A Long Weekend in Paradise, Saint Lucia

Each year, my best friend and I make it a tradition to escape together for a long weekend—just the two of us, sunshine, good food, and zero responsibilities. In 2025, that tradition took us farther than ever before: to Saint Lucia, the most southern Caribbean island I’ve visited to date—and one that instantly stole our hearts.

Arrival & First Impressions

From the moment we landed, Saint Lucia felt easy. Customs was quick, luggage arrived without a long wait, and our transfer was ready shortly after. As we settled into the drive toward our resort, our driver handed us ice-cold Piton beers—a small but perfect welcome after a full travel day.

Then came our arrival at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort—and wow. Nestled between lush tropical forest and the iconic Piton mountains, the setting felt dramatic, serene, and wildly beautiful all at once.

Our Beachfront Bungalow (aka: Perfection)

After check-in, we were escorted to our beachfront bungalow, and it quite literally took our breath away. Just steps from the sand, yet completely private, our bungalow felt like its own secluded oasis.

Inside, everything was airy and white—clean, elegant, and calming. The bathroom alone was nearly the size of the bedroom, complete with a massive walk-in closet that doubled as a wet bar. There was an outdoor shower, a private plunge pool with warm water, and thoughtful design details everywhere you looked. To top it all off, we were greeted with a bottle of champagne and a “WELCOME” message spelled out in flowers and leaves. At that moment, we knew leaving was going to be hard.

Night One: Dinner on the Sand

Once settled, we explored the grounds and headed to Jalousie Grill for dinner. With our toes in the sand and a steel drum band playing nearby, we ordered burgers and cocktails and let the day melt away. The sound of the waves and live music made for the perfect first night—early bedtime included.

Day One: Sun, Sea & Slow Living

We woke with the sun, palm trees gently swaying outside our bungalow. After a quiet stroll along the water, we made our way to breakfast at the main building, where an impressive buffet and made-to-order omelets awaited—plus, of course, mimosas.

After breakfast, we wandered the grounds again, completely mesmerized by the manicured paths, tropical blooms, towering palms, and those ever-present Piton views. It’s the kind of place where you constantly stop just to take it all in.

Back in our bungalow, swimsuits on and drinks in hand, we claimed our beach chairs and spent the day exactly how it should be spent: swimming, sunbathing, reading our Kindles, and doing absolutely nothing else. Near the pier, we found a small bar, snapped a photo with piña coladas in hand and the Pitons rising dramatically behind us, and soaked up every second.

That evening, happy hour on the pier brought us together with fellow travelers from around the world—easy conversations, laughter, shared travel stories, and a stunning sunset over the water.

Dinner that night was at Saltwood, where we enjoyed beautifully prepared steaks, elevated appetizers, and Aperol spritzes. A flawless first full day.

Day Two: By Boat to Pigeon Island

Rain greeted us the next morning—but it didn’t dampen our spirits. After breakfast (yes, with mimosas again), we headed to the bay and boarded a boat for a coastal adventure.

We cruised along Saint Lucia’s shoreline, stopping to pick up other guests before heading north to Pigeon Island. There, we spent a few hours hiking to scenic viewpoints, exploring the historic ruins, and swimming in crystal-clear water surrounding the island. The contrast of rugged landscape, turquoise sea, and open sky was incredible.

Lunch followed at Hurricane Hole, then a casual stroll through town for gelato before heading back out on the boat. One last snorkel stop rounded out the day before returning to Sugar Beach.

That evening, we dined at Bonte, enjoying another night of steel drum music on the beach—complete with s’mores under the stars.

Day Three: Mud Baths & Waterfalls

Blue skies returned, and it was time for another adventure. Our first stop: the famous Sulphur Springs. We soaked in naturally heated volcanic pools—temperatures ranging from 102–104 degrees—then covered ourselves in mineral-rich mud. Once it dried, we rinsed off, leaving our skin unbelievably soft.

Next, we visited Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, where colorful mineral waterfalls cascade through lush gardens. It felt peaceful, tropical, and refreshing after the heat of the mud baths.

Lunch was at a local spot serving traditional Saint Lucian dishes—fresh fish, bold spices, plantains, and local flavors that made the experience feel authentic and grounding.

Back at the resort, we enjoyed coffee, sunset drinks at the bar, and dinner at The Cane Bar, where we shared sushi and cocktails by the beach.

Day Four: One Last Beach Day

Our final full day was all about soaking it in. We strolled the beach, had lunch at the pier bar with the Pitons looming in the distance, and indulged in plenty of piña coladas between dips in the ocean and pool.

That night, we returned to Bonte for dinner and were treated to a surprise firework show over the water—an unforgettable way to close out the trip.

Goodbye, Saint Lucia

On our last morning, we rose early to enjoy a final walk along the beach and one last moment in the sun before heading back to Chicago.

Saint Lucia proved to be the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway—equal parts relaxation and adventure. The island is breathtaking, the experiences are unforgettable, and the people are genuinely warm, welcoming, and proud to share their home. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave—and one I can’t wait to return to.