Saint Lucia Recap and Travel Tips |

It’s not so often you get to escape the bleak, grey Chicago winter and escape to a tropical paradise. By the time my trip came around, i was ready to bust a move out of the Midwest and dive right into the Caribbean deep turquoise waters for the trip of a lifetime.

Aside from the undeniable beauty, the best part of the trip was truly the ultimate relaxation. It is truly amazing how when you eliminate the daily stressors of your life (i.e. work, responsibilities in general), how easy it is to just LIVE. Jacob and I met on vacation following graduation, and this vacation 100% without a doubt took us back to that mental space. We felt free and so unbelievably happy. We were just missing one thing….Harlow!

I, of course, need to thank Tone It Up for offering the ultimate prize, and while this trip was the tangible prize, the best part was the amazing confidence and body positivity that came with it. While vacations definitely don’t help with bloat (and for me, my digestive system was in a bit of shock when we got there), I can truly say I felt the best I ever felt – physically, mentally and emotionally.

Now that I’ve had time to reflect, I wanted to compile all of my tips for traveling to an all-inclusive resort, because while it definitely has its perks, it is much harder to embrace when you live a healthier lifestyle. I had to say goodbye to my “Can I swap the cheese for avocado?” routine and adapt to the island offerings, but more on that to come!

Pack Smart

I truly thought I was an over packer until it was time to leave Saint Lucia, and I realized how well I actually packed! Even though certain skincare products or food doesn’t seem like an essential, I promise you, it is. While a luxury resort like Sandals has everything you need, I encourage you to continue your usual self-care rituals if possible. With that said, food and workout gear definitely takes priority in my luggage. There’s usually a plastic bag or a little zipper section dedicated to those two great loves. I always bring the following: vitamins (probiotics and digestive enzymes a must!), booty bands (the gym should have everything else), and healthy snacks, especially BARS! To be completely honest, I wish I packed more bars or snacks. By the end of the trip, we craved healthy food more than anticipated, and at that point, my surplus had run dry. In the future, I would definitely plan to pack more raw nuts, Tone It Up prepped muffins, and even protein powder. I also packed collagen packets and detox tea. The tea was truly a life saver after heavier meals and I will never travel anywhere without it again!

Research Restaurants

When selecting your all-inclusive resort, or even resort group, it’s important to make sure they have accommodations that will meet your lifestyle. One of the many reasons we chose the Grande Saint Lucian was because of the 12 restaurants they have on site! Once you get to the resort, continue to scope out the menus. While substitutions are a bit harder with set menus, the staff is SO accommodating and SO nice. You also set reservations when you arrive – so you’re able to review each menu during this time as well. Each menu labels gluten free options, balanced lifestyle (for healthier choice) and vegetarian. The host/hostess/servers will also ask if you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies when they seat you at the table, and again when they take your order. Do not be afraid to speak up! The second time we went to hibachi (yes two times in one week, haha), I actually told them I’m non-dairy, because the first night I noticed how much butter everything was cooked in, and it left me feeling somewhat sick. They were so careful and accommodating to make sure they provided me with a meal cooked in their kitchen instead. I enjoyed the meal and physically felt so much better afterwards – it was worth it! While substitutions are hard, its also easy to ask them for things you know they have. For example: The Jerk Shack served jerk chicken (one of my fave lunches), but it served a wing, a thigh, and a breast. Jacob and I asked if we could get our chicken basket with only breasts. This was much easier to eat and this was an easy swap! It took some time, but we definitely learned how to alter items on the menu slightly during the week.

Get Resourceful

While restaurants offer a variety of options (and the fresh fish was to die for), the buffet became a great breakfast and snack favorite. Eggs and/or oats with tropical fruit became my go-to breakfast, and during the day, I made frequent visits to pick up veggies and hummus, guacamole, plantain chips or more fruit. I also would ask for peanut butter and grab and apple from the gym in the morning to fix up some apple and peanut butter. Tuesday’s were coconut drink days, but I said hold the rum, and drank coconut water straight from the coconut (a dream come true). And finally, I asked the bartenders to help me make smoothies twice (this is why I wish I packed TIU protein ;)). I would grab a banana and soy milk (the island’s non-dairy option) from the buffet, coffee from the crepe restaurant, and ask them to blend me up a coffee smoothie. On the last day, I was actually able to get a few berries and made a berry banana coconut smoothie and it was delish! I definitely went lengths to satisfy my smoothie craving, but it was completely worth it and the staff couldn’t have been nicer!

Most Importantly: Enjoy Yourself

If you’re like me, you worked extremely hard leading up to the trip and practiced a complete lean, clean and green nutritional lifestyle. While its hard to deter from this, it’s also important to ENJOY yourself on vacation. There were times that I craved a kale salad and others I craved ice cream…so, I went for the ice cream. The whole point of vacation is to enjoy fully without stress. The menus and food is all picked out for you; there’s no grocery shopping or meal prep involved. Continue to listen to your body. Whatever makes YOU feel your best so that you are able to fully enjoy your trip (whether thats treating yourself or eating consistently healthy), is the best choice. If you allow yourself to indulge, eliminate all feelings of guilt, because you deserve it girl! The act of practicing balance definitely applies to vacation living as well.

I hope these trips help you when you select your next getaway. I personally am daydreaming about laying on the hammock, or raft in the ocean right about now, as I look out at the 30 degree Chicago day (luckily, there IS sun!) When selecting a destination, its important to know you will be comfortable there! The main purpose is to fully immerse yourself in the laid back, happy, island culture and sunshine. Every time I find myself stressed, I try to think back to how calm I felt, warmth all over my body, palm trees peacefully dancing over me. I’ve bottled up that feeling and carry it with me every day.

Shop my looks

Jacob and I are so grateful for the opportunity to go on the trip of our dreams, and it was so much fun sharing it over Instagram! Some more photos below, with links to my outfits as well (similar items linked for those sold out).

Free People set in white linked here