Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina
Saint Lucia, 1-877-384-8037; capellamarigotbay.com; 124 rooms from $550 (U.S.).
St. Lucia has a number of luxurious properties to choose from, but on this island, stunning scenery and high-end design are givens. It’s the personalized service at Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina that really sets it apart from its peers. If you can dream it up, the hotel’s personal assistants (yes, they come with your room) can and will make it happen. And if you’re stumped for ideas, they’ve got plenty of suggestions: An excursion to a private waterfall and mineral pool, perhaps? Or maybe a personalized rum blend to take home? “Your wish is my command,” is the motto here.
LOCATION, LOCATION
While there’s not a Piton in sight, what the Capella lacks in dormant volcanoes, it makes up for with their stunning lush jungle backdrop and electric blue view of secluded Marigot Bay. (The original Doctor Dolittle was filmed in the bay in 1967.) Tucked away from the raucous of Rodney Bay, but close enough for a night out if that’s what you crave, this is the address for those seeking rest and relaxation. The myriad dining options, marina shops and on-site spa village mean you don’t even need to leave the grounds.
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING
The one downfall of a tropical design aesthetic is that shutters do not block much sound. If your downstairs neighbour is watching TV and your upstairs neighbour is having a dance party while you’re trying to read on your patio, you’ll find yourself annoyed by the noise. And if you’re the lucky one situated underneath a frisky pair of honeymooners (there are plenty of them on the island), well, you get the picture.
BEST AMENITY
Perhaps to make up for the fact there is no white-sand beach, or perhaps because the Capella likes to make its guests feel special, the hotel goes the extra mile with pool amenities. Every hour a new complimentary offering ranging from fresh coconut water to vibrant ceviche from the poolside raw bar is served up. Not hitting the pool that day? Not to worry. There will be complimentary plantain chips with mango dip and a beer on ice delivered your room daily at 4:30 to hold you over until dinner. When you return to your room each night, you’ll find a new sweet treat on your bedside table. Who needs white sand when there are hand-rolled coconut truffles on offer?
WHOM YOU’LL MEET
Since Capella’s marina is one of only two places on the island able to dock mega-yachts, it has become the playground of choice for those who enjoy the finer things in life. You may want to keep your autograph book handy.
EAT IN OR EAT OUT?
Both. Executive chef Brendan McGowan blends local Caribbean flavours with European techniques for spectacular results. My favourite? The seared spiny lobster with wilted greens, christophine gratin and souscaille relish served in the Alexandria Room, followed by the cocoa bounty cheesecake, drenched in hot rum sauce.
If you would rather use room service, choose from a variety of picnic baskets, multitiered tiffins and impressive charcuterie spreads. Want to use that kitchen in your suite? Staff will stock the fridge with all the fixings (including directions) for recreating one of McGowan’s dishes, or you can book him to come and cook for you instead.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
All the rooms on the second and third floors have a good view of the bay, but request room No. 2121 for the best view in the house. This penthouse suite boasts a panoramic of Marigot Bay, lush jungle foliage and all the comings and goings of those mega-yachts.
The writer was a guest of the resort.