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. CHOCOLATE MAKING There are additional activities available that allow you to explore more of the island for an extra charge. These are completely optional and can be booked through the Resort upon arrival. We adored the Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Making Class ($65 USD per person) hosted at the wonderful Howelton Estate, just a short 30-minute drive away. Situated an impressive 200 metres above the city of Castries, you can imagine the incredible views. The class gave us a wonderful opportunity to get hands-on and learn all about the chocolate-making process. The team harvested the cocoa pods from an on-site cocoa tree for the class, where the ripe pods were carefully harvested by hand. Each pod contained cocoa beans that were fermented for days before being dried in the sun and roasted to bring out rich, aromatic chocolate notes. The outer shells were removed, revealing the cocoa nibs, ready for us to use. We grounded the nibs into a paste using a hot stone melanger to help speed the process up, and it’s harder than it looks! Thankfully, our knowledgeable and passionate guide was on hand to help. Cocoa butter was added to achieve the perfect consistency, creating 100 per cent dark chocolate, with the option to add sugar to lower the percentage. The chocolate was then poured into moulds and left to harden while we enjoyed guava juice, soaked up the stunning views and explored the local products on-site. The result? A perfectly crafted bar to take home and enjoy! EXPLORING THE ISLAND We drove down to explore the south of the island one day, which was such a treat! The Sulphur Springs, set within the ancient Qualibou Caldera – the world’s only drive-in volcano, offers a truly unique experience. Entry to the Mud Baths is only $10 USD per person, and the mineral-rich pools (around 38–43°C) are both relaxing and great for the skin. We soaked in the warm water first to open our pores, then covered each other in mineral-rich mud, which is ideal for exfoliating and detoxifying. We even used black mud to decorate each other before letting it dry and rinsing off with another long soak. It was fun, relaxing and unlike anything we’d tried before! A short drive away is the Toraille Waterfall, a magical setting featuring a natural waterfall cascading into a pool of clear water, which you can have a dip in. Surrounded by lush scenery, the sound of the water hitting the pool is incredibly relaxing, making it perfect for a refreshing break from sightseeing. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Beacon Restaurant, which has the most incredible views of the Pitons – it’s a postcard setting! The casual, open-air setting serves fresh Caribbean dishes buffet style. We enjoyed tender-stewed chicken in rich spices, sweet grilled plantains, grilled banana coated in a buttery garlic sauce, creamy macaroni pie and a refreshing pasta salad. Everything was bursting with flavour and felt authentically home-cooked! Fresh passion fruit and lime juice paired perfectly, and we ended with pistachio ice cream, the ideal cool-down after a full day of sun. 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 Scan to view video 112
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