Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa Review: Ocean Plunge Pools and Weekend Block Parties

Instead of following the crowd to the hotspots we’re all fascinated by, try one of the Caribbean’s trendiest islands.

I’m glad I did.

My journey to Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa was one I will never forget.

While some of the aesthetics felt dated, don’t let the legendary walls fool you: this is a completely modern resort that accommodates guests at a moment’s notice, whether it’s your own personal concierge happy to assist with daily activities or late-night room service delivered at a moment’s notice.

In fact, this is the first resort I’ve called home where AI plays a role in your itinerary. Guests are encouraged to start their day with the wisdom of DeepakChopra.ai.

And I thought I had my Waze Snoop Dogg’s voice was next level technology…

Secrets have defeated me!

Tuning into their theme of ‘Time Here Is Worth More’, through guided meditations and insightful teachings on the Hyatt Inclusive Collection app – a must for navigating Secrets’ extensive selection of on-site restaurants and pools – this is just one of the many ways to relax in luxury in this secluded oasis without a single crowd in sight.

One thing you definitely don’t have to do? Screaming children!

This all-inclusive escape is one for adults only sanctuary where you can enjoy swim-up bars, breezy beach cabanas, and my favorite spot of all: the top floor Preferred club swimming pool, with unparalleled views and ultimate privacy.

A room to die for

Let’s face it, we live in a world of whiners hiding behind their screens, or behind the enchantment of local rum-inspired cocktails to enjoy at one of Secrets St. Lucia’s many bars. I came across a few complaints from other guests that I couldn’t disagree with more.

A guest I chatted with was celebrating her honeymoon and compared her room to a Motel 6. Now I have to admit, as I said before, that some aesthetics don’t meet the standards of four-star luxury – but a Motel 6? Real?

Secrets meant a lot more to me than “leaving the lights on,” and I’m almost certain that no budget chain offers oceanfront plunge pools just steps away from crashing waves and fiery skies at sunset.

A quick check-in immediately activated “vacation mode” as soon as I stepped into my room, even after a long red-eye flight.

When I heard the waves, saw the palm trees swaying and the vast open sea, I knew that the ‘welcome home’ message from the reception staff was more than a written line and that they really meant it.

The bathroom was spacious, especially the rain shower, and the bed was heavenly to say the least for a good night’s sleep – and no, that’s not just because I enjoyed a sip or two… or three or four… of the complimentary bottle of rum.

But the biggest surprise was when I opened the back door to a cozy patio with a two-top table and realized I had been upgraded private oceanfront plunge pool I can use any time of my choosing.

Needless to say, I spent as much relaxing time as I could with a cold Piton beer from the always stocked mini fridge, enjoying both the tranquility of mornings without people and ending the day with sunsets and moonlight so vivid it looked staged.

Don’t tell security I went for a few midnight swims in the bay. It certainly is not nice and you certainly shouldn’t do it 😉…

The Friday evening block party was lit!

How many foam parties can you really participate in?

If, like me, you go a little crazy when you stay in one place for too long, then Secrets St. Lucia is the ideal place to get out and explore with excursions on offer to both cultural sights and bucket-list wonders.

Every Friday evening in Castries, the capital of St. Lucia, there is a block party that welcomes hundreds, if not thousands, of locals and tourists ranging from Missy Elliott to Buju Banton.

If you stay at Secrets St. Lucia, the block party (or what the locals call “street party“) is a far cry from the blissful tranquility of the resort, and this will be the biggest crowd you’ll have to deal with as you inevitably weave through hordes of people, including a few shady characters, assuming you’re visiting for the wrong reasons.

The narrow streets are lined with makeshift bars and hole-in-the-wall vendors who fire up the grill for every cut of meat imaginable and serve up spicy rum concoctions, from what I’m told it’s called “The Babymaker”.

I’m proud to say that the drink doesn’t live up to its name, but it’s definitely worth saying you did.

Just know that the taxis booked through the resort are breathtaking $120 return (per trip, not per passenger) as the driver lingers the entire time.

If you do not share the bill, you are advised to arrange alternative transportation for the approximately 20-minute journey.

Visit The Otherworldly Pitons & A Hidden Cove Where Oprah Vacations

A trip to St. Lucia without witnessing the Pitons is like visiting Mexico City without eating at a taco stand.

Fortunately, a boat trip can pick you up directly from the bay. However, due to the strong currents we had to arrange a trip to Castries to jump aboard.

Benny’s boats took us straight to The Pitons, the most striking natural attraction this side of the Caribbean, along with lesser known black sand beaches.

Rising dramatically from the coast, the famous Pitons are St. Lucia’s iconic twin volcanic peaks and a designated site UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you ask me, yes, it was great to see, but the real star of the tour was the islet Marigot Baywhere one percent like Bill Gates and Oprah go on vacation to escape us farmers.

If you love coconuts like me, this is the ultimate hideaway for authentic Caribbean vibes.

Rum-filled bars are found in dilapidated shacks, and fresh coconuts serve as the only crockery – and that’s all you need as you wade through the calm waters in the astonishing natural landscape of jungle-covered hills and must-see yachts and million-dollar homes.

Surprise, surprise: is St. Lucia the ‘Nashville’ of the Caribbean?

With almost 40 countries under my belt, it takes a lot for me to be literally shocked by what I discover in any given destination.

No, it wasn’t the sensational cuisine that was surprisingly delicious (be sure to include the Ribeye Grill by the sea and the Lamb Morgan’s pier) or the expertly tailored massage that left me feeling like I was walking away Secrets Spa like Benjamin Button.

It was the island’s whole love of country music that blew me away. This unexpected cultural twist was supported by our boat captain who unashamedly said, “All you need in St. Lucia is country music and rum.”

Whether it was taxi drivers blaring twangy hits from yesteryear, or boat cruisers singing along Brooks & DunnOr actual concerts at the resort, it’s safe to say Bob Marley and his 47 sons have been replaced by Tennessee’s finest.

We’re not talking karaoke hour, or even karaoke-level talent; this guy could be belting out tunes with Nashville’s best on Secrets’ Thursday night show.

Playing hits like Chattahoochiethe resort’s dance floor quickly turned into an improvised honky-tonk for a boot scootin’ boogie, with not only American guests knowing the lyrics.

St. Lucia is not only one of the most sought-after island destinations in the Caribbean right now, which is why it is being hyped Conde Nast Recently I’ve been calling it the “Nashville” of the Caribbean.

All in all, I had a phenomenal time staying at Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa and enjoyed exploring the island, and I believe you will too!

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.