One luxury honeymoon filled with 9 days of romance, adventure and pure bliss.

Aside from the wedding itself, I spent my entire life dreaming about my honeymoon. I knew it had to be absolutely perfect, so I spent months meticulously planning where we should go. I finally came to the conclusion that St. Lucia was the ultimate choice; it had everything imaginable, from lush jungle mountains and pristine beaches to horseback riding, world-class snorkeling, and even a drive-in volcano with mineral mud baths. We decided to go all-out for our luxury St. Lucia honeymoon itinerary, choosing the one island that truly has it all in one place.

Once my heart was set on St. Lucia, I knew I had to start saving—not because it’s impossible to visit on a budget, but because we wanted the ultimate luxury experience. I wanted to see and do almost everything the island had to offer. While my travels are usually focused on finding the best deals, this was the one exception. After all, you only get married once, right?

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• Day 1: Arrival & Stonefield Villa Resort
• Day 2: Ladera Resort
• Day 3: Pitons, Volcano, Mud Baths & Botanical Gardens
• Day 4: Sugar Beach & Anse Chastanet Beach
• Day 5: Horseback Riding & Southern Beaches
• Day 6: Private Boat & Gros Islet Street Party
• Day 7: Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences
• Day 8: Labrelotte Bay Beach & Treasure Bay Casino (Rodney Bay)
• Day 9: Final Farewell

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The Pre-Island Kickoff

Immediately following the wedding, we knew we wanted to start our honeymoon adventure without a moment’s delay. We took Raffi’s Limousine straight to the Hilton Boston Logan Airport, which was the easiest choice since it’s located right on the airport grounds. We spent about $300 for a cozy King room, and while it was the perfect spot to crash, we only managed a few hours of sleep after the wedding festivities!

By the time our 6:00 a.m. flight rolled around, we were exhausted but excited. We took a quick, 10-minute Uber over to the terminal to begin our journey. Our flights were booked through Booking.com, and our roundtrip tickets on JetBlue came to about $1,600 total for both of us. The flight from Boston to St. Lucia took approximately 9 hours, including a smooth 1 hour and 40-minute layover in Miami. The service was great, and before we knew it, we were touching down in the Caribbean!

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Day 1: Arrival & The Stonefield Mix-Up

We touched down in St. Lucia ready for the luxury experience of a lifetime, but our first night at Stonefield Villa Resort was more of a nightmare than a honeymoon dream. Even though the grounds themselves were undeniably beautiful, everything else about our stay was a disaster. Despite booking the most expensive Piton/ocean-view villa (over a year in advance), we arrived to find ourselves in a tiny villa tucked right in the middle of the resort with zero privacy. For approximately $700/night, this was unacceptable.

Our villa was situated directly under the restaurant, where people on the main path could see right into our kitchen and outdoor area—including our “private” pool. In addition, people were walking right by our outdoor shower—you could hear people talking on the other side of the wall!

This was a massive blow because one of our main focuses for the honeymoon was finding a spot with total seclusion. We wanted to be able to walk around our villa or jump in the pool without a bathing suit on—let’s be real, that’s what most people want on their honeymoon!

To make matters worse, the room wasn’t clean, and there wasn’t a single “Happy Honeymoon” touch in sight—a far cry from the romantic photos they portray online. After management refused to upgrade us, even when we offered to pay more, I knew we couldn’t stay and needed to book at another resort. For all the nitty-gritty details on this experience, you can read my full Google review here.

✨ Know Your Worth: If you arrive at a resort and it isn’t what you paid for, speak up. We stood our ground, secured a full refund, and decided right then and there that we weren’t going to let a bad management decision ruin our trip.

We spent our one and only night there swimming in our (not-so-private) pool, but we spent the whole time counting down the minutes until we could leave. By the next morning, we were packed and ready for the 10-minute drive to a resort that actually understood the meaning of “luxury”.

Peace out, Stonefield!

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Day 2: The Ultimate Resort Rescue at Ladera

My husband and I were more than ready for a fresh start and ended up booking with Ladera Resort. This place delivered from the very beginning. They sent a private driver to collect us, who was incredibly kind and attentive. When he realized we hadn’t eaten and were absolutely starving, he asked where we’d like to go. We told him we love finding “hole-in-the-wall” places for authentic local food. Without hesitation, he knew the perfect spot just minutes away: Fedos, a beloved local eatery in Soufrière.

