Nature's Paradise @ Marigot Bay

Set on a verdant ridge overlooking Marigot Bay, Nature’s Paradise has a secretive, garden-of-Eden atmosphere. It’s easy to miss the modest, laminated sign -- attached to a tree on the unpaved road leading to the property -- that marks the inn's entrance. American owners Wanda and David live in the main building and enjoy sharing stories with guests. The quirky art dotted throughout the rooms and common areas reflects the many countries they’ve visited. Wanda is also responsible for the inn’s captivating gardens. Palms, bougainvillea, and dozens of other species hug the edges of curving stone pathways, with the white main building and cottages barely visible amid the thick vegetation. Wide leaves and colorful flowers part here and there to reveal striking views over sparkling Marigot Bay.

Guests are almost exclusively couples -- the hilly property has uneven terrain and some steep drops, which means it’s not suited for most kids as well as those with limited mobility. The vibe is laid-back and friendly, with the communal breakfast time and intimate pool area ensuring ample opportunities to socialize with other guests and the owners. 

Nature's Paradise owes its peaceful ambience and jaw-dropping bay views to its secluded hilltop setting, but it also means that reaching the inn is a bit of an adventure. A bumpy, uphill dirt road connects the inn to the tiny village of Marigot Bay below. The journey takes less than 10 minutes by car, but it’s an ambitious 25 minutes on foot. Marigot Bay Marina Village is quite cute, home to a handful of excellent restaurants, a grocery store, and a bank. An on-demand ferry service runs 24 hours a day, providing transportation to the beach found on the opposite side of the harbor -- although it isn’t one of St. Lucia’s nicer stretches of sand. 

Marigot Bay conveniently lies roughly halfway between the popular attractions found toward the north and south of the island. It’s about a 45-minute drive north to Rodney Bay, and an hour south to the famous Pitons. Hewanorra International Airport is a little more than an hour's drive.

Guest rooms and cottages at Nature’s Paradise are tidy and quaint. The domestic decor has a pleasant yet unpolished look, with slightly mismatched fabric prints and furniture that ranges from wicker to white cedar. Walls are decorated with some of the owners’ own photography, along with other eclectic artwork like world maps and tribal masks. Most rooms have four-poster beds, some of which are draped in mosquito netting. All units have standing fans and ceiling fans but no air-conditioning. Tiled bathrooms feature glass-block showers, pedestal sinks, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Towels and off-brand bars of soap are provided. 

The two rooms, Ginger Suite and Coconut Room, are on the small side. Both have furnished terraces with wonderful views of the surrounding gardens and the bay. Rooms include mini-fridges, cups, as well as tea-and-coffee making facilities. The two cottages are much roomier and offer kitchens with ovens, full-size fridges, and a good range of appliances and cookware. Cottages also have flat-screen TVs and larger wraparound terraces with views of the bay. The Wi-Fi signal can generally be picked up in the two rooms, which are set in the main building, but it does not reach the cottages. Both rooms and cottages are stocked with free welcome packs that include coffee, tea, fresh fruit, local beer, and other staples. 

As a small inn, Nature’s Paradise has just a few on-site features that cover the basics. There’s a lovely, capsule-shaped pool with a fountain. The surrounding wooden deck offers spectacular views over the bay, picturesquely framed by tropical vegetation. A couple of loungers and a big beach umbrella are provided.

There’s a large living area in the main building, furnished with intriguing decorations that the owners have gathered during their travels -- a Hindu statue rests on a pillar and a tapestry hangs next to a pair of samurai swords. The living area is technically part of the owners’ home, but guests are free to watch TV here, take advantage of the strong Wi-Fi signal, or browse the sizable collection of books. When the weather is sunny, most guests prefer to sit on the attractive terrace out front, which faces toward the bay. 

Breakfast is included in the room rate, although it’s not served on the weekends. Guests dine together in the living area or out on a little back patio set within the gardens. The breakfast spread varies a bit from day to day, but typically includes some combination of fresh fruits, baked goods, yogurt, cheese, and jam. 

Free Wi-Fi is offered in the main building, but the signal does not extend to the cottages. Free parking is available in the front driveway. Airport transfers can be arranged for a surcharge. The owners can help with the arrangement of local tours and activities as well.