Travel

Watch our slide show, then make your reservations:

Saint Lucia is one of the most beautiful, unspoiled islands in the Caribbean I've ever experienced.

I remember sitting on the beach, and looking out into the most gorgeous sunsets, all sky and beach.  No other hotels dotted the landscape.  That was at the Body Holiday Le Sport Resort, where an incredible spa treatment a day is included in your package*.  I got to choose full body massages, lime and ginger salt scrubs, ocean wraps, hand and foot massages, back and shoulder massages, facials, and more.

There's no additional charge for daily classes such as Pilates, archery, yoga, fitness, fencing, step, golf, tennis, and tennis, to name a few.  They'll even let you try trapeze swinging. This is your opportunity to try everything you've ever wanted to learn. My daughter and I took advantage of them all, including the complimentary session with a personal trainer.

The setting? Spectacular. If you're looking for an "unspoiled" beach, this is it. The view is nothing but nature -- the sky, the ocean, and to the side, the peaks of the famous St. Lucia volcano. No other hotels are in view, and this beach is for guests of Le Sport only. You can relax and unwind for hours. From time to time, the staff brings a wet cloth to cool you down. Raise the flag, and they'll bring you anything you want to drink.

Or, you can go snorkeling, tubing, learn to dive, and participate in motorized water sports. The cost? Nothing. This is truly one all-inclusive vacation.

There are pools, Jacuzzis, an air-conditioned fitness room; a fully equipped and air-conditioned exercise room; lounge chairs; dozens of private massage rooms; and full bars. All meals and drinks are included. Now imagine this -- the famous Tao's Restaurant, the same one with branches in Manhattan and Vegas -- is located here. We dined there every night. Reservations were required.

Accommodations: We had a deluxe garden view room, the lead category. It was a nice size, with two comfortable beds, and an air conditioner that worked very well. The back door opened up to a large patio where we could sit outside and soak up the sun. The bathroom had a lovely, large sink "bowl," and a shower with several jets that extended from the tiles, allowing you to get a massage when you shower. Note there is no television in the room, but believe me you won't miss it. After a day in the sun, a few exercise classes, a relaxing spa treatment, wine with dinner, and cocktails at the piano bar, you'll fall asleep instantly. Pool view and ocean view rooms are available.

Entertainment: There's a show every evening at the Clubhouse, and an intimate room with a piano bar where guests gather in the evening, to sing along with the piano player. Lots of fun. Amy Winehouse has been known to make appearances here.

Food: Breakfast is a buffet. There's everything -- omelets, pancakes, and French toast, made to order; tons of fresh fruit; croissants; muffins; breads; cereal; and more. There's a lunch buffet in this same area, and a deli closer to the beach, where you can get salads, sandwiches, smoothies, cakes, cookies, cappuccino, and more. At 4 p.m., enjoy Tea Time at the Clubhouse, with sandwiches, fruit, and cakes. For dinner, choose from the buffet at the Clubhouse, a sit-down dinner at the cafe, or dinner at Tao's. Note that while all meals are included, if you are so inclined, you may also select from choices at the cafe and at Tao's that require an additional cost. Wine is included, but high-end wines are also offered for sale at Tao's. We found the included wines to be very good.

All dining establishments provide a "tropical experience." They are open-air venues. There is no air-conditioning, and with the exception of the buffet, many people dress up for dinner.
What else do you need to know? When we were there, we saw many couples as well some people traveling alone. If you want to go solo, you should feel comfortable doing so. We had a great time, mingling with other guests at the piano bar, during dinner, and at the pool. No matter where in the world we travel, there are always some New Yorkers, and we met a fellow Brooklynite as well. The resort tends to attract a lot of European visitors as well as Canadian guests. There was one "American" outlet in the room. If you plan to bring items that need to be plugged in, consider bringing an adapter and/or power strip.

The service at the resort is excellent; the staff is very accommodating and friendly. We felt very safe, relaxed, and happy. Note that it's not possible to walk to other hotels or shops, but you can certainly hire a taxi to explore the rest of the island. In addition to the spa treatments and classes included, you may also opt to purchase a variety of unique spa treatments and activities. Important: You will be required to climb a number of steps to get to the beautiful, outdoor spa area. A passport is required for this trip.

*A spa treatment may not be available to you on the day of your arrival and the day of your departure. Note that everything in life changes, so while this article was accurate when it was written, activities and offers are always subject to change, at the discretion of the hotel.

Other resorts in St. Lucia:

You can opt to stay at other upscale places such as Jade Mountain.  This resort is breath-taking, and was voted one of the top two Caribbean destinations.  It's all open; a must-see. They call it a "sanctuary".  It has a bold architectural design, with individual bridges leading to infinity pool sanctuaries, and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky. Check out the photos at www.jademountain.com.  The rooms are so creatively designed, you must see the pictures, because they are worth a million words.  Again, no television in the room, but I'm told Blackberries do work here. It's pricey -- for those who wish to celebrate a special occasion, or who simply want to experience the best in life.  

For a more "American" experience in St. Lucia, check out another upscale resort, The Landings.  This is a Rock Resort chain, so the design is typical of many types of hotels that we see in the U.S.  www.TheLandings.com  

There are so many beautiful resorts in St. Lucia, I wish I had the space to write about them all.  They include incredible resorts built on magnificent plantations, as well as boutique properties, and three Sandals resorts for couples only. 

For those planning a family getaway this summer, I am told by the St. Lucia Tourism Board that a wonderful promotion is available.  It's the  "GO BANANAS" program.  Travel from June 1 - September 30, and kids can play, learn, eat and stay, "free" at participating resorts.  Age of "free" child depends upon the resort, it is limited to 2 children, and all must share the same room. Some participating resorts are also providing a coupon booklet, with complimentary excursions such as a skyride, horseback riding, whale watching, a heritage tour, and a St. Lucia souvenir.  Restrictions apply.   If you're looking to get away with the grandchildren this summer, this may be a great option.

St. Lucia is said to have the world's only drive-through volcano.  While there, don't miss this incredible experience. 

St. Lucia is about a 4-hour flight from NYC, and nonstop flights are available, on certain days.  As one of the few certified St. Lucia specialists in the area, and as someone who has stayed on the island, I am delighted to help plan a stay here for you.

We look forward to planning all your vacations and cruises.  We are "the educated way to travel."

P.S. -- Call and ask me about cruises that visit St. Lucia.  You can contact "Commodore" Camille at

The World Awaits Travel LLC.

917-562-4410; 718-259-1645

TheWorldAwaits@aol.com

http://7bpcs.CruiseEpic.com