I have always been intrigued by the way traditions change with time, particularly in relation to weddings and Romance. Recently, there is this one trend that has grabbed my attention called earlymooning. As an avid visitor of StolenTime resort in St. Lucia, I have had a firsthand encounter with how this new trend is changing pre-wedding occasions for couples.

What is Earlymooning?
Earlymooning is basically a holiday taken by couples before their wedding day as a kind of honeymoon getaway. Unlike the traditional honeymoon, which occurs after the wedding, the earlymoon allows couples a short period to step down from the pressures of wedding planning. This idea developed because it offers partners an opportunity to bond, relax and remember some good moments without falling into the chaos which may come with post-wedding planning.

Why is Earlymooning a Growing Trend?
There are several reasons why earlymooning has become popular. For one, planning a wedding can be quite stressful. From deciding on a venue and dress all whilst finalising guest lists and booking services, there’s no doubt this process can become overwhelming. An earlymoon offers couples an escape from these pressures so they can go back into planning mode revitalised and refreshed.

Equally important, another reason that has led to the growth of the earlymoon trend emanates from the importance of prioritising experiences over material things broadly speaking as cited by Driscoll (2017). Many modern couples want to make meaningful life memories together; hence, an earlymoon presents an ideal occasion for achieving this goal. It allows them an opportunity to visit new places, enjoy unique treatments all whilst creating a stronger foundation to start another phase of their lives together.

These vacations prioritise wellness above romance by focusing on holistic health and relaxation through activities like yoga, meditation, spa treatments, nutritious gourmet dining among many others. In addition to this, earlymooning might also act as a practice round for honeymooning purposes where couples try out different destinations in order to come up with the best choice for their after-marriage holiday go-to spot or simply for the indecisive/beginner couples who want the best out of their honeymoon.

The Benefits of Earlymooning
There are many reasons why earlymooning is advantageous and this includes :

Stress Relief: In most cases, planning a wedding is associated with high levels of stress and anxiety. By taking an earlymoon, couples can take a breather from this, enjoy one another company and make clear-headed decisions towards their big day.

Quality Time: Sometimes couples get so caught up in preparing for their wedding day that they forget to spend some alone time together. This can be done away with by having an earlymoon which allows them to reconnect before the big day.

Memory Making: Earlymooning presents an opportunity to create precious memories that will commemorate the special occasion. These memories will always be treasured whether it’s visiting new cities, or relaxing by beautiful beaches and eating gourmet food.

Honeymoon Preview: For those who are unsure about their honeymoon destination, an earlymoon provides a chance to test out potential locations and ensure they choose the perfect spot for their post-wedding getaway.

Improved Well-being: Taking a break from hectic wedding preparations has health benefits both physically as well as mentally. Couples come back from their earlymoon feeling re-energised, rejuvenated, ready to plunge into the finishing touches concerning the planning phase before getting married.

Improved creativity: For creative and problem-solving purposes, a change of scene can be highly remarkable. It is often experienced that couples will return from their earlymoon with fresh insights and alternative perspectives that help them plan the remaining part of their wedding better.

The Perfect Earlymooning Destination
Narrowing into the Caribbean, StolenTime is the ideal place for honeymooners with a stand-out offering called the “Stolen Moments” collection. This is a set of carefully selected experiences created to inspire and enrich relationships whether it’s with oneself, a partner, family or a group of friends. This means, that earlymooners are offered different tailor-made activities which are meant to help them relax, connect and engage in unique activities.

Personal Touch
What sets StolenTime apart is its commitment to creating personalised experiences for each couple. The resort’s dedicated staff goes above and beyond to ensure that every detail is taken care of, from arranging private excursions to setting up surprise romantic dinners. This personalised touch makes the earlymooning experience truly special and memorable.

For those who love adventure, StolenTime also offers an array of options to explore the natural beauty of St Lucia as a couple. From, Snorkelling or scuba diving to hiking or zip lining, these are just a few of the myriad of activities the on-site team can guide you on.

West Indian Flavours
I think earlymooning will continue to be a significant part of the marriage process for many couples in its growth years. It’s evident that the psychological benefits attached to this trend fall perfectly in line with the contemporary emphasis of memory creation and well-being.

At StolenTime the team endeavours to give our guests the most exceptional earlymooning trip. The teams know what pre-wedding couples want and strive to make an environment where they can unwind, rekindle love bonds and construct lifelong memories. Every earlymoon should therefore be unforgettable whether it involves top-notch accommodation, special experiences or fantastic culinary talents.

To sum up, earlymooning is a splendid trend delivering relaxation for couples before their big day without being encumbered by all wedding stresses. With it’s ideal location, tranquil accommodation and tailored experiences, it is just but obvious as to why StolenTime has become most people’s favourite spot for earlymooners who seek escapades.