It was the ideal introduction to true St. Lucian hospitality. The driver even joined us for a traditional meal consisting of a fried whole fish topped with onions and sauce, served over a bed of seasoned rice and peas. The plate was packed with local favorites, including stewed lentils, chow mein noodles, and a creamy potato salad. It also featured ground provisions like boiled yam or dasheen and a side of steamed vegetables—it was exactly the hearty meal we needed to recharge!

After that amazing meal, we arrived at Ladera, ready to be fully pampered. From the moment we stepped out of the vehicle, the service was impeccable. While the Petite Piton Suite was a splurge at approximately $850 per night, every penny was justified by the experience that followed. I also want to note that Ladera is within a gated community and extremely secure – unlike Stonefield Villa Resort (where anyone could walk right up to your villa!).

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a complimentary signature non-alcoholic mocktail and a cold, wet spearmint towel. Since our suite wasn’t quite ready, we headed to the common area to soak in those world-famous views pictured above.

When it was time to check-in, the staff walked us through every detail of our room and ensured that we wouldn’t have to lift a finger for the rest of our stay. They even gave us a cellphone to use for the duration of our stay in case we needed to contact the front desk for any reason. Everything was perfect!

*tears of joy*

The Iconic “Three-Wall” Concept

The room was an architectural dream. Ladera is famous for its “open-air” concept, meaning the west side of our suite was completely open to the elements—no wall! This gave us an unobstructed, breathtaking view of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea right from our private plunge pool, all the way to our bed.

• Total Privacy: Unlike our previous experience, this suite offered ultimate seclusion. We couldn’t hear or see anyone else, making it the romantic sanctuary we had been dreaming of.
• The Private Pool: Our suite featured a beautiful private plunge pool. It was the perfect place to spend the day with a drink in hand, finally unwinding from the stress of the day before.
• The Bed: To keep things cozy and bug-free, the four-poster king bed was draped in a romantic mosquito netting. The resort also uses specific warm, yellow-toned lighting designed to keep the island’s “wildlife” from wandering into your living space.

Luxurious In-Room Amenities

Ladera really thinks of everything to keep you comfortable. In addition to our Honeymoon gift (bottle of champagne), the room was stocked with:

• Fresh local fruits and coffee.
• Chilled water and a mini-fridge.
• A “Ladera Kit” in the room which includes bug spray, Citronella candles, and even soothing lotion for those inevitable Caribbean sunburns.

An Intimate Evening

Still feeling the exhaustion from our wedding and travel, we decided to skip the dining room and opt for the ultimate luxury: room service in our bathrobes. We ordered from the resort’s award-winning, farm-to-table Dasheene Restaurant. Eating a perfectly cooked steak while watching the stars over the mountains was the most intimate, relaxing way to end our day.

Around 1:00 a.m., we both woke up to the peaceful sound of tropical rain hitting the lush greenery outside our open-air suite. We thought it was the perfect opportunity to jump into our private plunge pool. It felt like something out of a romantic movie—we just sat there in the water, listening to the rainfall and watching the dark shadows of the Pitons under the moonlight. It was such a beautiful, serene experience and felt like a sign that we were exactly where we were meant to be.

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Day 3: Mud Baths, Pitons, Botanical Gardens & More!

We naturally woke up around 5:30 a.m., still adjusting but eager for the day. Watching the sunrise from our open-air bed—with the moon still in the sky against the pastel colors of the rising sun and the Pitons silhouetted below—was a memory we’ll never forget.

Exploring Ladera’s Lush Grounds

We decided to make the most of the early morning by exploring Ladera’s beautifully maintained property. It is essentially a botanical garden in itself! As we walked the paths, we found countless spots for stunning photos, all with the dramatic background of the Piton mountains.

