They say the weekend begins on a Wednesday in St. Lucia, but considering it is a Monday, I’m still feeling a cause for celebration. Not only have I bagged an estate villa on Windjammer Landing’s prized upper hill, but I’m getting the millionaire view too.
This is seriously impressive. A three-bed U-shaped villa with an infinity pool and I’m so high up I swear the air is thinner. But really, it’s the view that’s the icing on the cake. Miles of open Caribbean sea from all windows. And way down below, the curve of Labrelotte Bay and the Windjammer beachfront are tantalising glimpses of what awaits.
Windjammer Landing is on St. Lucia’s northwestern coast, just a few minutes drive from Castries the island’s capital. Unlike the more humid south, the nearby mountain ranges make it a little fresher up here. It’s a resort with a real Mediterranean village feel to it; 60 rooms and suites and 131 villas spread out over 60 acres of tropical hillside leading down to the isolated seclusion of Labrelotte Bay beach.
Back in my lofty villa, I’ve just been treated to a private sunset of Hollywood proportions when I hear my transport arrive to take me down to Papa Don’s for dinner. Shuttle driver John is all smiles as I climb in. “Never fails to impress does it. But man you got a view right there.”
He got that right.
Papa Don’s is one of five restaurants on Windjammer Landing. Specialising in rustic regional Italian fare, it’s tucked away on a hill just a hop from the resort’s centre; almost like a little Tuscan farmhouse. I decide to be indulgent (after all, an all-inclusive tariff offers that opportunity) and go for four courses with white wine to start and then a red to follow. The menu makes it very clear as to what items are not part of the all-inclusive package, so if you want to indulge in a premium drink don’t be surprised when you find you’re footing the bill.
After a feast of pumpkin and ginger soup, pesto pasta, saltimbocca and a finale of pannacotta I’ve had quite enough excitement for one night. I share a ride back up to my villa with Bob and Jan from New Jersey whose place is on the way.
Morning dawns on another impossibly sunny Caribbean day and I decide to walk down to the main resort. It is a steep slope. Some might call it almost vertical. But the views are simply jaw-dropping and much more dramatic than from the inside of a van.
After a beachside buffet breakfast in Dragonfly I’m spending the morning exploring the beach and alternating between a sunbed and a sea-based hammock. I’m also alternating between rum punches and the local Piton beer.
The time flies by and I have to forgo a snorkel session for a light lunch in Jammer’s before my afternoon massage and spa.
Jammer’s is also bang on the beach and offers plenty of tasty dishes for lunch and dinner. I take it easy with a coconut, quinoa and romaine salad and some sweet potato fries. It’s tempting to indulge further but I’m not sure my impending therapist would approve.
Luckily for me, Herbert has it all under control in the spa. Not much to do except lie down and let him loose with Windjammer’s signature massage, designed to restore energy, equilibrium and vitality; hot stones, bamboo sticks, feet and hand exfoliation and a 16 acupressure face massage. “Sounds complicated” I mutter, but Herbert assures me “I’ve done this more than a few times. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.”
Make no mistake, this is a very impressive spa. It is a state of the art sanctuary of wellness and under Herbert’s nurturing my yin and yang have never felt more aligned.
It’s been an eventful day and after some downtime back at the villa, I’m having dinner in the Upper Deck, Windjammer Landing’s signature restaurant. It’s a steak and seafood grill with everything from filet mignon to Lucien bouillabaisse. It really is a classy way to end the day.
Back at Jammer’s bar, there’s live music and an appreciative crowd. The singer sounds like a cross between Seal and Bob Marley. Bob and Jan are here and I wave across at them but Bob’s far too busy trying to sing in key and hold Jan up at the same time. God bless New Jersey. I order a nightcap at the bar and take it back to my villa in the heavens to sip on the deck and gaze out at the lights of Castries in the distance.
Windjammer Landing is a perfect luxury resort for families and couples who are looking for a holiday that covers both camps. It’s got everything you need for a fun stay and it’s close enough to the bright lights of Rodney Bay if you want to go out on the town. All St. Lucia excursions can be booked here too for transport pickup provided by the operators.
As for me, my only worry is to decide where to eat and what to do tomorrow. Then again, I might just order room service and stay here with my millionaire view.
Windjammer sunset, high view and villa images (c) Andy Mossack
Tell me more about Windjammer Landing Resort
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, Labrelotte Bay, P.O. Box 1504 Castries, St. Lucia.
T: 1-877-522-0722
E: reservations@windjammer-landing.com
High Season rates (Dec 21 – Apr 08) from $523.00 per night for a Premium Ocean View Room. Low season rates (Apr 09 – Dec 20) from $381.00 per night.
The All-Inclusive meal plan is $254.00 per adult per day over high season and $149.00 per adult per day over low season. All rates in US dollars.
All rates are subject to 20% taxes & service charges.
For current Windjammer specials visit: http://www.windjammer-landing.com/specials
Airport transfers from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) are approximately $90 for up to 4 people each way.
For detailed information on where to go and what to do in St. Lucia, visit the St Lucia Tourism Authority
