Thursday, March 12, 2009

WEDDING SHMEDDING, TAKE ME AWAY!

I admit it. I have, without a doubt, a Type A personality. And for a Type A-er, admitting this is hard stuff. I like lists that I can check off, I work best under pressure and I'm incredibly task-oriented. I exhibit Type A behavior in most situations...in a meeting at work, a night out with friends and especially with wedding planning.

But lately, a little bit of Type B is creepin' in. The reception dinner location hasn't been booked (gasp!), the groomsmen attire hasn't been ordered (gulp!) and the invitations? Non-existent. Woah. Deep breaths, Latte.

Instead, I've been mindlessly surfing the web, daydreaming, excessively sighing and staring googly-eyed at pictures like this:

And this:

And this:


These are pictures of some of the gorgeous resorts in St. Lucia, our honeymoon destination! It took us a while to narrow down our options (there's a BIG world out there!) and after wavering back and forth between a city adventure (like Paris) and a beach retreat (like Fiji), we decided on the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Lucia.

A popular honeymoon destination, the island is the perfect spot for the Lattes to cool down (hehe), unwind and relax after the wedding. There's a little bit of everything for us to explore. Beautiful beaches with awesome snorkeling. Breathtaking views of the ocean and the country's two famous mountains, Petit and Gros Piton. Outdoor adventures like horseback riding on the beach, zip-lining through the rainforest and visiting the world's only "drive-in" volcano. (Not sure how that works exactly...but I'll report back!)

There are gorgeous resorts around the entire perimeter of the island, but we've decided to stay on the Southwest coast, in the Soufriere area. These places have the most beautiful views on the island and is home to my dream vacation destination, Jade Mountain. Jade's 24 "Sanctuaries" and 5 suites all have a unique private infinity pool (yes, you read that correctly...your OWN infinity pool) and an open wall with the most AMAZING views I have ever seen. Ever.

Check it out:


(This is not photoshopped. I promise.)


(Bridges lead you to the "sanctuaries.)


(Wow. Simply amazing.)


(Infinity pool? Yes, please. Gorgeous view? Yes, please. Massage? Oh hecks yeah.)

Unfortunately, Jade requires a venti-sized Latte budget. Our grande-sized budget would only give us 3 nights at Jade, so we've decided (well I've decided and Mr. Latte has pinky-sweared) that we would try to go back for a 1-year anniversary mini-moon. And I'm not worried...pinky-swearing is taken very seriously between us Lattes.

This time around, we will be splitting our stay at 2 different resorts. The one I am most excited about is Ladera. Ladera has 6 villas and 25 suites, each with its own plunge pool and an open wall, which allows for some crazy amazing views! On top of that, their award-winning restaurant, Dasheene, is touted as one of the best on the island...and I love me some yummy food. I can't wait to eat, sleep, relax...and eat some more!


(Ladera's main pool with a view)

(A multi-level suite. Aren't the mosquito nets kinda romantic?)

(I could get used to this view...)

We are still deciding on the 2nd resort and are looking at either Anse Chastanet Resort or the Stonefield Estate Villa Resort. Anse Chastanet has a fabulous location right on the beach, which is supposed to be beautiful. The decor is fun, with Caribbean madras bedding, funky artwork and wood accents. Jade Mountain is also located on this resort (it's a resort within a resort), so just in case I get "lost" in that area, I'll be able to get myself back to the correct suite. ;) The Stonefield villas are also close to the beach, and each has a private plunge pool, a hammock and an open-air shower.

Here are some pictures for you to drool...er, I mean look at. (If necessary, drool away. No shame).


(An Anse Chastanet suite)


(The beach on the Anse resort. See that hut on the right? That's where I'll be.)


(The view from a Stonefield villa)


(I'm in love with Stonefield's french doors)

So what do you think, hive? Anse or Stonefield? Anyone else honeymoon on beautiful St. Lucia or any other Caribbean island?

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