Our self-guided tour included:

• The Gardens & Trails: Wandering through the super plateau trail, greenhouse, and fruit groves where we saw pineapples and soursop growing.
• The Amenities: Spotting the yoga on the green, the game room, an outdoor and indoor workout station.
• The Treehouse: Finding a charming treehouse that you can walk up. At the top, they cleverly had a dispenser with refreshing, cold water—exactly what we needed as the morning heated up!

Breakfast & Meeting Our Guide

For breakfast, we fueled up at Ladera’s Dasheene Restaurant. We had a fantastic meal of Eggs Benedict, fresh coffee, and, of course, Mimosas and Bloody Marys to toast the day.

After breakfast, we wanted to explore the island, so we reached out to Sherno’s Taxi & Touring Service via WhatsApp. I had originally found them through a local Facebook group where they came highly recommended by other travelers. I messaged Sherno and he set us up with John, who ended up being our personal driver for the rest of the trip. Their contact card is below:

🚗Pro-Tip: Hire a Private Driver! At the time, I believe it was $10 per person each way. Having a dedicated driver for the day is worth every penny in St. Lucia. The roads are narrow, mountainous, and extremely windy. Hiring a driver ensures you are safe, can enjoy a few drinks, and don’t have to navigate! Plus, a good driver knows the area intimately. John was phenomenal—knowledgeable, funny, and personable—and acted as our private photographer. Because he was so great, we paid him $80-$100 each day for his service, and it was the best investment of the trip.

The Grand Tour: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, and the Sea

Our tour began at the famous Sulphur Springs in Soufrière for the volcanic mud bath. It was a messy, hilarious, and rejuvenating experience (and John got great photos of us!).

Next, John took us for a dip at Piton Falls, a true “local” gem tucked away in the forest. While many tourists flock to the larger, colder falls, John knew this was the spot for a more secluded and authentic experience. It required a short, lush hike through the woods to reach the pools, but at only about $3 USD per person, it was worth every step.

Unlike most waterfalls that leave you shivering, Piton Falls is fed by a natural warm spring. The water was a perfect lukewarm temperature, dropping about 30 feet into three mineral pools where we could just sit and soak. It truly felt like our own private jungle escape.

We then took some time to explore the charming town of Soufrière. We wandered past vendors selling local rum, trinkets, and Piton Beer—which we had to try right on the street!

Next up was the Diamond Botanical Gardens & Waterfall, where we saw the stunning mineral-stained falls. This is also where we stopped for a delicious lunch of local curry goat and authentic St. Lucian sides.

To top off an already perfect day, John arranged for a private boat to pick us up so we could see the famous Piton Mountains from the water. We were greeted by Captain Desmond and his co-captain, Kane, who are both friends of John. They made the experience even better by having a cooler on board stocked with free water and cold Piton beers for us to enjoy. Seeing the Pitons towering over the water from our own boat, with a cold drink in hand, was a truly unforgettable experience—and since we loved the vibe so much, we continued to use them for our boat trips throughout the rest of our vacation ($80/trip).

An Intimate Evening & The Best Grilled Cheese Ever

After a full day in the sun, we were exhausted and knew exactly how we wanted to end the night: secluded in our private suite. We ordered room service from Ladera’s Dasheene Restaurant in our bathrobes and enjoyed a romantic evening to ourselves.

My husband ordered what we now officially call The Best Grilled Cheese in the World. Ladera’s grilled cheese comes with their signature Calypso Dip, and my husband was so obsessed he ordered it five more times during the trip! If you visit, you must try it. Here is the menu so you can see what else they have to offer!

We also ordered a flatbread pizza, pasta, and cheeseburger…because we were starving! The staff was incredible—they made the grilled cheese for my husband even though it was only listed on the lunch menu. They even brewed me a fresh pot of soursop tea, made with leaves picked right from the trees on the property (after I made a comment to my husband stating I was feeling ill from too much sun!). It was delicious and truly comforting.

After a wonderful meal, we ended our perfect day with one last swim in our private plunge pool before getting some much-needed sleep 😴

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Day 4: Beach Hopping—Sugar Beach vs. The Black Sands of Anse Chastanet

We woke up at 6:00 a.m., likely thanks to the “three-wall” design of our suite letting in that early morning island sun. We weren’t complaining, though—it just meant more time to get out and explore.

