Best Beach Hotels in Gros Islet, Gros Islet Quarter

East Winds Inn doesn't try to compete with the mega all-inclusive resorts on St. Lucia. Instead, the intimate, 30-room, upper-middle-range all-inclusive caters to guests who want to relax in a quiet location without constant attention. It lacks amenities such as a gym and spa but offers a laid-back vibe among lushly landscaped gardens. Guests hide out in air-conditioned, cottage-style rooms, snorkel the reefs from the lovely gold-sand beach, and lounge at the pool, where they can also mix their their own cocktails at the swim-up bar.

Opened in December 2007 as St. Lucia's first private residential yacht community, The Landings is one of the island's most luxurious boutique resorts. Upon entry, it’s obvious that the developer spared no expense in the construction of the pavilion lobby, which boasts towering ceilings, polished marble floors, and a carefully curated decor that’s understated and elegant. Most of the owners of the development’s 72 residences choose to place them in the rental program. The spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas cater to families and traveling couples, offering a homey atmosphere that is quieter and more personal than nearby mega-resorts -- just don't expect a huge list of activities.

The newest of the three Sandals resorts on St. Lucia, Sandals Grande is a 301-room, upscale, couples-only resort that's set on a peninsula adjacent to Pigeon Island, a historic national landmark. Its signature pool with a huge tower and swim-up bar is the center of the action, a place where young honeymooners mix and mingle. Three other (quieter) pool areas, a slew of water sports (including unlimited scuba), a beautiful spa, and 12 restaurants, including an authentic British Pub, help keep guests occupied. Club Level and Butler Level rooms are available for upgraded service.

This 95-suite upper-middle-range resort delivers on location -- it's steps from Reduit Beach and close to Rodney Bay Village. A stylish swim-up bar services a lagoon-style pool ringed by palm trees and cushy white loungers and day beds, which are spaced far enough apart for privacy. The resort offers three restaurants, but the most intimate is the Beach Shack, an open-air pavilion right on the beach. Some of the spacious suite-style rooms have terraces with dead-on views of the sea, but the rooms do show hints of wear and tear with scuffed floors and spots on the rugs.

The couple-owned Bay Guesthouse is a waterfront value property in the less touristy area of Gros Islet. There are only four modest rooms -- including a spacious two-bedroom apartment on the top floor -- and all come with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. Aside from the rooms, the only other features are a book exchange and lawn area with pretty sea views, a few hammocks, and loungers. However, guests are within walking distance to great beaches and local dining and bar spots. Travelers willing to pay more for additional amenities may prefer the Coco Palm Resort, which has a large freeform pool, two restaurants, and live music, but it's not along the ocean.

St. Lucian by Rex was one of the first major resort hotels to open on St. Lucia, unfortunately, it has not kept up with the times and is now in need of renovation. Despite its imperfectly polished image, the resort holds a prime beachfront location, an adequate pool area and beachfront restaurant, and all-inclusive rates that are half of what other nearby all-inclusive resorts (such as Sandals) charge.