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A fine resort with a new spa, the Royal St. Lucian lies north of Castries. Standing in its own gardens of royal palms and tropical foliage, it opens onto a dramatic lobby. All the accommodations are luxury suites, the best of which have sea views and balconies. There are eight even more spacious suites right at beachfront, each with a private terrace. Some of the units are split-level, with spacious bathrooms containing tubs and jet showers, cream-colored tile floors, rattan furniture, and woven rugs. Everywhere you look, the setting is lush. The food is among the best hotel cuisine on the island, and candlelit beach dinners are featured. The chefs are also known for West Indian and Italian buffets. Jazz can be heard in the chic cocktail lounge, and the spa offers everything from hydrotherapy to herbal body wraps.

Facilities: 3 restaurants; 2 bars; outdoor pool; 2 tennis courts; health club and spa; sauna; dive shop; fishing; snorkeling; Sunfish sailboats; water-skiing; windsurfing; children's programs; business services; room service (7am-midnight); babysitting; laundry service; rooms for those with limited mobility.

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