As I reflect on the concept of earlymooning, I’m filled with anticipation as it pertains to what comes next from this trend. The thought of going on a pre-wedding holiday with my partner away from all the stress and craziness really strikes a chord with me. It’s an opportunity to make some amazing memories together, bond even more deeply than we already have, and set the stage for our wedding journey in the best way possible.

 Jive June star Magdalena Michno tells all.

Bio

Michno was born in Poland and started ballroom dancing in Wroclaw, Poland. Between 1992 and 1999, she achieved “Master Class” in five Latin dances (Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Pasodoble, Jive) and five standard dances (English Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep).

From 1999-2005, she was the Artistic Coordinator and Choreographer at the Academia Club in Rzeszow, Poland, teaching choreographies for pageants, dance shows, and fashion shows. She took a break from dancing to start a family and welcomed 2 children between 2005 and 2009. She again resumed dance coordination in Rzeszow, teaching Cuban Salsa and Bachata.

Magdalena grew up in a dance family. Her Mom and Dad met when her father, who owns a ballroom dance school, came across her mom as a student and developed a beautiful relationship.

What advice do you give newcomers to your class?

First, Believe in yourself and have fun. Guests should understand that no one is judging them, and dancing isn’t always done with the expectation of perfection. Magdalene believes that dance is an exercise and a therapeutic activity that balances our mind, body, and soul. 

Magdalena shared “It doesn’t matter how graceful you look, as long you dance.”

 

What is normally the feedback from your dance sessions?

Magdalena shared that the guests are usually very grateful. To many, what seemed like complicated or daunting dance moves were slowed down to be made very simple. Also, many males, in particular, were appreciative that they could step out of their comfort zones and appreciate the art of dance.

How has your experience been as a presenter?

Fantastic. Magdalena appreciated that the team, especially those in activities, are super friendly and supportive. During her stay here, she has not only been able to share her knowledge and wisdom of dance with the team but also learn from them. Magdalena also shared that the location can be described as “paradise.”

What would you tell anyone who is still in between minds as it pertains to coming to the resort?

She noticed that the guests had a high return rate, which is a testament to the excellent service offered at the resort. She believes it’s the best place for “ANYONE” to vacation, as StolenTime provides a beautiful blend of active vacation and relaxation. 

Favourite Drink – Blended Fruit Punch

Ingredients

• Bananas
• Strawberries
• Mangoes
• Grenadine Syrup
• Orange Juice
• Pineapple
• Ice

Method

• Place all ingredients in the blender or food processor; cover.

• Blend for 2 minutes at low speed; continue to blend at medium speed until smooth.

• Pour into tall glasses.

• Garnish the glasses with a thin wedge of pineapple

Favourite Fun Drink

Caribbean Coffee

• Coffee
• Bounty Rum or Vodka
• Sugar
• Whipped cream

Ever since I could remember, vast waters have always attracted me. It’s like nothing else on this planet when the waves are crashing rhythmically on the shore, and I can smell salty air with unlimited horizon all around. When I heard about StolenTime resort, popular relaxing and immersive Spring Sail theme month offering, my heart raced; it was a chance that I couldn’t turn down.

StolenTime had planned to hold its Spring Sail theme month which promised a combination wellness activities, relaxation sessions and thrilling water sport excursions on one of the most beautiful beaches within the entire Caribbean archipelago. Surprised and waiting for a replenishing escape from everything, I packed my bags and left without knowing what lay ahead.

The Spring Sail Program 2024: A Nautical Adventure

The Spring Sail Program at StolenTime was tailored to both experienced sailors and newbies, keeping a healthy mix of lessons and activities. Here’s what we had on offer to make this month truly an experience:

Complimentary 101 ASA Sailing Certification

By far the biggest attraction of the Spring Sail Program is the 101 ASA Sailing Certification. The 101 is step one towards becoming a sailor, and this program includes the ASA 101 course certification for free. Knowing there was limited spacing, I booked way in advance to guarantee a spot. Here, we were learning the theoretical and practical basics: the nautical terminology, all safety aspects, and navigating and sail handling. Our instructor and former Olympian Sophie who was beyond engaging obviously enjoyed teaching us in every session.

Group Stretch Classes Geared Towards Sailors

Realising that sailing puts a lot of physical stress on the body, StolenTime incorporated daily group stretching classes designed for guests– geared toward improving flexibility, strength and balance in the important areas needed to manipulate a sailboat. The classes, led by expert yoga instructors, made for nice early mornings, and kept us limber and ready to take on the task ahead.

Basic Course on Knot Tying

Any sailor must know how to tie different kinds of knots. The Knot Tying Basic Course was both informative as well as fun. What we learned were the essential knots that are useful in sailing such as bowline, clove hitch and figure-eight which were very essential for different aspects of sailing. These knots not only helped us improve our sailing skills but also gave us a sense of satisfaction after successfully mastering them.

