Question time: can you think of anything better than a sunrise yoga sesh on decking surrounded by panoramic views of the ocean? Or perhaps a scenic hike up Pigeon Island joined by canine locals? The answer is obviously, no. Discover hidden cove beaches, enjoy an endless stretch of untouched rural mountains, test your endurance and reset with optimum relaxation at Cap Maison.
After a day of exploring, return the peaceful grounds of Cap Maison. Indulge in a spa treatment or recover with an afternoon nap swinging in a cosy hammock looking out to the ocean. If that’s not enough to help you unwind, treat yourself to a daily spa session to ensure relaxation levels are at an all-time high. Fitness, wellness, nature and recovery. Cap Maison is your perfect luxury, active package.
ACCOMMODATION
Room type: 1 Bedroom ocean and garden-views villa suite with private pool.
There’s nothing like the feeling of stepping bare-foot onto fully tiled terracotta floors. It’s optimum luxury after basking in 30 degree heat. The dark wood jalousie shutters and planter-style chairs on the patios add a real Spanish-style, homely feel.
The spacious living area leads out onto a scenic patio with a backdrop of the resort’s gardens and a relaxing sea-view.
If you explore the local markets (highly recommended) you have a fully equipped kitchen to try your hand at cooking a traditional St Lucian meal.
Bedrooms are large with a double-bed and huge ensuite bathroom – the best part? Being able to wake up and walk out onto the extended patio with direct access to a private pool.
Whether you’re a small family or couple, you’ll be spoilt for space. There’s even a separate toilet for if someone brings a guest round – you’re bound to make a new friend or two.
Immediate surroundings include tropical grounds where you’re accompanied by the feel of warm grass under your feet along a short stroll to find a nearby chill-spot.
Number of rooms: 49 rooms in total, junior suites and 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villa suites.Check-in/check-out times: Check-in 3pm, check-out noon (later check-out can be accommodated)
Room service: Yes
Swimming pool: 2 main communal pools including infinity pool overlooking a view of the sea and Pigeon Island. Selected villa rooms have private pools.
Wi-Fi Free throughout the resort
Eating and drinking: Cap Maison’s restaurant, The Cliff at Cap, has a creative Welsh Rastafarian chef (that’s right). The food is hailed to be the best in northern St Lucia, and the open-air clifftop location is a dining spot with unrivalled views. TIP: The morning pastries that are available for breakfast every morning are both a blessing and a curse. Approach with caution.
Nestled just a few steps away on a natural secluded cove is The Naked Fisherman Beach Bar & Grill. It is located right on “Smuggler’s Cove” beach under a thatched Caribbean style roof. It’s a less formal atmosphere than the Cliff, but the food isn’t compromised.
The BBQ taster menu that’s on every Thursday is definitely one to try. You’re more than likely to order an extra portion of the crab claws in chilli & ginger and the doradao ceviche. Tasters will become your main meal favourites.
Getting there: The price of exclusive seclusion is a fair old 1 hour 30 minute drive to and from the airport. Cap Maison provides air-conditioned car transfers from from £76, or if you’re not a fan of windy roads – there’s also a helicopter transfer that is not only a lot quicker, but you can’t beat the scenic views of the island along your journey.
Essential to pack: Comfortable shoes for walking around and outdoor activities. In rainy season, although it can get quite wet, it’s still warm so bring quick-drying or wicking clothing. Also a good-sized backpack or satchel is handy for hikes or long walks. A bottle of water is also essential to have handy in the heat.
If you are prone to getting travel sick it is definitely worth having a pack of motion sickness tablets. If you opt for exploring the island by car, the roads can be quite windy and tend to twist and turn more than often!
THINGS TO DO
If you’re looking for family activities, a day to explore nature and stroll around the local area or just want something to get your heart-rate up, you pretty much have endless options. You’ll struggle to decide how to spend your time on the island. But to save you some time, we’ve rounded up a handy list for you.
Segway Tour of Mount Pimard, Rodney Bay
For something more than a traditional mountain hike, opt for a guided tour of the island by gliding along on a Segway. Insider tip: Ask for Chad, or “Peaches” – the story behind his nickname will give you a little chuckle.
Company: Lucian Style Experiences
Price: £75.15
15 minute drive from Cap Estate to Rodney Bay.
Zip Lining
For an adrenaline kick (with guaranteed safety) swing your way around an outdoor zip-lining course. Get hitched up a series of cables and zip from platform to platform high up in the tree canopy.
Company: Rainforest Adventure
Price: £75 per person, including hotel pickup and drop off.
How far: Based in the Castries Waterworks Reserve, the tropical rainforest setting is approximately a 45 min drive from Cap Maison
Friday Night “Jump Up” Fish Fry
This is not your average Friday night street party! It’s not typically put on for tourists so you get a real experience with the locals. Expect nothing less than a live atmosphere, music blazing from a mega sound system, crowds filling every inch of space grabbing every opportunity to ensure the person next to them is dancing.
Food: A selection of grilled fish and ribs, with sides of plantain, corn cobs cooked in coconut milk, rice and what seems like an endless supply of alcohol!
Music: Bashment, soca, reggae, hip-hop, R’n’B, commercial
Gros Isle is just a 5 minute drive from Cap Maison
Castries market tour
Get a real feel of local life and local produce. You’ll sample the freshest fruits and inhale the most vibrant smells from homemade jerk spices, ground coffee and even homemade rum – look out for the ones laced with a special tree spice “bois bande” – an alleged aphrodisiac ingredient…you’re welcome.
If you feel inspired, you can book in a session with a Cliff restaurant chef to come to your villa and help cook a traditional meal with ingredients bought from the market. You’ll definitely want to take home some recipe tips from these guys…
Run or Hike on the wild East Coast
Lead by Cap Maison’s Head Spa Therapist, Julian Toussaint, you’ll explore endless stretches of truly divine, untouched land and hidden beaches.
Your 1 ½ hour hike or run will be guided along scenic cliff tops and remote beaches on the Atlantic Coast.
You might even attract a pack of friends that will join you on your journey…
Starting location is about a 15 minute drive from Cap Maison
Yoga, Pilates & Fitness
Classes both for groups or in the privacy of your own Villa Suite are available to book a time that suits your schedule.
Wine Tasting & Deli Tasting in Cellar Maison
What better way to reward yourself than with a wine tasting with an experienced Sommelier? It’s a great way to see off your experience – and will make the reality of returning home a little easier…kind of.
Whether you spend your mornings on a secluded sandy beach, then afternoons testing how high you can get your heart rate up – you’ll never be short of something to do on the island. That’s what you get at Cap Maison with the bonus of unprecedented luxury and service. There’s an activity for every type of active traveller, an array of food to reward yourself with and a recovery option to help you recuperate back into your best physical and mental state.
You’ll arrive feeling instantly chilled, and leave – only because you have to. Divine.
