CARIBBEAN NOTES: BARBADOS, GRENADA & ST LUCIA
Every so often, I take time to explore new destinations, revisit old favourites and reconnect with the places that continue to inspire my love of travel. This year, I decided to visit the Caribbean, first in August for a sunshine-filled stay in Barbados, and again in October, travelling through Grenada and St Lucia to explore iconic resorts and exciting new openings. With direct British Airways flights to both Barbados and St Lucia, and Grenada just a short hop away, these islands make a beautifully seamless island-hopping holiday.
Barbados – Sandy Lane & West Coast Charm
My first stop was Sandy Lane, where August graced me with golden sunshine and wonderfully warm, clear waters—perfect for long swims and leisurely afternoons on the beach. Sandy Lane’s facilities are exceptional, from its world-class spa and championship golf courses to its peaceful adults-only pool and impressive fitness centre.
One of the simple delights was watching the playful green monkeys weaving through the gardens. I enjoyed a delicious dinner at Sandy Lane’s The Monkey Club, and ventured out several times to Lonestar, a chic beachfront favourite restaurant with consistently excellent food and great atmosphere. I also stopped by Cobblers Cove for a drink, with its charming pink façade and elegant oceanside setting, which made it the perfect spot for a sunset cocktail.
Grenada – Spice Island Warmth
In October, I travelled to Grenada, an island full of spice-scented breezes, waterfalls and cacao plantations. As it is one of the world’s largest exporters of nutmeg, I made sure to stock up.
I began at Spice Island Beach Resort, where suites open directly onto Grand Anse Beach and the atmosphere is calm and very relaxed. The resort offers beachfront yoga, a tranquil spa and tropical gardens.
From there, I visited Silversands, a striking architectural presence on the island. Its 100 metre infinity pool (the longest in the Caribbean) is nothing short of spectacular. I had a delicious lunch at Silversands Beach House, their new boutique property with a more intimate, design-led feel and incredible coastal views.
I also stayed at the newly opened Six Senses La Sagesse, a resort rooted in nature, wellness and sustainable design. With holistic classes, a meditation dome and an earthy, calming aesthetic, it offers a deeply restorative atmosphere. The food was not only beautifully presented, but also utterly delicious, and the massage I experienced was the best I’d had in a long time. Unfortunately, the beach did however let it down, as it lacked the wow factor found elsewhere on the island.
Grenada’s short connection (50 minutes) to St Lucia made travelling north wonderfully simple.
St Lucia – Pitons, Rainforest & Island Icons
Arriving in St Lucia, I was instantly reminded why the island feels so cinematic: towering Pitons, lush rainforest, volcanic springs and sweeping coastal views. It was very much a pinch me moment seeing the Pitons for the first time.
Sugar Beach – Between the Pitons
My first stop was Sugar Beach, which sits between the Pitons in one of the Caribbean’s most extraordinary natural settings. With snorkelling in a protected marine reserve, paddleboarding, forest hikes and a rainforest spa, the resort offers a rare sense of immersion in nature. My pristine and spacious white villa, tucked into the greenery with its own plunge pool and wonderful Piton views, was simply perfect.
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A highlight was playing padel with Jonathan, the General Manager, whose warmth and efficiency shapes the entire resort experience. Close to the hotel, I embraced island adventures and had great fun ziplining, possibly consumed one too many rum punches I also and indulged in St Lucia’s incredible chocolate. Sugar Beach has their own chocolate shop where you can make your own chocolate to take home, if it’s lasts that long!
Windjammer Private Villa
Just next door to Sugar Beach, I visited the stunning Windjammer Private Villa. With expansive living areas, a private pool and sweeping Piton views, it’s ideal for families or groups seeking privacy with unbeatable proximity to the island’s most iconic landscape.
Windjammer Landing
I then continued to Windjammer Landing, arriving by boat, with rum punches in hand, which was an unforgettable way to arrive! Spread across a hillside with panoramic views, the resort is relaxed, sociable and excellent for families, offering kids’ clubs, watersports, multiple pools, tennis and spacious villas which are perfect for multigenerational travel.
Jade Mountain – Architectural Wonder
A stop at Jade Mountain is always extraordinary. Its open-air sanctuaries, private infinity pools and uninterrupted Piton views make it one of the most iconic hotel experiences in the Caribbean. The James Bond–esque architecture gives it a dramatic, otherworldly feel.
Anse Chastanet
Just below Jade Mountain, Anse Chastanet offers the same unforgettable views with a more grounded, beach-level tranquillity. It creates the perfect contrast, an inviting, laid-back extension of the Jade Mountain experience.
Cap Maison – Cliffside Elegance & Rooftop Pools
At Cap Maison, Mediterranean charm meets Caribbean warmth. The resort offers cooking classes, rum tastings, a spa and the famous Champagne Zip Line experience. One of the standout features is their collection of rooftop pool suites, spacious villas with private rooftop terraces and pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea. These suites are idyllic for couples or anyone seeking privacy, space and spectacular sunset views. Dinner at The Naked Fisherman, set right on the sand, was one of the most memorable meals of my trip.
The BodyHoliday – Wellness Classic
I ended my journey at The BodyHoliday, known for its immersive wellness programme including daily spa treatments, beachfront yoga, sailing, diving and an extensive fitness schedule, to name but a few as there is so much on offer. While the wellness offering remains excellent, the property would certainly benefit from some modernisation to match St Lucia’s evolving luxury landscape.
From the warm waters and refined elegance of Barbados, to Grenada’s calm charm and contemporary design, and finally St Lucia’s dramatic scenery and world-class resorts, this journey reminded me how beautifully these islands complement one another. If you’re dreaming of your own Caribbean escape, I’d love to craft something personal, thoughtful and truly unforgettable for you. Flick through my Grenada & St Lucia itinerary for further details about the great places I stayed and visited.