Sailing Lessons

The Spring Sail Program by StolenTime offers a variety of sailing lessons to cater for various skill levels and preferences. These hands-on lessons were full of excitement and provided more knowledge into practical understanding about sailing.

Hobie Cat Group Sailing Lessons

Hobie Cat Group Sailing Lessons were an amazing introduction to small boat sailing. Beginers find these lightweight and easy to handle vessels ideal for their first attempt at sailing. Instructed by the resort’s expert watersports team and Sophie, we learnt how to catch wind, navigate the boat and work together in order to cross waters safely. The exhilaration experienced while speeding down the waves with Hobie Cat is unforgettable.

Keelboat Sailing Lessons

Keelboat Sailing Lessons offered those who wanted bigger vessels a chance to learn the intricacies involved in commanding a keelboat. These boats, characterised by their stability and versatility, provided an alternative way of experiencing sailings. We did skills like tacking, jibing, mooring under watchful eyes of our experts.

Xtreme 26 Sailing Lessons

For adventurers, highlight was Xtreme26 Sailing Lesson which had been planned quite appropriately; adrenaline filled! These high performance sailboats are designed for speed and agility. The lessons focused on advanced racing techniques and strategies such as increasing the boat’s speed with respect to wind direction or maintaining its speed through proper trimming etc It was an exciting experience to be able to go beyond limits in sailing at high speeds.

The Spring Sail Hobie Cat Regatta

A Spring Sail Hobie Cat Regatta was a real test for our new skills. This friendly competition is open to all guests regardless of their skill and experience level. We were assigned groups and had to steer through the buoys that marked out the course. The regatta was filled with excitement, communication, and a healthy dose of competitive spirit. It was amazing how much we had improved as sailing novices since the start of this course.

Motivational talks by Sophie Ainsworth

One of the most inspiring aspects of Spring Sail program has been motivational talks from British Sailing Olympian Sophie Ainsworth. She shared her story starting from when she began sailing up until competing at highest levels in sport. Her stories about determination, commitment and love for what one does have been so inspirational. She also gave us tips on how to improve our sailing techniques and mental approach into this sport.

Sailing Excursion to BodyHoliday

One of the highlights of the spring sail program was going on a sailing excursion to BodyHoliday. The full-day trip also included a beautiful sail along the coast where we admired wonderful landscapes and honed our skills in navigation. On arrival at BodyHoliday, gourmet lunch awaited us at Cariblue Restaurant; it featured seasonal ingredients prepared using exquisite flavors that were locally sourced. It offered an ideal combination of adventure, relaxation, and culinary adventures.

Reflecting on a Transformative Experience

Having the opportunity of participating in StolenTime spring sail program brought me to a point of reflecting about my long journey. The transformative nature of this month was realised by combining sailing lessons, wellness activities and community building initiatives. I came out from that theme month with enhanced sailing skills as well as a more profound sense of the ocean, renewed body and spirit.

Go to Your Own Adventure

The StolenTime spring sail program is not just a holiday for sailors; it is also a time to become one with nature, gain new skills, and recharge yourself. You do not need to have any sailing background because the program has something for all. Combining professional teaching, diverse sailing experiences, wellness sessions and motivational talks makes this a complete experience that will make you feel strong inside and motivated.

If you are in search of an extraordinary and life-changing adventure, then I would definitely recommend The Spring Sail Program at StolenTime in Saint Lucia. Follow the sea’s call; challenge yourself and set off on a voyage of self-discovery and self-improvement.

Summer getaways in the West Indies are synonymous with sun, sand, and sea. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean is our picturesque island of Saint Lucia, boasting azure waters, pristine beaches, and a wealth of aquatic adventures. With the possibilities for water-based activities as boundless as the horizon, let’s delve into the exhilarating water summer activities that await those fortunate enough to vacation at StolenTime Saint Lucia.

Snorkeling in Crystal Clear Waters

Saint Lucia is renowned for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters, making it a snorkeler’s paradise. At StolenTime, guests have access to some of the island’s most coveted snorkelling spots, teeming with colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, and fascinating sea creatures. Whether exploring the shallows near the resort or embarking on a guided excursion to nearby marine reserves, snorkelling promises an immersive encounter with the wonders of the underwater world.

Scuba Diving Adventures

For those seeking deeper immersion, scuba diving offers an unparalleled experience. StolenTime Saint Lucia partners with certified dive operators to provide guests with expert-led dive excursions to spectacular dive sites. From enchanting coral gardens to mesmerizing shipwrecks, each dive promises awe-inspiring encounters and unforgettable memories. With varying depths suitable for both beginners and experienced divers, there’s an adventure awaiting divers of all skill levels.

