St Lucia - Marigot Bay Review

Last month I left off deep in the Caribbean on the island of St. Lucia wondering if I was going to be shook down or worse beaten by Johnny B. Goode and his first mate Tiger.

I bought them each a beer trying to diffuse the situation when suddenly another great idea hit me. I would just nod a quick goodbye and leave the bar and head to the pool. At the pool I would still be able to see them although now somewhat out of harms reach. If they tried to follow me to the pool, I imagined the sight of a hairy white thirtysomething would surely scare them off. After about an hour poolside, I noticed they were gone. Now I could actually enjoy the adventure and I knew it was time to celebrate with a few blended cocktails.

The swimming pool experience at J.J.�s Resort could be considered laid back perfection. A small waterfall at one end and absolutely nobody around until the arrival of the French. You see, most of the lower Caribbean islands are more frequented by Europeans than Americans. On St. Lucia and particularly at my hotel, the majority of the tourists seemed to be from France. Four couples arrived and lovingly descended into the pool making me wonder what the hell I was doing here by myself. I was now realizing why St. Lucia is widely known as a great honeymoon destination. After awhile I was able to determine that the French guys wanted me to join them in some swimming races. Already realizing that two of the guys resembled Aquaman in the water, I declined their invitation. I wanted no part in disgracing the American flag.

Saturday night I took the official water taxi across Marigot Bay. I say official since this taxi did not include an extortion attempt like the earlier unofficial taxi ride I had been on. A few minutes later I was at the waterfront restaurant Doolittles which fronts the Marigot Bay Dive Resort. Two for one cocktails were the highlight of this visit. Somehow I managed to run into the owner which led to a long and enjoyable discussion about the history of the Dive Resort as well as the history of Marigot Bay. Now the two for one cocktails had turned to free cocktails. After finishing a steak dinner seated waterfront during an awesome sunset, I began to realize I was drunk. Not buzzed, but drunk. My better senses told me it was best to get back to my room immediately.

While trying to board the water taxi back I managed to slip between the dock and the boat straight down into the water. Wet and feeling stupid I made my way back to my hotel. The television was on the Weather Channel when I returned to the room. Reports were coming in the Hurricane Ivan as heading directly towards the lower Caribbean. Predictions were that the storm was about 48 hours away. Since I would be leaving in 36 I wasn�t too worried.

The next morning I awoke at 5:45 and proceeded to take a long walk which was interrupted by a vicious looking Rottweiler. This being my final full day was spent taking pictures, reading, swimming and eating a unique island buffet at J.J.�s. I was now beginning to realize what a terrific chill place this really was.
As the day rolled into night, I wandered down to the bar for a final few drinks. J.J. who is the owner of the resort seemed pleased when I introduced him to the power of Red Bull and Vodka. He introduced me to the owner of the vicious Rottweiler sitting nearby who seemed amused at my story. The staff all came around to say their goodbyes. It was official, J.J.�s Paradise Resort had grown on me tremendously.

Monday morning I awoke realizing it was Labor Day in America. I was pleased knowing my official "no work" day was spent in such a relaxing environment. I also realized the real world was calling and I needed to head home. Hurricane Ivan was less than 24 hours away and the skies were starting to show signs of a major storm. The taxi driver arrived for my ride to the airport.

Heading out of Marigot Bay I was amazed by the beauty of St. Lucia. The jungle landscape scattered with towering coconut tress was overwhelming my senses. I began to realize that I had barely explored the surface of this unique island. I will definitely return to St. Lucia in the future.