Rather than follow the crowds to the hotspots we’re all magnetized toward, why not give one of the Caribbean’s trendiest islands a try?
I’m glad I did.
Offering a private white-sand cove to kick back and savor your own slice of paradise, remodeled rooms with oceanfront plunge pools where you’re steps away from stunning sunsets, an impressive lineup of fine dining options, a world-class spa, and let’s just say some jaw-dropping cultural delights you’d least expect, my trip to Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa was one I’ll never forget.
Though some aesthetics felt dated, don’t let the storied walls fool you — this is a fully modern resort that caters to guests at the drop of a hat, whether it’s your own personal concierge happily assisting with daily activities or late-night room service delivered in a flash.
In fact, this is the first resort I’ve called home where AI plays a role in your itinerary. Guests are encouraged to begin their day with the wisdom of DeepakChopra.ai.
And I thought changing my Waze voice to Snoop Dogg was next-level tech…
Secrets has me beat!
Aligning with their “Time Here Is Worth More” theme, through guided meditations and insightful teachings on the Hyatt Inclusive Collection app — a must for navigating Secrets’ extensive selection of restaurants and pools on-site — this is just one of many ways to unwind in luxury on this secluded oasis without a single crowd in sight.
One thing you definitely won’t have to navigate? Screaming kiddos!
This all-inclusive escape is an adults-only haven where you can enjoy swim-up bars, breezy beachfront cabanas, and my favorite spot of all — the upper-level Preferred Club pool, offering unmatched views and supreme privacy.
A Room To Die For
Let’s face it — we live in a world of whiners who hide behind their screens, or behind the spell of local rum-inspired cocktails at one of Secrets St. Lucia’s many bars to indulge in, I encountered a couple of complaints from fellow guests I couldn’t disagree with more.
One guest I chit-chatted with was celebrating her honeymoon and compared her room to a Motel 6. Now, I will admit as I stated previously that some aesthetics aren’t up to snuff for 4-star luxury — but a Motel 6? Really?
Secrets did far more than ‘leave the light on’ for me, and I’m almost positive no budget chain offers oceanfront plunge pools mere steps from crashing waves and fiery skies come sundown.
Upon a swift check-in, “vacation mode” was instantly activated once I stepped foot into my room, even after a long red-eye flight.
Hearing the waves, seeing the palm trees sway, and the vast open sea, I knew being told “welcome home” by the front desk staff was more than a scripted line and that they truly meant it.
The bathroom was spacious, especially the rainfall shower, and the bed was heavenly for a well night’s rest to say the least — and no, that’s not solely because I enjoyed a sip or two…or three or four…of the complimentary bottle of rum.
But the biggest surprise was when I opened the back door to a cozy patio with two-top table and realized I was upgraded with a private oceanfront plunge pool I could use any time of my choosing.
Needless to say, I soaked in as much relaxing downtime as I could with a cold Piton beer from the always-stocked mini fridge, enjoying both the calm of crowd-free mornings and capping the day off with sunsets and moonlight so vivid it looked staged.
Just don’t tell security I went for a few midnight swims in the cove. It’s definitely not fun and you definitely shouldn’t do it 😉…
The Friday Night Block Party Was Lit!
How many foam parties can one really partake in?
If you’re like me and get a little stir crazy being in the same spot for too long, Secrets St. Lucia is just the place to get out and explore with provided excursions to both cultural staples and bucket-list wonders.
Every Friday night in St. Lucia’s capital city of Castries is a block party welcoming hundreds, if not thousands of locals and tourists droppin’ it low to anything from Missy Elliott to Buju Banton.
If you stay at Secrets St. Lucia, the block party (or what locals refer to as the “street party“) is a far cry from the blissful calm of the resort, and this will be the biggest crowd you face as you unavoidably weave through hordes of people, including a few shady characters assuming you’re visiting for the wrong reasons.
Lining the narrow streets are many makeshift bars and hole-in-the-wall vendors firing up the grill for every cut of meat imaginable and serving spicy rum concoctions, from what I’m told is called “The Babymaker”.
I can proudly say the drink isn’t true to its name, but it’s certainly a must-try just to say you did it.
Just know taxis booked through the resort come at a jaw-dropping $120 round-trip (per ride, not per passenger) since the driver sticks around the whole time.
If you’re not splitting the bill, arranging alternative transportation is advised for the approximate 20-minute ride.
Visit The Otherworldly Pitons & A Hidden Cove Where Oprah Vacations
A trip to St. Lucia without witnessing the Pitons is like visiting Mexico City without eating at a taco stand.
Fortunately, a boat tour can pick you up straight from the cove. However, due to strong currents, we had to arrange a trip to Castries to hop aboard.
Benny’s Boats took us straight to The Pitons, the most notable natural attraction this side of the Caribbean, along with lesser-known black-sand beaches.
Rising dramatically offshore, the famous Pitons are St. Lucia’s iconic twin volcanic peaks and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you ask me, yes, it was awesome to see, but the real star of the tour was the islet of Marigot Bay, where one-percenters such as Bill Gates and Oprah vacation to escape us peasants.
If you’re cuckoo for coconuts like me, this is the ultimate hideaway for authentic Caribbean vibes.
Run-down shacks host rum-filled bars, and fresh coconuts serve as the only tableware — and it’s all you need while you wade the calm waters in astounding natural scenery of jungle-covered hills and unmissable yachts and multi-million dollar homes.
Surprise, Surprise: Is St. Lucia The “Nashville” Of The Caribbean?
With nearly 40 countries under my belt, it takes a lot for me to be literally shocked by what I discover at any given destination.
No, it wasn’t the sensational cuisine that was surprisingly delicious (definitely get the Ribeye at Seaside Grill and the Lamb at Morgan’s Pier) or the expertly tailored massage that had me feeling like I walked out of Secrets Spa like Benjamin Button.
It was the entirety of the island’s love for country music that blew my mind. This unexpected cultural twist was backed by our boat captain who shameless said, “All you need in St. Lucia is country music and rum”.
Whether it was taxi drivers blaring twangy hits of yesteryear, boat ride sing-a-longs of Brooks & Dunn, or actual concerts at the resort, it’s safe to say Bob Marley and his 47 sons have been replaced by Tennessee’s finest.
We’re not talking karaoke hour, or even karaoke-level talent — this dude could belt out tunes with the best of Nashville at Secrets’ Thursday night show.
Playing hits like Chattahoochie, the resort dance floor quickly turned into an impromptu honky-tonk for a boot scootin’ boogie, where it wasn’t just American guests who knew the lyrics.
St. Lucia is not only one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after island escapes right now, being hyped by Conde Nast recently, I’m dubbing it the “Nashville” of the Caribbean.
All in all, I had a phenomenal time staying at Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa and loved exploring the island, and believe you will too!
**Travel Off Path was a guest of Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**
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