St. Lucia

Ever wanted to tick St. Lucia off your list? Yeah, me too. And I now know exactly where I’m staying when that fine day comes. In July of this year, the Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina will reopen its doors with no less than 56 suites, most of which come with their own private Jacuzzi pools. The sweeping views across the bay, the scent that injects the gentle breeze coming from the surrounding tropical gardens and the seriously delicious beds in which to fall every evening pop this smack at the top of my travel bucket list.

And though the notion of penthouse suites, golden sands and fine dining might sound more apt for a honeymoon destination, the Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina is extremely family-friendly. There are endless family packages available, fabulous activities both for parents and kids, and children have been considered in every detail. Need two or three bedrooms? No problem. The suites are enormous and offer a range of sleeping options; all come with a full kitchen so you aren’t stuck to dining in a restaurant every day which, let’s face it, isn’t always particularly enjoyable when you’re away with small children.

Keeping kids in mind

There are no less than three swimming pools, the requisite infinity pool (something I never tire of) and a lagoon pool. Best of all, there is a dedicated children’s pool strategically located in the shade, so they can happily splash about all day with no concern at all for the strong Caribbean sunshine.

If you do venture out to enjoy the fabulous food on offer, there is the French Colonial style Boudreau Restaurant with dockside bay views, the Hurricane Hole Bar (which is very relaxed so ideal if your little ones aren’t up for sitting on their finest form) or you can enjoy snacks and cocktails at the swim-up Pool Bar. Food is available all day (again, useful for anyone who knows children don’t always want food at the same time as everyone else) and every taste is considered so they really can have whatever they want, when they want it.

And if the choice of pools doesn’t cut it beyond day three, the activities available for children are extremely impressive. From this summer, the Captain Jack’s Nautical Sailing Academy is destined to be a smash hit. Little ones learn how to sail with a crew of trained sailing teachers in, surely, one of the most beautiful bays about. Think you’ve more of a Michelin starred chef on your hands? The Capella Jnr. Top Chef Programme will have them cooking a Caribbean cuisine dinner and those aged ten and above are also welcome to go with the chef to the neighbouring markets to learn about local ingredients. Book a suite and they can invite the chef to their own in-room kitchen. With the Capella Cookie Monster Programme they will learn the art of baking, sign up for the Marigot Bay Youth Angler’s Academy and they’ll spend the day fishing, enrol in the Jnr. Master Gardener Programme and they’ll soon learn whether or not they have green fingers. You get the picture – anything they might be keen on, there is a dedicated activity headed by professionals so they’ll have a ball and you can totally relax knowing they are in more than capable hands.

And fear not. There is plenty for you too if chilling in the sunshine isn’t appealing for more than a few days. Everything from ziplining to jungle mountain biking, island helicopter tours to kite surfing can be enjoyed. Thinking more along the lines of some pampering down time? You can indulge in a heavenly E’Spa facial in the Lapli spa, partake in Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates classes or, if it’s all been getting on top of you, enjoy personal assistant services through the hotel. And the bit that excites me the most? The private water taxi service that can be arranged to local bars, restaurants and beaches. What better way to see a notoriously stunning island?

For more information view the hotel’s website here.

To book this hotel click here.