Mariette Williams
While "wellness" has become an overused travel industry buzzword, each time I visit St. Lucia I experience a physical and mental reset that lasts long after I've left the island. Last month, I checked into BodyHoliday, one of the island's pioneering wellness retreats, for a few days. Nearly 40 years later, it continues to set the gold standard for a comprehensive, all-inclusive wellness holiday. I'll soon be sharing a full look at my stay there and why this resort still leads the pack.
During that same visit to St. Lucia, I was also the first U.S. journalist to take a walk through TheLifeCo, the soon-to-be-opened, medically guided wellness retreat. Set for a soft launch in April, the property is set just outside the Rodney Bay Marina and will be the first of its kind in the Caribbean. Expanding its global footprint, the Turkish-founded wellness chain also operates locations in Bodrum, Antalya, and Uluda in Turkiye; Phuket, Thailand; and Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
I spoke with TheLifeCo's general manager, Aslihan Ozgur, about the decision to open a location in St. Lucia.
"From the developer's point of view, St. Lucia is a convenient location to reach American and Canadian markets," she said. "St. Lucia has direct flights from both markets, and [the island] is well known for its beauty and nature. It's also a place that travelers already associate with relaxation and wellness."
When it opens, the property will have dozens of modern treatments and services ranging from IV infusions to red light therapy, along with private fitness sessions and breathwork and meditation workshops. It's important to note that TheLifeCo is geared toward travelers seeking an intensive, medically supervised health retreat and will feature no alcohol, dairy or meat, and meals will focus on vegan cuisine.
Spa opens at Ladera
Also on St. Lucia, the recently reopened Ladera Resort just debuted its long-awaited spa. The adults-only retreat nestled near the Pitons unveiled its 25,000-square-foot Leve Wellness & Spa, which features a volcanic mineral vitality pool and an outdoor infrared sauna. The spa is positioned on a volcanic ridge 1,100 feet above the sea, offering panoramic views of the lush rainforest valley. Beyond traditional treatments, the facility features the Jako Wellness Cafe, where guests can replenish with cold-pressed juices. The spa's design draws heavily on the island's heritage, utilizing local materials and botanical ingredients grown right on the resort's grounds. It represents a significant evolution for the 43-year-old property, blending its famous "open-wall" architecture with a holistic healing experience.
While St. Lucia has spent decades as a premier honeymoon destination, the island is rapidly expanding its reputation as a world-class wellness sanctuary. The island is naturally primed for wellness, with its restorative sulfur springs, therapeutic waterfalls and a bounty of locally grown, nutrient-rich produce. The surge in specialized retreats and spas on the island is a combination of utilizing these ancient natural resources and integrating modern holistic therapies.