World news takes its toll, so while looking for a Caribbean getaway the term “Serenity” caught my eye. I noticed that a new adults-only, all-inclusive luxury resort in the Eastern Caribbean island of St. Lucia had that very name.
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Two months later a driver awaited us at Hewanorra International airport and in five-minutes we were dropped off near the town of Vieux Fort at Serenity, a secluded luxury boutique extension of the existing Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa at the southeast coast of St. Lucia.
We settled into one of thirty-six private plunge-pool suites, each set discreetly behind gated courtyards amid lush tropical landscaping.
Our friendly butler (one of three who took shifts) offered us a concoction at our own outdoor bar, and helped us unpack.
Refreshed from an outdoor shower, I dozed off in our hammock — all this before I would have even arrived at most of the other top St. Lucian resorts, most of them more than an hour’s drive from the airport on winding roads.
Highlights of our journey to Serenity include a St. Lucian chocolate massage in our private courtyard; the splashing sound of the waterfall into our little pool; eating ice cream late at night watching a TV that rose and retreated at the end of our king mahogany bed; hibiscus petals floating atop my bubble bath in a soaking tub;
Our bar was stocked with my favorite red wine; a picnic lunch was delivered to our beach cabana, overlooking the waves; we watched the sun set from a catamaran. And just about every request was attempted with a smile.
We could always meet others at the bar or at cabanas around the pool — or not. There was an ease about the place that encouraged us to do exactly what we wanted.
We ate in our villa courtyard a few times, but mostly chose to overlo0k the main pool at the Greathouse. Food focused around local produce and re-imagined Caribbean classics, beautifully presented by a smiling staff that soon learned our names and our preferences.
One night we shared creole cuisine and sweet-potato pie with manager Mike Smith and 10 other guests, prepared by “Aunty Debbie” in a private dining room. Another evening we choose to dine in a private outdoor room right by the beach at the adjoining Coconut Bay resort, amid the moonlight and warm breezes.
When it was time to explore beautiful St. Lucia we passed on the resort’s all-day group tour, which included snorkeling and a float by the island’s two iconic Piton peaks.
Instead we toured with a car and driver, stopping to take photos at villages with mountain views whenever we wished; lingering at a lighthouse overlooking the south side of the island; touring the sulfur springs and therapeutic mud baths by the volcano; strolling in the flower-filled botanical gardens and stopping by a waterfall; and walking through the town of Soufrire.
Yes, this was an indulgent experience, but it all seemed right and easy, with abundant smiles and welcome thoughtfulness. The world seemed, at least for a while, to be gentle in every way.
For just a few days we left the stress of every day life. So yes, I found Serenity in St. Lucia. And I really hope I’ll be able to find it again.
