Saint Lucia

Part birthday. Part Christmas. Part “I need mountains, sea, forest, warm souls, incredible food, and sunshine — all at once, please.”

And Saint Lucia delivered. My word, did it deliver?!!

We stayed in Marigot Bay — yes, the Marigot Bay, one of the original sets for the first Dr. Doolittle movie. I just stood there thinking, how is this real life?

I’m still dreaming about that view — and yes, I may or may not have pretended to be in a movie scene every single morning.

We met the friendliest, kindest local at the airport, who ended up becoming our tour guide — and, honestly, a wonderful friend.

Born in Saint Lucia (the only Caribbean island with a woman’s name!), he showed us around his beautiful home — taking us to some of the popular tourist spots, but also off the beaten track to experience the side of the island you won’t find in glossy brochures.

Days drifted by in the dreamiest blur — the kind where you lose track of time and, honestly, couldn’t care less. From Fish Fry Fridays at Rodney Bay, where the streets shut down for one giant, outrageously fun street party (think grilled fish, reggae beats, rum flowing freely, and everyone dancing like there’s no tomorrow), to browsing the colourful markets in Castries and even the local supermarkets (because of course I had to see what the locals were cooking up!).

We spent a lazy afternoon on Reduit Beach, toes buried deep in the sand, sun on our faces — just the way I like it.

We watched the sunset at Pigeon Island, the sky melting into fiery shades of pink and orange. The majestic Pitons, towering on either side of Sugar Beach, were so impossibly beautiful they almost didn’t look real. Sugar Beach itself was utterly divine.

If you haven’t been? Run. Don’t walk.

Pack your bags, book your ticket, and go, go, GOOOO!