Standing on a sun-drenched beach in St Lucia, I watch a kite, as large as a small car, whip across the sky, preparing for my first-ever kitesurfing experience. My mind races with excitement, while my body teeters between fear and exhilaration. After all, there's nothing quite like the prospect of being dragged across water at high speed, attached to what feels like a parachute in a windstorm. While it typically takes two to three days to venture out solo, today, I'm piggybacking my instructor for a taste of pro-level thrills. As he instructs me to wrap my limbs around him like an octopus, I can't help but wonder if my travel insurance is up to date.
Why St Lucia is More Than Just a Honeymoon Destination
When you think of St Lucia, images of honeymooners sipping rum punch beneath the iconic Pitons might come to mind. With its dramatic volcanic hillsides and lunar-like beaches, it's no wonder it's dubbed the 'honeymoon capital of the Caribbean'. However, this island offers far more than romantic getaways. At Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, it becomes a haven for adrenaline junkies like me, who crave heart-pounding activities while others look on with mild concern.
A Resort for Every Traveller
Coconut Bay caters to diverse holiday desires, making it ideal for groups with varying interests. For those seeking relaxation, there's a mile-long beach, five pools, and eight restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to authentic Creole cuisine, complemented by live music and evening entertainment. You can park yourself by the pool or in an ocean-hung hammock with a cocktail, undisturbed for a week. Conversely, for the restless souls, the resort boasts a water park, tennis, basketball, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, wind foiling, and even pickleball courts. Or, like me, you might attempt to scale coconut trees, perhaps influenced by a rum-induced daring spirit.
Kitesurfing: The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush
My primary goal in St Lucia is kitesurfing, as the island ranks among the world's best locations for this sport. From November to July, Coconut Bay's shoreline transforms into a kitesurfer's paradise, with onshore winds blowing consistently at 15-25 knots. Inside the reef, a protected bay offers steady winds and flat, shallow water, perfect for beginners learning kite control without being swept out to sea. About 300 metres offshore, experienced riders tackle Atlantic swells with clean waves and winds that keep them airborne. Watching them execute back rolls and kiteloops ignited an immediate desire to join their ranks.
The Piggyback Experience: A Taste of Flight
Returning to my piggyback session, wrapped around my instructor like an overexcited koala, I focus on body positioning and weight distribution. As the wind pulls us into the water, the kite catches, and we're off. The acceleration is instantaneous—we skim the surface like a stone, spray hitting my face. Though it lasts mere seconds, the sensation is pure flight. Zigzagging back and forth with the wind, I shriek with joy. When we stop, my face aches from grinning, and I'm already plotting how quickly I can learn to do this independently.
Learning to Kitesurf: From Theory to Practice
Given that smaller kites can drag you across the sand if mishandled, proper training is essential. Resort guests over ten years old can enjoy a complimentary 'taster session' on the beach with a trainer kite, while paid lessons are available for those aged 16 and up. Lessons begin with theory on the beach, covering wind windows, safety systems, and essential precautions, followed by flying progressively larger kites until instructors deem you safe. The instructors at Coconut Bay's Surf Shack are brilliant, funny, and patient, offering gear rentals by the hour, day, or multiple days. Special Surf and Stay packages cater to committed enthusiasts.
I witnessed a family taking their first lesson together, with a teenage son attempting to appear cool despite shared terror with his dad. By day three, he was up on the board, cheered on by his mum as if he'd won an Olympic medal. Kitesurfing's learning curve is steep, but the moment you succeed—even briefly—feels incredible.
Relaxation and Exploration Beyond the Beach
After a day of wind and waves, your body may rebel, making a visit to the Sanctuary Spa a welcome respite. I indulged in a massage in an ocean-front cabana, lulled by waves into deep rest. The Chocolate 'Cocoa Tea' Sugar Scrub, made with Lucian chocolate and tropical oils, is highly recommended, though I awoke with drool on my pillow, gently roused by my masseuse.
St Lucia itself is stunning, with attractions beyond the beach. The island features the world's only drive-in volcano, a brilliantly bizarre experience, and the second-highest lighthouse globally at Moule-à-Chique, not to mention the Pixar-perfect Piton Mountains. As a water enthusiast, I enjoyed a catamaran ride and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Another day involved lounging in hot springs after applying detoxifying mud at the sulphur springs, followed by waterfall adventures.
Verdict: A Destination for All
I came to Coconut Bay to immerse myself in kitesurfing, quickly realising mastery requires more than 72 hours. Whether you're an obsessed kitesurfer seeking ideal conditions or a beginner needing a forgiving learning environment, St Lucia delivers. Its proximity to the airport—just five minutes away—means you can be sipping a cocktail or riding a kiteboard within an hour of landing. For travel companions who think you're mental, they can relax by the pool while you live your best life. And if things go awry, there's always the spa and ample rum to soothe the soul.
Travel Details and Best Time to Visit
I flew with British Airways from London Gatwick to Hewanorra International Airport, with an approximate eight-and-a-half-hour flight time. Return flights in April 2026 start from £644 in Economy Standard. Staying at the all-inclusive Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, just a five-minute drive from the airport, includes kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkelling, with instruction provided. Kitesurfing and wingfoiling lessons and equipment rental incur additional costs. For adults-only experiences, the Harmony side offers tranquility, while the Splash side caters to families with a kids' club that even accepts babies. The best time for kitesurfing is November to July, when winds are most consistent.
