St Lucia: 13 things for teens to do!
Thinking of going to the fabulous all-inclusive St James’s Club in St Lucia? The resort is one of the best all inclusive for families, especially those with older kids. From learning to water ski to making new friends playing pool volleyball, there’s so much for teens and tweens to enjoy!
We visited the resort recently on a press trip to check out the facilities and below is a list of some of our favourites. If you’re thinking of going, ask me any questions below and make sure to read my full review (coming soon).
St James’s Club Morgan Bay: 13 activities to keep teens busy!
1. Try the motorised water sports!
In addition to “regular” watersports such as paddle boarding, kayaking, peddle boats and sailing, St James’s Club Morgan Bay offers waterskiing, wake boarding and banana boat rides! It’s all included, all you need to do is sign up (your parents sign the permission form at check-in). Top tip: get there when they open at 8 am to sign up for the day. Then show up about 10 minutes before your allowed time (especially for water skiing lessons).
My 12-year-old’s perspective
One of the best things about St James’s Club Morgan Bay was they had motorised watersports. My favourite was the banana boat rides. Lots of people could go and it was exciting. You sign up in the morning and then they take groups out. We signed up to go with some new friends we met at the resort. So fun!
2. Get you hair braided!
Perhaps the best souvenir to take home! All you need to do is decide if you want your whole head in plaits – which can take a couple of hours – or just a few on the side, which is quicker and cheaper at $3/braid. Get your plaits done early on in your holiday so you can enjoy your new fuss-free hairstyle. Top tip: Remember to use sunscreen between plaits so your scalp doesn’t get sun burned!
My 13-year-old’s perspective
Every time we go to the Caribbean we get our hair done in plaits! I’ve had a hair wrap (which took a really long time) but I think the best is just getting a few cornrows on the side. It doesn’t take as long and keeps my hair out of my face when in the water and doing sports. I always leave them in for a little while when we get home.
3. Play pool volleyball.
Playing volleyball in a swimming pool is a great way to meet new friends! Just grab the volleyball and hang out by the net, or join in the organised times. You can can get tan and fit at the same time!
My favourite activity was pool volleyball, located in the main pool. It was challenging at first (I had never played before) but I soon got the hang out if. After Aqua Aerobics, there is usually open volleyball, which was loads of fun and we met some kids our age that we hung out with.
4. Participate in the organised activities.
Each day is packed with activities such as Caribbean dance, Float Fit (aged 13+), tie dye, horse shoes, sand castle competitions and even Sprite pong! Activities are posted daily near the main bar.
5. Go to the spa!
The Tranquility Spa isn’t just for adults! Kids and teens can get their nails painted and there’s a special Teen Spa Day where older kids can get a special massage, facial and pedicure pampering.
6. Play giant chess, pool AND pingpong.
Tired of swimming, watersports and organised activities? How about playing giant chess? There’s also a pool table and ping-pong area where teens hangout.
7. Try ALL the mocktails.
The menu has 6 official mocktails, but the possibilities are endless. Try them all and pick your favourite. Ours was the Pink Lady and the refreshing Mint Cooler. Make sure to check out our Mocktail Tasting video! (Coming soon!)
8. Make new friends.
There are lots of families and teens at St James’s Club Morgan Bay and it’s a great place to meet new friends. My girls met most of their friends in the drop-in pool volleyball sessions and then they would meet up later for a ride on the banana boat.
9. Ditch the parents.
Parents are so 2012. The nice thing about St James’s Club Morgan Bay is that the resort is compact, with all the main areas – beach, main pool, restaurants – in close proximity. That means mum and dad could go to a fancy dinner at Le Jardin while teens try out the buffet or perhaps have a pizza night at Tree Tops with their new friends.
10. Try something new at the buffet.
The Palms is the main restaurant and each night is a different theme. From West Indies to Middle Eastern, kids are sure to find something new to try (and like). My family loves buffet style for precisely this reason – curious eaters can try just a little bit of a new food to see if they like it, and then come back for more!
11. Swim in the pool and the Caribbean sea!
The Caribbean sea at St Lucia has an average of 28C, which i like bath water. It’s perfect for hanging out in the water. If you borrow a life vest – you can float and gossip at the same time.
12. Sail on the Calypso Cat.
OK this one you’ll need to do with your family. There are various tours and we opted for St James’s Club Signature tour, the Soufrieres Express, a boat trip on the 42-foot catamaran down the west coast of St Lucia to Soufrieres where you can see the famous Pitons. Then you can either visit the mud baths or the drive in volcano (everyone picks the mud baths). A quick stop to the power shower Toraille waterfall and on the trip back you stop for snorkelling. The best part is the friendly and fun crew.
13. Tour with the Pink Panther Safari.
Based on site, the Pink Panther and their brightly coloured Land Rover has several tours to choose from to explore St Lucia. Visit the historic north of the Island or venture south to Soufrieres. The tours include an experienced guide, lots of stops and binoculars!
IF YOU GO
Elite Island Resorts has several Caribbean resorts that are perfect for families with children of all ages, including St James’s Club Morgan Bay, St James’s Club Antigua, The Verandah and more. Book direct here https://eliteislandholidays.com/book/.
Disclosure: Our stay at St James’s Club Morgan Bay was provided by Elite Island Resorts for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
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Sharon Smith | 21st Jul 18
Hi Susama,
I love trying new things and this was more delicious than expected (and I have high expectations) and I love the fact that it’s from Ocean Spray! It tastes like something I would order when going out with friends at a bar, but it’s non-alcoholic so I can drink it anytime.
Anthony - Paddling With Style | 9th Jan 18
Hey Susanna, great post. We were there in August 2017, our kids really loved the stand up paddle boarding but of course we’re a little biased towards the sport!
Chloe (Sorry About The Mess) | 5th Jan 18
We were in St Lucia a few months ago, it’s such a lovely island – the landscape of the Pitons blew me away.
Susanna | 8th Jan 18
I want to go back and spend more time near the Pitons. Perhaps even hike to the top!
Leona | 4th Jan 18
This sounds ideal for families. By forget the teens take me to the spa #frarlessfamtrav
Susanna | 8th Jan 18
Agreed!
Jenny - TraveLynn Family | 3rd Jan 18
This sounds fantastic for families! I love how independent your girls are going off on adventures with their new mates – I look forward to those days 😉 Disappointed there’s not a photo of you with braids though… 😀 #fearlessfamtrav
Susanna | 8th Jan 18
Can’t figure out how to have the braids and not highlight the grey hairs 😀
Jen from Jenography.net | 3rd Jan 18
We stayed at St James’s Club Morgan Bay and I couldn’t agree more with the things you mention here. We also loved hanging out in the main bar area and playing cards (great for when one of those tropical rainstorms descends). Another mocktail? Yes, please! #fearlessfamtrav
Susanna | 8th Jan 18
The girls did a whole video on trying all the Mocktails. Me, I stayed with the rum punch.
Suzanne | 2nd Jan 18
This looks amazing! We have been wanting to take our kids to the Caribbean for a while. We’ve opted for a cruise in the summer but might look at this later in the year. What time of year did you go?
Susanna | 8th Jan 18
We went in October! It off season, and there are bargains to be had. We’ve gone to the Caribbean for October half term 3 years in a row and the weather has been kind to us.
Sarah Chrsitie | 2nd Jan 18
omg I am sooooooooo excited it looks idyllic and perfect for teens x
Susanna | 8th Jan 18
You should go to St James’s Club Morgan Bay – you would all love it!