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Bring on the multi-gen holiday in Saint Lucia

16th September 202416th September 2024 funtime65

Globetrotting doesn’t come cost-free with Daddy’s Little Girl prising promises out of me to take her with her next time… bring on the multi-gen holiday in Saint Lucia.

It’s no exaggeration to say the Caribbean changed me.

I went out to Barbados tone deaf, with two left feet and drinking the ‘wrong’ rum but came back Bim Jim, a Soca Warrior.

And a superhero, aka Bandanaman.

And it was as a rebranded West Indian, and credit here to my old Scots/Bajan pal Jevan, that I turned DLG into an honorary Nutty Girl.

All of which focuses our mind on the Multi-Gen market which gives you fun for all the family.

Caribbean family fun

We’ve been here before with Tropical Sky when they invited us out to Club Barbados, a couples hotel.

Only for me left to go it alone as Chez Murty and a pressing shed paint took precedence.

Of course, this being the Caribbean, the locals took me under my wing proving three isn’t always a crowd.

And following on from that then four is more… and when it comes to a 2+2 getaway then Tropical Sky is all over it.

It’s a rap: With Saint Lucian, Jerry The Big Rapper

If Barbados is the Caribbean island that always draws me back and Tobago, like Robinson Crusoe, where I’d stay washed up for ever.

Then Saint Lucia where we had a runway stopover is the isle that has got away.

And my interest has only been pricked since partying with Saint Lucia’s favourite son The Big Rapper in the Red Sea, Petra and the Jordan desert.

Saint Lucia for Harmony and a Splash

Caribbean green: And blues at the Coconut Beach

So it’ll be somewhere fresh and fun for all the family and maybe that would silence Daddy’s Little Girl.

The Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is situated along the exotic Savannes Bay on St. Lucia’s undiscovered south coast.

This 250-room resort is divided into two wings.

Harmony, an intimate adults-only section ideal for relaxation with the serene St Lucian weather.

And Splash,’ a family-friendly area featuring CocoLand, Saint Lucia’s largest water park, and the Kidz Klub.

The resort’s layout allows older relatives to enjoy peaceful moments away from the children thanks to the Harmony area.

Additionally, the resort offers spacious family rooms, including popular two-bedroom interconnecting options.

Which accommodate up to two adults and four children, making it a versatile choice for families.

Kids, Creole and a Coconut

A seven-night stay at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, arriving 12 August 2025 on the island of Creole will fulfil all your needs.

And comes in at from £6,156 total for two adults and two children (aged between two and 11).

In a Deluxe Garden View Splash Room on an all-inclusive basis, with flights and transfers.
And if you book by the end of Tuesday, January 30, you can avail of exceptional savings with Tropical Sky’s flash sale.

So bring on the multi-gen holiday in Saint Lucia.

Caribbean, Countries, Music

Antigua for the Caribbean Soca Showdown

5th August 20245th August 2024 funtime65

The West Indies are on a roll so ready, steady, go, it’s a hop, skip and a jump to Antigua for The Caribbean Soca Showdown.

Our favourite set of islands in the sun are beloved for their laid-back lifestyle.

But they do, of course, punch above their weight too on the sporting field as they continue to show at the Paris Olympics.

Jamaican flyers Usain Bolt, Don Quarry, Merlene Ottey, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce have led the way over the years.

As have cricketing royalty Sir Garfield Sobers (Barbados) and Sir Viv Richards (Antigua).

And my Foreday Morning mate Brian Lara and his footie pal Dwight Yorke from Trinidad & Tobago among many, many more.

Add to that new Olympic heroes from Paris 2024 in pride of St Lucia in 200m women’s champ Julien Alfred, their first-ever medal winner.

And the island looks like it will never stop partying since the weekend win.

While triple jumper Thea LaFond worked the same magic for Dominica.

Soca not soccer

Of course all eyes are on the Olympics right now but for many of us attention will switch back, and has already started with the resumption of Scottish league football, on soccer.

Soccer has its place in the Caribbean, but in truth, if you ask about it, you’re more likely to be taken to a big field for a Mas (party) and a festival of Soca, or So Calypyso music.

