visited just prior to christmas. not as rustic as I thought, but the rooms were lovely and the showers were very unique. my 4 year old liked talking to eric the parrot and we liked playing table tennis. the sea was fairly rough so no water sports whilst we were there which was a shame and we heard about the lady who had the spines in her foot. we managed to paddle though in the waves which was fun and the children enjoyed the pool and the swim up bar. memories of east winds are: cocktails watching the sunsets which were just beautiful, eric, the delicious pork spare ribs at the lunch bbq, all the birds eating the cakes at tea time, and the food generally , although we thought this could be hit and miss occasionally. however being all inclusive it did not matter too much if there was a course you did not enjoy... you had plenty of food. staff all friendly except one who just did not smile at all. did trip to pigeon island which was good and we saw the rough atlantic surf and managed to swim on a really calm beach which was lovely as I missed swimming in the sea at east winds. all guests mainly english and obviously there were repeat guests - you really should make a few trips though out of resort. next time we will hire a car as taxis very expensive.
tip: My husband hit his head on the corner of the safe and had a big gash, so be careful to keep the safe door shut before bending down to get anything out of the cupboard.

Complete relaxation at East Winds Inn. I recently spent a stunning week at East Winds with my fiancee. I have travelled all over the world staying in 5 star hotels in every continent but this was was my first trip to St Lucia and first experience of an all inclusive package - something that I have always intentionally avoided before. We were recommended to stay at East Winds by family friends who have been going for nearly 20 years. The whole experience was perfect and most importantly so relaxing, it felt like being as comfortable as you would be at home except you are staying within 14 beautiful acres of botanical-esque gardens directly fronting 200 metres of serene sandy Caribbean beach front! We stayed in cottage 24 and from day 1 the whole experience matched 5 star service and quality but with the relaxed informality of being amongst friends and family. The accommodation was superb - large, airy room with giant king size bed, lovely mahogany furniture and all relevant mod cons (wide screen plasma with multiple channels and dvd and ipod deck). The character of the accommodation was completed by a beautiful stone floor, generous wardrobe space and stunning stone clad shower pit ! After many days relaxing by the beach or in the gardens, each evening we used our terrace for drinks before wandering down to the giant traditional bamboo lounge for a glass of champagne before dinner. There is an elegant and charming feel to the dining room and bamboo lounge - from the furnishings through to the nightly live music, a highlight being the Steinway piano and amazing pianists!

The food and associated service absolutely make East Winds what it is. The resort is absolutely beautiful but this is more than matched by the spirit and hospitality of the East Winds staff - from GM Gareth through to the waiting and bar staff, chamber maids and gardeners ! We found most of the staff have been at East Winds for more than 8 years which says so much about the place. My favourite element of the whole stay though was the food and wine. It really was special and clearly extremely well thought through by some talented chefs. We met Tomislav who a young and exciting Sous Chef and responsible for much of the evening menu - his training in London and europe has set him up for East Winds which I cannot believe is not the best restaurant on the island - during the St Lucia PM, the British Commissioner and many non-residents from other hotels also ate there....

Each night the dinner menu provided for 4 courses with 3 choices of dish. The food was stunning michelin star quality yet did not leave you feeling bloated in any way. Fresh local ingredients coupled with an international sophistication left me so eager every night to see what might enjoy! The bbq lobster/creole salad lunches were also a high point ! Also my fiancee is gluten intolerant so the kitchen made gluten free bread and adjusted every dish to accommodate her needs. I thought that was amazing and something that even the greatest hotels in the world would struggle with such a personal touch.

We went off the resort early on in the trip for a tour of the island but thereafter just could not drag ourselves away from the place. You feel like there are few people there at all yet everything you need is always available - I think there are more staff than guests !

We thoroughly recommend East Winds and will definitely go back as a couple, family or with friends. Our entire experience is credit to the GM Gareth and the owners for putting together such a great team which more than match the classic caribbean beauty of the resort.

This is a place people come back to again and again - and it's easy to see why. With only 30 rooms, it's ideal for a quiet, luxurious break in great accommodation. The facilities are excellent - try a sail in the Hobie Cat with Johnnie - and the food is first class, with a choice of different wines by the glass being offered with each course at dinner. Altogether a great experience, with nothing much to be added to the wish list, except slippers to go with the Frette robes - and a shaving mirror!

My husband and I spent the first half of our honeymoon last October at East Winds Inn and looooooved it. We were so relaxed and were thrilled with the service, environment, food, rooms and beach. We didn't know what to expect but enjoyed every aspect of East Winds Inn. We are a younger American couple and enjoyed the overall "more mature" European atmosphere. It was very quiet and we weren't distributed by a younger audience looking to party (ie the place down the beach) rather than relax. If you are looking to relax and enjoy time with your spouse/family, this is the place to be.

The beach/pool was amazing--we never had to fight for chairs. The drinks were bottomless and served with a smile. Food was great--actually too great. We definitely overate because we enjoyed all the meals.

The set up in the rooms and the restaurants was beautiful. We enjoyed pre-dinner drinks in the gazebo while playing games each night.

The beach area is rather small but very pristine and the water is so calm and warm because it's in a bay.

We went to a newer, not all-inclusive resort farther south on the island after East Winds Inn. We were honestly hesitant about the all-inclusive package at East Winds because we had never done it before. However, considering all the food, drink, entertainment, environment and service you get--it's a steal! Really, in comparison, we were so relaxed ordering whatever we wanted and enjoying the surroundings together.

As a warning, if you plan to go into town to visit/eat dinner, it's definitely doable but not convenient. We had to go into town once but spent a lot on cabs. If you don't want to incur more transportation cost, I would plan on staying on the resort itself

Go to East Winds Inn--you won't regret it! Thank for a wonderful time and memorable honeymoon :)