Summer escape to St. Lucia's Stonefield Estate (Video)

Spring is here...and once again the pressure is on to begin planning the perfect summer vacation. If fighting crowds in the typical tourist traps and jockeying for position on a crowded beach sounds less than appealing, try something different and plan a getaway to St. Lucia’s gorgeous Stonefield Estate Resort.

This luxurious Caribbean hideaway offers the perfect blend of relaxation, pampering and gorgeous scenery, all with a dash of unique and exciting activities. Each luxury villa has its own private pool and garden or ocean view, and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the awe-inspiring Piton Mountains.

Stonefield Estate Resort has something for everyone, whether your perfect vacation involves a book on a beach or a full-day’s itinerary of outings. Begin with a delicious al-fresco breakfast overlooking the mountains and the ocean, then plan a day at the spa or enjoy a snorkeling excursion to the coral gardens. Take advantage of some of the amazing activities offered in and around the nearby town of Soufriere, including climbing the Pitons, visiting the Diamond Botanical Gardens and spending a day at the sulphur springs and mineral and mud baths. Experience gourmet dining that engages all five senses at the resort’s Mango Tree Restaurant, overlooking Petit Piton.

The Stonefield has a Summer Special that offers 30% off garden-view villas and 40% off all other villa types, including ocean view and two- and three-bedroom villas. Booking dates are from now through May 15, 2013. Rates begin at just $262/night (one-bedroom garden view villa with discount.)

Nestled at the base of the awe-inspiring Pitons in St. Lucia, Stonefield’s lush tropical location gives guests plenty of privacy and tranquility to relax, unwind and reconnect. The resort’s elegantly rustic villas include wide open verandas; attractive jalousie shutters; antique four posters beds; fully equipped kitchens; private pools; private tropical, outdoor showers; locking safes; ironing boards and irons; telephones; iPod docks; and hammocks. There are no televisions in any of the guest rooms, allowing true time for relaxation; instead, guests may choose to unwind in their villa’s hammock or just sit outside under the stars. Onsite amenities include:

• A new 860-square-foot yoga studio equipped with tatami mats for martial arts and
yoga.
• Bamboo Door Spa offering couples massages and more.
• Lush tropical gardens.
• State-of-the-art, air-conditioned gym equipped with Cybex cardio equipment, free
weights and multi gym machines.
• Mango Tree Restaurant, which includes an al fresco-dining pavilion that looks out
onto the ocean and the Pitons.
• Access to scenic hiking – the resort is nestled at the base of the Pitons.

The resort is also minutes away via shuttle bus from the picturesque colonial town of Soufriere, as well as diving excursions in the Caribbean Sea; sightseeing tours of world-renowned sulphur springs and baths; horseback riding through a local cocoa plantation; and more.

For more information on the Summer Special and Stonefield Estate Resort, or to make a reservation, visit www.stonefieldresort.com or call (800) 420-5731.

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, Philadelphia Destinations Travel Examiner

Mary Dunks is a world traveler who knows how to plan and enjoy vast array of destinations, from mushing dogs on the Iditarod Trail in Alaska to yachting in St. Lucia. Her tips have been published in Alaskan Outdoor Lores, Northern Adventures Magazine and numerous other publications. ...

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