DESTINATIONS WINTER SUN | SAINT LUCIA
3
OF THE BEST
EXCURSIONS
Mud baths at Sulphur Springs: The town of Soufrière translates loosely to ‘sulphur mine’ because of its dormant volcano, bubbling hot springs, mud baths and a waterfall. Coat yourself in the detoxifying brown stuff before bathing in the waterfall. A trip here is usually coupled with the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens.
Project Chocolat: British chocolate brand Hotel Chocolat sources all its cocoa from a plantation in the southwest of the island. Visit and have a go at creating your own chocolate bar using beans grown on the estate. You’ll discover every step of a bean’s journey from seedling to chocolate, including tasting cocoa pulp cut fresh from the pod.
Gros Piton hike: The views from the top of the Pitons, Saint Lucia’s twin volcanic peaks, are incredible. Most visitors climb Gros Piton (the bigger, less challenging one), which takes at least two hours up and two down, and there are sections where you’ll use your hands to climb. The fainthearted can try the Piton Nature Trail, which takes 45 minutes to complete.
CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW: Yoga is one of the many activities on offer at BodyHoliday, located
on the northwest coast of Saint Lucia PICTURES: Andreas von Einsiedel
carpeted in it – the deep greens, striking against the clear blue sky, were mesmerising. It brought a sense of inner peace, amplified by the anticipation of a daily inclusive massage at the hotel and morning yoga under the shade of the trees. The sound of whistling frogs, chirping crickets and crashing waves put me to sleep every evening at BodyHoliday. And this was no app, just nature’s melody at the upscale, family-run wellness retreat. Wellness tourism is bouncing back from the pandemic
at pace. The Global Wellness Institute predicts a 21% average yearly growth in wellness tourism in the next four years, and expects the sector to be worth $1.1 trillion by 2025. And BodyHoliday is an ideal place to experience all the trappings of a blissed-out wellness break.
View of the Pitons
ACTIVE AND RELAXED The property provides a fun and active beach break, with nutritious food, exercise and relaxation thrown in. Everything is included, from premium spirits at the bar to afternoon tea, classes and spa treatments. The daily changing roster of activities – think archery, aquafit, guided walks, health talks, paddleboarding, tai chi and waterskiing – is extensive. “It’ll take a dedicated person at least three weeks to work through it,” says deputy managing director Andrew Barnard. The guided morning hikes are a highlight: I make new friends, get a flavour of the quiet island life, and
38 27 JANUARY 2022
The property provides a fun and active beach break, with nutritious food, exercise and relaxation thrown in
hit 10,000 steps before 9am. Yes, this must be the only holiday where I want to get up at 7am. The coastal walk to Pigeon Island is insightful. This
was where the French and British fought for Saint Lucia in the late 18th century. Linked to the mainland, the island is now a national park (entry fee applies) and home to military ruins and two beautiful beaches. Back at the resort, daily visits to the palatial, pillar-lined 36-room spa are a treat; as is the purposefully limited Wi-Fi (accessible only in bedrooms, the lobby and library), which has the brilliant effect of forcing you to put away your phone. Food options in the five eateries range from gluten-free health-oriented choices to fine dining. If you’re craving food to complement your morning yoga practice, an Ayurvedic menu is on offer. In keeping with the ancient Indian philosophy, Ayurvedic cuisine takes a healing approach to improve health and digestion, while balancing the body, mind and spirit. That said, if you
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travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURE: Shutterstock/Simon Dannhauer
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