In Saint Lucia: Fabulous Views, an All-Inclusive Dining Option, and a Champagne Zipline
Photo by Mishael Fabien. All photos courtesy of Cap Maison.
Cap Maison
Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
Tropical Elegance, $$$
It's a fantasy we've all indulged in from time to time: perusing the local real estate agency windows while on a particularly perfect vacation, picturing an alternate life where you're barefoot and welcoming friends to your spacious home overlooking the sea.
The dream became a reality for Helen and Theo Gobat, who began vacationing in Saint Lucia in the 1970s, exploring further north on the island and settling — a dozen years later — on a lush piece of land with breathtaking ocean views. They built a home to share with their three sons, but it took nearly two more decades before they built Cap Maison to share with island travelers at large.
Today, the hacienda-style resort on a bluff has 50 rooms and private villas, beautiful gardens, the same panoramic sea views, and a 92-step staircase leading to a sandy beach in a secluded cove. Newlyweds can watch the sunset (cold drinks in hand) as they chill in a natural rock pool just large enough for two at the bottom of a cliff. Young families can feel at ease dipping into their private pool while a delightful Caribbean lunch is set up on the terrace. Friends celebrating life can dine on a deck out at sea, ready to receive a bottle of Champagne ziplining down to their table. Exhausted city folk, in need of unplugging, can hop one of many non-stop flights to the Saint Lucia, opt into the all-inclusive dining program and spa services for a few days, and then, once newly recharged, explore the culture, nature, foods, and adventure the rest of the island has to offer.
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At a Glance
The Vibe: A boutique hideaway in a bubble of tropical sunshine and serenity.
Standout Detail: The view, thanks to the resort's location on an oceanfront bluff.
This Place Is Perfect For: Honeymooners, chill groups of friends, families looking for R&R.
Rooms: Sea and garden-view rooms; villa suites (1-3 bedrooms) with private pools, hot tubs, and roof terraces; a four-bedroom residence.
On Site: Tidy, tropical landscaping borders a stunning panorama of the Caribbean Sea, a courtyard, lounge area, restaurants, and boutique. The shiny resort yacht takes guests out for sunbathing and swimming. Spa Maison is a delightful little wellness center offering facials, exfoliation treatments, and massages. There's also a gym, wine cellar, infinity pools, and water sport station for picking up toys like paddle boards and windsurfers. Take 92 steps down to the quiet beach cove, where you'll find The Naked Fisherman beach restaurant.
Food + Drink: Guests have lots of great things to say about the food. Award-winning chef Craig Jones has been running the culinary program since the beginning, including the menus at The Cliff at Cap (adventurous, contemporary) and The Naked Fisherman (fresh caught fish, on the sand). Dine on Rock Maison (private deck, intimate setting) and zip a bottle of Veuve Clicquot down to your table. The "Cap It" all-inclusive option can be arranged for all or part of the stay. It's flexible and fresh (no buffets), with made-to-order smoothies at breakfast, a la carte lunches, three-course dinners, daily specials, and in-room dining. The program encourages guests to "stop and flop" on arrival for a few days before going out to explore restaurants and bars on the island.
What to Do Nearby
It's a short drive to the shops, bars, and restaurants of Rodney Bay, as well as the St. Lucia Golf & Country Club, the superyacht marina, and Pigeon Island National Park. The fishing village of Gros Islet is about a ten-minute drive from the resort — and travelers are encouraged to join the Friday night jump up parties and full moon beach parties held there.
Keep Exploring Saint Lucia
No Such Thing as Off-Season in Saint Lucia
The Caribbean Hotel Where the Golf Course Is Edible and Your Conscience Is Clear