BodyHoliday

The body Holiday is the perfect break if you are looking to rest and recuperate or if you want to take advantage of all of the many activities available it’s a fantastic resort where you can choose to meet other solo Travelers if you wish or feel totally happy if you just want to be in your own company all the staff are fantastic happy efficient and helpful the facilities or 2nd to Nunn. I can totally see why so many people are repeat the visitors. I absolutely plan to come back.

I have been to Bodyholiday for Jive June a number of times (and for the pre-Christmas restorative once). The fact that I keep returning is an indication of how much I love it here. The hotel is beautifully situated on the North-West tip of St Lucia, and the property is generally superbly maintained. I normally stay in an ocean front room - there are lower cost rooms for solo travellers but I love being close to the beach and hearing the sound of the waves with my balcony doors open. Over the years, I have come to Bodyholiday solo, with my mother and with my partner - overall, I probably slightly prefer my solo trips as the hotel is very well set up to cater for solo travellers and you can really relax and do your own thing without worrying about whether the person you're with would prefer to be doing something else. There is always a full schedule of activities and classes, including yoga, tai chi, meditation, tennis, archery, sailing, kayaking, you name it. For a few years now, I've found it slightly frustrating that there tend to be fewer scheduled classes / activities on the weekend - I have historically timed my trips such that I'm there over two weekends so the relative lack of classes disproportionately affects me but this is a minor gripe and I never run out of things to do.

The hotels runs a number of theme months and although I went in June on the first occasion by coincidence, I have chosen to return in June each year because of the dance theme - Jive June. There are typically a couple of "guest presenters" for the month, who tendto be professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing or the international equivalents. This past couple of years, the guest presenters have been particularly excellent - Lauren Oakley from Strictly is a brilliant teacher and a genuinely lovely person, and this year she was accompanied by Alan Burkitt, a West End choreographer whose show tunes perfectly complemented Lauren's latin / ballroom. I can't express strongly enough how much of a difference having the right guest presenters can make to the success of the theme months.

The "bodyguards" are also wonderful - enthusiastic, motivational class instructors by day and, in the evening, lively hosts of the communal dining table / evening entertainment. It was great to see Sherquil back this year, albeit briefly, and JJ was a particular stand-out for me this year too - again, I'm not sure enough credit is given to the bodyguards (and the other team members) whose personality, talent and energy go so such a long way to making the Bodyholiday experience what it is. The right people are worth their weight in gold. While I am on the subject of people, I highly recommend Edwin's tai chi classes (and I was very happy that he did a couple this year on the reefside deck just after lunch as I perennially struggle (fail) to make it to the Coubaril Valley for the early morning sessions 😂😂). Last but not least on the subject of people, Buki is an AMAZING meditation and yoga teacher - my sessions with Buki made my holiday this year 😊.

The food is excellent - a mixture of buffet breakfast with e.g. an egg station, typically buffet and a la carte options for lunch and a la carte dinner (at the main restaurant plus Tao, which serves Asian Fusion and Windows which does themed tasting menus). This past couple of years, the resort has been quite considerably quieter at the end of May / into June. One consequence seems to have been a reduction in dining options particularly at lunchtime, with the main restaurant occasionally closed or serving more limited menu - again, a minor gripe, but I can't help feeling that the hotel may have pushed their pricing about as far as they should. The relative lack of people also had a slightly dampening effect on the atmosphere - in my opinion, anyway 😊.

The daily inclusive spa treatments are generally excellent - the ladies in the spa work very hard and are normally lovely, so it's a shame when a bit of grumpiness occasionally slips through. I usually start my trip with a scrub, I LOVE the West Indian facial they have developed and my "go-to" is the serenity massage - by the end of my holiday, my shoulders may even have lost some of their perpetual knots 😂😂.

Overall, I love Bodyholiday and the only reason I am not giving it 5 out of 5 is that there have been a few niggles over the past couple of years - price increases have been eye-watering, they have been late to confirm their guest presenters for Jive June, and I'm not sure they understand how completely vital the people are (the bodyguards, the other teachers, the food and beverage team, the spa ladies) to the success of the resort.

The best place on Earth! 🌍✨ My friend and I have been returning to this wonderful place every year, and each visit has been an absolutely incredible experience. From the welcoming staff and amazing treatments to the delicious food, everything is simply perfect. We always leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, and recharged. There are also so many lovely activities to enjoy, and everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I look forward to coming back every year. It truly feels like a home away from home, and I can’t wait for our next visit! ❤️