Arriving in Saint Lucia we deplaned quickly on the runway and fortunately customs was a breeze for us, but passengers on the JetBlue flight that landed immediately after us probably would disagree. If you're considering the Fast Track, it's really a toss up on whether or not it is worth it - you will probably just end up waiting on your bags instead of customs, but the agents were very nice and it was exceptionally fast. The majority of my group had a private driver waiting for them who was fantastic — friendly, patient, offered information about St Lucia on the ride and even stopped at a lookout viewpoint on the way. If you're visiting St Lucia and looking for a private transportation you can click here to book now with PHVTours. Blake and I rented a car to go tour some resorts and that is something I certainly discourage, and if you're going somewhere like Jade Mountain where arriving by helicopter is an option, I recommend it.

Our first night in Rodney Bay was all about convenience. The hotel, Bay Gardens Marina Harbor, wasn’t anything to write home about — definitely a basic three-star experience — but it did the job. It had A/C, breakfast was free and surprisingly decent, and there was someone walking around pouring coffee and clearing plates, which was a nice touch. Dinner was a buffet (not included), and while the bar was small, the premade rum punch did the trick. The pool was average, but clean. All in all, an acceptable overnight option before hitting the water.

Rodney Bay itself felt safe and had a casual charm. It’s one of the few places on the island I’d actually feel comfortable walking around solo. There’s a nice little strip of restaurants, and we grabbed a bite at SeaSalt — which turned out to be one of our best meals of the trip. If you’re looking for pizza, ice cream, or something easy before heading out on a charter, this is the spot.

Check-in at The Moorings was a smooth transition into charter life. Their staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. While they started the boat briefing early, the vessel itself wasn’t quite ready until noon. Some of our provisioning items were out of stock (lemons instead of limes, a few mix-ups on crackers and cheese), but the team was upfront and offered reasonable substitutions. Not everything was perfect, but the overall service was great and set us up for a solid start to our journey.

Crossing from Saint Lucia to Martinique was a serious undertaking. The wind was ripping and the channel crossing was rough — but we weren’t the only ones out there. We saw everything from tiny boats braving the waves to more reasonable center consoles making the journey. Once we reached the lee side of Martinique, things calmed significantly, and it was smooth sailing along the west coast.

Our first major stop was St. Pierre. The town is charming and full of history — especially the volcanic kind — but nearly everything was closed because it was a Sunday. Still, we loved walking around, the food at Le Mix was possibly the best of the trip, and the calm water made it a peaceful anchorage. The black sand beach was striking, and while we didn’t find the snorkel-accessible wreck, we did spot a cool mermaid statue underwater. If you have the time (and it’s not a Sunday), this town is a great blend of culture and coastline.

Anse Dufour was our next snorkeling stop. The shallow reef here was surprisingly healthy, and we had a memorable turtle sighting. That said, we were swarmed by tiny, semi-invisible jellyfish that stung just enough to make it unpleasant. Combine that with fire coral near the cave entrance, and we ultimately chose not to explore the cave. Cool spot, but it came with caveats — and we’re unsure if the jellyfish were a seasonal thing or always present.

Grande Anse d’Arlet was visually stunning but sleepy — most places were closed, and the language barrier was real. That said, I did get to pick out my own live lobster, which was a win. The best snorkeling was actually around the corner at Anse d’Arlet, right off the dock in the swimming area. We saw tons of giant starfish and other colorful marine life. If we had a do-over, we’d have anchored directly there instead. We also hiked the Champagne Moet trail — a short but rewarding trek with panoramic views over both bays. The trail was well-marked and started right off the road.

BodyHoliday is a wellness resort with an active heartbeat — perfect for travelers who want to recharge, stay fit, or dive into a schedule full of feel-good options. The property is large but well thought-out, with a strong emphasis on health, fitness, and personal transformation.

The activity list here is impressive: sailing, archery, tennis, yoga, a walking trail, and all kinds of fitness classes, many of which are included. There’s also a waterfront yoga deck, which I loved seeing — peaceful and beautifully positioned.

Each guest receives a complimentary spa treatment daily, with one facial included per stay. While you can choose to pay for add-ons — like premium liquor or specialty experiences — you can absolutely have a fulfilling and rejuvenating stay without them. Repeat guests are welcomed back warmly, and the vibe throughout the resort is friendly and inclusive.

Dining is another strong point, with five restaurants, including one with an upcharge. The beach is lovely, the pools are plentiful, and they’ve thought of solo travelers too, offering well-designed single rooms that don’t feel like an afterthought.

BodyHoliday also runs special themed months like Solo September and Yoga October, which are great times to visit if you want to immerse yourself in a specific focus or meet like-minded travelers. Whether you’re a yoga instructor planning a retreat or a wellness-seeker looking for your next reset, this place is worth considering.