For those who are not certified divers, StolenTime offers a Resort Course PADI programme. It includes a 45-minute classroom session, 45 minutes in the pool, then an ocean dive to a maximum depth of 20ft/6m on our beautiful reef right in front of the resort.

Our award-winning PADI Certified Diving School is proud of the many hundreds of divers who have become certified “Open Water” or “Advanced” level and those who have progressed to lofty titles such as Dive-Master or even Dive Instructor.

The dive is a very safe and unforgettable experience. Be sure to take advantage as part of our all-inclusive St Lucia holiday.

Kayaking Along the Coastline

Embrace the serenity of Saint Lucia’s coastline with a leisurely kayak excursion. StolenTime offers complimentary kayaking, allowing guests to explore the island’s scenic beauty at their own pace. Paddle along tranquil Malabar beach and discover secluded coves inaccessible by land. Whether embarking on a solo expedition or opting for a guided watersports expert, kayaking offers a unique perspective of Saint Lucia’s coastal splendour.

Skiing for Thrill Seekers

Guests can unleash their inner speed demons in a safe and controlled environment. Picture yourself gliding effortlessly down powdery slopes, not of snow, but of sun-kissed sands as the turquoise waters of the Caribbean glisten invitingly nearby. In Saint Lucia, the adventure doesn’t end at the shoreline; it extends to the beach slopes where skiing takes on a whole new meaning. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you carve your way through the soft grains, with palm trees swaying in the tropical breeze and the distant sound of steel drums adding to the ambience. Skiing on Malabar Beach in Saint Lucia isn’t just an activity; it’s a fusion of exhilarating sport and serene natural beauty, offering a unique experience that’s bound to leave an indelible mark on your memories.

Sailing Excursions and Sunset Cruises

Experience the ultimate blend of luxury and adventure with a sailing excursion or sunset cruise from StolenTime. Board a catamaran or yacht and set sail along Saint Lucia’s breathtaking coastline, where azure waters meet verdant hillsides. Whether embarking on a day trip to hidden coves or enjoying a romantic sunset cruise, sailing offers a leisurely way to explore the island’s natural beauty while indulging in gourmet cuisine and refreshing beverages.

Deep-Sea Fishing Expeditions

Cast off into the deep blue sea for an unforgettable deep-sea fishing adventure. StolenTime Saint Lucia offers charter fishing expeditions led by experienced captains who know the best spots for landing prized catches. Whether targeting marlin, sailfish, or tuna, anglers of all skill levels can test their mettle against the ocean’s most formidable adversaries. With state-of-the-art equipment and personalised guidance, each fishing excursion promises excitement, camaraderie, and the chance to reel in the big one.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)

Discover a unique way to explore Saint Lucia’s coastal wonders with stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). StolenTime provides guests with SUP rentals, allowing them to glide across calm waters and explore hidden coves with ease. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned paddlers, SUP offers a full-body workout while providing a tranquil means of soaking in the island’s natural beauty. Whether practising yoga on the water or simply enjoying a leisurely paddle, SUP promises a serene and rejuvenating experience.

Hobie Cat Sailing

StolenTime’s Hobie Cats, also called “the people’s boat” is a small, lightweight boat inspired by the Polynesian two-hulled Catamaran. This boat is designed for fast and easy maneuvering while braving the West Indian winds of the mighty Caribbean Sea. Designed for the same ‘surfing’ experience but the twist is to balance out your body while manoeuvring the sheets (ropes used to control the sail).

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice enthusiast, HobieCat sailing at Malabar Beach offers an exhilarating blend of relaxation and excitement. Glide effortlessly along the coastline, feeling the thrill of speed and agility as you harness the power of the wind. With expert instructors on hand to guide you through the basics or refine your technique, you can sail with confidence and soak in the beauty of StolenTime’s coastal splendour from a perspective like no other.

Swimming and Relaxation at Lazy River Pools and Beachfront

Indulge in ultimate relaxation at StolenTime’s lazy river pools and Malabar beaches. Take a refreshing dip in the swim-up pool bar overlooking the Caribbean Sea, where the horizon seamlessly merges with the azure waters below. For a more expansive escape, retreat to the resort’s beach, where powdery sands and swaying palm trees provide the perfect backdrop for a day of sun-soaked bliss. Whether swimming laps or lounging in a hammock with a tropical cocktail in hand, guests can unwind in style amidst Saint Lucia’s unparalleled beauty.

From snorkelling amidst vibrant coral reefs to embarking on thrilling combo ski adventures, StolenTime Saint Lucia offers an array of water summer activities guaranteed to delight guests of all ages and interests. Whether seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or tranquil moments of relaxation, the island’s pristine waters and breathtaking scenery provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable experiences. So, pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sense of adventure, and prepare to dive into the ultimate aquatic paradise at StolenTime Saint Lucia this Summer.