Located on a mile-long stretch of beach on Saint Lucia’s exotic south coast, independently owned and run resort Coconut Bay is an icon of this heavenly island. Offering a unique choice of two worlds in one thanks to its adults-only wing, Harmony, and Splash, the resort’s destination for family fun, there’s never a dull moment. Kelly Andrews spent a few glorious days at the resort, a haven for honeymooners visiting St Lucia. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT Following a surprisingly short drive from Hewanorra International Airport to Coconut Bay, I was greeted with a cold towel and delicious cocktail – starting as I meant to go on. I checked in stress free and was shown to my Harmony oceanview junior suite by a welcoming member of the team. The bed was incredible – a king-size four poster all to myself complete with opulent cushions. The highlight for me was the super-fun creative towel animals and personal note the housekeeping staff surprised me with every day. I was sad to leave my room at the end of the trip. I truly had fallen in love with its cool comfort at the end of a day of adventure, and waking up to its scenic balcony with views of the Atlantic. HONEYMOON BLISS For honeymooners the resort offers its adult-only wing, Harmony. With its own pools, sundecks, tiki bar and amazing suntracker loungers, it’s a beautiful romantic bubble for couples. From Harmony’s vantage point you can relax, cocktail in hand (don’t miss Dylan’s signature Big Red) as you listen to the gentle sounds of the ocean and take in the breathtaking view of the Atlantic and the Maria Islands. Located within the grounds of Harmony is Sanctuary Spa, where I headed for a massage. I met with my therapist, Abigail, who took me through to a beachside cabana for my treatment. Here, I was able to bask in the tranquil sound of the waves and the feel of that warm Atlantic breeze on my skin. Abigail certainly has top notch skills, removing all trace of tightness from the long flight and delivering the best massage I’ve ever experienced. The Spa boasts an impressive range of treatments featuring products containing ample locally sourced ingredients such as cocoa. So local in fact that there’s an aloe garden behind the spa used for aloe wraps and treating guests who’ve gotten a little carried away in the sun! You can even enjoy a massage using a calabash from St Lucia’s national tree. LUXURY AND TRANQUILITY Serenity is Coconut Bay’s couples-only, 36-suite, sister resort, where you can bask in all-inclusive luxury. Your holiday here literally starts the moment you arrive in St Lucia, as your butler meets you at the airport and takes you direct to your suite, bypassing such trivialities as checkin! Having received your pre-arrival form, they’ll have made sure that everything is ready and waiting for you, from your favourite drinks in your own fully-stocked bar to a tailored dream itinerary. In fact, your butler will think of everything before you do, they might even surprise you with a bath drawn for you ready for your return from a long day exploring St Lucia. The choice is yours: chill in your own private courtyard complete with sun loungers and plunge pool, or head to the tranquil nirvana of the main pool complete with aqua loungers. The Greathouse at Serenity is included for Serenity diners and carries a surcharge if you’re staying at Coconut Bay. The Simply Grilled Catch of the Day, yellow fin tuna, was absolutely incredible. Served with saffron risotto, grilled asparagus, olive tomato relish and beurre blanc, cooked blackened as recommended, it was a meal I’ll never forget. A TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN On the subject of food, a world of delight awaits you at Coconut Bay, literally. Trattoria is the resort’s Italian-style eatery, while Silk serves flavours from the legendary Silk Road, inspired by the travels from the Far East to Europe and beyond. My penultimate night was reserved for dinner at Calabash though, where a menu of Caribbean cuisine and rich culinary tradition is on offer. Freshly caught that day was the kingfish, which I’d regretted not trying since the first night, so it was a must for me. A deliciously meaty fish, cooked in the flavourful spices of the Caribbean, it’s something I wouldn’t hesitate to order again given the opportunity. The resort has deals with local fishermen who bring in freshly caught fish every day, which is Welcome to Paradise Mountains, beaches, history, and culture: St Lucia is a must-visit slice of paradise 72
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