With a sublime location nestled on a hillside above the sparkling sea, Windjammer Landing combines unparalleled luxury and sophistication, and offers the perfect base from which to explore Saint Lucia’s many charms
Lying in the soft, rolling bubbles of my villa’s private jacuzzi, I watch as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the Caribbean Sea. The scent of salty sea air mingles with the sweet fragrance of tropical blooms – it is a moment of pure tranquillity in what has been an utterly magical escape to St. Lucia.
Nestled in the east of the Caribbean, Saint Lucia is a wilderness of lush green landscapes and vibrant culture. Stretching just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, the island is a tapestry of natural wonders: cascading waterfalls, bubbling sulphur springs, drive-in volcanoes, and the majestic Pitons – those two iconic peaks that have earned themselves a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s a place that wraps you up in serenity from the moment you arrive, making the travel absolutely worthwhile.
Our trip begins with a direct eight-and-a-half-hour hop across the Atlantic from Gatwick, the length of the flight eased by the impeccable service of the British Airways crew and helped along with Champagne and an extensive selection of films. By the time we touch down and step out into the Caribbean sunshine at Hewanorra International Airport, I am well rested and relaxed. Bags safely collected, we are met by Stevenson, an experienced driver from Windjammer Landing, who welcomes us with cold, lemongrass-scented towels – a small but deeply appreciated gesture after the long flight. The drive to the resort proves a scenic introduction to island life; we pass vibrant banana plantations and colourful homes nestled in the greenery. Stevenson’s pride in his homeland is evident as he shares stories and insights along the way. When we arrive at Windjammer Landing, my jaw hits the floor; the resort, with its whitewashed villas spilling down the steep, verdant hillside towards Labrelotte Bay and the seemingly endless Caribbean Sea beyond, has been brilliantly designed to look like a serene coastal village.
The 60-acre, all-inclusive resort recently underwent a $12 million renovation, and the results are evident in every detail – from the elegant, bright, open-air lobby to the six inviting swimming pools, five exquisite restaurants, three unique bars, the luxurious spa, and the well-equipped gym, all have been thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings. For families, the vibrant kids’ club ensures younger guests are entertained throughout their stay (and gives parents a well deserved break), and the extensive water sports centre offers adventure for guests of all ages. Activities, which are updated daily on the hotel’s app, include a variety of sports, yoga sessions, boat trips, rum tastings and daily entertainment.
There are a number of accommodation options available at Windjammer Landing, ranging from beachfront villas to cosy hillside suites and luxurious private residences. Some of the latter span up to 2,700 sq ft, making them perfect for hosting larger groups, and many boast their own pools. No matter where you stay, breath-taking vistas are guaranteed, and with a fleet of minivan shuttles always on hand to whisk guests to and from the lobby in a flash, nowhere is far from the heart of the action.
We are staying in a Coastline suite, located just steps away from the vibrant centre of the resort yet tucked away enough to offer a sense of seclusion – it feels like the ideal retreat. The perfect mix of tranquillity and elegance, the design is a seamless fusion of understated luxury and the timeless charm of island living. A harmonious palette of soft, neutral hues is paired with natural wood accents that add warmth and texture, while delicate hints of the iconic Saint Lucian blue echo the ocean beyond, bringing the island’s beauty indoors in the most subtle way. The private jacuzzi lives up to its promise, offering the perfect spot to unwind and refresh in privacy at the end of a day on the island. Time here moves at a more relaxed pace, and I happily silence my regular morning alarm, quickly adapting to a new morning routine: pulling back the blackout curtains to reveal the sparkling blue waters and gently swaying palms, brewing a cup of coffee and stepping out onto the balcony to savour a peaceful moment, revelling in the beauty of the island, before joining the bustle of breakfast. It is the perfect way to start the day – the morning sun warms me and the soothing sounds of the sea ground and energise me.
Breakfast can be enjoyed at Mediterranean-inspired spot Papa Don’s, nestled into the hillside, where the à la carte menu offers refined morning dishes, or at The Perch, where a buffet bursting with delicious options caters to all tastes and appetites. Indeed, when it comes to the culinary offering here, variety is the name of the game – throughout our stay, we sample each of the resort’s diverse dining options, savouring delicate Japanese seafood delights at Dragonfly, vibrant tastes of the Caribbean at Jammers, and the rich spices of authentic Indian cuisine at Masala at Embers. And for a classic steakhouse experience, Upper Deck impresses with perfectly grilled cuts and an unrivalled ambiance. Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience, yet they all share one thing in common: an unforgettable attention to flavour and detail that leaves a lasting impression.
And it isn’t just the food that captivates us; Saint Lucia is an island brimming with adventure and culture. A visit to the nearby town of Soufrière is unforgettable and perfectly captures the spirit of the island. Sailing aboard a majestic catamaran, we glide along the island’s stunning west coast, heading towards the towering Pitons. As the boat gently glides through the waves, we sip on ice-cold Piton beer, the crispness of the local brew a refreshing complement to the tropical heat. We pass rugged cliffs and lush greenery and take a detour into the breathtakingly beautiful Marigot Bay before heading back to the azure waters of the open sea. The adventure continues when we arrive in Soufrière and pay a visit to the Sulphur Springs, where we are encouraged to cover ourselves in volcanic mud and wash it off in the steaming-hot springs, before enjoying a refreshing dip in the exhilaratingly cool waters of the Toraille Waterfall.
Another memorable experience is a bamboo rafting trip along the tranquil Roseau River, gliding past towering mangroves and enjoying the calls of swooping birds fishing for their lunch. It proves a peaceful, almost meditative escape from the world. In contrast, the Gros Islet Street Party is a lively explosion of Caribbean spirit. Every Friday, the town transforms into a vibrant celebration of music, dancing, and street food. We lose ourselves in the joy of it all, savouring grilled seafood, sipping on rum, and dancing under the stars (and a little bit of rain) with locals – it is an experience that perfectly captures the island’s joyful energy.
Delivering equally welcome quieter moments, Windjammer’s wellness offerings prove a much-needed sanctuary. One morning, I sign up for Hummingbird Yoga, held in the hilltop gardens where actual hummingbirds flit amongst us as we stretch. The session is followed by a sea moss smoothie that is probably far healthier than anything I’ve consumed in months. Later, I indulge in a heavenly signature massage, a grounding experience that leaves me feeling utterly relaxed. From the moment you walk into the gorgeous spa, trickling water from the centrepiece fountain and the hushed tones of the therapists instantly puts you in the right headspace. The focus on holistic wellness resonates deeply, reminding me that true luxury is found in balance and tranquillity. A private, four-course wellness dinner at the spa’s garden deck, curated by the resort’s executive culinary director, John Hazzard, and executive pastry chef, Rizwan Fazuldeen, is another memorable highlight. Each course is perfectly paired with wine and served against the backdrop of a stunning sunset and live music – it is a true feast for all the senses.
As the days pass, the thought of leaving this paradise grows harder to bear with each moment. It is easy to see why so many guests return to Windjammer year after year, making it their second home. Saying goodbye is bittersweet; Saint Lucia – with its warm people, stunning natural beauty, and effortless luxury has woven itself into our hearts. We will cherish our memories of this holiday forever.
