Cap Maison review: A touch of St Lucia luxury

Located at the northern tip of Saint Lucia in the Caribbean, Cap Maison is an independently owned hotel which offers guests a luxurious getaway within the affluent Cap Estate. This premium location seems like a fabulous place to experience the delights that the island has to offer, but will my Cap Maison review tempt you to come and see for yourself?

While you can’t get much further from Hewanorra International Airport, around 40 miles away, the bumpy, twisty journey is well worth it. My flight arrived in the late afternoon, which meant I got caught in the heavy rush-hour traffic around the capital, Castries. Still, the luxury transfer to the resort, complete with snacks and drinks and a very friendly and welcoming driver, made the trek much more bearable. 

As I arrived, the sun had set, but the warm glow from the hacienda-style buildings set expectations high. Happily, come the light of day, I wasn’t disappointed. 

Accommodation  

Cap Maison offers several different accommodation options, from a more modest garden view room with a small outside terrace to two and three-bedroom villas, so it can cater to different needs and budgets. With just 49 keys across the property set in the well-tended grounds, it won’t seem crowded, retaining a relaxed feel even during high season. My accommodation for the trip was an oceanview suite with a private pool. 

Ocean view room Cap Maison

Inside, the suite was beautifully spacious, with a living and dining area, fully equipped kitchen, large tiled bathroom with a separate shower and bath, and a well-proportioned and very comfortable bedroom. Air conditioning is only in the bedroom, but the mesh-covered shutter doors all around the living area allow the breeze to move freely, giving enough air movement to make it comfortable during the sweltering heat of the day. 

Lounge area, Ocean view room Cap Maison

I spent most of my free time at the villa on the veranda and pool area. The two tiled patio areas with tables and chairs, a sofa, and loungers allowed me to choose between sitting in the sun or shade. The L-shaped pool was shaded well by foliage, giving some privacy without completely blocking the sea views. 

Veranda and Pool area, Cap Maison

The only downside to sitting out was the wealth of voracious mosquitoes. If you are heading to the Caribbean, be sure to pack plenty of bug repellent. If you don’t, or you run out, Cap Maison very helpfully provides both repellent and after-bite spray in each villa or room, which is a welcome gesture. 

Food and drink

There are two restaurants at Cap Maison, with very different vibes. The Cliff at Cap is set, as the name suggests, at the top of the cliff with glorious views out to sea and across to Martinique to the north and Pigeon Island to the west. 

View from The Cliff at Cap, Cap Maison

The menu is a fusion of French and Caribbean dishes created by celebrated head chef Craig Jones. The restaurant is open for lunch, with lighter bites such as crispy fish sliders (absolutely delicious, by the way) and fresh shrimp rice rolls. For dinner, the menu has a great choice of fresh seafood dishes, as well as meat dishes including the most succulent Kobe beef short rib I have ever tasted. 

For a more laid-back vibe, head down the steep steps to Smugglers Bay and find The Naked Fisherman. Set on the beach, the sound of the gently lapping waves is a lovely accompaniment to any meal. 

Take a seat under the thatched roof and browse the informal menu and you’ll find burgers, steaks and fish dishes galore. Options range from smaller dishes of sticky chicken satay or caramelised sweetcorn ribs to the TNF beach picnic sharing platter or a 12oz rib eye steak. No matter what you choose, it will be delicious, and the location will only enhance the experience. 

The Naked Fisherman and The Cliff at Cap both serve drinks and cocktails throughout the day and evening, with warm, friendly service from everyone you encounter. 

For the ultimate in romantic fine dining, Rock Maison is a private dining area on rocks that jut out into the sea. With a zip line that can deliver champagne at the ring of a buzzer, it’s a delightfully luxurious experience. 

Cap Maison: The verdict

If you’re heading to St Lucia to find a little slice of paradise in a secluded location, Cap Maison is an excellent choice. The grounds are beautifully kept, with quiet corners and lounging hammocks to relax and enjoy the views out to sea. Alternatively, you can pick your spot by the pool and soak up the sun, or while the hours away in Smugglers Bay, with drinks on hand and water sports equipment available if you’re feeling energetic. 

Whether you’re on a relaxing break, a family holiday, or a romantic getaway or honeymoon, Cap Maison will provide a wonderful backdrop. With great food, glorious views and luxurious accommodations, you won’t want to leave.

Reviewed: Cap Maison Resort & Spa, St Lucia
Prices from around £450 per night

Sam Huff