Fodor's Expert Review The Landings

On 19 acres along the Pigeon Point Causeway at the northern edge of Rodney Bay, this villa resort surrounds a private lagoon where guests who arrive by boat can dock their yachts literally at their doorstep. That sets the tone, but there’s also plenty here to attract landlubbers: a beach, three pools, three good restaurants, two tennis courts, a spa, and a kids' club and playground.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some villas are far from the beach, but golf carts and a water taxi shuttle guests to and from the beach and elsewhere around the resort.

Photo: Landings Villa Suite Living Room

room

The beautifully appointed suites here range in size from 900 to 2,300 square feet, sleep 2-6 people, and face the marina, ocean, or beach. Each suite has a beautifully appointed living room, dining room, kitchen, and washer/dryer, along with one, two, or three bedrooms with en suite baths and an enormous balcony or terrace. Each two- and three-bedroom suite has a private plunge pool.

Photo: Landings Villa Suite Living Room

bathroom

En suite bathrooms have marble tiling, a glass-enclosed shower, separate tub, and vanity with double sinks. Each suite also has a separate powder room.

If you’ve opted for butler service, your butler will have warm bubble bath waiting for you after a long day at the beach, out on your boat, or touring the island—if you wish, of course.

lobby

The Grand Pavilion—the lobby—is an exquisite five-story atrium filled with stylish chairs and sofas, surrounded by a colonnade. There's also a grand piano and a striking model of HMS Victory, Lord Nelson’s ship when he fought the Battle of Trafalgar. A grand, open staircase sweeps up to the spa on the second floor and then to the upper floors. There’s a small boutique in the lobby and access to The Palms restaurant. Oh, there’s an alcove with a reception desk and concierge, too.

Photo: Pool no 2

pool

The resort has three pools on the property and two Jacuzzis. The largest pool is next to the Beach Bar & Grill.

Photo: Pool no 2

spa

The 7,000-square-foot Soleil Spa has eight treatment rooms, an outdoor hydrotherapy terrace, several relaxation rooms, and a full-service hair salon. Services include classic massages, body wraps, facials, and mani/pedi.

gym

The large, air-conditioned Health & Fitness Centre has Cybex equipment for both cardio and strength training. The gym is open 24/7 and access is complimentary.

Guests can use the resort’s two floodlit tennis courts (with an on-site pro) and take advantage of preferred tee times at the St. Lucia Golf Resort & Country Club, an 18-hole, 6,744-yard championship course at nearby Cap Estate.

dining

You can have a meal The Beach Club Restaurant and Bar, snacks and drinks at the open-air Callaloo Beach Bar & Grill, and dinner at high-end The Palms—or prepare your own meals in-suite or request chef service for a private dining experience.

The resort offers a pre-arrival provisioning service to set up your pantry and fridge.

drinking

Folks gather for sunset cocktails at the Turquoise Beach Bar, at the edge of the beach, or socialize in the evening at the Viscount Lounge in the Grand Pavilion.

beach

The resort’s 800-foot beachfront on Rodney Bay has powdery white sand lined with palm trees. Sun loungers are set up for guests, along with umbrellas for shade. Snorkeling equipment is available, but the water here is best for swimming.

Photo: Beach activities at the landings

Photo: Landings Marina