The Scoop on St. Lucia, Part I

November 2, 2009

guest blogger: Amy Rauch

The Scoop on St. Lucia: Escape to Almond Resorts

Ahhhh, St. Lucia -- The island where couples flock for romantic bliss, lush mountain scenery, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. It was no surprise when I visited for a media tour, hosted by Almond Resorts, that I saw numerous brides and grooms at the airport holding David's Bridal and Mens Wearhouse garment bags, and still others walking around sporting "Just Married" t-shirts and gleaming grins. I wish I had my camera out, but I was too busy waiting for my luggage to come off the plane -- last.

Thanks to Almond Resorts and their public relations firm, the Zimmerman Agency, I was able to get away for a few days from big-city living, and enjoy some tropical weather, pleasant Caribbean hospitality and even a little time for relaxation. Almond Morgan Bay and Almond Smuggler's Cove both offer great facilities for destination weddings and plenty of romantic appeal for honeymooners. I was lucky enough to stay at the deluxe Almond Morgan Bay property -- in a spacious one-bedroom oceanview suite no less! Did I mention the ginormous soaking tub in my bathroom?

I found the resort property quite scenic, spacious and peaceful. It has a nice stretch of beach -- obviously well kept -- and 4 swimming pools, including one with a swim-up bar and another for adults only, tucked away on a hillside for extra seclusion.

There are a few great spots for wedding ceremonies, including a gazebo in a private nook with beautiful mountain and ocean views, or under a palm-decorated arch, right on the sand. The resort also has Morgan's Pier, a spacious, covered platform over the ocean, which they can set up for private parties. I seem to recall the kitschy sound of Kool and the Gang's "Celebration" blasting from that direction one evening. Want more information specifically on Almond Weddings? Check out almondresortsweddings.com.

Morgan's Pier

My favorite dining experience at Almond Morgan Bay was dinner at Le Jardin, serving up French Creole dishes with island flair. I had the crab callaloo soup to start, the lamb curry over coconut rice for my main course, and chocolate cream pie for dessert. Delish! After hours, Le Jardin turns into a piano bar some nights, and a nightclub on others. Good times had by all I’m told ;-).

Casual dining options are available throughout the day, whether you prefer buffet dining or a sit-down menu. Palm serves up buffet breakfast daily with a made-to-order omelet station, while Bamboo has a nice lunch menu -- including burgers and plantains dished hot off the beachfront barbecue.

Also, click here for a sample of Almond Morgan Bay Wedding Reception Menus. Warning: you will be hungry after you read this!

Call me spoiled, but when I go away, I always hear that little voice inside my head whispering, "Boooook a spa appointment." I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my hosts had already had a complimentary massage planned for me. Although the spa is a bit on the small side, they make up for this with an ample menu of services, including facials, body scrubs, and couples' massages, and impressively skilled technicians.

My massage was absolutely fantastic, and all the ladies I was traveling with said the same. I had my choice of oils, and of course I picked coconut! Where better to relax and unwind than in the Caribbean, right?

That's it for now!

Posted by Amy at 12:01 p.m.