Real Weddings

56 real weddings spring / summer 2016 destination + honeymoon St. Lucia was once nicknamed the "Helen of the West Indies." Like the legendary beauty who ignited an epic war between the ancient Greeks and the Trojans, the small Eastern Caribbean island was once repeatedly fought over by the French and the British, continually changing hands from the 17th to the 19th century. An independent nation today, St. Lucia has developed into a true melting pot of French, English, African and Indian influences discernible in everything from the French Creole spoken in the markets, to the spicy curries on menus throughout the island. While France and Britain no doubt valued the island for its strategic location where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic, St. Lucia now lures travellers to its pristine white-sand beaches, lush rainforest and dramatic volcanic peaks. It's even been named by the World Travel Awards as the world's leading honeymoon destination nine times since 1998, and it's not hard to see why. Just ask Matt Damon. In 2013, the Hollywood star invited his A-list friends to the island's luxurious Sugar Beach resort for his vow renewal with wife Luciana. While not a budget destination by any stretch of imagination, St. Lucia is the splurge getaway of a lifetime, whether for your destination wedding or the ultimate honeymoon. For a small island, it's dotted with sublime resorts, each with its own unique character. The Landings St. Lucia A comfortable home away from home, e Landings St. Lucia (landingsstlucia.com) is located on the northern end of the island on spectacular Rodney Bay, with a private marina at its doorstep. Its spacious villa suites, all recently renovated, range from 900 to 2,300 square feet, complete with a private terrace and a full designer kitchen that the resort's personal pantry service will stock for you. But if chopping onions isn't your idea of a romantic getaway, let e Landings' chefs cater to you at the Beach Club restaurant or arrange for a private dinner in your suite or on the beach. Be sure to take advantage of the resort's own yacht service too, with a romantic sail at sunset. If you can tear yourself away from the comforts of the resort, a few minutes' drive brings you to the shops, restaurants and nightlife of Rodney Bay Village. Or, head a short way north to the lively fishing village of Gros Islet, where every Friday night is devoted to the island's biggest street party: "Jump Up." It's a weekly ritual not to be missed, bringing both locals and tourists out on the streets for beer, roti and dancing to island rhythms late into the night. Anse Chastanet Resort On the southwest side of the island, get back to nature at Anse Chastanet Resort (ansechastanet.com). Rated by Condé Nast Traveller among the world's top 10 romantic resorts, the property boasts unbeatable views of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, St. Lucia's iconic twin volcanic peaks. Built by architect-owner Caribbean St. Lucia's show-stopping luxury resorts promise the romantic getaway of a lifetime By Kim Mah p h o t o S c o u r t e S y o f a n S e c h a S t a n e t r e o S t & j a d e m o u n t a i n r e S o r t Jewel the beaches, rainforests and mountains of St. Lucia

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