Hotel Review: Marigot Bay Resort, St Lucia
The landscape of St. Lucian, especially on the southwest coast on the edge of the Caribbean, is a tapestry of winding hillside roads dotted with verdant valleys, banana trees, hillside forests, and white-sand beaches. When it comes to lavish beauty, this island has it in abundance.
One of those winding hills leads to the five-star Marigot Bay Resort and Marina. It is carved into the hills surrounding Marigot Bay’s natural harbour, and the first approach is the hotel reception at the top of the hill. You are greeted by a bunch of team members who grab bags, offer cold towels and drinks and generally make a fuss. From there, a path leads to the 127 rooms that spill down to the resorts rolling, lush landscaping, pools, restaurants, marina, and shops.
The property is now in its third incarnation. His first heyday was in the fifties, when his bar, the famous Hurricane Hole, was the place to be seen and stars like Ava Gardner were regulars. It then became the Discovery resort, but six years later the growing Capella hotel group redeveloped and recently renovated it for luxury seekers.
The extensive nature of the resort allows you to lose yourself. The staff follow the motto “bring the guest to his comfort point” which means not only guiding him in the right direction but also transporting him to his destination, which he does.
To who
Wealthy vacationers, most likely couples looking to soak up the sunshine of Saint Lucia in a beautiful landscape. Families too, but there is currently no kids club.
Accommodation the air-conditioned bedrooms are spacious, cool and shaded to escape the tropical sun with teak floors, doors and shutters and a balcony. The four poster king size beds have mosquito nets and the large black tiled bathrooms often have wet rooms with large shower heads and nice toiletries. Some also have a bathtub.
Some rooms have outdoor whirlpools built into large verandas, and many overlook the bay and the large kidney-shaped outdoor pool. The room has tea and coffee making facilities, a large TV, a minibar and a safe.
Services
The Spa Village offers a sensational range of massages, wraps and beauty treatments. There is also a modern gym and beauty salon.
On warmer days, taking a dip in the infinity pool or sitting at the pool bar enjoying cool cocktails is just what you’re looking for. Both are surrounded by elegant cabanas or shaded lounge chairs and egg chairs.
Food and drink
A rum cave whose design resembles a cellar. The name reflects the wide range of rums, including locally distilled rums such as Chairman’s Reserve, Admiral Rodney and 1931 – the best rum you can get. This is a cozy little space and the tables are made from barrels and diners sit on high stools. The atmosphere is casual and the menu features a selection of small plates (nine tapas-style options) for sharing.
Their restaurant is The Grill at 14⁰61⁰. Its location on the highest point of the resort allows you to enjoy spectacular views and watch the yachts dock or leave the harbor while dining alfresco or indoors.
At the Hurricane Hole and bar you can enjoy light bites, lunchtime snacks and refreshing drinks while watching the yachts enter and leave the marina.
The hotel has a poolside bar with stools so you can enjoy snacks and drinks in the water.
A short walk from the marina is the open-air Bayside Cafe, ideal for casual dining. While not owned by the hotel, other restaurants offer a variety of cuisines.
How much?
Prices from $550 (£355.00) per room per night in a “Vista Resort” room, based on two adults.
What’s nearby?
A short walk across the bridge and walkway past the curvaceous luxury yachts moored in the marina leads to a charming development of shops and restaurants. At night the marina is lit up and with the shimmering colors of the harbor waters it’s easy to get lost in the romance of the scene.
There is no doubt that the harbor and marina are beautiful, and there is a small beach across the road. In fact, there is a 15-minute speedboat transfer that takes you to Anse Cochon Beach as part of the Capella experience. They also throw in the towel. You can snorkel there to see the reef beautifully.
Marigot Bay is located between Castries and Soufrière, both less than an hour’s drive away. Or ask the hotel to arrange a boat tour to Soufrière and visit the Maranatha Botanical Gardens to see tropical and native plants and learn about their therapeutic properties. Then visit the Tet Paul nature trail, where Piton unfolds before you after a short hike to the top and breathtaking views of the island’s majestic twin peaks.