Stephanie & James Katavolos won our honeymoon trip to the Coconut Bay Resort in St. Lucia, with their story about becoming great friends over the course of a year and then dating. They got engaged on the Spanish Steps in Rome. They maintained their relationship long-distance, after his U.S. Navy reserve unit was called to active duty in Afghanistan. While overseas, in addition to his regular military duties, he also volunteered at a local orphanage for Afghan children. They married after his tour.
The Royal Treatment
From the moment we arrived, the Coconut Bay staff treated us like royalty. We were picked up at the airport by two charming staff members. On arrival at the hotel, were handed glasses of champagne and had our photo taken with a mascot, which was so unexpected, and so touching, that I cried!
Our room overlooked a lovely pool, and had one of the very best views of the ocean and swaying palms below. Our floor and bed were strewn with romantic local flower petals, and more chilled bubbly awaited us in the refrigerator! After a brief rest, we went down to explore the amenities and were immediately relaxed by the balmy evening breeze blowing through the expansive main reception area, which led out to the two main pools and its fun “swim-up” bar.
press photos
Cocktails at Coconut Bay flow 24/7, and we treated ourselves to a piña colada before dinner, feeling the relaxation already spreading up from our toes. We welcomed the luxury of the lazy days to come spread out before us.
The staff had made reservations for us at Silk, one of the resort’s three excellent restaurants, where we enjoyed some delicious Asian-Caribbean fusion dishes. On other nights we sampled Italian-Caribbean fusion at Bellagio, but we took most of our meals at the main Coconut Walk restaurant, which provided glorious buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
We were truly overwhelmed with the culinary delights the entire week, with particular favorites being the fresh local fish and the plentiful coconut served at lunch. However, the food highlight of the week was the Caribbean Theme Night, during which a true all-you-can-eat feast was served by the pool. That night local acrobats, singers, and fire eaters performed.
Over the course of the week we savored the beauty of the beach areas, where there was always a private cabana or hammock to be found, swam in the four refreshing pools, and floated on the Lazy River.
The pampering never ended, and we were treated to another bubbly-and-flower-petal turn-down service mid-week, as well as — treat of luxury treats! — our couples massage on the beach under two wafting palm trees. The sound of the waves throughout this experience was truly magical, and an unforgettably romantic experience.
The resort offers wonderful excursions, and we took the sunset cruise from Soufriere, the largest town on the south of the island. On the way back, we booked a private tour with our driver, during which we drove out to famous Marigot Bay, capturing some spectacular views along the way. To finish our day, we swam under a waterfall, fulfilling one of my lifelong fantasies!
The staff went “above and beyond” to make our stay so wonderful! — if only we could remember all their names!
Pamela Robinson, the manager of Coconut Bay, oversaw our week. She was simply wonderful and couldn’t have been more accommodating. Pamela even had an exclusive romantic dinner for two prepared for us on our last night.
Normally this would have been served right on the beach, but because of stormy weather that night, the staff arranged for us to enjoy this meal on the terrace outdoors, overlooking the pool. Even when the weather broke half-way through, the ever-attentive staff quickly moved the table and candles inside.
When we went to our room after dinner that last night, there was champagne and rose petals. We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect honeymoon!
Coconut Bay Resort in St. Lucia
www.cbayresort.com
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