Where there is no tribal rivalry, only peace, love, rhythm and rum.

There will be good-natured island competition across 12 islands on Saturday it is true.

But that just adds to the carnival when the Kari Soca Caribbean Soca Monarch Showdown.

Take to the stage

Empress will proudly represent Antigua and Barbuda, while D Phillip Blackest will showcase talent from the US Virgin Islands.

Christy D will sing for Barbados, and Rae will fly the Trinidad and Tobago flag.

Dominica will have two representatives, Mr Gwada and Benji.

Montserrat have sent Lyrikal, Riggy is flying in from Grenada, and Eazi from Nevis.

Imran Nerdy is St Lucia’s pride and joy, TR Shine represents Belize, and Ras Kelly is St Kitts’ contestant.

None of the names there that I’ve come across and Biggie Irie, King Bubba and his pals will no doubt be jumping at Crop Over in Barbados just now.

So that means new names and friends to jump alongside.

So for a celebration of life and music get out to Antigua for the Caribbean Soca Showdown.

Caribbean, Countries, Flying

Chop, chop, get out to Saint Lucia

18th May 202418th May 2024 funtime65

You’ve flown over one of the jewels of the Caribbean and have had to stop for a deep clean when all you want to hear is… chop, chop, let’s explore Saint Lucia.

Of course, the best way to first see Saint Lucia and its stand-out Piton Mountains is in a bird’s view.

And how much closer can you get than by chopper as we found out over Barcelona and the Grand Canyon.

So if you had your head turned down the first time you saw a copter, say in Magnum PI, or now I’m A Celebrity, read on.

Because luxury boutique resort & spa, Cap Maison in Saint Lucia has raised the bar with its ‘Fly & Save’ offer.

Giving guests the chance to kickstart their summer getaway with a VIP arrival in a helicopter.

From Hewanorra International Airport to George F.L Charles Airport in the north

Where a private car will take them on the remainder of their journey to clifftop billet Cap Maison in the exclusive Cap Estate.

Mud, glorious mud

You’ll get to enjoy the Sulphur Mud Baths, horse-riding along a beach, a coco ‘Bean to Bar’ experience and a Rainforest Zip Line Adventure.

Some of which we’ve enjoyed elsewhere in Barbados and Tobago and would obviously like to repeat.

While Saint Lucia boasts the only Drive-in volcano in the Caribbean (grilled burger please!!).

Nothing to worry about here… do like the islanders and just go with the flow.

Cap Maison offers newly refurbished hacienda-inspired fully fitted and furnished rooms.

Two to three-bedroom suites are available, as are smaller one-bedroom suites with roll away beds in various living spaces.

All suites feature a private pool.

Water thrill

The well-situated beach is set within a shallow cove and features its own water sports centre.

If you only like to dip your foot into the choppy waves of water sports.

Then Hobie Cat sailboats, like Bubba’s on Barbados maybe, are probably more you than kayaks, snorkelling and windsurfing but I’ll let you make up your own mind on that.

And the two on-site award-winning restaurants The Cliff at Cap and The Naked Fisherman and the beach restaurant The Naked Fisherman.

And who knows it might do what it says on the tin, if it was tinned, but, of course, it’s straight out of the sea.

Maison about on Saint Lucia

Cap Maison’s Fly & Save package is the stay in a Oceanview Suite with Pool or Oceanview Suite with Pool & Roof Terrace.

Where you can enjoy not only Cap Maison’s Linger Longer offer but also a VIP Cap Maison arrival via copter.

Taking in the Pitons vista.

*Minimum stay 5 nights, If the helicopter is unable to fly a luxury car transfer or a water ferry will be offered in its place.

Helicopter valid for up to two passengers, any additional passengers can be added at a cost – Helicopter is a shared transfer with other travellers.

The Linger Longer deal is on all Junior Suites and One Bedroom Villas Suites.

Travel between January 3rd to December 19th for the best rates with Daily Breakfast or All-Inclusive Meal Plan included.

Available on stays from four nights. For stays of eight nights or longer, guests will receive a greater discount on their stay.

So, what are you doing? Get busy.

And chop, chop, get out to Saint Lucia.

With British Airways flying from London Gatwick return for a sample five days from £809.

Caribbean, Countries

Easter eggstravaganza in the Chocabbean

14th March 202414th March 2024 funtime65

And they personalise us out in the Windies which is why I know there will be an Easter eggstravaganza in the Chocabbean.

As you’ll know if you find yourself out there from the Murty written on the Building Wall of Barbados next to Robyn Rihanna Fenty.

While the good people of Tobago even have a chocolate in the name of my daughter Laura.

Now it’s often been said of me that if I was chocolate I’d eat myself.

Life is schweeeet

And that’s an option in the Caribbean where life is schweeeet.

Boutique resort Cap Maison in Saint Lucia has created an indulgent chocolate-themed Easter break.

The holiday includes an excursion to the local Howlerton Estate in Castries.

And learn about the bean to bar chocolate- making process.

And, of course, sample the chocolate.

Hello old bean: Chocolate making in Tobago

This being the Caribbean, of course, drink is to the fore too.

With a chocolate-themed cocktail-making masterclass at Cap Maison.

Under the expert guidance of Cap Maison’s professional rummier.

Choc wellbeing

While chocolate can be found too in its spa experience.

With several of the treatments at the Spa Maison incorporating chocolate into the mix, including Chocolate Delight.

Where guests will breathe in the scented aromas of chocolate as they experience the stimulating effects of a chocolate body scrub.

Followed by a rich chocolate body wrap, completed with a warm chocolate oil relaxing massage.

The spacious private villas (2 – 4 bedrooms) will also appeal to families along with the secluded beach.

And proximity of Rodney Bay and its family friendly attractions.

Of course, Saint Lucia also has an abundance of family-friendly activities.

From a visit to the sulphur mud baths, horse-riding along a beach or a rainforesr, zip line adventure.

Count us in

Rates in a one-bedroom Garden View Room on a half board basis in the summer season (3 April – 19 December) start from £538 per room, per night.

Up to two children under 12 stay FREE and eat FREE when dining with parents.

*All activities and excursions can be booked separately at an additional charge through the hotel’s concierge desk.

So go on treat yourself to an Easter eggstravaganza in the Chocabbean and CapMaison in Saint Lucia.

Caribbean, Countries

Twinning and winning in the Caribbean

28th June 2023 funtime65

Island hopping takes many forms but whichever you take you’ll be twinning and winning in the Caribbean.

Arguments abound as to what qualifies as ticking off a country on your list.

And American states too with my friend and mentor, the inimitable doyen of Irish travel writing, Eoghan Corry telling me he’d racked up 49 states.

My 16 seemed puny alongside that and I confess that some have been fly-through or drive-through.

Plane speaking

While my Caribbean island hopping extends to a flight layover for a clean-up on St Lucia en route to Tobago.

We, of course, don’t want you to have to bump up your experience when you’re keeping up with the Joneses, or Smiths.

When SunGroup Hotels has a Barbados and St Lucia twin holiday which is twice the fun.

Sugar rum rum

Our cup of tea: And sugar at the Sugar Cane

The 4* Sugar Cane Club is located in Speightstown on Barbados’s Platinum Coast.

And you can avail of an all-inclusive or room only option.

And enjoy the in-hotel hospitality and entertainment.

With Sandy’s Chattel Bar and Restaurant serving Oistins Stuffed Flying Fish or the Six Mens Coconut Shrimp.

Bus, bike and boat

You like your rum, and limin’, then Sugar Cane Club offers shuttle services to the Sand Street Beach Club & Bistro.

While for the more active then the hotel offers mountain bikes to explore the island.

And, of course, the best ride on any island is limin’ on a boat and get out and spot you a turtle.

And the Sugar Cane Club offers a complimentary Glass Bottom Boat tour.

For every guest at the Sugar Cane Club & Spa, when staying 7 nights or more.

Hills and thrills

Anyone who has flown over, stopped off, or stayed will wax lyrical about the mountainous marvel that is St Lucia.

And all-inclusive Bel Jou Hotel sits atop a hill with vistas of the Caribbean and the island’s capital of Castries.

Again the tastes of the island are to the fore and we’ll always be taken by a restaurant by the name of Kilibwe.

Me-me and Dee-Dee at Crop Over in Barbados

Creole for Hummingbird, and we do love to share our table with these fluttering fliers.

And Bel Jou also want you to get out to explore the island.

Which is why they offer a shuttle that runs five days a week.

Where sunbeds are provided by a local vendor free of charge.

Guests can even make a whole day of it and organise a packed lunch to take with them for just $10 per person.

SunGroup Hotels are what they say on the tin and they will group your island stays together so check out their site for best offers.

And you’ll be twinning and winning in the Caribbean.

Caribbean, Countries

Bamboo rafting in Saint Lucia

1st April 20231st April 2023 funtime65

Now t’would have been how Robinson Crusoe got about and certainly on this island… bamboo rafting in Saint Lucia.

Join the dots and you can work out that twas actually Tobago which was actually where Robinson washed up.

But it’s Saint Lucia that has extended the water fun by becoming the first island in the Eastern Caribbean to offer bamboo rafting.

Only twenty minutes away from the Castries’ cruise ship harbour you can turn native.

By taking to the Roseau River on a bamboo raft with your guide.

You’ll learn about the rich local history.

And enjoy appetisers on-board (that’ll almost certainly be a rum punch).

And observe the intricacies of the majestic mangroves.

On the Rum and River Bamboo Rafting Experience (see we told you).

Life on the river

Along the journey birds, butterflies and all flutter by in the rainforest settings.

Your cruise will culminate on one of the most tranquil beaches.

Where there will be a locally flavoured barbecue.

Along the way you’ll learn about the process of manufacturing rum at the Caribbean’s finest distillery tour experience.

Sample spice rum and other award-winning St. Lucian blends.

And we’re told not to forget to bring some rum for the ride on bamboo island.

Of course these rafts are built for two… you and the one who loves you too.

Who loves prosecco, wines and champagne.

Lunch on board while you go down the Roseau River coasting for two miles to the Caribbean Sea.

Then Segway to the sheer seclusion of a simply sublime mangrove cluster.

Observe the tide’s flap on the coastline and fishermen from a nearby fishing village clear nets from the day’s catch.

Includes: champagne, wines, lunch on board, sodas, beer, return transportation to cruise ship or hotel.

So if you want to enjoy a truly authentic Caribbean experience get on board bamboo rafting in Saint Lucia.

We found seven nights hotel in Saint Lucia from £789pp with British Airways.

Caribbean, Countries

Be a Rum Master in St Lucia

20th January 202320th January 2023 funtime65

What’s the ingredient… well, you’ll just have to go out to the Caribbean if you want to be a rum master in St Lucia.

For me, I caught the rum punches bug myself in the West Indies and made Saturdays my cocktail-making day.

And that skill I learned at the hands of my Bajan pals and took back here with me I’m happy to say I passed onto the Son and Heir.

Not that I come anywhere near the rumaristas of the Caribbean.

All of which brings us to our Kittitian (their denonym) friends.

And they have only put together a special rumarista (mine) package for those who pay them a visit.

Out on a wing

So to the first part of the tour which will take you to Wingfield Estate distillery.

And that’s where rum expert Jack Widdowson (Founder of Old Road RumCompany) will teach rum theory and the history of rum production.

While there it’s worth considering too who might have come before you.

And the recently excavated distillery is found on the 18th-century sugar cane plantation owned by a direct ancestor of Thomas Jefferson.

And yes, you’ll be sipping Old Road Rum and learning the history.

While there will be a chance to see a preserved aqueduct, chimney, mill house, boiling house, and lime kiln and learn how to label their own rum bottle.

Spice it up

Rum time: With Caribbean chums Jevan and Donna

Now onto the second course which takes place at the lively Spice Mill Restaurant on Cockleshell Bay.

Run by rum expert Roger Brisbane this course will showcase spiced rum creation methodology, rum-blending techniques, and cocktail creations.

So a key part of the whole rum experience is of course the Hibiscus that you’ll see around every Caribbean island.

And which Roger curates with Hibiscus Spirits.

Carnival time: St Lucia

It is created by infusing handpicked and locally grown Roselle Hibiscus calyx, known as sorrel, to flavour the rum and create a natural red colour.

And, of course, you’ll get a certificate to show your friends at the end of it all…

To take pride of place alongside others I’ve passed over the years.

Such as the Guinness pouring scroll from Las Vegas ,

So just a notch on the Neon City tour.

Stay the course

And we’ll get started with a visit to Wingfield Estate – home of Old Road Rum, and the oldest surviving rum distillery in the Caribbean:

Introduction of Rum
History of Rum in St. Kitts
Rum production methods
Learning How to Taste + Identify Flavour Profiles
Tour the estate
Label your own rum bottle

And visit Spice Mill – home of Hibiscus Spirits:

Learn how to create spiced rum
Methodology of creating classic rum drinks
Learn nuances of creating rum cocktails
Rum appreciation methods

So get your bookings in for the Kittitian RumMaster programme cost $150 per person. For booking information, visit Our Stories | St Kitts Tourism

St. Kitts can be easily reached from the UK via twice weekly (Wednesday & Saturday) direct flights from London Gatwick with British Airways.

And come back with a new skill when you’ll be a Rum Master in St Lucia.

Caribbean, Countries, Deals

Dive into honeymoon St Lucia

1st December 2022 funtime65

It’s the first dip into marital waters and where better than if you take a dive into honeymoon St Lucia.

Splashing around in the water is one of the joys of your first holiday as a married couple.

When you’re floating on air and think you can walk on water.

But you end up swallowing half of the Aegean Sea… or whichever water you choose.

All of which you’re reminded of when you catch up with the old Caribbean friends you have met over the years.

And they dangle a competition over your head if you’ve been paying attention and remember how many dive sites there are on the island.

Which one unambitious entrant (no, not me) had it pegged at just five.

Dip your toe in

There are, in fact, more than 22 on an island of 617 square kilometres.

And so you’ll near enough have the Caribbean or Atlantic waters to yourself.

Now it may be that your partner takes to the water like, well a water babe, and is a snorkelling natural.

All of which will mean your honeymoon will go off like a splash.

And it is guaranteed to in St Lucia which has been named the world’s leading honeymoon destination for the fifth year running.

Sanctum sanctuary

Should you be ahead of us already you and your loved one might be in St Lucia now.

And if so you’ll witness a veritable fleet, of 200 boats, descend on the island.

With the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, the world’s biggest trans-ocean sailing event set to arrive on Sunday.

Helpfully, our St Lucian hosts recommend Sol Sanctum as their hotel of the month.

Sol Sanctum is a multi-purpose wellness space.

It offers meditation, breathwork, yoga, pilates and tai chi classes as well as energy healing and other practices.

Sol Sanctum look Iin the heart of Rodney Bay Village in the north of the island is just five . minutes from Reduit Beach.

We found five days from January 15-19for $1,000.

I’ll live to regret that as someone angles after a second honeymoon.

If she sees me flagging up a dive into honeymoon St Lucia.

Caribbean, Countries

Pub Creole in Saint Lucia

2nd November 20222nd November 2022 funtime65

Who wants to go bar hopping in Novembrrrr in Brrritain when you can go on a pub Creole in Saint Lucia?

Saint Lucia may be in the Windward Islands but there’s little breeze around the Pitons.

And that’s why you’ll only need your boardies or shorts when you’re downing rum on Saint Lucia.

Saint Lucians have been celebrating its Creole culture over October but, in truth, that heritage is visible all year around.

Shiny hoppy people

Since 1981, the island’s French Creole roots have been marked in a month of music, dance, cuisine and art.

All of which culminated in the celebration of Creole Day (Jounen Kweyol) across the island.

You want to know though about the best places to drink.

And I’ll give the Saint Lucia tourist board ‘Bar Creole’ for nothing.

Who needs a glass: Drinking on Saint Lucia

And they’ll point me in the direction of the Lucian Bar Hop Experience in the capital Castries.

Where you’ll be joined by your own personal party maker, bartender and marshal to keep you partying,

And take in Rodney Bay hopping from the Boardwalk Bar to the Irie Bar to the Village Gate Bar and back.

Four hours of fun starts from $86pp.

And Turbo Turtle too

Up on the boardwalk: That’s where I’ll be

You’ll only be 5km too south of our recommended 5* billet for you, the Royalton Saint Lucia.

The Autograph Collection All-Inclusive resort boasts eight different restaurant options and seven bars.

And a Diamond Club with comped hydrotherapy, butler service and premium drinks, as well as an exclusive beach and swimming pool.

You’ll be treated like a VIP, and just as well as the Royalton’s most pampered guest…

Turbo the Turtle was born right there on the beaches of the resort and is a star of the Kids Club and the adults too.

So the kids are looked after, it’s time for a pub creole in Saint Lucia.

Caribbean, Food, Food & Wine

Kabawe Libre in St Lucia

4th September 20225th September 2022 funtime65

The beauty of the Caribbean is that they all have their own take on island life and we can put our own mark on each which is why we give you Kabawe Libre in St Lucia.

And if that sounds like Cuba Libre then that’s deliberate.

And because the St Lucians hosted me so well on their trade show in Dublin you can have that pitch for free.

Apt really because that’s what Libre is and because the rum flows liberally throughout the West Indies.

When in rum

All shapes and colours: Rum in the Caribbean

Kabawe is the Creole word for Rum Shop.

And the St Lucians value theirs just as much as the birthplace of rum just down the water in Barbados.

Which is why the exotically-named St Lucia Tourism Authority CEO Lorine Charles St Jules is promoting the Kabawe Krawl experience.

Best explained by the woman herself:

“The aim of the Kabawé Krawl is that visitors to our shores experience the unique Bar, Rum, and Culinary adventures in Saint Lucia.

“This will allow for the tourism dollar to be spread through our smaller communities and local hot spots nationally.”

She explained that there was a process.

And that all interested bars will undergo an onboarding process.

Domino dancing

And they will be trained in customer service and safety management.

Of course the first starting point for me would be a bunch of oul’ fellas in the back room.

Slamming down dominoes and stamping down on a floor with sand on it.

And not the type we get in my own homeland of Scotland to mop up the slops.

But authentic grains from the beach outside.

We know what a rum shop should look like from limin’ with the locals in Barbados earlier this year and on previous trips.

And we’re keen to explore our old pal Marc’s new Island Time Rum Tour.

While we’ve been down this trail too with Antigua and Barbuda.

They clued us in on their Beach Bar Trail at that Dubin roadshow.

Best bar none

We imagine then that the Kabawe Krawl will follow a similar route which checking out a map of the isle might mean:

Starting in the north at the Irie Bar it has all the features we love…

A bamboo structure with plants, flags, local crafts and fishing elements and reggae.

The Pink Papaya at Point Seraphine is another which sells itself on its name…

And its jerk chicken and cocktails on the patio.

A rum, a therapy: The Rum Therapy Bar and Treatment Centre

The Rum Therapy Bar and Treatment Centre echoes Soca star King Bubba’s mantra on life… rum is mi only medicine.

And we’re told that owner Nicole will encourage you to do a little number at the karaoke.

All after you’ve lubricated your throat with her spiced rums.

Now whenever I’m out in the Caribbean I’m briefed by The Scary One to pick sea shells at the seashore.

She sells Seashell: At the Seashell Beach Bar

And The Seashell Beach Bar, the still resort, has the taste of the sea about it.

Jump in (literally) but maybe before your fruits of the sea and rum cocktails.

Finish off at The Hustler’s Beach Bar, a watering hole that looks named for me.

And it has been named in places as the best hideaway ever.

Situated in a very recognisable name place too, Londonderry… and I’m sure the locals will give you its history over a cold one.