The Marina at Marigot Bay on St Lucia’s west coast celebrated a bumper 2007/2008 festive season when it welcomed a record-breaking number of super-yacht and mega-yacht visitors to its docks.

Not only did the marina enjoy 100% occupancy over the Christmas and New Year period, but continued to see a large number of big boats on its docks well into February.

Among the visitors was the 198ft Feadship, Blue Moon, who was the largest of the festive season visitors. Four other yachts in excess of 150ft  berthed at the marina while a further 10 yachts between 100ft and 150ft , and 18 smaller yachts also booked slots.

“The Marina at Marigot Bay became a New Year destination for mega-yacht owners and charter guests to rival St Barths and Mustique,” said Marina Manager Bob Hathaway. “Yachts were attracted by the unique combination of the tranquil waters of Marigot Bay, a wide selection of fine restaurants, the exclusive services offered by The Marina, and the largest firework display in St Lucia.

“The event brought back memories of Marigot Bay in the 70s when it was the leading yachting centre in the Windward Islands. The festive season was so successful, that we already have bookings for next year,” Hathaway added.

The Christmas/New Year boom was followed up when the marina welcomed the 230ft Sherakhan—its largest visitor since the docks were re-built just over two years ago.

“The berthing of Sherakhan on the hotel dock was proof positive that our dredging programme for the inner bay and the Marigot channel has paid dividends. We are very comfortable welcoming yachts of her size and even larger—up to 260ft,” the Marina manager said.

He was also keen to emphasise that the Marina at Marigot Bay, which has long been known as the region’s safest and most attractive anchorage, is an ideal year-round destination, not just a place for the holidays.

The Marina Village is open year round as is the luxury Discovery resort and world class spa situated right above the docks.

Charter guests and yacht crews can enjoy relaxing treatments at the Lapli Spa, a cooling drink at the historic Hurricane Hole Bar, and fine dining at The Boudreau restaurant, all just a short step from the superyacht berths.

The bay itself is dotted with bars and restaurants filled with visitors and locals alike—attractions that have made the Marina at Marigot Bay a favorite pick-up and drop off point for yacht charters especially when coupled with convenient direct airlift from both the US and the UK and facilities for landing private jets.

Excellent provisioning, three phase power and water outlets, complimentary WiFi and Cable TV, dock concierge services, duty free refueling and competitive summer rates add to the appeal.