The epitome of honeymoon luxury at Coconut Bay’s sleek and serene sister resort; Serenity at Coconut Bay.
Stepping out of the cab at Serenity at Coconut Bay (a swift 7-minute transfer from Hewanorra International Airport) and I may as well have beamed directly into a Google image search for ‘paradise’.
Set in a luscious enclave on Saint Lucia’s picturesque south coast, Serenity is a couples-only haven of all-inclusive luxury. Picture white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline and perfectly preened palm trees lining pristine pathways and green lawns. As if hired for a brochure shoot, smiling staff greet gorgeous couples as they emanate marital bliss and meander from pool to cabana, cocktails in hand. But far from appearing staged, I get the feeling that this snapshot of island life could have been taken at any given moment at the five-star resort.
If I’m honest, I’d arrived at Serenity without a great deal of expectation. The premise of an all-inclusive holiday, complete with ump-teen buffet restaurants, Lazy Rivers and crowded swim-up bars, although a welcome escape from dreary London, didn’t quite marry up with my ideas of honeymooner’s bliss. But Serenity’s charm soon dispelled any of my preconceptions – and the best was yet to come.
A short walk past the pool and a peek into The Greathouse – the gourmet dining restaurant which would play host to a delicious welcome dinner and many a pool-side breakfast – and I was met by my personal butler and shown to my room. Although room doesn’t quite do it justice.
Serenity is made up of thirty-six private plunge pool villas, each boasting an outside bar area, plunge pool and mahogany king-sized four-poster beds. The huge walk in shower, en-suite bath and his-and-her sinks, all adorned with gorgeous Saint Lucia granite, and a
Bose sound system and wall-mounted HDTV complete the air of opulence. Each room comes with bespoke butler service. Think hand-delivered breakfast in bed and golf buggies to the beach at the press of a button.
There’s also a dedicated concierge team on hand to curate your unique Serenity experience. Whether you’re the type to fill your holiday with excursions or wile away the days at the beachfront cabanas – available exclusively for Serenity guests – the guest team will have your dream honeymoon planned from the moment you arrive.
For those really revelling in that newlywed euphoria, there’s no need to even leave your villa to make the most of Serenity’s luxury inclusions. Schedule in a couple’s massage (I also recommend trying the Saint Lucian cocoa scrub) and lie back and relax as your suite is transformed into a private spa sanctuary.
After maxing out on pool-lounging and strolling the mile-long private beach, the staff at Serenity can arrange a number of external activities. A short drive out of the resort will take you to Laborie fishing village. Here I hopped on the Majesty for a half-day Catamaran tour around the south of the island, complete with snorkelling stops and jaw-dropping views of Saint Lucia’s famous Pitons.
In fact, if you’re thinking of Saint Lucia for your wedding destination, you can even tie the knot on-board, with the World-Heritage site as your Instagram-worthy backdrop.
A long day at sea called for ample food and refreshments, and I was certainly spoilt for choice at Serenity. As well as The Greathouse’s gourmet offering, Serenity guests benefit from an access-all-areas pass at the sister property, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa. This boasts an additional eight à la carte restaurants and seven premium bars. Here I finished my trip sipping on cocktails (rum, of course) and looking out on to the aptly serene Lazy River. It’s an all-inclusive after all; albeit one steeped in luxury.
