How We Picked St. Lucia

Every year, my husband and I take a trip together, just the two of us. It is one of my favorite traditions. We celebrate our marriage and enjoy some time away together. We’re fortunate to have a supportive family who steps in to care for our kids while we travel. I always use our anniversary as the perfect excuse, but this year felt extra-special—it marked our tenth!

I wanted to do something truly memorable, and what better place to celebrate a milestone than one of the world’s most iconic honeymoon destinations? St. Lucia had been calling my name ever since I joined Award Travel Academy, but I could never quite justify the high points cost. Then came a sign: a brand-new Secrets resort opened with fantastic points rates, and I couldn’t resist.

 

 

I booked the ultimate anniversary escape, starting with a relaxing stay at Secrets St. Lucia, and finishing strong at the breathtaking Ladera Resort, all on points (of course!). St. Lucia had been on my wish list forever, with its emerald Pitons, volcanic beaches, and chocolate straight from the source. Nestled between Martinique and St. Vincent, this island is pure storybook magic. It is lush, romantic, and wild in all the best ways. Whether you’re planning a dreamy couples trip or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this Caribbean gem is everything you imagine and more. Follow along for a peek into our unforgettable anniversary trip and honest reviews of both resorts.

 

How We Booked Our Flights

We flew nonstop from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in St. Lucia on American Airlines. And I have to say, it was one of the most peaceful travel days we’ve ever had (and I never say that about travel days!).

We started by booking VIP parking at CLT for $150 for the week. Best decision ever. We pulled up, they unloaded our car, and we walked straight into the terminal. From there, we breezed through TSA with zero wait, thanks to TSA PreCheck®! 

Once through security, we headed straight to the American Express® Centurion Lounge®. Since both my husband and I have American Express Platinum cards, we were able to relax, eat a real breakfast, and unwind before boarding. The Centurion Lounge at CLT is one of the larger lounges, featuring showers, quiet rooms, and ample comfortable seating. It felt like the perfect calm before the travel storm.

 

 

After about 90 minutes in the lounge, we made our way to the gate and were off! The flight itself was just over four and a half hours and totally seamless. I’m a big believer in booking direct flights whenever possible because nothing ruins that first-day vacation high like a missed connection. We used American Airlines AAdvantage miles to book our flights, snagging two round-trip economy tickets for just 64,000 points and $121 in taxes. Such a win!

 

Where We Stayed: Two Resorts, Two Totally Different Vibes

Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa

First up, we spent four relaxing days at the brand-new Secrets St. Lucia, an all-inclusive, adults-only resort on the island’s northwest coast. This was our “ease into vacation mode” spot. The water was calm and swimmable, and the view from our oceanfront room was just the reset I didn’t know I needed.

 

 

We stayed in the Preferred Club Master Suite Ocean View room with a private plunge pool. I booked this by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards® to the World of Hyatt program. It came to 33,000 points per night, and honestly, it was dreamy.

 

 

This resort is ideal if you prefer everything to be done for you. We didn’t have to think; it was just eat, sleep, sun, repeat. It was also the perfect base for one of the best excursions I’ve ever done.

Stay tuned for a more thorough review of this hotel.

 

Joy’s Adventure: A Must-Do

Secrets was the perfect place to ease into island life. But the real adventure? That started when we hopped aboard a boat from the beach and set off on Joy’s Adventure Tour, an absolute must. We were picked up right on the beach at Secrets (yes, like a private water Uber!) and from there, it was a full day of snorkeling, boat cruising, mud bathing, and waterfall chasing.

 

 

After a scenic 45-minute boat ride, we arrived in Soufrière and were whisked into a taxi that took us up to the volcanic mud baths. We covered ourselves in warm volcanic mud and soaked away our worries in the mineral-rich hot springs. It was playful, relaxing, and so unique.

 

 

Once we were sufficiently “mudded and melted,” we headed to Diamond Falls, my favorite part of the entire day. The waterfall was absolutely breathtaking. My husband and I stood underneath it, laughing and soaking it all in—pure joy.

 

Next, we were treated to a home-cooked St. Lucian meal at Joy’s restaurant. It was easily one of the best meals of our trip. We wrapped up the day snorkeling at Sugar Beach before cruising back to the resort. The crew made everyone feel like old friends. We laughed nonstop. It was a little bit of an adventure, a little bit of a spa day, and a whole lot of Caribbean magic. Here’s Joy’s website if you’re ready to book.

 

Ladera Resort: The Wow Factor

After Secrets, we took a private taxi to Ladera, which might be one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever stayed. Perched high in the rainforest above Soufrière, each suite is open-air on one side, with private plunge pools and jaw-dropping views of the Pitons. I know it sounds dramatic, and it is, but in the absolute best way possible. Imagine waking up to the sound of birds singing before taking a dip in your private, heated plunge pool. No TV. No AC. Just you, the jungle, and your jaw on the floor.

 

 

We stayed in the Suites at Paradise Ridge, which is the largest room category on the property. It was spacious, peaceful, and otherworldly. The shower alone was spa-level amazing, and the view . . . unforgettable. Staying at Ladera was, hands down, the most unique hotel experience I’ve ever had. I highly recommend it! (I wrote a full review that will be published later.)

 

The Food: From Chocolate Heaven to Gourmet Cliffside Dining

Rabot at Hotel Chocolat

Let’s talk about food. One of our favorite meals was at Rabot at Hotel Chocolat, a working cacao estate where everything on the menu has a chocolate twist, even the savory dishes.

We had cacao-nib-encrusted fish, scallops in a pumpkin and cacao purée, and filet with a cacao rub served over white chocolate mashed potatoes. I’m still dreaming about it. They also offer unique craft cocktails and mocktails that are every bit as inventive and delicious. It’s only a five-minute walk from Ladera, so if you’re staying there (or just love chocolate), do not skip this spot. 

 

 

Dasheene at Ladera

Dining at Dasheene was another major highlight. Perched on a mountainside at Ladera, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the Pitons. It’s the kind of place where you pause mid-bite to take it all in again.

We ate there twice. The first night we enjoyed seafood pasta, and the second night we had fresh scallops and steak. Everything was fresh, locally sourced, and beautifully plated. The service was warm and thoughtful. They even brought out a surprise dessert for our anniversary. Such a sweet touch. It’s definitely a splurge meal, but if there’s one place on the island to dress up for, make it for your dinner at Dasheene. Make the reservation, come hungry, and take all the photos. You’ll thank me later.

 

 

Final Thoughts: St. Lucia, You Have My Heart

St. Lucia gave me everything I had hoped for: luxury and laid-back island life, epic natural beauty, delicious food, and moments that made me want to pinch myself. Our escape to St. Lucia on points and miles was magical.

If you’re planning a Caribbean trip and want something that feels a little extra special, this is your spot. And if you can swing it, split your stay between Secrets and Ladera for two totally different (but equally magical) vibes. From oceanfront ease to jungle immersion, this trip gave us the best of both worlds.

 

Related Posts

Reader Success Story: St. Kitts on Points and Miles

All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean With Points

Ten Great Dreams Resorts to Book on Points

American Express® Centurion Lounges® Review