Island Amour
Newlyweds, Fariha and Amer reminisce about their honeymoon at luxurious resort Cap Maison, on the island of romance and natural wonders, St Lucia
Cap Maison
Bliss. That’s the only way to describe how we felt when Amer and I, reached our honeymoon destination St. Lucia and entered our haven for the week; Cap Maison. Although we had left the UK on a high, the few weeks of excitement, mayhem and rush of the wedding had left us exhausted and in desperate need of recuperation.
There was an inviting air about the place as soon as we arrived at the five star luxury resort and were immediately impressed by its distinct Spanish Caribbean character, featuring elegant stonewashed walls with wooden trimmings and Moorish style rooftop terraces.
The moment we entered our incredible ocean fronted villa, it was like entering a faraway retreat of calmness. As the echo of the tremendous waves gallantly crashing against the rocks reached our ears, we ran to the wooden shuttered doors and threw them open to an awe-inspiring sight – we were surrounded by the azure expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Our villa opened out onto postcard perfection tropical greenery, with a daily supply of fresh coconuts from our gardens own palm trees.
Idyllically located on the northernmost tip of the island in exclusive Cap Estate, we felt like we had reached the edge of the world. There’s no wonder that we were spoilt for choice by the number of personal spots to enjoy moments of tranquillity – there was the hammock between two ideal palms, the artfully placed pair of chairs overlooking the sea and nearby cliffs, or a romantic sunset in the horizon, lazing around in the shaded loungers or our private pool. We certainly made the most of it all!
The Mediterranean hints echoed throughout the décor of the villa, with a refreshing blend of neutral and vibrantly hued furnishings. A large bathtub was the perfect place to unwind from all the wedding festivities, just after a rejuvenating massage at the spa or outdoors, where you can choose from a range of revitalising treatments.
For foodies like Amer and I, Cap Maison’s gastronomic delights proved to be the ultimate treat. The resort boasts the best restaurants on the island, the Cliff at Cap poised high on the clifftop and the Naked Fisherman, which fronts onto Cap Maison’s private beach. Every morning, we embraced the glittering reflection of the sunshine on the sea, whilst savouring the most delectable breakfast we have ever had, including the freshest exotic fruits, warm pastries and local tastes of plantain and salt fish. Every evening, we would eagerly anticipate what splendid cuisine we would relish in, thoughtfully prepared by Welsh Rastafarian culinary extraordinaire Chef Craig, who I instantly warmed to upon meeting and finding out he is fellow Welsh folk like myself. Every meal was an amalgamation of tantalising flavours and influences from all over the world.
Destination Wedding
Just when you think you can’t get any more secluded and exclusive, the team surprised us with a supreme breakfast spread, displayed beautifully on Rock Maison, situated on a wooden decked platform, just where the waves reach the rocks. The sumptuous backdrop epitomises romance, which is why so many proposals take place here, using a purpose made zip-wire that transports a bottle of champagne and surprise ring down to the platform.
Due to its beautiful surroundings and landscaped gardens, for us, Cap Maison encapsulated romance and it really did feel like love was in the air, as one afternoon whilst we lounged on our terrace, we witnessed a couple saying their vows in the nearby pavilion area, overlooking the sea. The resort not only provides a beautiful backdrop, but also all the facilities needed for a destination wedding, with a choice of places to have your ceremony, followed by a delicious feast in one of the restaurants. You can even hire out the entire resort with 50 rooms accommodating your guests, to savour the hospitality and make memories in the utmost exclusivity and luxury.
Things To Do
• Adrenaline junkies will love zip-lining through the rainforest at Treetop Adventure Park in nearby Dennery. You might even see a tarantula or two!
• Chocoholics can make their own chocolate from scratch during Boucan Bean to bar tour at Rabot Estate, where Hotel Chocolat grow their cocoa.
• Enjoy an authentic St Lucian fish roti with a view at family-owned Stonefield Resort and Spa in the South of the island.
• Be at one with nature at the spectacular Diamond Falls and Botanical Gardens.
• Witness natural wonders at Sulphur Springs near Soufriere, where you lather yourself in the mineral-rich mud taken from the dormant volcano, followed by a dip in the naturally warm pool.
• Shop local crafts, spices and souvenirs at Castries market.
• Take a stroll through Rodney Bay where you will find a lovely beach area, shopping and eateries.
• Explore the history of St Lucia on Pigeon Island, where you will find remains of an 18th century fort.
St Lucian Charm
We were greeted at every corner with amiable warmth that comes so naturally to the St Lucian folk – everyone we met, instantly became a long lost friend. Such is the hospitality of the locals, including the wonderful team at the resort. A local even pleasantly surprised me by noticing my henna clad hands and congratulating me. Of all the beauty in the Caribbean, nothing quite prepares you for the natural scenic wonders that await you in St Lucia. The winding and uphill-downhill adventure through the hills, enjoying the lush and vast tropical greenery, took us across the island to the South. We reached the most breathtaking scenery and natural landscapes we have ever laid eyes on – the iconic, imposing twin peaks or locally known as ‘pitons’, majestically owning the horizon, mirrored perfectly against the tranquil waters of the Caribbean sea.
The melody of nocturnal creatures chirping, perfectly synchronised with the soothing crashing of the waves was like an island lullaby that lured us into a slumber every night, resounding in our ears days after our return. St Lucian charm and the memories we made will stay with us for years to come, until our next visit to the island.
Get Social