimentary at this all-inclusive resort. Choose from three restaurants and two pools with swim-up bars and, for something more romantic, you can book a private candlelit dinner right on the beach.
For adventurous duos, the southern town of Soufriere offers loads of fun ways to experience the ancient volcanic caldera. Operated by a small organic farming community, the Tet Paul Nature Trail offers guided mountains hikes across hills of apricot and cashew trees to summits overlooking half the island, including those iconic Pitons.
After you’ve work up a sweat hiking, head to Sulphur Springs to soak in the steaming volcanic mud baths and bathe in pools of warm mineral water. Cover each other from head to toe in volcanic grey mud and sit by the stream to dry in the sunlight. Your skin will tickle as the mud hardens and pulls out impurities, leaving your skin as soft as smooth as a baby’s.
The Jazzy Champagne Sunset Cruise departs once a week from Anse Chastanet. The resorts’ two-story catamaran sails along the dreamy coast at sunset, for a perfect view of the Pitons during the golden hour. Rum punch and champagne flow, and a live band provides tunes for dancing on the top deck.
In the city of Castries, learn about the island’s history at Pigeon Island National Landmark. Walk along historic pathways of the 44-acre landmark to Fort Rodney and Signal Peak for panoramic views of the northwest coastline. Then head back in to town for the head back into town to the Castries Craft Market to browse local artists’ sculptures, paintings and madras bags and dresses. Bring home pouches of indigenous spices, bottles of Chairmen’s Reserve Rum and bars of volcanic mud and sulphur soap.
Perched on Paradise Ridge (so close to the Pitons you feel like you could reach out and touch their pointy peaks), Ladera resort is one of the most romantic spots on the island. Float high above Sugar Beach at its mountainside open-walled Dasheene restaurant. Dine on traditional island roti with fresh local dorado, homemade pretzel bread and cocoa mousse — all while overlooking waterfalls.
Tucked into a charming courtyard in Soufriere, Orlando's Restaurant serves small plates with big gourmet flavors. Chef Orlando Sachell, once the head chef of Ladera's Dashenee, curates a menu of Caribbean cuisine using only local ingredients from organic farmers and fishermen. Snag a table for two to sample salt fish fritters in curry batter, fruit gazpacho, and yellowfin tuna with watermelon and plantain salsa. You may also spot (and pet) Orlando's calico cat, Pretty.
For authentic, local dining, try Petit Peak Restaurant on Jalousie Bay. Specializing in simple St. Lucian cuisine, dishes include local ingredients like dasheen, plantain, green fig and roasted breadfruit. Order the Creole bird seeped in spicy sauce and wash it all down with a Piton Beer and an amazing sunset view of (you guessed it) those magical Pitons.