Lazy Mornings & Room Service

We started the day with coffee and fresh fruit on our deck. One of the best perks of Ladera is that they offer room service at no additional charge. While the resort isn’t all-inclusive—meaning, you pay for your meals at checkout—they don’t tack on a delivery fee for bringing breakfast, lunch, or dinner directly to your door. It was the perfect way to have a slow, private morning before hitting the road.

The Glamour of Sugar Beach

John picked us up and headed straight for Sugar Beach. Sugar Beach is located on the southwestern coast of St. Lucia, uniquely nestled in the valley directly between the majestic Petit Piton and Gros Piton. This magical destination is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering some of the most iconic views and snorkeling spots on the entire island.

Because Sugar Beach is part of a high-end resort, they do charge for access if you aren’t a guest. Typically, they charge $50 USD per person for a day pass, but that usually includes a voucher of the same value to spend on food and drinks at the beach bar.

We spent about two hours there tanning and enjoying a few drinks. The water is beautiful, though I’ll warn you it can get a bit rocky in certain spots, so keep an eye out while you’re swimming! My husband and I were sure to pack our water shoes, so we were well prepared for a day at the beach!

Anse Chastanet: The Black Sand Beauty

Next, we met up with Kane and his boat again for an $80 trip over to the famous Anse Chastanet. This is the iconic black sand beach you’ve likely seen in photos—it’s tucked away and most easily reached by boat.

The sand here is stunning, but because it’s volcanic black sand, it gets unbelievably hot. You cannot walk on it barefoot for long! We pretty much lived in our water shoes the entire time. Also, our boat captain had kindly provided us with snorkeling gear for free, but unfortunately, the waves were a bit too rough to head out.

For anyone visiting without their own equipment, the resort’s Water Sports Cabana near the jetty does rent out fins, masks, and snorkels for a small fee, though they are complimentary for hotel guests staying at Anse Chastanet Resort.

We spent four hours relaxing here. While the resort there rents out cabanas and chairs for about $20 each, we decided to skip the cost and found a perfect, free spot under a shady palm tree for our towels. We also grabbed lunch at the local beach burger bar—drinks were about $5 and a burger was $10, which my husband and I split while I read my book in the shade.

Winding Down

Kane picked us up right on time, and John was waiting at the pier to whisk us back to the seclusion of Ladera. After a long day of sun and salt (and a bit of a sunburn for my husband), we spent the rest of the evening in our private plunge pool. We did dinner in the room one last time, enjoying the quiet and the moonlight before calling it a night.

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Day 5: The Good, The Bad, & The Magical

After yesterday’s beach hopping, we were ready for some serious action on horseback. John dropped us off at Atlantic Shores Riding Stables on the Atlantic side of the island. We signed up for a 2-hour excursion (which cost around $180–$210 for both of us), and I will be totally unfiltered: we left feeling pretty bad about this one.

I’ll start with the pros: We spent about two hours riding through the beautiful countryside and plantation lands before heading down to the Atlantic beaches. The views were absolutely breathtaking! At one point, wild horses even emerged from the woods and began to run past us!

The major cons, however, were the horses. They did not look like they were in great shape (slow and one was limping), and we felt terrible for them. The guide was also quite rough with the animals, which was very uncomfortable to watch. Furthermore, he was incredibly strict—no alcohol was permitted at all on the excursion. While safety is important, the general vibe was just very tense. We stopped on the beach for some provided water and light bites, but we were ready for this tour to be over.

I also want to note that prior to booking this, we looked at the reviews on Trip Advisor, and the majority were actually positive. Had I looked at the few negative reviews, maybe I would have chosen to book elsewhere.

The “Local Guide” Factor: Why It Matters

One of the biggest lessons we learned on this trip is that your guide can truly make or break an excursion. There is a world of difference between a guide who is just going through the motions and people like Kane and John, who treated us like family and ensured every moment was magical.

While the scenery at the stables was beautiful, the energy of the guide and the condition of the animals felt off. When you’re spending your hard-earned vacation money, you want to support people who truly care about the island and their animals. Not here to bash anyone’s business, just giving you my unfiltered, honest truth.

