How my journey to St. Lucia helped me embrace my body fully

St. Lucia’s inclusive atmosphere provided a significant boost to Stephanie Yeboah’s confidence, leading her to advocate for the Caribbean island among fellow plus-size travelers.

Navigating life in a plus-size body comes with its challenges. From the judgment I faced from strangers to the difficulty in accessing basic amenities, I was constantly reminded that my size was a concern for others. This experience fostered a deep self-hatred that often kept me from traveling or being seen in public.

When I browsed through travel brochures or watched vacation ads on TV, I was bombarded with images of slim, toned models enjoying their holidays. I began to believe that travel and beach getaways were reserved for those with bodies like theirs, convincing myself that I was too large to find joy abroad.

Looking back, it seems trivial, but at the time, the absence of body diversity in travel marketing led me to think that only those who fit society's beauty ideals were worthy of visiting these idyllic beach locations.

Embracing solo travel as a way to boost my confidence

In my early twenties, I began a journey towards self-love. I was growing and needed to release past traumas while challenging the harmful beliefs about body size that I had absorbed throughout my upbringing. This was crucial for me to truly embrace my best life.

A significant part of this process involved taking the bold step of traveling alone to enhance my confidence. I started this adventure in 2016, enjoying my experiences, but I tended to stick to cities and rural areas—places where I wouldn’t feel pressured to wear bikinis, shorts, or sleeveless tops. Although my confidence was gradually improving, I still didn’t feel entirely at ease in my own skin.

Then, in 2019, my life took a turn. I received an invitation to spend a few days in St. Lucia for Black History Month. While excitement coursed through me, I also felt a twinge of anxiety.

A trip to a Caribbean island promised sun-soaked days and sandy beaches. However, the idea of wearing lighter clothing filled me with anxiety. I had made significant progress in my self-love journey, but was I truly ready to don a swimsuit? Old insecurities flooded back: What would others think? Should I work out beforehand? Was I expected to have a ‘bikini body’? Would it be acceptable for me to sport leggings at the beach?

On a whim, I decided to purchase three string bikinis, purely for fun. My goal was never to wear them in public, just to see how they looked on me.

The ultimate body-positive destination

Weeks later, I found myself in St. Lucia. It’s no exaggeration to say it’s one of the most stunning places on the planet. The island's beauty isn't solely in its lush landscapes, the Piton mountains, or its beaches, but in its people. From the moment I arrived to when I left, I was welcomed by bodies like mine. Plus-sized St Lucian women in vibrant wrap skirts, short shorts, and crop tops went about their lives with confidence.

No one stared or questioned their choice of attire. They were treated like ordinary people, and in that moment, I felt truly seen for the first time.

Upon arriving at my hotel, I eagerly removed the tags from my new black-and-red bikini, slipped it on under a cover-up, and headed to Rodney Bay beach. A friend suggested I take a photo, so I decided to shed my cover-up and pose in my size-24 bikini. The adrenaline rush was exhilarating. I received compliments and cheers, with people encouraging me to consider modeling. It was a refreshing change to have my body acknowledged in such a positive light, significantly boosting my self-esteem.

Celebrating beauty in all forms and sizes

The locals shared insights about St Lucia’s beauty ideals, which typically celebrate curvier figures. I witnessed firsthand how larger bodies are embraced on the island, with St Lucians understanding that beauty is diverse. Growing up under Western beauty standards that favor slimness, this alternative perspective felt like a breath of fresh air.

Throughout the remainder of my trip, I enjoyed sunbathing in my bikinis and confidently wearing sundresses, which nurtured a newfound self-assurance. I felt attractive, comfortable, and for the first time, I believed I had every right to enjoy myself without reservations.

I returned to the island again, and my second visit was even more fulfilling than the first. I will always regard this stunning place as the catalyst for restoring my body image confidence.