When cold temperatures become too much to take, escape to this Caribbean island for a taste of paradise with a little historic French flavor. Take in the natural beauty of the island’s mountain views, stunning beaches, and lush cocoa and sugar plantations while you relax and recharge, or make the most of your time in these luscious surrounds by embracing outdoor adventures—either way, you’ll have plenty of stories to tell when you return (and more than a few photos).
Where To Stay
Jade Mountain
Infinity pools, breathtaking views of the Piton peaks—should we go on, or are you already off to book your reservation? Jade Mountain’s architecture is specifically designed to offer unobscured sightlines of the natural beauty of the island, so you might catch yourself getting lost in the views more than once.
Sugar Beach
Looking for something a bit more secluded? Private plunge pools outfit each individual guesthouse on this 18th-century sugar plantation, so you can truly disconnect and recharge to your heart’s content.
Fond Doux
Eco-consciousness is at the heart of Fond Doux resort, which prioritizes historic preservation and environmental conservation on the grounds of this 250-year-old working plantation. Each unique guestroom is housed in a restored colonial cottage, and filled with furniture crafted by local artisans to support the surrounding economy.
Boucan
A must-stay for chocolate lovers, the Hotel Chocolat is housed among cocoa groves—and that intoxicating element is infused into every element of this decadent hotel, from the cuisine at the restaurant to the spa treatments.
BodyHoliday
Not every Caribbean vacation requires lying on a beach for a week and drinking brightly-colored cocktails. If you’re in the mood for a more mindful experience, BodyHoliday’s all-inclusive resort puts a fresh spin on the island experience, offering a treehouse fitness class space (yes, it’s in an actual treehouse), coastline bike excursions, a meditation temple, daily inclusive spa treatments, and more. The perfect balance of ahhhh and ohmmmm.
What To Do
Sulphur Springs
Sink into a bubbling brew of mud to get a spa experience at the world’s only “drive-in volcano”. Locals claim that a dip in these volcanic-infused mud baths can ease everything from skin conditions to aches and pains—but whether or not the mud is a mystery cure, there’s no question that the experience will be soothing and memorable.
Gros Islet
On Friday nights after 8PM, Gros Islet transforms into a boundless dance party in the streets. Don’t miss this chance to cut loose and dance to calypso while on the island. (Food and drink vendors will be there to help you keep the party going until you’re ready to retire.)
Where To Eat
Dasheene
A can’t-miss dining experience all around, Dasheene is known for its hyper-local ingredients from nearby farms and elevated interpretations of classic island fare, like roast conch and plantain gratin with coconut cream sauce. Guests can enjoy each dish from a sky-high perch overlooking the Pitons—so the trickiest decision you’ll have to make is deciding whether to snap a photo of your plate or the view.
Cane Bar
What’s a Caribbean vacation without rum? Cane Bar’s first-of-its-kind “rummelier” will help you pick the perfect rum to complement your meal—whether that’s ultra-fresh Asian-inspired fare or a little decadent dessert. Our best advice? Take him up on all his suggestions.
I-TAL
The most authentic farm-to-table experience we’ve encountered, BodyHoliday’s I-TAL lets you book a session to pluck ingredients from their organic on-premises garden, then prepare it with guidance from their world-class chefs. New cooking skills: how’s that for a souvenir?
Where To Shop
Castries Market
Pick up home-grown finds from local farmers at this open-air market—with an eclectic mix of fruits and vegetables, spices, and flea-market fare, it’s a different experience every time.
