St Lucia’s renowned Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort has debuted a stunning new look following a multi-million pound renovation. The grand lobby area, with high-vaulted ceiling beams and an open-air concept, has unveiled an elegant new interior. Dramatic chandeliers, statement features and a mix of natural materials have enhanced the dynamic space, which has become the heart of the luxurious resort.
The resort itself sits on Labrelotte Bay on the north-west coast of St Lucia, set in over 60 acres of lush hillside landscape, with undisturbed views across the Caribbean Sea. There are over 200 guest rooms and villas that offer guests a wide-range of accommodation types from beachfront suites with a private jacuzzi, to incredibly spacious estate villas perched further up the hillside, or be one of the first to stay in the new and incredibly contemporary ocean view residences. The resort’s larger villas feature luxury amenities such as private infinity pools, terraces and full kitchens with the services of a dedicated chef available on request. Needless to say, all guest rooms and villas boast outstanding views of the ocean.
One way to spend your days at Windjammer Landing is to bask in the sun on the peaceful white sand beach, sipping on fresh coconuts or cocktails, tended to by the nearby bar, 96 Degrees. The crystal-clear Caribbean waters of Labrelotte Bay are particularly calm, ideal for a gentle swim or for sunbathing on a sea hammock as pelicans swoop down in the distance.
For those more adventurous, just a short stroll along the bay are countless water sport activities, such as paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkelling. For families, the resort welcomes new family-friendly activities. This includes bubblemaker classes, designed to safely introduce children to the underwater world of scuba diving, as well as a chocolate making experience led by a local chocolatier, and a new family day at the spa package.
To explore the island beyond the bay, boats can whisk you away to tour the island by sea. We recommend Knotty Girl Boat Tours for a fun-filled day visiting well-known attractions like Marigot Bay, the mountainous Pitons and even to dip in the mud baths at Sulfur Springs.
There are additional experiences offered at the resort by Windjammer Landing, such as guided painting classes or rum and chocolate tasting on the beach as the sun sets. Every Thursday evening, the resort showcases its very own carnival party on the beach. Friday nights see in the famous St Lucian street party known as the “jump up” in the locality of the resort for up-beat Caribbean music, dancing and authentic street food.
Windjammer Landing’s spa and wellness facilities host an extensive range of services. Facilities include the steam room, relaxation room, gym with optional personal training and drinks bar. The drinks bar utilises local ingredients such as soursop, tamarind and sea moss, all of which are found on the island and are becoming increasingly popular for their many health benefits. This year, the spa also plans to unveil the island’s first medi-spa featuring treatments at the forefront of anti-aging and rejuvenation. There are speciality wellness classes, one of which is hummingbird yoga that takes place in the setting of the resort’s serene tropical gardens. In addition, the resort has created a unique programme combining wellness with breath-work and diving for the ultimate therapeutic underwater experience. Retreat to the sanctuary of the spa to indulge in one of the many massages or treatments available, or let the spa come to you with an in-villa massage.
Whilst there is the option of a private dining experience or a sunset beach picnic, the resort has a variety of restaurants for guests to choose from, all of which support St Lucia’s local farmers and fishermen.
‘Jammers’ offers all-day beachside dining and local cuisine, whilst nearby ‘Upper Deck’ is a prestigious seafood and steak restaurant. Set further up the hillside with sweeping views of the bay is Italian restaurant, ‘Papa Don’s’, ideal for families. New to the resort is ‘Masala at Embers’, serving the most delicious, authentic Indian cuisine whilst ‘Embers’ offers guests an additional laid-back beachfront dining option during the daytime. Windjammer Landing’s signature restaurant,
‘Dragonfly’, is back serving breakfast and dinner having recently undergone an extensive renovation. The restaurant now features a glamorous rooftop bar and lounge known as ‘The Perch by Dragonfly’. The contemporary lounge is an extension of the seascape as the hand-painted murals invite the ocean into its interior. The hotspot sees locals and tourists alike socialising over innovative cocktails and menu offerings.
With all that Windjammer Landing has to offer, it is clear to see how the resort has achieved its excellent reputation. Locals and tourists proudly return to the resort year on year, welcomed back by the warm and friendly staff to escape to a home away from home in paradise.
Fact Box
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort (www.windjammer-landing.com) offers rooms starting at £324/US$399 per night with villas starting at £471/US$581. For more information and reservations,
visit www.windjammer-landing.com.
http://www.knottygirlboattours.com
IG and FB: @knottygirlboattours_slu Cost per adult is US$125.
STLA website http://www.stlucia.org
By Klaudia Burton
