Best food & drink

1. 1461 Restaurant

We really liked 1461 and probably this was our favourite place to dine at Zoetry Marigot Bay. As you walk into breakfast you’re greeted with a different daily refreshing cocktail – gin fizz, sangria, Bloody Mary, and what we think, but forgot to check, was a Tequila Sunrise with sweet orange marmalade to name a few – then as you head to your table the view of the bay, complete with yachts and superyachts, and the lush greenery spiralling up towards the sky at the water’s edge. Everything is à la carte, which we think added to the serenity at breakfast, and the ever-changing tropical weather (don’t worry the sun is never far away) means there’s always a spectacular show on offer. You can actually watch rain clouds roll across the green hills.

In the evening sunlight turns to candlelight and 1461 becomes an intimate place for dinner, sometimes accompanied with live music. Catch of the day fresh mahi mahi, seared tuna and chicken served on cheddar polenta with white wine poached buttered mushrooms were all highlights.

2. Hurricane Hole

We had to mention Hurricane Hole here because it’s just such a unique place to eat and drink. Situated right at the end of the marina where the boats enter and depart, with La Bas Beach right across the bay, in a beautiful pastel green and white building, Hurricane Hole is a landmark in its own right. This was our favourite spot for lunch; think casual but elevated, burgers, wraps, salads and other light bites, sweet potato fries and a chilled glass of the local Piton beer. We were also lucky enough to be around one evening for a special Hurricane Hole party. Lights, decorations, St Lucia flag bunting, a glorious buffet, music and entertainment, all on the edge of probably the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean. It was really something. We asked what the celebrations were in aid of. “It’s Saturday,” was our answer. Sums up St Lucia. You’re in paradise, so why not? Happens once a month apparently.

3. Rum Cave

The Rum Cave, situated next to The Cove restaurant and opposite the picturesque wooden bridge that takes you out into the bay and marina, is a chic, intimate and relaxed place to enjoy a rum tasting session. As well as sampling some St Lucia staples, we enjoyed different rums from across the Caribbean, including some of our absolute favourites (Mount Gay XO we’re talking about you) and a few we’d yet to sample, along with some friends we’d met within the resort during our stay. Definitely a vacation highlight.

Stay

There are 124 accommodations at Zoetry Marigot Bay and we opted for a Master Suite Residence with Plunge Pool. Set back into the hillside tropical plants, trees and flowers seemingly everywhere, the dark wooden buildings blend with their natural surroundings. The wow factor of the plunge pool, and the view was the first thing that fixed our attention, so much so we almost forgot we hadn’t even been inside yet.

The interior was incredibly spacious and split between an open plan living area and kitchen, and the bedroom and bathroom next door. More dark wood balanced against light white coloured furniture with splashes of Caribbean blue, mirroring the scene beyond the private deck area, with sun loungers, outside.

We had everything we could need within our ‘apartment’ room, and sipping coffee in the living area looking at the rainforest opposite each morning was incredible – but it was afternoon cocktails in the plunge pool, watching the sunset and the sky turn pink and purple overhead, that really stole the show.