Review of Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa, St Lucia

By Leila Stocker

Wading through calm, crystal water, my eyes were suddenly drawn down to five points by my toes on the seabed. A perfect pentagon, I gasped as I gazed down at the stunning starfish, gently nestled in the sand. Also known as the sea star, these amazing creatures can live up to 35 years and as I found out later that day, this one had been resting in the same spot for the past few days.

I was standing on Reduit Beach, often named the best beach in St Lucia - a stretch of soft white sand, running along a natural cove, set against a lush mountainous backdrop.

My home for the short island sojourn was Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa, a colonial-style family-run resort, upmarket enough to feel luxurious, yet also small enough to have a boutique, personal feel.

The mid-sized hotel is situated off the bustling Rodney Bay Village, a regular stop for those searching for tax free goods and a bit of nightlife on the island. And the hotel often accommodates cruise ship day guests wanting to chill out, rather than shop when off the boat.

It has 78 rooms, set across six three-storey accommodation blocks, coloured in orange and lime green, all set around lush tropical gardens. We stayed in a sea-view suite overlooking the circular pool, with a generous balcony, huge lounge/kitchen with marina views and ginormous bathroom, replete with his and her sinks and a large bath – useful if travelling with young children, as we were.

The resort is especially family-friendly in fact. The Starfish kids club is run by a small team of outgoing local ladies, happy to amuse your little ones all day long. Francis was a massive hit with my two children. The club allows parents to savour some “me time” on the beach, pool or even a blissful massage at the spa. This zen-like space offers four treatment rooms, set away from buzz of the main pool.

We spent our days at Bay Gardens Beach Resort lazing in the hot tub or taking dips in the sea, usually with a cocktail in hand. From here we could also watch adventure seekers loving the Splash Island Water Park, the hotel’s over-the-ocean inflatable obstacle course just off the shore, plus water sports, such as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Hobie Cats, inflatable rides and water-skiing. A little more lowkey, our kids loved playing table football and table tennis on the beach.

The two open-air restaurants and bar are easily situated right behind the beach. The main restaurant, Hi Tide, serves substantial buffet breakfasts, with indulgences such as waffles, pancakes, French toast on offer and a mix of buffets and à la carte meals at dinnertime. The occasional themed buffet also is presented for lunch or dinner.

Food was hearty and wholesome – we particularly enjoyed the bespoke omelettes and extensive tropical fruit selection at breakfast – both treats we don’t usually have back home. A more elegant second restaurant, Sea Grapes, offers Caribbean fayre, for both lunch and dinner.

It could be said that the service runs somewhat on Caribbean-time, so can feel a little slow - guests should allow a good 30 mins from placing an order. We soon relaxed into the slower pace of life however, a welcome tonic from the stress of busy life in the UK.

The hotel is one of a family of hotels in the area also, which offer use of the other properties free of charge. Book the All-Inclusive Experience and you can enjoy one daily free spa treatment per day and access to their “Dine Around program” - meals at eight additional restaurants in Rodney Bay Village, unlimited complimentary passes to the water park plus other perks.

If you are looking for a friendly yet luxurious family resort in St Lucia, without the feel of a homogenized large, branded hotel and on a pristine beach, I’d say this is the perfect choice.

Double rooms from US$183 (£139) in low season; and from US$460 (£350) in high. Breakfast included, along with non-motorised water sports and sessions at the water park. Prices at time of publication

Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, Caribbean.

00 758 457 8006/8007

baygardensresorts.com

Leila Stocker         August 2022                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   All pictures courtesy of Bay Gardens Beach Resort