Kick back in the Caribbean with BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia
Green juices, beach workouts and supercharged facials: more and more of us are swapping piña coladas and indulgent food for a healthier, but no less glamorous, holiday. This concept is nothing new for the Barnard family, who founded BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia in the Eighties. They must be doing something right, as they boast one of the highest repeat guest rates of any wellness resort worldwide. As a first-time visitor I was in the minority. The secret? There’s no guilt, no judgment — just feel-good activities, complimentary treatments, and incredible food and drink.
Located in the north-west of the Caribbean island, the resort is on a road framed by tropical gardens which lead to its impressive beachfront setting. Once inside, the style is a mix of Caribbean cues and contemporary touches, all designed to promote relaxation, rejuvenation and a sense of space, place and balance. Think natural materials and a calm palette of whites, blues and greens reminiscent of the sea and jungle.
Accommodation is low-rise in pastel colours, nestled within manicured gardens or on the resort’s crescent-shaped Cariblue Beach. Rooms range from cosy to spacious suites and villas, many with private terraces. Mod-cons include Nespresso machines and rainfall showers, though they are free of digital technology bar wi-fi to help you switch off. There are no single-occupancy surcharges for solo guests.
This is a place where cocktails and green juices sit side by side. Be as indulgent or healthy as you like at its six restaurants and selection of bars. The signature eatery is the East-West fusion TAO, which has sea views and is consistently excellent. Cariblue Windows comes alive at night, with a more refined offering and a wine-paired tasting menu. Cariblue serves buffet-style breakfasts and lunches, and a rotating international dinner menu. For smoothies, guilt-free treats, salads and bento boxes, head to the Wellness Cafe. Or try the Pavilion Grill for grilled favourites infused with Caribbean flair. I-TAL is an organic farm-to-table experience for just 12 people, offering plant-based cuisine inspired by the Rastafarian philosophy of health and vitality. The Piano Bar is the spot to seek out for late nights.
By day, try the BodyHoliday’s extensive programme of classes and activities — including training with Olympic athletes — which reflect its core philosophy. Instructors are known as BodyGuards, and will guide you through spin, beach workouts and beach volleyball, t’ai chi or conditioning classes. There’s also aerial or paddle board yoga, pickle ball, golf, water sports and kayaking.
At the heart of the resort is its award-winning Wellness Centre, perched above the bay with 33 treatment rooms and Saint Lucia’s only Ayurvedic temple. Try a shirodhara treatment to ease stress, anxiety or insomnia. It’s also home to a gym and fitness studio with classes from 7am to 7pm daily, a thalassotherapy pool and an outdoor pool to complement the resort’s other two. A Skin Clinic offers a range of supercharged facials.
Do make time to leave the resort to hike the iconic Pitons, visit the world’s only drive-in volcano, or rejuvenate in the sulphur-rich mud baths. BodyHoliday is for everyone, from families to solo travellers and retired activity lovers. You don’t need to be super-fit or health-conscious — its relaxed Caribbean style welcomes all.
BodyHoliday is £565 per night based on a garden-view twin room for two guests. Stays are on an all-inclusive basis including a daily spa treatment, bodyholiday.com
