This week is another throwback trip, where most photos were taken with a shiny pink point and shoot. In April of 2011, back when Matty and I had very traditional 9-5 jobs, we decided to use up our vacation time on the beaches of St. Lucia. I remember playing Sean Kingston’s “Take You There” on repeat, and that song still makes me smile.
When: April 2011
Where: Soufriere, St. Lucia
Stayed: Anse Chastanet
Anse Chastanet is a beautiful, eco-conscious property carved into the hills of Soufriere. It has sweeping views of the Gros and Piti Pitons, and two volcanic, “zebra sand” beaches that lead to an underwater world of coral reefs and tropical fish. Matty insists it’s the best snorkeling he’s ever experienced, even better than the Maldives. I say the two are tied for first.
Upon check in, we found out that we had been upgraded to a crazy wonderful room, for no reason at all. Situated way up on the hill, it had an open-air fourth wall, and you could see the ocean for miles.
Sleeping outside is our jam, so a three-walled room with mosquito netting is definitely the next best thing.
The suite was huge, with two stories, two giant beds, a living room and a lounge area. It would be perfect for couples traveling together, or a small family!
The hotel was filled with paintings, sculptures and vibrant textiles, most of them created by local artists.
One favorite memory was from breakfast. The birds would fly down and land on your table, trying to steal crumbs, so you were given water guns to squirt them with! Way too much fun, although I kept feeding them croissant pieces, and Matty kept fending them off. The little critters were cute!
Here are a few must do’s if you visit Anse Chastanet:
Relax on the beach.
Order the signature “fruit punch.”
Go mountain biking on the Anse Mamin plantation. It’s insanely fun and scary.
Eat every meal al fresco.
Get rubbed down during magic hour.
Sail a sunfish!
Piton beer and daily banana daiquiris – they were the sweetest, most delicious bananas I have ever tasted, and I consider myself a banana connoisseur.
Yoga in the pavilion. Yoga on the beach.
Snorkel all around.
Our favorite reefs were in “Superman’s Cove.”
Visit the sulphur springs and the botanical gardens.
Sunfish sail and/or kayak to the second beach, where Jake cooks up the best cheeseburgers!
Go on a real sail, stopping to swim as you please.
Maybe DON’T go to Marigot Bay… or as we like to call it, Mari-let’s-go Bay. Definitely not our scene.
Sunsets. Always.
Do not miss the jazz booze cruise. IT IS SO MUCH FUN. Rum punch and sweaty dancing and a beautiful sunset. What is better?
Be fully present, and enjoy every moment. No worries, mon.
If you are interested in having your destination or property featured on Wanderlust Wednesday, please email Lauren at hello@laurenwellsevents.com.