Buzzapp Master 
When you think of St Lucia, what springs to mind? Gorgeous sandy beaches? Crystal-clear warm waters? Majestic peaks blanketed in greenrainforest? On our recent visit to this tropical Caribbean paradise – recently crowned one of the 20 most beautiful islands in the world by Celebrity Cruises – we discovered all this and more. Plus, an unexpected delight: some of the most delectable food and drink we’ve ever had, reports the Mirror.
And if you’re feeling spontaneous and considering a last-minute getaway, you’re in luck. According to Go2Africa, May is the most affordable time to jet off to St Lucia, with hotel rates averaging 28.48% lower than the rest of the year.
Here’s my unforgettable stay at the phenomenal Cap Maison Resort and Spa, where gourmet dining, breathtaking views and laid-back living combine for the ultimate retreat…
The stunning views from Cap Maison
(Image: Mike Toy)
Cap Maison Resort and Spa Nestled in the northernmost tip of St Lucia, Cap Maison is a five-star resort that’s a scenic 90-minute drive through lush hills, banana plantations and vibrant local towns. It boasts impressive views of Pigeon Island, a steep islet once hotly contested by the French and English, now linked to the mainland by a causeway.
Unlike its larger, modern neighbours, Cap Maison offers a more intimate, homely vibe. Designed in a Hacienda style, it features individual villas, secluded courtyards and plenty of greenery.
The accommodation is private and peaceful, even at entry level, while our Ocean View Pool Suite was a huge, luxurious space that had its own kitchen, laundry facilities and outdoor shower – and it was just steps away from the hotel’s main restaurant, which, as we found, was a real highlight.
Cap Maison has a Hacienda-style design
(Image: Mike Toy)
The food at Cap Maison It’s no surprise that food and drink is at the heart of Cap Maison – it’s part of the Relais and Châteaux hotel and restaurant group, which holds lots of Michelin stars among its properties. The two restaurants here – The Cliff at Cap and The Naked Fisherman – are popular with both guests and visitors from other hotels (high praise indeed given the number of five-star resorts on the island), and we saw lots of locals booking in to celebrate special occasions too.
The Cliff – headed by chef Craig Jones, who’s originally from Wales but has lived on the island for years – offers a fine dining three-course dinner menu that changes every day. Our highlights included mahi mahi ceviche, butter-roasted dorado and the creamiest risotto ever from the vegetarian menu.
Breakfast at The Cliff was also a treat every morning – we ordered local dish saltfish, creole mushrooms on toast and slices of the freshest, sweetest fruit we’ve ever tasted as we watched frigatebirds dive into the sea and fishermen hauling in their catch of the day.
The Naked Fisherman restaurant, nestled down a steep flight of stairs leading to Smugglers Cove beach, offers a laid-back dining experience where sandy toes and relaxed beach attire are the order of the day. Here, you can tuck into scrumptious burgers and fresh salads, and sip on rum-infused cocktails.
Some of the delicious food served at The Cliff at Cap
(Image: Christopher Willan 2017)
The drinks at Cap Maison Complementing this mouth-watering menu is an impressive selection of wines from Cap Maison’s expertly chosen cellar, housing bottles from across the globe. We signed up for a wine and cheese tasting session with knowledgeable sommelier Robbie and stumbled upon some new favourites, including a delicate pinot noir from the Dolomites and a zesty Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley.
Our palates were further challenged during a cocktail-making masterclass led by the charming mixologist Devin. Surrounded by an assortment of rums, fresh juice blends and garnishes on a terrace overlooking the setting sun, we picked up the secrets to crafting perfect cocktails before trying our hand at mixing our own drinks (though we were more than happy to leave the rest to Cap Maison’s skilled bartenders for the remainder of our stay!).
Book in for a wine tasting experience in Cap Maison’s cellar
(Image: Cap Maison)
Cap Maison Resort & Spa
Cap Maison is a boutique hotel in the north of St Lucia with incredible views, fine dining and beach access.
From approx. £502 per night
Booking.com
What to do in St Lucia While most days were spent blissfully lounging by Cap Maison’s pool or paddling kayaks and paddleboards from Smugglers Cove across the tranquil bay, first-time visitors should definitely consider a guided tour with a local to truly get to know the area. We did just that with a unique experience offered by St Lucia Bamboo Rafting, a relatively new venture tucked behind a rum distillery on the nearby Roseau River.
During a tranquil couple of hours on a traditional raft (which may look fragile but is surprisingly sturdy and comfy), our guide Ahmed – also known as Captain Lazarus – navigated us through waterways surrounded by palm trees, mangroves and bamboo, highlighting wildlife and plants.
This relaxed cruise concluded with a freshly cut coconut with a secret ingredient: a dash of local coconut rum, possibly one of the tastiest drinks I’ve ever had.
Bamboo rafting was a real highlight
(Image: Laura Mulley)
Other must-do tourist activities in St Lucia include a trip to the mineral-rich sulphur springs, hiking the iconic Pitons and creating your own chocolate bar at one of the island’s cocoa plantations. For a genuine St Lucian evening, don’t miss the Gros Islet street party on Friday nights, a hit with both tourists and locals.
How much does it cost to stay at Cap Maison? Rooms at Cap Maison start from around £502 per night based on two adults sharing a Garden View room on a half-board basis in summer season (26 April -19 Dec). The Cap It All Inclusive costs around £109 per adult per day. Prices based on a 2025 stay. For taxis and sightseeing tours, contact Charlie’s Taxi Service on [email protected].
Laura stayed at Premier Inn London Gatwick (North Terminal) ahead of her flight to St Lucia.
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