Redemption: Curry Goat and Local Kindness

After our excursion, John picked us back up and drove us to the southernmost part of the island to Anse de Sables Beach (also known as Sandy Beach) in Vieux Fort. We grabbed lunch from one of the small food stands: Curry Goat—which was incredible—and, of course, some crisp, cold Piton beers. We spent a long time just relaxing and enjoying the view of the island’s tip.

And then, John just continued being the absolute best. As we drove back towards the resort, he even made a special stop at his own home, jumped out of the car, and picked fresh mangoes right off the tree for us to take back. This is the kind of hospitality you won’t find in a brochure. This is the authentic St. Lucia we wanted.

Sunset and Splurge: Dinner at Dasheene

After a much-needed shower back at the resort, we spent the night keeping it simple until dinner. We had made reservations at Dasheene, the incredible restaurant at Ladera Resort. It is famed for its stunning open-wall dining concept, and let me tell you, it completely lives up to the hype. We were treated to the most breathtaking view imaginable of both the Petit and Gros Piton mountains as the sun dipped. The service was excellent, and the food was fantastic—it was the perfect, magical way to cap off the day.

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Day 6: Breakfast in Bed & The Friday Night Jump Up

We started our final day in Soufrière slow—and I mean really slow. We treated ourselves to a beautiful breakfast in bed: local soursop tea, hearty egg and sausage omelettes, and two perfectly spicy Bloody Marys mixed with the daily fresh fruit juice. After fueling up, we spent the morning exactly how you should at a place like this—hanging out in our private plunge pool, snacking on some local rum cake, and just soaking in the views.

For a late lunch, we headed over to Dasheene (the main restaurant here at Ladera) to gear up for a big night ahead. We knew we needed a solid base because we were heading to the most famous event in St. Lucia: the Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party.

The North-Bound Sunset Cruise

Since we were staying in the southern part of the island, getting up north to Gros Islet can be a long, winding drive. To save time and keep the “magical” vibes going, John dropped us off at the pier where we met up with Captain Desmond and Kane. For another $80, they took us on a stunning sunset cruise all the way up the coast to the party. Arriving by boat is definitely the way to do it—the views of the coastline as the sun goes down are unbeatable.

The Gros Islet “Jump Up”

The street party is a total sensory overload in the best way possible. Every Friday, the streets of this small fishing village transform into a massive celebration filled with music, DJ tents, and plenty of bars and beer stalls.

Kane was a total legend and hung out with us the whole night, giving us the freedom to wander around as long as we wanted. We spent a few hours walking through the crowds, grabbing drinks at different beer tents, and just taking in the energy. For dinner, we hit the food stalls for some authentic Jerk Chicken—it was delicious, cheap, and exactly the kind of “unfiltered” street food experience we love.

We eventually caught the boat back around 9:30 or 10:00 PM, feeling that perfect mix of tired and happy. It was a great way to end ourt last night at Ladera—we slept like a rock!

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Final Thoughts on Soufrière: The Jungle Vibe

As we pack up to move to the Windjammer, I wanted to give my final, unfiltered take on Soufrière. We absolutely loved Ladera. If you are looking for a rugged, “jungle” feel where the resort is literally built into the side of a cliff, this is your answer.

You may have heard of Jade Mountain, which is famous for the same open-air concept and private infinity pools. Honestly? It is significantly more expensive ($1,500-$5,000/night!) than Ladera ($850/night), and in my opinion, Ladera was just as great. I would recommend staying here and saving that extra cash for excursions.

That being said, there are a few things you NEED to know about the open-air life:

• The Roommates: With only three walls, you will have bugs. We got bit a little bit, and even with the net over the bed, they find a way in. We even had a bat fly into the room! My husband yelled out while I was in the bathroom, and I’ve never run back to bed so fast in my life.
• The Humidity: It gets very humid at night. Without that fourth wall and traditional AC, you are at the mercy of the tropical air.
• The “Boiling” Pool: A weird quirk—the housekeepers came in every day and turned the heater on in our private pool. It was already so hot outside that we didn’t want to jump into boiling water! We eventually had to leave a note asking them to stop, so you might want to mention that at the front desk when you check-in.

Soufrière is a rugged, authentic experience compared to the North, which feels more modern, “ritzy,” and established. I don’t know if I’d do the open-air thing at this exact time of year again because of the heat, but if I did, I would 100% go back to Ladera. It was a one-of-a-kind experience!

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Day 7: Moving North to the Windjammer

After a romantic stay in Soufrière, it was time to head to the northern part of the island (Gros Islet) for a completely different vibe. We woke up early to soak in the Piton views one last time before checking out and heading to Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort.

The Transition: Soufrière to Gros Islet

• Check-out Time: Ladera Resort is 11:00 AM.
• The Drive: 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic through Castries.

Once we arrived at the Windjammer gate, a resort shuttle bus picked us up to take us down to the lobby for check-in. We were so lucky that family members staying in a villa graciously invited us to join them, allowing us to extend our honeymoon and hang out for a few extra days!

Unfiltered Review: The Windjammer Experience

If you’re looking to book a stay here, it is a much more modern resort feel compared to the rugged jungle of the south.

• Nightly Rates: For our readers planning their own trip, a villa at Windjammer typically starts around $450–$700 per night depending on the season and the size of the villa.
• All-Inclusive Package: Since our room was covered, we opted into the all-inclusive meal plan to keep things easy. Approximately $250 per person, per day. This covers all your meals and drinks (including top-shelf alcohol) at the resort restaurants. It also includes windsurfing and kayaking!

Sunsets, Swimming, and Karaoke

After unpacking in the villa, we headed straight to the beach to hang out with family. We spent the afternoon swimming, sipping drinks, and snacking on some great chicken wings.

Later, we headed back up to the villa—which, by the way, had its own private pool and an incredible view of the sunset! We spent some time just talking and relaxing before dinner, joined by a local cat who decided to hang out at our villa the entire time.

He was all white and very cute, so we nicknamed him Whitey Bulger. As a ‘fur mom’ myself, I couldn’t help but give him some attention. However, a quick word of advice for fellow travelers: just be careful when you’re petting stray cats, as you never know where they’ve been or if they might be carrying any diseases! 🐱

Dining at the Windjammer: The resort actually has five main restaurants and they are all included in the all-inclusive plan. Just make sure you call ahead (or go online) and put in your reservation before heading down!

1. Dragonfly (Caribbean/Seafood)
2. The Upper Deck (Steakhouse & Seafood)
3. Papa Don’s (Italian)
4. Jammers (Beachside casual)
5. Embers (Island BBQ)

We had a beautiful dinner, followed by a night of live music and karaoke. The wine was flowing, the service was top-notch, and the food was excellent. Eventually, we retreated back to our villa porch for more drinks by the private pool and a late-night swim before calling it a night. It was the perfect start to the “ritzy” side of our St. Lucia adventure! 🎤🍷🌴

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Day 8: Our Last Full Day

Our final full day at the Windjammer was all about soaking up every bit of the all-inclusive experience. We started our morning at Dragonfly, which is the main spot for breakfast at the resort. They really do go all out—it’s a mix of a massive buffet and an omelette station where they cook whatever you want right on the spot. And since we were still on vacation, we definitely took advantage of the breakfast cocktails like Mimosas and Bloody Marys.

After fueling up, we spent most of the day in the water. One of the coolest features at the Windjammer beach is their Aqua Hammocks—those bright yellow circular hammocks floating right in the ocean. They are the perfect spot to just lounge in the water with a drink in your hand, only steps away from the sand.

For lunch, we hit up Jammers, the beachside bar and grill, for some casual bites. Later in the afternoon, we ventured out to the nearby Baywalk Casino (Baywalk Shopping Mall) in Rodney Bay for a little change of pace before returning to the resort. We finished our last night with a family dinner at another one of the on-site restaurants, enjoying the live music and the relaxing ritzy atmosphere of the North one last time.

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Day 9: Heading Home

The next morning, it was time to say goodbye to St. Lucia. After breakfast and packing, we coordinated our departure to make sure we were at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) two hours before our 2:00 PM boarding time.

