Onsite Review: “New” Discoveries in Saint Lucia

BIRDSEYE VIEW“New” Discoveries in Saint LuciaBy Paloma Villaverde de RicoWhen you step out onto the balcony of the Howelton Estate, after passing through the estate’s lovely garden filled with medicinal plants and multi-hued flowers, you’re stunned by the glorious scene that fans out before you—it’s a bird’s-eye view of the city of Castries as well as Saint Lucia’s dazzling coastline. This historic home, which harks back to 1896, is a must-see for your client’s next visit to the island and not just because of those vistas. Here, a handful of artisans show off their beautiful handiwork with the estate offering interactive workshops where visitors can learn to make everything from chocolate to candles, art and creatively designed purses with these very artists…all while looking out over this gorgeous palm tree-laced destination. ROOM This Victorian-era estate is easily accessible from a few of the island’s top hotels, including the soon-to-open Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa. Located on a pristine, palm-fringed beach, the adults-only, 355-room resort is part of Hyatt’s The Inclusive Collection. As with all Secrets resorts, this property will offer several onsite dining options, top-notch spa facilities, and an array of areas for some R&R, including pools and, of course, dazzling ocean views. Another luxe adults-only option clients will appreciate are the 25 butler accommodations at Sandals Halcyon Beach that debuted in 2023, including five Koko Rondoval Butler Villas. We got a tour during our recent visit to the island and were blown away by the indulgences your clients can expect when staying in these accommodations—butler service, in-room dining, airport transfers, to name a few—and we loved the elegant design and neutral color scheme with pops of Caribbean flair. Those in the first-floor beachfront suites have direct walkout beach access, while those on the second floor have balconies featuring Tranquility Soaking Tubs. The Rondoval Villa accommodations, meanwhile, feature cool-styled rounded walls and a thatched roof and are hidden among the resort’s lush landscaping, just mere steps from the sea, with a private patio that features its own plunge pool. ROOM 1 Recommend’s time on-island included a few days’ stay at the adult-exclusive Sandals Grande St. Lucian, which turns up the romance with its own set of Rondoval Suites. The latter are tucked away from the main resort area and feature private pool sanctuaries. That said, most guests sunbathing along the shoreline can’t help but be impressed by the Over-the-Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalows that jut out toward the horizon. In fact, if you’re looking to truly impress your clients, start here as the top booking recommendation. These fab accommodations feature glass floor panels and lights on the water so that your clients can enjoy the undersea views at any time. There’s also a sun deck, sun loungers and an outdoor shower, plus couples get to choose between their own private outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub or overwater hammocks. These digs with the best water views in the entire resort come with hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings and Butler Elite service for the best in pampering. A stroll around the resort, will take guests to multiple pools as well as an array of eateries, including a creperie, an English-styled pub, a pizzeria, a seaside grill and sushi and teppanyaki experiences. That said, with its gently lapping waves and overwater swings, here the beach takes center stage.Contact InformationHowelton Estate: howeltonestate.comSaint Lucia Tourism Authority: stlucia.orgSandals Resorts: sandals.comSecrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa: hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/secrets/st-lucia/st-lucia-resort-spa/

COVERSANDALSTable of ContentsSANDALS SPREADEditor's NotesEDU HOUSE ADIndustry Insights: Luxury Travel Continues to SoarAdvisor Speak: Virtuoso Advisor InsightsMexico/Caribbean: Mexico and the Caribbean Redefine ‘Family-Friendly’CAYMAN ISLANDS SCTHE CAYMAN ISLANDSSAINT LUCIA SCSAINT LUCIAOnsite Review: Upscale Sandals Opens Its Doors in St. Vincent and the GrenadinesOnsite Review: “New” Discoveries in Saint LuciaNorth America: What's New—Florida Family AdventuresLEE COUNTY SCFort Myers Islands, Beaches & NeighborhoodsOnsite Review: Quebec City—History, Culture & CuisineMGM RESORTS SCMGM RESORTSCruise: Setting Sail for Fun—What’s New for Family CruisesOnboard Review: Margaritaville at Sea Islander One-of-a-Kind ExperienceOnboard Review: 10 Reasons to Book Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the SeasEurope: Onsite Review—Travels in AndalusiaTURKISH AIRLINES