Were you looking for love in all the wrong places last weekend? Well, look again on one of my favorite islands: St. Lucia. Spectacular beaches, rain-forested peaks, and one-of-a-kind romantic hideaways, mean it’s not your typical Caribbean escape – it’s the kind of island that makes your heart beat faster for all the right reasons.
Celebrating its first anniversary in 2010, Cap Maison is quickly becoming the proposal capital of the Caribbean. The stylish resort has earned a 100% “Yes” response when the ultimate question has been popped at its ocean view villas, private pools or the sands of Smuggler’s Cove Beach. This winter, the hotel even introduced a Proposal Concierge, the ultimate partner in discretion, elegance and creativity, who works discretely behind the scenes to handle all the details and ensure that every answer is indeed a Yes. Recently, the Proposal Concierge orchestrated a private sail aboard Cap Maison’s luxury yacht. As they plied the smooth waters off St. Lucia, the groom knelt under a full Caribbean moon with a diamond ring while the captain proffered champagne. Another inspired moment took place on Rock Maison, a cocktail deck perched above the surging waves, where a rock of another kind was zipped down the Champagne Zip Line. Winter rates begin at $435 per night through March 31, 2010 in a Gardenview Room at double occupancy.
As one of the few truly classic Caribbean hotels remaining on St. Lucia, East Winds Inn upholds a tradition of understated romance and natural beauty. That makes it the perfect escape for newly or not-so newlyweds, as well as couples who simply want a quiet romantic getaway. With its white sand beach on pristine La Brelotte Bay, 12-acres of lush tropical gardens and old-fashioned Creole charm, it is no wonder couples find their ultimate escape here. A large part of the carefree charm is because of the hotel’s all-inclusive rate. It takes care of all meals, most beverages including champagne, as well as a variety of water sports. It’s the not-so-secret that allows couples to focus purely on the most important part of any escape – each other. All-inclusive winter rates begin at $850 through March 31, 2010 per room per night.
Ladera provides the ultimate romantic tropical escape thanks to their signature open-air suites, peaceful aeries that, by design, are without connections to the real world. Sans televisions, phones or computers, the only thing to focus on is each other. The hotel recently unveiled its new Paradise Pavilion, a dramatic open-air destination wedding venue for ceremonies and receptions of up to 100 guests, perfect for newly weds or renewing vows. Perched at 1,100 feet above sea level with stunning views of the Pitons and the Sea, the 1,200 square-foot Pavilion is crafted in Ladera’s signature rainforest style with terracotta flooring, columns milled and richly polished from tropical Greenheart wood, as well as cut stone and tile work crafted by local Saint Lucian masons. Winter rates begin at $615 per room per night in a Petit Piton Suite at double occupancy.
The Landings St. Lucia, A RockResort, is the most luxurious full-service resort of its size on the island, spanning 19 acres and nearly 800 feet of St. Lucia’s most stunning beachfront. In December, The Landings St. Lucia unveiled 60 new villa suites, each boasting a fully equipped kitchen and two large balconies or landscaped terrace, many with heated, jetted plunge pools. A Romance and Escape package is an authentic Caribbean escapade for adventure-seeking couples. From $431 per night, it includes deluxe accommodations, choice of breakfast or lunch daily, “his†and “her†beach amenities, an exquisite dinner for two in The Beach Club and a selection of excursions, including snorkeling, SCUBA diving, rainforest zip-lining, golf or a lavish spa treatment at the 7,000 square foot RockResorts Spa.
It should come as no surprise to hear that scoring a Valentine table at one the city’s top restaurants is one of the toughest tricks in town. What most people aren’t aware of is that many of those same eateries cater to a dirty little secret: take out. So if tonight’s lovey-dovey dinner is only entering your brain as you read this, fear not: you can indulge in some of the same amazing food at a slightly closer table while pretending it was the original plan all along.
One If By Land Two If By Sea is renowned for seasonal American cuisine as well as for hosting some of the city’s most romantic meals, but what’s more romantic than the privacy of your own home? Choose from a three course prix-fixe or chef’s tasting menu – just don’t forget the towering chocolate soufflé.
