The Caribbean is good news in most areas, but the easy-going friendliness of most St Lucians is second to none, and the staff of EWI exceed even that! From reception to the dining room, and from gardeners to porters they are unfailingly cheerful, courteous and efficient which gives the impression they would do anything for you. We were very pleased with the size and facilities of our room, with aircon (rarely used) and fan. EWI is situated in a shallow valley leading down to its beach, and the pairs of cottage-like rooms are scattered within 13-odd acres of beautiful gardens that are a pleasure to stroll throuh. One small tip for anyone suffering a bad leg or back: if you find walking up even a gentle slope is a strain it would be best to ask for a room in the flat lower half of the estate behind the beach. (You'll then have the added bonus of watching the little land crabs scuttling into their burrows!) We only ate out when on a trip. Thoughts that we might sample local restaurants were quickly banished by the excellence and variety of the EWI chefs and the quality of the service, and added to by the two adjacent bars, each very different in style. Because EWI is small in its number of rooms, everything adds up to creating a relaxed and friendly country house atmosphere. Just one or two very small suggestions for what might be called internal marketing. Although in each room there is a good guide to the shrubs and trees in the gardens, it might be useful to have a board outside reception (or outside one of the bars) with prominent, well-designed info about other attractions such as, say, (a) the 35 bird species to be seen in and around, with colour picture of each and months when likely to be seen; (b) info on where to find the start of the fitness trail and what it consists of; and (c) a clear statement about the boating opportunities off the beach and who to approach to take the boat out, or be taken out. etc. I know (b) & (c) are briefly mentioned in the notes about hotel facilities in the rooms, but a more prominent reminder would be helpful. Also, what about offering, once weekly, say, a session for ladies to have their nails done? And massage? The yoga and pilates sessions seem to be appreciated, but there was a feeling they would be better in the early eveinings - say at 5.00 - than in the early morning. But this is no detraction from a great holiday. I've only once previously given a 5 star rating, but have no hesitation in awarding the second!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
January 25, 2013
THANKS FOR THE GREAT, WELL WRITTEN REVIEW
After re-reading the first sentence of your review three times over, it was obvious this was going to be an interesting and excellent posting – which it certainly turned out to be. Thanks for stating, in essence, that the staff at East Winds Inn are more than just friendly St. Lucians, but downright cheerful, courteous, efficient and the type who will basically do anything they can for you. They will be very pleased to read that, because this is the characteristic they strive for each and every day. Perhaps this is also why we received a Best Service award from this website in 2013 – a wonderful achievement for all 84 people who make East Winds Inn what it is.
We are happy that you “were very pleased with the size and facilities of our room”, and that you found the “beautiful gardens a pleasure to stroll through”. Also, your recognition of the “excellence and variety of the EWI chefs and the quality of the service” allowed you to stay at the resort for all your culinary needs, and you enjoyed the “relaxed and friendly country house atmosphere.” We appreciate your subtle suggestions with respect to identifying the bird life at East Winds, and have actually already started the process of creating a bird watching guide book very similar to the garden guide book which you reference, that is already found in each guestroom. Other points you make with respect to signage and more readily available information will also be taken into consideration. On that note, we do have a relatively extensive in room property guide, including a site map which identifies the areas you mentioned. We are consciously attempting not to clutter the property with too many signs, as this tends to detract from the natural and authentic aspect of the place. As outlined in the room guide book, there are spa and beauty services available on a daily basis, including manicures, pedicures and massages, which as you point out, do go well with both the free yoga and Pilates classes. These services can be completed in the privacy of your room or any choice of location on the property.
Overall, it seems you had a great holiday, and the fact this is only your second time awarding a full five star rating is taken as a true compliment relating to your enjoyment of East Winds Inn. We do hope to see you again soon, and thank you for all the wonderful comments and support.
Best regards,
George J. Reti
President
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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