I had never been to the Caribbean before or any place where the ocean isn’t freezing cold. I am a lover of water and the ocean in particular. Being away from the ocean for the past few years after growing up as it’s friendly neighbor has been a bit of a personal challenge.
I imagined our holiday and this new idea of paradise a thousand times under Parisian gray skies in the few months awaiting our departure - I wasn't sure what it would be like but had help from advertisements and the expectation of a promise, the "closest vacation to a picture postcard". I soared with the idea of my first tropical holiday. Not only was I happy to see the reality excelled my expectations - I was simply overwhelmed by the beauty of this island and its people.
My husband decided it was only suitable to arrive to our resort in style meanwhile touring the island, by helicopter!
Well, it was his birthday surprise, from himself to both of us - why can’t I think of these things !?! We stayed at Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Luxury, All Inclusive Spa and Beach Resort. The weather was perfect and only rained while we were leaving for the airport. The days were relaxing, a mix of lounging by the beach or pool sunbathing and keeping cool while drinking various frozen cocktails. Dusk came earlier than expected but it was such a beautiful time of day that basked the island in warm golden light. Soon after, the sky would erupt into luminous tones of color and the sun would set. There is something soulful about witnessing another day pass gracefully in immense beauty while the waters of the Caribbean Sea whisper at your feet.
Seven days in paradise was enough to make you want to adapt a new lifestyle. Sure it sounds cliche to say I never wanted to leave, what person on vacation would want to go back to their normal life leaving an idyllic paradise behind only as a distant memory? Thinking outside the tourist perspective, the people living on the island seem so friendly, upbeat and positive by nature. It was a breath of fresh air from the disconnected grind of thoughtless tasks and interaction to see a more genuine sort of life. How does this island and its people manage to escape rush, the stress, the materialism and the monotony of the everyday? My only guess would be it’s the healthy mix of sunshine and it’s warmth, the healing powers of the ocean and its crystals clear waters and finally, the ability to live a much simpler life in general. Maybe it's all in their favorite expression
'No Pressure, No Problem!'. Our time passed so quickly but every minute was savored.
Saint Lucia remains forever in our hearts for so many reasons!