'I visited “world's most beautiful island” and May is the cheapest time to travel here'

Think of St Lucia and what comes to mind? Beautiful beaches? Warm, clear waters? Striking peaks carpeted in lush green rainforest? We found all this and more on a recent trip to the tropical Caribbean island, which recently topped list of the 20 most beautiful islands in the world – along with something we hadn’t expected: some of the best food and drink we’ve ever tasted.

And if you're tempted to book a last-minute trip then you're in luck, as has found that May is the cheapest time to visit , with hotel prices on average 28.48% cheaper compared with their costs over the rest of the year.

Here's my unforgettable experience staying at the incredible , where fine dining, stunning views and relaxed living make for the perfect escape...

Cap Maison Resort and Spa

Cap Maison is a five-star resort in the very north of St Lucia, reached by a 90-minute drive through lush green hills, banana plantations and colourful local towns. It looks out over Pigeon Island, a steep islet once fiercely fought over by the French and the English, and now connected to the mainland by a causeway.

In contrast to some of the big, modern resorts nearby, Cap Maison is smaller, with a more boutique, homely feel. It’s built in a Hacienda style with individual villas, hidden courtyards and lots of greenery.

The accommodation is private and peaceful, even at entry level, while our Ocean View Pool Suite was a huge, luxurious space that had its own kitchen, laundry facilities and outdoor shower – and it was just steps away from the hotel’s main restaurant which, as we found, was a real highlight.

The food at Cap Maision

It’s no surprise that food and drink is at the heart of Cap Maison – it’s part of the Relais & Châteaux hotel and restaurant group, which holds lots of Michelin stars among its properties. The two restaurants here – The Cliff at Cap and The Naked Fisherman – are popular with both guests and visitors from other hotels (high praise indeed given the number of five-star resorts on the island), and we saw lots of locals booking in to celebrate special occasions too.

The Cliff – headed by chef Craig Jones, who’s originally from Wales but has lived on the island for years – offers a fine dining three-course dinner menu that changes every day. Our highlights included mahi mahi ceviche, butter-roasted dorado and the creamiest risotto ever from the vegetarian menu.

Breakfast at The Cliff was also a treat every morning – we ordered local dish saltfish, creole mushrooms on toast and slices of the freshest, sweetest fruit we’ve ever tasted as we watched frigatebirds dive into the sea and fishermen hauling in their catch of the day.

The Naked Fisherman restaurant, down a steep flight of stairs to Smugglers Cove beach, is a more casual affair, where sandy feet and breezy beachwear are welcome. Here, diners can order tasty burgers, salads and rum cocktails.

The drinks at Cap Maison

To pair with this delicious food are some equally tasty wines from Cap Maison’s carefully curated cellar, featuring bottles from all over the world. We booked in for a wine and cheese-tasting class with expert sommelier Robbie and discovered some new favourites, including a light pinot noir from the Dolomites and a fresh and citrusy Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley.

Our taste buds were also put to the test during a cocktail- making masterclass with charismatic mixologist Devin. With an array of rums, fresh juice blends and garnishes set before us on a terrace looking out at the sun set, we learnt the tricks behind making great cocktails before whipping up our own concoctions (after which we were happy to leave it to Cap Maison’s expert bartenders for the rest of our trip!).

What to do in St Lucia

Most days we loved just lounging around Cap Maison’s pool or taking kayaks or paddleboards out from Smugglers Cove across the calm bay, but if you’re visiting a destination for the first time then a guided tour with a local is an excellent way to learn about the country, and we did this on a unique experience with , a fairly new enterprise located behind a rum distillery on the nearby Roseau River.

Over a peaceful couple of hours sat atop a traditional raft (which looks flimsy but is surprisingly sturdy and comfortable), our guide Ahmed – aka Captain Lazarus – steered us through waterways lined with palm trees, mangroves and bamboo, pointing out wildlife and plants.

This leisurely cruise finished with a freshly hewn coconut with a secret ingredient: a splash of local coconut rum added in, possibly one of the most delicious drinks I’ve ever had.

Other unmissable tourist activities in St Lucia include a visit to the mineral-rich sulphur springs, hiking the iconic Pitons and making your own bar of chocolate at one of the island’s cocoa plantations. For an authentic St Lucian evening, don’t miss the Gros Islet street party on Friday nights, popular with tourists and locals alike.

How much does it cost to stay at Cap Maison?

Rooms at start from around £502 per night based on two adults sharing a Garden View room on a half-board basis in summer season (26 April -19 Dec). The Cap It All Inclusive costs around £109 per adult per day. Prices based on a 2025 stay. For taxis and sightseeing tours, contact Charlie’s Taxi Service on charliesonson1969@hotmail.com.