Sprawling across a steep, rainforest-streaked hillside on St Lucia’s north-west coast, Windjammer Landing may well be the best family-friendly resort on the island. Accommodation options run the gamut from conventional rooms to palatial villas with private infinity pools and views out over the Caribbean. The stretched-out nature of the resort means that whatever option you go for offers the privacy of secluded surroundings as well as access to Windjammer’s extensive facilities. This being the Caribbean, the main draw is naturally the beach, a perfect crescent of sand where hammocks are strung out over the protected waters.
The resort’s relative seclusion (the comparatively bright lights of Rodney Bay are a 15-minute drive away) makes it a place to hole up and enjoy what’s on offer, rather than go out and about exploring. Thankfully there’s plenty to do, with a daily roster of classes and activities including aqua aerobics, scuba diving and hummingbird yoga in the peaceful gardens in the resort’s topmost corner. All non-motorised water sports are free for guests while those on all-inclusive packages also get access to powered fun including water skiing and ridiculously enjoyable inflatable rides. With six restaurants and a weekly beachside barbecue, the dining options at Windjammer Landing are equally varied, meaning you never feel stuck in a culinary rut.
Where Windjammer Landing excels is in understanding the key to a family holiday. The well-run kids club manages to be engaging enough for younger children, without straying into the patronising pitfalls that will have tweens rolling their eyes and reaching for their screens. The gentle slope of the beach means there’s plenty of shallow waters safe for kids to splash in and there’s an entertaining waterslide and bouncing platform that keep them amused and help them to make friends. Around every corner there’s seemingly something else for children to do, from ping pong tables and kids’ pools to volleyball and tennis courts. There’s also a fully kitted-out spa and several excursions on offer, including scuba diving trips. All the restaurants have children’s menus, which encourage kids to go beyond their comfort zone and try local dishes.
Every inch of Windjammer Landing seems designed to make you feel good about life. Enjoy a rum cocktail while watching the sun set and it’s easy to see why so many guests return time and time again.
Time Out tip: If your budget can extend to them the new Ocean Point villas offer the best rooms in the house and among the best on the island. Glass-fronted modernist affairs, some with private infinity pools, all with incredible views – you’ll need to be prised out of them when your holiday ends.
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort Rooms start from $190 a night, with Ocean View two bedroom villas from $399/night on a B&B basis.
