East Winds Inn

La Brelotte Bay, Gros Islet, Gros Islet, St. Lucia

Why We Like It

The resort is secluded and feels rather exclusive, yet the atmosphere is quite friendly—sort of like a private club.

Fodor's Expert Review

Guests keep returning to this small all-inclusive resort on a secluded beach south of Rodney Bay; 12 acres of botanical gardens surround 13 duplex cottages, three ocean-view rooms, and a suite. In fact, particularly in the high season, more than half of the first-time visitors become repeat guests.

You Should Know The minimum stay is 6 nights in high season and 3 nights in the off-season. Also, children must be at least 8 years old.

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Room

Hexagonal superior cottages are located close to the pool, restaurant and bars; more secluded deluxe gingerbread-style cottages are located in and around the gardens. Each cottage has a large bedroom with a king-size bed (or two twins), designer furnishings, stocked mini-fridge, and a private patio or terrace. Three oceanfront rooms are in a former private residence located right next to the beach; those rooms share an open-to-the view furnished lounge.

Bathroom

Bathrooms have walk-in showers, vanities with modern fixtures, and Molton Brown toiletries; some have colorful single or double pottery sinks. Deluxe cottages have extra-large bathrooms—some with exposed stone walls and sunken showers that extend into a private garden.

Lobby

Reception is in a small building at the entrance to the property. There’s a front desk for check in/out or tour information, comfortable seating, and a computer for guest use.

Pool

The small free-form pool has a stone deck with sun loungers and umbrellas for shade, along with a self-service swim-up bar where guests can whip up their own cold drinks.

Spa

Treatments at East Winds Garden Spa, an open-air spa pavilion, include facials (relaxing, soothing, or stimulating), massages (traditional, aromatherapy, or deep tissue), reflexology, body wraps (aloe, chocolate, or sulphur), and mani/pedi.

You Should Know Spa services cost extra.

Gym

There's a small gym, and a ½-mile (1-km) fitness trail on the property has several exercise stations. Complimentary yoga and Pilates sessions are held several times each week. Guests can also join a guided walk around the property.

Dining

Breakfast and lunch buffets and table d’hôte dinner (with carefully paired wines) are all served in the beachside Flamboyant Room, the resort's thatched-roof restaurant. In addition, a light menu (panini, kebabs, salads) is available all afternoon. The dinner menu, which changes nightly, focuses on fresh local produce and seafood and always includes vegetarian dishes. Beach barbecues are held weekly. For a romantic lunch or dinner, guests can also dine in a private thatched-roof gazebo on the beach. There’s live entertainment most nights and sometimes at lunchtime.

Tip The chef will prepare a picnic if you’re going to be away from the resort during the day.

Drinking

Bartenders at the Sunset Bar mix tropical drinks from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.—and also deliver them to the beach and pool areas. The swim-up Pool Bar is self-service—grab a frosty beer or get creative and mix your own tropical drink. The Clubhouse Bar serves cocktails before dinner—and after. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne whenever you wish.

Tip Weekly events include cocktail parties, mixology lessons, and rum tastings.

Beach

The resort faces a pretty gold-sand beach on La Brelotte Bay. Guests enjoy complimentary use of snorkeling equipment, kayaks, pedalos, aqua-view boards, paddleboards, and Hobie Cats (with instruction). If guests want to scuba dive (extra charge), a dive shop is located about 200 yards down the beach.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

A rental car is recommended to explore on your own. Driving is not a problem in the north, as the terrain is fairly flat. To visit the iconic sites in Soufrière, however, a boat tour from Rodney Bay is the most comfortable way to travel. Taxis, of course, are always available.

Restaurants

The resort is all-inclusive—and expensive—and the on-site restaurant is excellent, so guests are unlikely to dine elsewhere.

Bars

For nightlife, you also have to go to Rodney Bay, where you might try your luck at Treasure Bay Casino (5-minute drive)—St. Lucia’s one and only casino.

Gros Islet Jump-Up (10-minute drive), the island's largest street party, is a Friday-night ritual. Huge speakers set up on the street blast Caribbean music all night long. You can also buy barbecued fish and chicken from villagers who set up grills along the roadside—along with beer and soda. Take a taxi to Gros Islet. The streets get so crowded that you’re unlikely to find a parking spot for a rental car. Your taxi driver will arrange a pickup time.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 758-452–8212