East Winds Resort in Saint Lucia Renovation

"One of Saint Lucia’s oldest resorts, originally built in the mid-1960s by American expats Richard and Margaret Egerer, has been refreshed and reopened as a boutique property with 30 rooms set amid tropical gardens and an updated look that blends Caribbean-inspired midcentury modern influences with local artisanal charms. Interior designer Andria Mitsakos, founder and creative director of Anthologist, explains her approach: "Designing, manufacturing, and sourcing in the Caribbean? Pure joy — and in many ways, [it is] second nature to me," Mitsakos shared with Travel + Leisure. Mitsakos said she worked with local artisans to create a destination that speaks to a true sense of place: "The moment guests walk in, I want them to feel that they are in a space that is deeply rooted. This isn’t off-the-rack Caribbean design; it’s the real thing — not curated, not diluted, but raw, romantic, nostalgic, and just a little mystical." Sustainability was a major factor in the renovation: seventy percent of the existing furniture has been thoughtfully restored and refreshed in a vibrant color palette, and all new light fixtures, including the lampshades, were made on the island and sourced by suppliers such as Sea Island Cotton and Choiseul Art, Craft and Tourism Heritage Association. Mitsakos drew inspiration from the resort's gardens and fruit trees, which have grown here for more than five decades, incorporating hand-painted murals and custom lanterns in floral patterns to invoke the property's lush landscaping. Communal spaces like the Bamboo Bar and Sunset Bar and Lounge pay tribute to the midcentury modern roots with antique accessories, furniture from that era, and '70s design elements; the restaurant, now renamed Bird of Paradise, features custom plates adorned with a bird motif by Anthologist and locally made tabletop accessories. The pool area received midcentury fiberglass wicker sun lounges and tables in bold pink and orange hues — a color choice Mitsakos describes: “I researched summer fashion collections from around the world during that decade, and this dynamic color combination kept popping up to me," Mitsakos shared about the pink and orange hues. "Then I simply looked at the sunset each evening, and that confirmed my decision." The redesigned superior rooms feature rattan and bamboo furnishings, grass mats, and locally made clay objects, while bathrooms were updated with new walk-in showers, locally made vanities, bamboo pendant lamps, and a standout set of double bathroom doors made by local artist Arthur Lee Williams. An Anthologist corner in the reception area invites guests to browse an exclusive selection of custom and curated pieces, and Mitsakos contrasts the property's approach with typical hotel formulas: "Too many hotels take the 'luxury' approach and apply a global template, stripping away any real sense of place. That’s the opposite of what we did here," Mitsakos said. "This is a love letter to the Caribbean, to its artisans, its landscapes, and its stories. I want guests to leave knowing exactly where they are — and carrying a piece of that feeling with them long after they go." The property operates as an adults-only, all-inclusive resort and offers a garden spa, a yoga pavilion, and access to a serene sandy beach." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines