Health & Wellness in the Caribbean

/in , , , /by Lisa Mousley, The Caribbean Dream Queen

With all this talk of burnout at the minute, why not treat your mind and body to a well deserved break at a health and wellness holiday in the Caribbean

A Health and Wellness break could be just what you need to recover and rebalance your emotional health as well as improve your physical wellbeing. A Wellness Holiday is great for both your mind and your body and will help you regenerate in lots of ways.

De-Stress in the Caribbean to Avoid Burnout

In the current climate, everyday issues such as rising costs, work issues, anxiety, family worries etc can cause stress. Why not get away from everything for a while and recharge your batteries. Activities such as spa treatments, pamper treatments, yoga and pilates classes will all help you relax, unwind and de-stress as well as helping avoid burnout.

When in the Caribbean,  a lot of these activities can be undertaken outside in the open air with the sounds of nature surrounding you. For example check out the Pilates Classes at Carlisle Bay – Pilates at Carlisle Bay

Improve Fitness Levels in the Caribbean

Whilst you may have taken the time during the last couple of years to get in some walking or running, many of us have done a lot less exercise, eaten more and drank more. With the gyms being closed during the pandemic and many people working from home, we have been a lot less active generally.
For that reason, you may want to shed a few pounds and improve your fitness levels slightly. One advantage to taking  a Wellness Holiday can be to help improve your fitness. A lot of the hotels in the Caribbean offer state of the art gym equipment. There are many different exercise classes to suit all tastes and levels. Also excellent instructors and other like-minded people help to motivate you along the way. Improving your fitness doesn’t have to be a chore. You can do it in wonderful surroundings and have fun along the way.

Yoga class in the Caribbean

Wellness Activities in the Caribbean

Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or attending aerobics classes. If that isn’t your thing how about trying a spot of paddle-boarding, hiking through the jungle, cycling,  kayaking, tennis or golf? There are so many activities available to you in the Caribbean. We all need some adventure in our life again. You can challenge yourself mentally and physically in perfect surroundings in the Caribbean.

Lisa Mousley cycling in St Lucia, in Health & Wellness in the Caribbean Blog

Lisa Mousley cycling in Saint Lucia

So, why not avoid burnout and put your body and mind first for a change, relax and recuperate in luxurious surroundings and book a well-deserved Wellness Holiday to the Caribbean.
Visit the Health and Wellness Holidays page on our website for more information – https://www.caribbeanboutique.co.uk/health-and-wellness-holidays-to-the-caribbean/

Written by Lisa Mousley, Caribbean Boutique Luxury Holidays

01706 507175

lisa@caribbeanboutique.co.uk

Saint Lucia Adventure & Activity Fam Trip

/in , /by Lisa Mousley, The Caribbean Dream Queen

I have just returned from an amazing trip to Saint Lucia, organised by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. The main purpose of the trip was for them to showcase a lot of the activities on offer on this beautiful island – and there are a lot!

 

We were on the island for a week and managed to cram in lots of activities as well as visiting 18 beautiful hotels. I will write about the hotels separately, for this blog I am just going discuss the activities.

 

Helicopter Transfer From Hewanorra Airport, Saint Lucia

The first exciting activity was on arrival at Hewanorra Airport. You can choose to transfer to your hotel by helicopter (currently approx. £150 each way) and this avoids the hour and a half windy road transfer to the north of the island. It is an amazing experience and if you wish to see video footage from the helicopter visit our Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/CaribbeanBoutique/

 

 

SEGWAY TOUR ON SAINT LUCIA

On our first day we visited several hotels but then in the afternoon we were all treated to a fabulous Segway Tour. None of us had done this before and we were all a little nervous. However, after a quick lesson and a few minutes practicing in the compound, we all quickly gained confidence and set off on our tour. The guides looked after us well and kept an eye on those who were a bit nervous. They also gave us the opportunity to go a bit faster if we wished. We stopped off at view points and places of interest and they gave us some interesting facts about the island, its history and some of the flora and fauna.

Lisa on a segway

We finished our tour at Marie’s Bar where we all enjoyed one of her famous rum punches or a Piton Beer. This was a fabulous activity and I would definitely do it again.

As the Segway tour finished in the centre of Rodney Bay, myself and my colleague decided to stay on for a while and wander around the town. There is a shopping mall, some nice restaurants and of course many bars where we had to try another rum and coke before wandering back to our hotel.

Marie’s Bar

 

Day two included more hotel inspections and a lovely hosted lunch at beautiful Cap Maison. (Watch out for the blog on this hotel coming soon!).  After lunch we enjoyed a guided walk on Pigeon Island. The guide gave us a brief history of the island, which is actually no longer an island as it has been joined to the mainland by a man made causeway. The path got a little steep towards the end but the views from the top were amazing!

 

MARIGOT BAY RIDGE CLIMB, SAINT LUCIA

View from Marigot Bay Beach Climb

Climbing Marigot Bay Ridge

 

By day three we were staying at Marigot Bay Resort & Marina. Opposite the hotel is quite a high hill where we would be undertaking the ‘Marigot Bay Ridge Climb’. We were warned that this was quite steep and strenuous and they were not wrong! At one point we were pulling ourselves up by rope! However, we got a great sense of achievement at the top and the views of the bay below were breathtaking and well worth the climb.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our other ‘activity’ for day three was a visit to Castries Market. This is a fabulous experience and a great place to interact with the locals and purchase your souvenirs, gifts, T-shirts etc.

 

SULPHUR SPRINGS AND MUD BATH, SOUFRIERE

Day four started with a site inspection of Ti Kaye Resort where we were given some time to sample the snorkeling on the beach. It was an amazing experience with so many different types of fish. It was like being in a live version of ‘Finding Nemo’.

In the afternoon we were taken to the famous Sulphur Springs and mud bath. The smell wasn’t particularly pleasant but we all put our swimming costumes and got into the mud pool. We covered ourselves in the mud and then once dry, rinsed it off in the warm water. My skin felt lovely and soft after this treatment.

Sulphur Springs Mud Bath

 

BIRD WATCHING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE RAINFOREST

A very early start on day five, to walk along the beach from Anse Chastanet and into the rainforest for a spot of bird watching. The guide was very passionate and knowledgeable about his subject and we enjoyed a lovely morning walk at the same time!

After breakfast we were then taken to Emerald Estate Farm where they grow products for use at Anse Chastanet. You can have a tour of the farm and smell and taste samples of the herbs, fruit and vegetables grown there.

Later that morning we were back into the rainforest for a bit of mountain biking. This was great fun, not too strenuous (though there were other, more strenuous routes if you wanted).  The guides took great care of us whilst pointing out interesting plants & birds in the rainforest.

After lunch we then had a bit of beach time and another chance to do some snorkeling. This is one of the best places on the island for snorkelling and diving.

Phew! This has been a busy, action packed day but great fun!

 

‘BEAN TO BAR’ EXPERIENCE, HOTEL CHOCOLAT

Day six saw us visiting Boucan by Hotel Chocolat where we sampled the ‘Bean to Bar Experience’. ie we made our own bar of Hotel Chocolat, starting by crushing the beans and stirring them to a paste (phew, this took quite a while), then adding the other ingredients, stirring again then putting to set for half an hour. The hardest part, though was, once it was set, eating the chocolate before it melted in the heat!

 

 

TET PAUL NATURE TRAIL, SAINT LUCIA

After lunch at Ladera (another fabulous hotel with fantastic views of the Pitons), we took a hike on the Tet Paul Nature Trail. A fabulous guided walk with fantastic view points to have your photo taken with the back drop of one of the Pitons.

Piton View

Piton View

 

 

ZIP-LINING THROUGH THE RAINFOREST

Our last morning was one of the best activities – zip-lining through the treetops! This was very nerve racking at first, having to step off the high platforms onto nothing, but once you got used to it, it was very exhilarating. The last ride gave us a fabulous view of the pitons from the wire.

 

 

That afternoon, we finally got some leisure time on the beach at our final hotel – Sugar Beach.

All of these activities were amazing and great to have a go, but actually, what could be better than lying on a padded sunbed, on a soft white sand beach with a view of a Piton either side of you. The warm sea lapping at your feet and a Piton Beer in your hand!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch out for future blogs on some of the fantastic hotels which we stayed in and visited on our tour.

This blog has been written by Lisa Mousley of Caribbean & Exotic Boutique Luxury Holidays. Lisa is a Caribbean specialist and has visited the area many times.

If you would like more information on holidays to Saint Lucia contact us on 01706 507175 or email lisa@caribbeanboutique.co.uk

Visit our Saint Lucia page for more information on the island and the many hotels there – https://www.caribbeanboutique.co.uk/caribbean-destinations/st-lucia/

 

 

 

Jamaica. The moments will take your breath away.

/in , /by Lisa Mousley, The Caribbean Dream Queen

Jamaica has an amazing holiday in store for every visitor. With an array of resorts and hotels for every budget, hundreds of pristine beaches and a vibrant and cosmopolitan culture there is something for everyone. Adventure’s a-plenty too, from picturesque cruises and action-packed days out for the family to reggae tours and horse riding into the Caribbean Sea. One thing’s for sure, you won’t get bored! Sound good? Let me tell you more…

 

 

JAMAICA FOR FAMILIES

 

If you think a small island can’t pack a punch, you’ve not been to Jamaica. Its playful spirit, stunning landscapes and fascinating history will be an incredible experience for the entire family. Adventure’s at every turn for both adults and kids; zip lining through the rainforest, taking a bob-sled through the mountains – https://www.rainforestadventure.com/pages/mystic-mountain and climbing waterfalls – are just a few adventures that will thrill and delight. Whether you prefer to mix adventure with relaxing by the pool or want to pack in as much as you can, there’s enough to keep you and the family happily entertained.

 

JAMAICA FOR ADVENTURE

Every day is an adventure in Jamaica. In fact, take to the beach and the snorkelling is out of this world. I recommend visiting Negril and its seven-mile white sandy beach, the perfect spot for snorkelling. If you’re feeling brave, take a jump off of the surrounding cliffs among the coves – otherwise admiring their sheer beauty is just as rewarding.

There’s plenty of other excursions to try too; jungle river tubing, bamboo rafting and catamaran cruises. And of course, no visit to Jamaica would be complete without a reggae tour to really get under the skin of the coolest island in the Caribbean! If you’re the exploring type, try to see and do as much as you can, it’ll give you the chance to explore Jamaica’s beautiful scenery and meet the friendly locals as you go.

 

JAMAICA FOR ROMANCE

 

Jamaica is a haven for those with romance in their soul – after all – it is the island of ‘one love’.  If you pop the question over a romantic dinner on the buzzing hip strip of Montego Bay I guarantee the apple of your eye will find it hard to say no!

Getting married on the beach with the soft Jamaican breeze in your hair will be an unforgettable experience. So many beautiful resorts across the island have expert wedding planners to make your special day a dream come true.

For those seeking seclusion and romance, the south coast is the place to go. I recommend a boat tour along Jamaica’s longest navigable river for a unique honeymoon experience – https://www.jamaicarafting.com/. Look closely and you’ll have the pleasure of seeing snakes, lizards, frogs, iguana and even crocodiles. And for supper afterwards, head to ‘Little Ochie’ and try their freshly cooked fish – you won’t be disappointed!

And of course, when in Jamaica, it’s all about rum. My favourite rum distillery is called Appleton Rum Estate – http://www.appletonestate.com/– the perfect end to a day with your loved one.

 

JAMAICA FOR CULTURE

 

Although soaking up the incredible scenery, food and activities available is always on the top of our lists when taking our holiday, a destination like Jamaica has an incredible culture that just can’t be missed. Take advantage of their ‘Meet the People’ experience; it gives you the chance to feel like a local and get to know the sights, sounds and flavours of the island better than you otherwise would. It doesn’t stop there either – you’ll be matched with a like-minded Ambassador, based on your hobbies and interests. Some stay friends for years and years afterwards!

 

JAMAICA FOR ALL-INCLUSIVE HOLIDAYS

 

It goes without saying that Jamaica has incredible resorts, offering great value for money all-inclusive packages to match every budget? If you’re looking for sun, sea, sand, unbeatable service and a real sense of place, Jamaica won’t let you down. Make sure you try their signature dishes jerk chicken, curried goat and ackee & saltfish, washed down with a delicious rum punch. My mouth is watering just at the thought of it!

 

Your author, Lisa Mousley has visited Jamaica many times.

If you’d like to find out more about Jamaica, contact us today – 01706 507175 or email info@caribbeanboutique.co.uk

Visit our website – https://www.caribbeanboutique.co.uk/caribbean-destinations/jamaica-holidays/

 

Punta Espada Golf Course

Golfing in The Caribbean

/in , , /by Lisa Mousley, The Caribbean Dream Queen

I am not a golfer myself but I do know that golf is an important element to many peoples luxury Caribbean holiday. There are many fantastic courses and I would definitely recommend golfing in the Caribbean either as a complement to your holiday or as the main focus if golf is your thing! Read on for more information about the best Caribbean golfing holidays!

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