Forget the cliché of rum punch and sunset strolls. Standing on a St Lucian beach, I watched a kite the size of a small car carve through the sky, my heart pounding with a mix of terror and exhilaration. I was about to attempt kitesurfing for the very first time, and the promise of being dragged across the water at high speed, tethered to a parachute in a windstorm, was utterly compelling.
An Island for Every Traveller
While St Lucia is famously dubbed the 'honeymoon capital of the Caribbean', its dramatic Pitons and lunar-like beaches cater to far more than just couples. My base, the Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, perfectly encapsulates this duality. For those seeking pure relaxation, a mile-long beach, five pools, and eight restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood to Creole cuisine provide ample opportunity to flop. You can park yourself in an ocean-hung hammock with a cocktail for a week, and no one will bat an eye.
For restless souls, the resort is a playground. Alongside tennis, basketball, and a water park, it offers kayaking, paddle boarding, and even pickleball. But I was there for one reason: kitesurfing. From November to July, the island's onshore winds blow a consistent 15-25 knots, transforming the shoreline into a global hotspot for the sport.
Taking the Plunge: A Kitesurfing Baptism
The learning process is methodical. Beginners start in the protected bay inside the reef, where flat, shallow water allows for safe practice. My introduction was a 'piggyback' session, where I clung to my instructor like an overexcited octopus as he controlled the kite. The acceleration was instant. We skimmed the surface, spray hitting my face, in a burst of speed that felt like flying. It lasted mere seconds, but the adrenaline rush was addictive.
Proper lessons begin on the beach with theory—understanding wind windows and safety systems—before progressing to larger kites. The instructors at the resort's Surf Shack are patient and skilled, guiding everyone from terrified teenagers to determined adults. I watched one family where, by day three, the teenage son was up on a board, his mother cheering as if he'd won gold.
Recovery and Exploration Beyond the Waves
After battering your body on the water, recovery is essential. The Sanctuary Spa offers ocean-front cabana massages, where the sound of waves induces deep sleep. I can personally recommend the Chocolate 'Cocoa Tea' Sugar Scrub, made with local Lucian chocolate. And when you need a break from the elements, St Lucia itself awaits exploration.
The island boasts the world's only drive-in volcano and the towering Moule-à-Chique lighthouse. I opted for a catamaran trip, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, and later slathered myself in detoxifying mud at the sulphur springs before a waterfall rinse.
The Verdict: An Accessible Adventure Hub
I came to master kitesurfing but learned that proficiency takes more than 72 hours. However, whether you're an expert seeking perfect conditions or a novice needing a forgiving place to learn, St Lucia delivers. The clincher? Coconut Bay is just five minutes from Hewanorra International Airport. You can be face-down in a cocktail or up on a kiteboard within an hour of landing.
For those travelling with less adventurous companions, they can happily remain by the pool while you chase the wind. And if it all goes wrong? There's always the spa. And the rum. Quite a lot of rum.
Travel Details: The writer flew with British Airways from London Gatwick (approx. 8.5 hours). Return flights from April 2026 start from £644. A 7-night all-inclusive stay at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in a Junior Suite Tropical View starts from £1,516 per adult. The resort's Splash side caters to families, with a kids' club that takes babies, starting from £1,365 per adult for a Deluxe Garden View room. Kitesurfing lessons and gear rental are an additional cost.
