Did I check us in? Are we heading to the right airport? Should I research more places for dinner?
Every holiday starts and ends with me glued to my phone, and as a result, holidays have become quite stressful. I constantly worry about being on time and whether everyone will have fun, while rarely switching off from work.
So when I read about architect Nick Troubetzkoy’s tech-free vision for his luxury resort in St Lucia, an island paradise in the eastern Caribbean, it sounded like it could be the antidote for my dying spontaneity.
But could I survive a week away from screens?
The Caribbean’s ‘honeymoon capital’
With dramatic volcanic hillsides and lunar white beaches, St Lucia easily earns its title as the ‘honeymoon capital of the Caribbean’.
And set amidst this rugged landscape is Jade Mountain, an architectural marvel with 29 ‘sanctuaries’ that was recently voted one of the best hotels in the world.
Widely hailed as having the best views in the Caribbean, the mountaintop retreat is unique in that every suite is missing a wall. Bedrooms are partially open-air, with minimalist decor of stone, concrete and tropical hardwood that makes you feel one with the forest around you.
Giving strong vibes of a Bond villain’s lair, each suite has a private infinity pool and three glaring omissions: no telephones, no TVs, no clocks.
Mobiles can be used, but to fully immerse myself in the experience I chose to swap my Android for a blocky 90s-style Nokia (and rely on the expertly-trained butlers) instead.
It turns out that letting go was harder than I thought.
As I settled into the five-star beachfront resort, the initial thrill was quickly replaced by a sense of unfamiliarity. Without my phone to turn to, I felt lost – even a little anxious. How would I check the time? What about directions around the hotel?
But as the days passed, I found myself easing into a new rhythm, one that wasn’t dictated by digital distractions.
I started paying more attention to nature, waking up with natural light every day, and even ditching my eye mask.
With the itinerary organised by the hotel, and all meals included, there wasn’t really anything for me to stress about.
I’ll admit it wasn’t a full detox; I still called and texted friends and family. I also used my phone to take photos, but I resisted the urge to check other apps once I finished snapping pictures.
The Major Domos (butlers) are always available, whether it’s to unpack your suitcase, gently wake you in the morning or bring you a late-night snack.
And by the end of the week, I’d come to understand not just the benefits of unplugging, but also how deeply dependent I am on my devices.
How to get to St Lucia and best time to visit
To get to St Lucia, you can take a direct 9-hour flight from London to one of its two main airports; Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in the south, and George FL Charles Airport (SLU) in the north, just outside the capital city, Castries.
British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Hewanorra, while Virgin Atlantic operates four flights per week from London Heathrow. Prices vary depending on the season, but with enough planning, you could get there for as little as £400.
If you are thinking of island-hopping around the Caribbean, you’re in luck, because several ferry lines connect St Lucia with Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe.
St Lucia has two seasons, wet and dry. For maximum sunshine, the best time to visit Saint Lucia is in the high season, from mid-December to mid-April.
Things to do in St Lucia
St Lucia can be roughly divided into two regions: north and south.
In the north, you will find the bustling capital Castries, as well as the luxurious area of Cap Estate, the town of Gros Islet and the marina of Rodney Bay.
If you are looking for good nightlife, varied dining, shopping and a more modern vibe, the north of St Lucia is for you. Gros Islet’s street party on Fridays, also known as “jump up”, is an unmissable cultural experience that brings together locals and tourists for a night of reggae, soca (a blend of African and East Indian rhythms) and local food.
Tourists visiting other Caribbean islands via ferry or embarking on cruises will also focus on the northern part of the island, as most maritime transport departs from Castries.
The south is home to the Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to two striking volcanic peaks. This area has a more intimate vibe and is perfect for anyone looking to disconnect and unwind in nature.
Think candle-lit dinners on the beach, healing hot springs and quiet evenings listening to the cicadas sing while you sip on local rum.
Here you’ll also find Soufrière, a top spot for honeymoons and romantic getaways, Choiseul – the ‘craft capital’ – and Vieux Fort, St Lucia’s second-largest town.
If you are thinking of renting a car, keep in mind that driving in St Lucia can be challenging — it’s not for the faint-hearted.
As someone who rarely gets car sick, the drive from the airport to the resort was nauseating enough for me, so pick your location wisely and bring anti-sickness tablets just in case.
You can discover St Lucia’s natural beauty in all its glory at the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens (entry is £5.60), visit the world’s only drive-in volcano, La Soufrière (entry is around £12), or go birdwatching on the Maria Islands (tours start at £40).
There’s also a huge selection of boat trips – from snorkelling excursions to romantic catamaran sunset cruises. We were lucky enough to see dolphins.
For a deeper dive into the island’s heritage, consider a plantation tour at one of its historic estates. At Balenbouche, you can visit an 18th-century sugar mill and stroll through the beautiful grounds (£15.50), while Morne Coubaril adds a flavorful twist with chocolate and rum tastings (£27).
While there is something for everyone in St Lucia, the island is the ultimate destination for those looking to unplug.
Mud baths? Check. Scenic waterfalls? Check. Make your own chocolate and eat it? Absolutely.
5 ways to be more spontaneous when travelling
Being unable to switch off is incredibly detrimental, according to Dr Charlotte Russell, clinical psychologist and founder of The Travel Psychologist.
‘It can be so tempting to think, “I’ll just answer this one email”, which may only take a few minutes, but don’t underestimate the impact that will have on your mindset and physiology,’ she tells Metro.
Studies have found that spontaneity has been linked to lower anxiety levels and increased confidence in one’s ability to achieve goals.
Dr Charlotte Russell suggests starting small:
- Avoid over-planning your trip and leave time for spontaneity.
- Leave an afternoon free, without any plans or bookings. Use this time to do whatever you feel, depending on your mood.
- Ask your travel companion to choose an activity and try your best to enjoy it, even if it is not something you would usually choose.
- Chat with locals and ask them for recommendations. Pick one and follow it without researching too much or checking reviews.
- Choose a restaurant without consulting articles or reviews and pick something from a menu that you wouldn’t usually go for.
Martina Andretta was a guest of Jade Mountain (jademountain@jademountain.com) and Anse Chastanet (ansechastanet@ansechastanet.com).
Nightly rates in one of Jade Mountain’s Sky Sanctuaries start from £862 per room on a B&B basis.
Nightly rates at Anse Chastanet start from £504 on a room-only basis (based on 2 travellers).
This article was originally published on 3 January 2025.
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