Windjammer Landing is an oasis on the beautiful island of St. Lucia, a collection of villas, private residences and hotel rooms overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea. The Canadian owned resort boasts an extremely high return rate with families returning for 10, 15, 25 + years to this piece of paradise.
I’ve been to Windjammer Landing twice now and I am patiently waiting for the time when I can bring my growing family down and hopefully begin a vacation tradition of our own. My husband says that I ‘get drunk’ on Windjammer Landing, swooning and romanticizing this property, the entire island, in fact. It just so happens that this property so perfectly encapsulates what I love about St. Lucia.
Accommodations
There are many different options when it comes to staying at Windjammer Landing. For instance, built into the cliffside are villas with up to 4 bedrooms and a private pool, making it possible for more than one family to share a space. These villas come with a fully equipped kitchen, separate bathrooms and the option of having your kitchen fully stocked on arrival. Although there is an all inclusive option available, the a full kitchen is ideal for keeping costs under control and makes things easier should you have a very picky eater in your party…like I do.
Another option is to simply stay in a room, a classic hotel room set up. An all inclusive set up may make more sense in this instance as you would be without your own kitchen. You still have those epic ocean views and some outside space where you can take in those stunning St. Lucian sunsets.
If you are one of the lucky ones looking to make this a regular vacation destination, I would definitely consider the private residence option. Again, your villa would come with a kitchen, pool, outside space, etc with the options of all inclusive board or self catering. Many are newly renovated and work a bit like a time share: While you own the villa outright, Windjammer Landing will manage the rental of the space while you are away. Have a look here for more details.
Some guests start by staying in a room, then renting a villa, realize they love it and end up purchasing a place. They meet other families doing the same and soon enough, they have ‘vacation’ friends from all over the world. They all meet up at Windjammer or even travel elsewhere together.
Regardless of where you are situated on the property, up the hill or closer to the beach, Windjammer Landing has a fleet of shuttles to take you to and from the lobby, beach, spa or back to your room. They are fast, efficient and safe. It’s also a great way to meet other guests and get some tips on ‘off menu’ cocktails.
Food
There are five on-site restaurants ranging from a snack bar on the beach to five star dining on the Upper Deck. The Head Chef comes from a background with international culinary experience and includes fresh, local fare in all of his dishes. But if you’re craving Italian, the Italian restaurant, Papa Don’s (named after the resort founder), has some solid pasta options. Again, everything is fresh and the wine menu is extensive without being overwhelming. They cater to most dietary conditions (I had a gluten free pizza!) and their daily seafood offerings are always impeccable.
If you don’t fancy leaving your room, you can always order room service, but to be honest, I found this to be a pricey option.
Activities
Where to begin on this one. If you’re looking to stay onsite, there are a breadth of water activities available for you…and I’m not just talking lying in the partially submerged hammocks on the beach. Windsurfing, SUP, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, are all available for guests. There are daily excursions, cocktail parties, nightly entertainment and more.
Also, the most animated, excitable, captivating aqua aerobics teacher just joined the staff and I promise you, his energy is infectious and you will suddenly find yourself with a new daily activity.
The island itself is home to the world’s only drive in volcano, sulphur springs (where you can bathe in age defying mud), the UNESCO world heritage sanctioned Pitons, and some of the best snorkeling and sailing in the world. There are world renowned restaurants, killer views, eclectic markets and more waiting to be explored.
Kid’s Club
The Kids Club (aka Jacquot Fun Club) at Windjammer Landing is enviable. Although they are looking at refurbishing the building itself, the activities keep kids engaged from morning to night. There are crafts, games on the beach, tennis lessons, puppet shows and even offsite excursions for the kiddos. Your kids can be involved as much or as little as they like in the kid’s club daily itinerary but the staff (with 25+ years of experience running this kids club) will feed them lunch and even dinner if need be. Although my kids haven’t been in the kids club (they haven’t been to the resort in all fairness), kids now in their twenties reminisce of their kid’s club days. Many of them would go back if they could.
Overall, I love Windjammer Landing. It is truly a gem on this already magnificent island. The only drawbacks were the distance from the airport (90 minutes) and the cost. The resort IS pricey but St. Lucia itself is a tad more expensive than some of her Caribbean cousins. During peak season, it will be tough for the average consumer to afford a week here. There also seem to be quite a few hidden costs if you don’t do all inclusive…which itself is a pricey option: motor water sports, additional kid’s club activities and times, room service fees, etc.
My advice would be to try out this place during low season with another family, choose the self catering plan, and see if it is as enchanting as I say it is. If you are as taken as I am, perhaps you come back later, on your own, get your own villa, and indulge in the luxury that is St. Lucia.