The travel day was smooth—we had a quick hour-long layover at JFK in New York before finally landing back home in Boston. It was an incredible honeymoon, filled with everything from rugged jungle adventures and wild horses to luxury villas and fresh mangoes ❤️

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The Ultimate St. Lucia Packing List

Clothing & Accessories

• Lightweight, quick-dry clothing: Essential for handling high humidity and sudden tropical rain showers.
• Daywear: Moisture-wicking t-shirts and swim trunks for him; sundresses or maxi dresses for her.
• Evening Wear: At least one pair of long trousers (linen or khakis) and a collared shirt for men, as many luxury dining rooms require closed-toe shoes and long pants.
• Swimwear: Bring 2–3 swimsuits.
• Intimates: Lingerie and massage oils to keep things romantic for a honeymoon or anniversary.
• Jewelry: Consider a silicone wedding band or cheap travel wedding band set to keep your originals safe at home.

Footwear

• Water Shoes: Necessary for the Sulphur Springs mud baths and rocky waterfall floors.
• Hiking Sneakers: Sturdy shoes with good grip are a must if you plan to hike Gros Piton.
• The Basics: Flip flops for the beach, dressy sandals for dinner, and standard sneakers.

Health & Protection

• Bug Spray: Picaridin-based spray (odorless and highly effective in the jungle).
• Sun Protection: Reef-safe sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF.
• Medicine Cabinet: Medications, aspirin, antacids, and aloe for potential sunburns.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, deodorant, moisturizer, makeup, hairbrush, and razor with shaving cream. I also got this organizer that hangs over the door!

Electronics & Gear

• The Tech Stack: Laptop (useful if your room doesn’t have a TV), camera, Kindle, and chargers for all electronics.
• Power: A universal power adapter.
• Travel Comfort: Noise-canceling headphones.
• Protection: A waterproof phone pouch, a dry bag for boat tours, and an anti-theft crossbody bag.
• Insulated Tumbler: Crucial for keeping drinks cold in the humidity and avoiding the “paper straw” issue common at resorts.
• Mr. & Mrs.: Luggage tags/passport holders, and keepsake jars (for collecting sand!).

Documents & Essentials

• Digital Arrival Card: Complete the mandatory electronic immigration form within 3 days prior to arrival.
• Identification: Passports/IDs and paper copies of all bookings.
• Money: Credit cards (alert your bank first!) and USD cash. Locals accept USD and can provide change in local currency.
• Marriage Certificate: A copy may be required to redeem honeymoon perks at various resorts.

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The Final Bill: St. Lucia Grand Total

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Travel & Pre-Trip	$1,960	$1,600 flights + $300 airport hotel + $60 airport food.
Ladera Resort Stay	$6,000	$5,100 for 6 nights ($850/night) + $900 for food/drinks at checkout.
Windjammer Stay	$1,000	Premium All-Inclusive package for two days.
Excursions & Fun	$656	Sugar Beach ($100) Horseback riding ($210), Casino ($100), Mud baths/Gardens/Waterfalls (~$100), Souvenirs ($60), Street Party ($60), and Piton Falls ($6).
Transport (John & Boats)	$700	$500 for local driving with John + $200 total for boat rides with Kane.
Extra Meals & Drinks	$140	Stonefield lunch ($60) + Food stands and beach drinks ($80).
TOTAL ESTIMATE	$10,456

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Final Take: Was it Worth the $10k?

At the end of the day, St. Lucia was the absolute number one spot for our honeymoon, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for that perfect blend of adventure and romance. It really fits all types of travelers because you can head south to Soufrière for that rugged jungle vibe or go north to Gros Islet for a more modern, established feel. While the flights and stays are definitely pricey, you don’t need to drop $5,000 a night at a place like Jade Mountain to have a world-class luxury vacation—Ladera was just as great for a fraction of that cost.

Would I go back tomorrow and drop another $10,000? Probably not, but you only get married once. I wanted the perfect honeymoon where we could experience every single thing imaginable, so I planned and saved specifically for this memorable trip. You could absolutely do St. Lucia for cheaper, but we chose to go all out. I would 100% stay at Ladera again because that experience was worth every penny. While this budget might not seem like a “deal” to everyone, for those seeking a luxury vibe without a $25,000 price tag, this is exactly how you do it.

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