East Winds St. Lucia- All Inclusive

Beachfront Location: The beachfront location, though small, provides plenty of shaded loungers and calm waters ideal for swimming or paddleboarding.

The setting and buildings are wonderful, and the individual rooms are beautifully designed, with magnificent bathrobes (I even bought the PJ's they sell there). Also the staff are amazing. Sadly, what lets it down is the restaurant. It felt like the chef bought a cook book in the 1980's, and hasn't changed anything since then. Food like beef burginon and lamb shank are not the sort of meals you expect on a Caribbean island, (give us more authenic food!) and the cocktail menu was woeful (didn't realise til it was too late that you could actually order your choice of modern cocktails as well). It all needs updating asap!! At 57 we were one of the youngest guests, and it did have a retirement home vibe, made worse by the dreadful musical entertainment which reminded me of Richard Clayderman. Could so easily been made into a wonderful experience by updating the food offering to bring it into the 21st century!

My wife and I revisted East Winds for a third time, originally honeymooning at the hotel 28 years ago, and again for our 25th wedding anniversary 3 years ago. The hotel is set in beautiful tropical gardens, well tended by head gardener Sylvanus and his team. The restaurant, bars and pool (with swim up bar) are all a stones throw from each other and the beach The warm and friendly welcome makes you feel at home immediately. The entire staff are kind and courteous, with no request too much to ask. The relaxed atmosphere and 'good vibes' among the staff ensured we were straight into the holiday spirit. Previously we had stayed in the 'deluxe' cottages, this time we chose the 'superior' Our room was very spacious, with all amenities we could want. Tea/coffee making facilities and a fridge constantly stocked with water, soft drinks, beer and wine. The bedroom was large and accommodating, with more than enough wardrobe and drawer space for our 2 week visit. Air conditioning was very welcome. The bathroom was spacious, with his and her basins, walk in shower, and much to my wife's delight, a copious supply of Moulton Brown products. The food was exquisite! Breakfast, lunch and dinner always satisfied, with the dining room staff always attentive but not intrusive. The most difficult thing about dining here is deciding what to choose to eat, as each choice on the menu was absolutely delicious. There was nothing we ate that we didn't enjoy. And with the restaurant positioned right next to the beach, I cannot think of a more perfect dining experience. The bar staff were equally as friendly and attentive, both in the bars and also at the pool and beach. It was a struggle to get through all of the cocktails on the menu, but we gave it our best shot! The trips and activities organised through the hotel by Simeon, the always effervescent activities organiser are definitely worth trying, from the exquisite boat trip to Soufrie and the volcano, the beautiful sunset cruise, rainforest, distillery tour and chocolate making just to name a few. The hotel also provides some free water sport activities. Snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding are freely available as well as trips on the hobie cat around the bay. In all, I cannot think of a more beautiful place on earth to visit. We had a truly wonderful time! We will certainly be returning soon!