Romantic honeymoon, travel, staycation and minimoon ideas

Being in this industry means I'm lucky enough to visit incredible locations – it's an opportunity I'll never take for granted. So, I felt very fortunate when the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority team reached out about a trip to East Winds Resort on the northwest coast. Before I knew it, my partner and I were boarding a flight for our eight-hour journey to the beautiful island. Oh, and did I mention it's right on the beach?

ARRIVING IN PARADISE
After landing and breezing through immigration, we drove 90 minutes from Hewanorra International Airport to the Resort, giving us the perfect chance to soak in the island's vibrant spirit. From lush greenery and palm trees at every turn, to bursts of colour throughout the towns and the warm, welcoming locals, it was clear from the start that this island had captured our hearts. From winding through a rainforest to cruising by the coast, every moment was an experience!

A TROPICAL OASIS
If I had to sum up East Winds Resort in a few words, it would be a vibrant oasis that's a slice of paradise. The all-inclusive Resort has everything needed for a magical stay. The beach is a secluded cove, dotted with plush sunbeds, overlooking swaying palms and the gentle ocean breeze. The sound of crashing waves lulled us to sleep many times, and the staff brought drinks straight to our sunbeds.
The pool area is equally inviting, with picturesque views in every direction and plenty of sunbeds to soak up the rays. Don't even get me started on the selfserve bar, where you can mix your own cocktails and mocktails! Seeing familiar, friendly faces every day created a warm, homely atmosphere. The team's passion shines through every day, and it was a privilege to get to know everyone. Special shout-outs to Charms who always checked in on us with a smile, Mikel who kept the laughs coming while serving up the best cocktails, Jo always on hand to help with watersports and Chef Travor, whose friendly morning greetings were a delight – did I mention he makes the best pancakes?

REST AND RELAXATION
East Winds Resort features 30 cottages and suites, ranging from Superior Cottages to Oceanfront Rooms, Deluxe Cottages and Oceanfront Suites – each offering a private, peaceful space to unwind. The intimate size means everything is thoughtfully laid out, so you're never far from the amenities. Our spacious Deluxe Cottage was beautifully decorated in calming blues and vibrant pinks, perfectly reflecting the Resort's cheerful yet relaxing style. The high roof with a ceiling fan, plus air conditioning, ensured comfortable and restful sleep. Especially paired with the super-king-sized bed and the smart TV, keeping us entertained with our favourite shows. The bathroom was equally impressive, featuring a large sunken shower and double sinks. Outside, a private patio overlooked the lush gardens and included a mini fridge stocked daily. It truly had everything we needed for a memorable stay.

A CULINARY DELIGHT
From hearty breakfasts to delicate lunches and delicious dinners, the food at East Winds consistently impresses, with menus that change daily and ingredients often sourced from the Resort's garden. The oceanfront restaurant offers an outdoor setting, with overhead cover and stunning views, accompanied by the sound of waves and morning birdsong. Breakfasts were a lovely start to the day, with options like banana and chocolate pancakes, fresh fruit and yoghurt, eggs any style, pastries, breads and daily smoothies as well as fry-ups, of course.
Lunch featured fresh salads, mains and grill specials. Highlights included grilled chicken with roasted potatoes, barbecued tuna with vegetables, roasted chicken with garlic mash and breaded fish with fries. Desserts were always available in plenty! Dinner was a standout each night, served in four courses. Appetisers ranged from duck breast salad to fish fritters and spring rolls, while mains included roasted Cornish hen, vegetable stir fry, pan-seared dorado, Caribbean salmon and jerk chicken with coconut curry. Fridays brought a relaxed buffet and barbecue with tuna, spiny lobster or rib-eye steak. Desserts throughout our stay remained indulgent, including passionfruit cheesecake and memorable homemade ice creams that are unforgettable – I loved the nutmeg and pumpkin flavour!
One evening, the team arranged a private beachfront gazebo dinner, which was an unforgettable touch – perfect for celebrating special occasions. Evenings included gentle live entertainment and occasional lunchtime steel band performances, adding to the Caribbean feel. Drinks were plentiful too, with excellent cocktails, mocktails, wines and spirits ready to indulge.

ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES
The resort offers a fantastic array of activities to enjoy! The rum tasting is a wonderful way to learn how the local rum is crafted and sample a variety of options. Hosted by Windel, whose knowledge and charm make the experience even more delightful, it's the perfect start to a relaxing evening in the cosy Bamboo Lounge before dinner. A true highlight is the cooking class, where you get to watch Head Chef Ivana create delicious meals.
We were fully immersed in the experience as fresh produce was used right before our eyes to craft a visually stunning and delicious paella. She demonstrated her remarkable skills and we got a great behind-the-scenes look at the hard work that goes into every dish. There were plenty of water activities to choose from during our stay, including paddleboarding, kayaking, Hobie Cat sailing and pedal boats. We especially loved snorkelling, thanks to a vibrant reef just off the beach, teeming with colourful fish. Swimming side by side in such a serene setting, surrounded by nature and breathtaking views, was oh-so romantic.
The garden tour is a special way to explore the diverse plant species scattered throughout the Resort. And don't miss the yoga and Pilates classes, designed to enhance both physical and mental wellness. Another highlight is the Manager's Cocktails, a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with the team and guests while enjoying Champagne.

THE FINAL VERDICT
Overall, we had the most magical stay – one we will always cherish and hold deeply in our hearts. Saint Lucia has truly become our favourite place to visit, from the slower pace of life and incredible views to the kind-hearted people, superb food, dreamy accommodation and its fabulous activities. Stays at East Winds Resort start from $810 USD per night, based on two adults sharing on an all-inclusive basis. There's simply no better location to spend a romantic honeymoon together!

BOOK AND FIND OUT MORE!
Saint Lucia Tourism Authority: stlucia.org
East Winds Resort: eastwinds.com
Sulphur Springs: soufrieresrdf.org
Howelton Estate: howeltonestate.com
Toraille Waterfall: toraillewaterfall.com
The Beacon Restaurant: restaurantsnapshot.com/ thebeaconrestaurant