Video LoadingVideo UnavailableClick to playTap to playThe video will auto-play soon8CancelPlay nowHome to lush rainforests, vast stretches of white sands and fabulous Creole cuisine, Saint Lucia deserves its reputation as one of the most dazzling jewels in the Caribbean crown. In the north, the island’s capital, Castries, is cradled by emerald hillsides sprinkled with pops of ice-cream coloured houses. Coconut stalls and tiny cafés in wooden huts line winding tracks through leafy villages, while in the south, near the town of Soufriere, two dormant volcanoes, the Pitons, rise from crystal waters. US chat show host Oprah Winfrey has called the Pitons “one of the top five places to see before you leave this great place called Earth”. While celebrties including Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Ellie Goulding have been spotted enjoying the island. But that’s just the tip of the mountain, as it were, when it comes to the delights this gem of an island has to offer.
Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Ellie Goulding have been spotted here
Adults only StolenTime By Rendezvous, an all-inclusive adults-only resort on the beach in Castries, is the sister hotel to St Lucia’s famous BodyHoliday, where the late Amy Winehouse famously went for two weeks and ended up staying eight months.
The chic suites are light and airy
We would happily have extended our stay in our spacious poolside suite, which brought the outdoors in with its beach- hued palette – and the fact it had direct access to the pool and the Caribbean Sea beyond. The generously stocked REN toiletries complement the luxurious feel, while the huge freestanding bathtub was just the tonic after a day spent sampling the array of fitness classes on offer. Other options at the 100-room hotel include the charming beachfront cottages and the verandah suites, with cathedral ceilings, overlooking the tropical gardens. Indulge body and soul The focus at StolenTime is wellness for body and mind. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie with watersports on your wish list, or if mindfulness and meditation is more your thing, it’s all about taking time out to unwind and reconnect with yourself or a loved one. We took full advantage of the four-star resort’s relaxation ethos during our stay, from soaking up the sun while lounging by the lazy river, to toasting the finest fizz in the champagne bar.
Relax poolside
There are plenty of StolenTime activities on offer, from snorkelling and kayaking to Tai Chi. After a fun beachside yoga session, where the fitting “banana” pose took centre stage, we headed to the resort’s Spa in the Water Garden. The Deluxe Coconut and Spice Combo (a seated chair massage) left us floating on our way back to our suite. Even the sudden Caribbean downpour couldn’t dampen our Zen. Taste of the Caribbean StolenTime boasts three restaurants, offering options from à la carte to bustling buffet nights and beach barbecues. Our favourite was Malabar Beach Club, which allows for toes-in-sand dining, with stunning views over the azure ocean. All food is fresh from the market. We tucked into a delicious paneer curry, served with homemade cottage cheese, raita and mango chutney.
Toes-in-sand dining is available
Rum is the tipple of choice, with a whole cocktail menu dedicated to it. Try a creamy banana milkshake with a splash of Bounty Coconut rum, or keep it simple like the locals and opt for a traditional rum and Coca-Cola. Rum not your thing? Grab an ice-cold Piton beer. Those with a sweet tooth should seek out the banana bread at the breakfast buffet, and wash it down with a cinnamon hot chocolate, while savoury fans will love green fig and saltfish – one of the island’s national dishes. Out and about Away from the hotel, a guided walk to Castries market is a must. Locals gather to sell fresh fruit and aromatic spices alongside stalls of handmade trinkets and paintings. A 30-minute drive north took us to Pigeon Island national park. Here you’ll find crumbling ruins steeped in history, and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Both informing and inspiring, this islet shouldn’t be missed. Come evening, nearby Rodney Bay is where nightlife thrives, as the heart of the town comes alive with music and dancing.
Pigeon Island National Park is beautiful to explore
When in the north, the best way to explore the south of the island is by boat trip. Sail past the Pitons, before taking a dip in mineral-rich sulphur springs said to detoxify the body and help heal sunburn, eczema, arthritis, sore joints and more. You will also find the world’s only drive-in volcano here. Don’t worry, though, its last recorded eruption was way back in 1766. How to book Rates at Stolen Time from about £385pp per night on an all-inclusive basis; full board, all beverages, including premium-brand alcohol and wine by the bottle at dinner, land and water sports, unlimited tennis with on-site pro, weekly cocktail party and nightly entertainment. Return flights to St Lucia from London Gatwick, flying with British airways, from about £520pp. Holidayextras.com takes the hassle out of booking essentials such as travel insurance and airport hotels. READ NEXT: Click here for today’s top showbiz news ‘Having kids at weddings is like Jurassic Park – ban them!’ says Olivia Attwood The UK has its first swim-up bar at a luxury spa and you can visit for £69 Penelope Cruz to ex-Islanders – celebs are flocking to surprise hotspot Lanzarote For the latest showbiz exclusives, sign up to our daily OK! newsletter Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnJustin BieberOprah WinfreyTravel
