Oasis Marigot

This is, perhaps, one of the more authentic and memorable hotel entrances in St. Lucia. After arriving to the bottom of the bumpy road (a trip in itself), a sign directs passengers toward a ferry (more like a small boat for a handful of people) that makes regular, short trips back and forth to the other side of the bay. Hotel porters greet guests and guide them along a path that wraps around the beach to get to the base of Oasis; once there, travelers can take a charming turquoise tram up the hill or climb an adjacent set of steps. The gorgeous hilly landscape is filled with bright fuchsia bougainvillea popping against lush green rainforest. Once at the top, Oasis guests are rewarded with beautiful views of the bay.  

In addition to the 12 units, there are a reception area for staff assistance and a shared outdoor pool with more scenic views. Guests will often feel as if they have the resort to themselves, so this slice of St. Lucia is ideal for those who want to be far from cruise-ship crowds. The secluded and tranquil setting attract primarily couples.

Getting around St. Lucia is much easier to do by boat than by car, hence Marigot Bay's thriving on-site marina. However, not everyone has this luxury, and those traveling by vehicle should expect an hour-long, expensive taxi ride from Hewanorra International Airport, or 30-minute ride from George F. L. Charles Airport. If renting a car, there's free parking across the bay, but prepare to drive narrow, winding roads with jarring potholes -- best avoided after dark. 

The views on arrival make up for it though. Surrounded by emerald-green landscapes, Marigot Bay's crystal-clear inlet is quite a contrast (author James Michener called it the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean). Though Oasis is more secluded than other spots in the bay, conveniences such as a bank, a few boutiques, a high-quality (but expensive) supermarket, some duty-free outlets, and an ice cream parlor are available at Marina Village. The resort's water taxi makes regular rounds (for a fee) to get there. Within a five-minute walk are restaurants such as Rainforest Hideaway and Doolittle's, as well as the beach and water sports.

Each of the resort’s 12 individual villas are the same size and layout, with charming plantation-style design. Refurbished in 2016, interior decor is clean and fresh, with wooden floors, louvered shutter windows, and contemporary tropical accents. The bottom floors house the bedrooms, which comes with canopy beds dressed in sheer white fabric, along with closets, vanity tables, and sliding doors leading to balconies. Stairs lead to the second floors, complete with living areas and modern kitchenettes with stainless steel ovens, stovetops, microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers, and full-size fridges, while cabinets and drawers are equipped with glasses, plates, and utensils. Balconies on this level are wider than the ones below, and big enough for dining tables and two chairs facing the bay. 

Bathrooms have walk-in showers decorated in stone, but there is little in the way of counter space. They only have hand soap and a bar of soap in the shower, so guests may want to bring additional toiletries. Hairdryers are provided though. Rooms have free Wi-Fi and safes, but they lack TVs. Air-conditioning units are only available in the bedrooms, though most report it's not an issue thanks to ceiling fans and the island breeze.

There are few features on-site, but the hotel does have a pretty (albeit small) bean-shaped pool with a waterfall over the edge for a touch of ambience. It faces the bay and there are a few sets of sun loungers in different areas for privacy -- some are in open sunlight, while others are placed under a wooden trellis for partial shade. Towels are provided from reception but require a small returnable deposit. 

Down the hillside is a stretch of volcanic sand called LaBas Beach, available to guests. The beach isn't quite as nice as other spots in the Caribbean, but many will be very happy with the clear and calm turquoise sea (great for swimming), and pretty palm trees. Loungers and shaded palapas are free, and guests can rent non-motorized water sports -- snorkeling gear, kayaks, Hobie Cats -- for a fee.

Guest services in the reception are available from the early morning to evening for assistance with day trips and airport transfers. There is a dry-erase board listing suggested daily activities, which may include snorkeling, diving, and sunset cruises, as well as charters to the Grenadine islands, or land activities such as bird watching and hiking.

Oasis does not have a restaurant on-site. Free Wi-Fi and local telephone access are available in each villa, although the strongest signal is near reception.