Last Updated on June 22, 2020 by Amanda Stancati

Avid travelers, newly weds, and tripcentral.ca contest winners, Matt and Gina Kostanecki, share their experience at Calabash Cove Resort and Spa in St. Lucia – one of the world’s best honeymoon destinations for a romantic getaway. We sent them on a holiday after winning our How Far Would You Go For Love Valentine’s Day contest. This is what they had to say.

Matt and I are fairly well seasoned travelers. In fact, we met while on vacation in Cuba where we both randomly decided to skip the first week of university. Turns out, not only were both of us from Toronto but we also attended the same university pursuing the same major and even had classes together! Small world, right? Fast forward about six years to today and now we’re married and have been traveling ever since!

If you’ve caught the travel bug like us, chances are you’re probably already aware of the “typical” Caribbean resort. You know the resort I’m talking about. The kind where you’ll first join 30 or so of your newest closest friends on a bus race to avoid the long check-in lines. The kind where there are hundreds of rooms, long buffet lines and never enough lounge chairs at the beach. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s not going to be your typical idea of a romantic getaway!

Well, say hello to Calabash Cove Resort and Spa!

The first thing you’ll notice is that you’ll have a private driver arranged for you. No bus, not even a taxi – your own private driver. As a refreshing bonus (pun absolutely intended), your driver will come with beers, coolers, juice and maybe a snack or two. Beer within a few minutes of getting off the airplane? Yes, please!

At your request, your driver can also take you through the scenic route where you’ll be blown away by the natural beauty and views that St Lucia has to offer. While the drive to Calabash Cove is about an hour, the time will fly by. You’ll feel like you’re instantly on your very own private guided tour through St. Lucia! You’ll even get to make a few stops to take some photos.

Arriving at Calabash Cove, you’re immediately treated like the guest of honour. They are expecting you! You’re welcomed with a cocktail (of course!), a cool towel and an instant-no-line-up check in (can you tell I’m not a fan of line ups?). Plus, reception will walk you directly to your room, explain all the room’s features (lights, jacuzzi, a/c, power). You’ll immediately feel at home.

Turns out, Calabash Cove is a boutique resort with only 26 resort rooms! What does this mean for you? It means you can expect more individual and personalized attention. For example, you’ll never have to wait to be seated at Calabash’s Windsong restaurant. Your glasses will always stay full without you having to ask. You’ll also have a waiter clean the crumbs on your table between courses. Are you ready to be treated like royalty?

The staff will also make an effort to get to know you and your preferences throughout your stay. Personally, I fell in love with the baked goat cheese (who wouldn’t?). By a few days in, all the waiters and waitresses knew it was my favourite dish and would offer it right away. Nothing beats the feeling you get when you realize someone’s making that extra effort to care for you.

And with the baked goat cheese, that concludes our first part of our review of Calabash Cove. Be sure to stay tuned for the second part of the review coming up shortly!

Lesson learned, if you’re looking to book your honeymoon or just a romantic escape, be sure to look for a small, boutique resort such as Calabash Cove in St. Lucia. You’ll be glad you did! And if you do end up booking, tell Konrad that Matt and Gina say “Hi” at the welcome cocktail!

Download a free copy of Matt and Gina’s resource entitled “23 Travel Mistakes (You Think You’re Too Smart to Make)” for those about to book a honeymoon, romantic getaway or any sort of vacation.