If I could share just one photo from my recent stay in St Lucia you might hazard a guess that it would be of the famous Pitons.
Identifiable by their conical forms and blanket of lush forest the mountains are perhaps the most photographed site on the island; However it was an entirely different view of St Lucia that will stay with me for a lifetime.
Arriving into George F.L. Charles airport at sunset my view of the island was shrouded in darkness as I was driven the 10.5 miles (17km) to the Marigot Bay Resort and Marina. Making the most of the on-site grill I ate, retired upstairs, and crashed out in the comfort of the four-poster bed that outfitted my suite.
In the morning, I drew back the curtain to find one of the most picturesque views I’ve ever seen from a hotel window.
From my vantage point (I was staying in a bay view one-bedroom suite) I could see out over the resort and across to the marina where luxury yachts bobbed in their berths and water taxis ferried chino clad yachties back and forth on the cobalt waters of the bay.
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Here are the highlights from my four-day stay the Marigot Bay Resort and Marina in St Lucia.
THE LOCATION
An idyllic setting steeped in history it’s debatable as to exactly which nation discovered and first claimed the island of St Lucia as their own, however records show that Marigot Bay played a major role in the ensuing battles between the British and French.
It’s been suggested that the French fleet actually used the palm trees that cover the beach as camouflage, hiding their ships behind the bay’s small peninsula and tying palm trees to their masts.
Today the view is much more tranquil, with luxury yachts and their tenders the only traffic on the water. Surrounded by forested hills on three sides it is known locally as ‘the hurricane hole’ and is recognized as one of the world’s true safe harbors; the area’s picturesque beauty is undeniably also well-known.
THE RESORT
Set at the water’s edge in what American novelist James A. Michener called ‘the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean’ (I’m also of the same opinion), the Marigot Bay Resort and Marina is a Capella property that oozes West Indian elegance.
Offering the ultimate in island immersion I loved the fact that the resort isn’t just a sun, sea, and sand destination. On my first day I checked into the Auriga Spa which utilises the island’s wealth of medicinal flora in a lot of its treatments. Coupled with the Hatha yoga class I started the day with, by the evening I felt like I’d shed much of the stresses and tensions of life back home.
Here’s a snapshot of my 5 night stay at Marigot Bay Resort and Marina
The accommodations cradle a chic pool with swim-up bar, stylish cabanas, and bright-white loungers and benefits from a panoramic view down to the bay; There’s also a small infinity pool which offers a more intimate atmosphere. Four on-site restaurants (The Rum Cave, the Brut Bar, The Grill at 14⁰61⁰, and the Bayside café) cater to every taste, and there is plenty of outdoor seating areas designed to make the most of the locale and fabulous climate.
Thanks to the Capella Marina, that boasts berthing for 42 yachts and an additional 20 on mooring buoys, the bay offers access to a range of water sports, activities, and excursions leaving daily from the dock.
Find out more about my itinerary and the activities I enjoyed during my stay in this post.
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THE ROOMS
There are 124 rooms and suites at the resort however thanks to the clever design of the grounds and the fact that each room/suite is set up like a private residence, I enjoyed the benefits of the five-star facilities on-site knowing that I could retreat to my own little piece of paradise if desired.
Defined by the chalet-style buildings that cradle the surrounding hillside the accommodation benefits from an elevated position ensuring that almost all of the rooms offer a picturesque view; Those on the ground floor are equipped instead with a private outdoor hot tub which some guests, such as those with young children, may much prefer.
The furnishings are simple yet elegant, with dark wood accents and pops of colour bringing in the vibrant tones of the flora and fauna that were abloom outside in the grounds. My suite came equipped with a full kitchen, lounge area, and laundry room, as well as a daily maid service and a delightful 4pm amenity (usually a delicious local treat such as batch-cooked plantain chips and Piton beers).
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THE STAFF
I have to tell you that one of the best features of the resort are the friendly staff. From Laura who collected me from the airport to Buffy who gave me a tour of the grounds, everyone I met greeted me with a smile.
In fact, every time I saw a member of staff they greeted me warmly with a ‘hello’ or ‘how are you’. This engaging attitude was infectious and I found myself saying ‘hello’ to other guests as they walked past!
While a service orientated approach to employment in the hospitality industry is expected, there are very few properties I’ve stayed at where the staff have left such a lasting impression.
THE FIVE STAR HOSPITALITY
Thanks to a combination of the spectacular views, luxurious interiors, and attentive staff there is a real five-star finesse at the Marigot Bay Resort and Marina.
Nothing is too much for the staff, I was even assigned my own personal assistant for the duration of my stay who helped me with activity and dining reservations, as well as reaching out prior to my arrival to make sure my travel plans were confirmed.
Overall I couldn’t fault my stay and I’m thrilled to be able to recommend the resort to other adventurous travellers planning an island escape to St Lucia.
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Have you stayed at the Marigot Bay Resort & Marina?
