Set on a secluded stretch of beach on the northwest coast of Saint Lucia is Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa. The property recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, and guests were treated to a night filled with Saint Lucian-inspired cuisine and entertainment. I was lucky enough to be in attendance and experience this rebranded property. Read on to learn more about everything this adults-only, all-inclusive resort has to offer.
The Vibe
Checking into Secrets St. Lucia means stepping into a relaxing, tropical atmosphere, but guests can choose to visit different areas of the resort based on what they’re in the mood for. Visitors sitting poolside might see the energetic side of the property come out, which includes music, water basketball and games throughout the day. The beach is a bit quieter, and the soft waves are usually the only background noise here. Those looking for one of the most serene areas may opt for preferred club, as the preferred club pool is set up on a hill overlooking the property.
For the most part, the guests here are couples reconnecting in paradise or celebrating a milestone, but other guests could include groups of friends, mother-daughter duos and wedding parties. The property appeals to a range of clients, whether they’re looking to soak up the sun with a good book or jump into a game of sand volleyball.
How I Felt
Curious. I’ve stayed at several Secrets resorts, and I can usually look around and see the Secrets brand come through right away. This wasn’t the case here. There were many attributes that made it a Secrets, but it also had its own personality, starting with the décor. Guests will find some of the fan-favorite Secrets restaurants such as Portofino and Himitsu, but it also has other options like Le Petit, serving up crepes, and Morgan’s Pier, a rustic seaside French restaurant boasting incredible sunset views.
Being a renovated property and not a new build means the vegetation is already mature. I enjoyed perusing the winding trails around the property, where plenty of tropical plants and flowers lined both sides. Although they were steep, the walkways led to picture perfect views of the ocean and the island’s lush landscape. It’s important to note that this resort is not accessible. The property is set on hilly terrain, and the paths to get to the guestrooms are very steep. Golf cart shuttle service is available for guests needing assistance.
The Digs
Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa has 355 rooms and suites. I stayed in a Deluxe Swim Out room, and it was clean and comfortable. The best part about it was the view: beyond the pool was lush vegetation, and beyond that was the ocean. The resort is in a prime location for sunsets, and I was able to enjoy these from my balcony.
Visitors looking to enhance their stay may opt for a Preferred Club upgrade, which includes exclusive lounge access, a private beach and pool area, an upgraded suite in a premium location and enhanced room amenities, among other perks.
The Agenda
I was there attending the Carnival of the Senses event, a celebration of the resort’s first anniversary. Along with more than 300 other guests, I learned more about what the property has to offer and enjoyed an evening of music, entertainment and cuisine inspired by the island of Saint Lucia.
Outside of the event, I was able to satisfy my curiosity by exploring all the different parts of the resort. I took part in an early morning yoga session, tried out paddleboarding in the beach area, visited the fitness center and spa and dined around at the different restaurants. Guests staying at Secrets St. Lucia can easily explore the surrounding area, as its location offers convenient access to places like Pigeon Island, Rodney Bay and the Gros Islet Friday Night Jump-Up.
The Eats
The resort has nine restaurants and seven bars and lounges, in addition to a full room service menu. As I mentioned earlier, Morgan’s Pier, serving French – Caribbean cuisine, is a unique to Secrets restaurant, and it’s a must for anyone staying at this property. It’s the only overwater restaurant on the island, and the atmosphere is as peaceful as it gets.
Le Petit is another one to have on the radar. This charming spot offers a mix of crepes and tapas, depending on the time of day. Stop in for a lox crepe in the morning, come back for meatballs and Thai chicken later on and top it off with a banana and Nutella crepe for dessert — no judgement! You’re on vacation.
Why I Would Go Back
There were several things I enjoyed about this resort, but the number one thing that would lure me back would have to be the beach. It’s set on a prime stretch of soft white sand, and the water is crystal clear and a perfect temperature. It’s the ideal spot for those looking for a beachfront retreat where they can swim to their heart’s content.
To learn more about Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa, visit the resort’s website.
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