Saint Lucia may provide the most unforgettable island vacation in the Caribbean. There is far more here than fabulous beaches, great watersports, and lush forests with excellent trails, although they alone will provide a one-of-a-kind vacation. The island’s major attraction are the two volcanos plugs referred to as the Pitons.
Visitors come to Saint Lucia for adventure, relaxation, and to become a part of the stunning ambiance. The town of Soufriere, with its mountains, the Pitons, botanical gardens, sulfuric waters, might be everyone’s favorite Saint Lucia vacation destination.
The Saint Lucians love to celebrate and share with visitors. The annual Saint Lucia Jazz festival in May attracts music lovers from around the world. In July, join Saint Lucians in their own version of Mardi Gras, with parade, dance, costumes, and the crowning of the queen.
About Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a Caribbean island, the second largest of the Windward group located in the Lesser Antilles. Its capital is Castries, where most of the island’s population lives. The nearest neighboring islands are Martinique and Saint Vincent.
Beginning in 1500, France and Britain fought for dominance over Saint Lucia and the native Caribs, with control passing back and forth between the two countries. Following the island’s independence in 1967, Saint Lucia remains a member of the British Commonwealth. These days, Saint Lucia enjoys a diversity of culture, customs and fabulous cuisine to promise the best getaway.
Saint Lucia’s 238-square mile landscape is a unique creation with volcanic origin. These volcanic activities have resulted in the lush, green vegetation and rainforests that appear as a glorious work of art spreading throughout the island. The volcanos also created active mud pools and Sulphur Springs. Saint Lucia has the most mountains of any Caribbean island.
The volcano plugs known as the Pitons are located on different parts of the island and are the most photographed mountain pair in the world. The Gros Piton is at Pitons Bay and can be an easy climb to the top, with energetic villagers happy to serve as guides. The Petit Piton, by Soufrière Bay, can also be climbed for a stunning view of the surrounding ocean. It is by far the more arduous climb of the two. For a full Piton experience, a guide is highly recommended.
If hiking up these landmarks isn’t in your plans, consider taking an enjoyable Catamaran cruise around these majestic landmarks. There are full and half-day cruises, as well as sunset and rum and chocolate outings. Volcanic mountains never looked so good as when sipping rum and nibbling on sweets.
For more volcano action, visitors should take a tour of the Soufriere drive-in volcano. It’s the only volcano in the world that is a drive-in. This is not to be missed. Drive your car inside of the volcano to its mud baths for a fabulously fun time. Saint Lucia exists because of volcanic eruptions, and these eruptions caused the mud bath in Sulphur Springs within the volcano. People here come from all over to wallow in the mud. These warm healing baths are detoxifying to the body and help with burn, sore joints, eczema, and other disorders. After diving into the mud, move on to the rain forest waterfall for a clean bath. This is a relaxing and refreshed as your Saint Lucia vacation will get. Some people say the mud baths make you look ten years younger. In any case, you undoubtedly will feel ten years young splashing about in the mud.
Creole French is frequently spoken, although English is Saint Lucia’s official language. The French dialect is proudly celebrated each year during the “celebration of the language.” Only 20 percent of Saint Lucia’s residents do not speak English. The local currency in Saint Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, but the US dollar is also welcome.
What Is Saint Lucia Most Known For?
A Saint Lucia vacation has everything to satisfy visitors. From the lush greenness to the clear beaches to the waterfalls and mountains, the attractions are endless. For water sports fans, the best beaches are on the west side, with colorful corals and fish. It is a vacation destination for outdoor and water enthusiasts.
The Anse Chastanet Marine National Park is famed for its diving and swimming among the fish. The coral reef is home to lobsters and crabs. Above the water, visitors can enjoy a great view of the famed Pitons.
Fabulous nature rules in Saint Lucia. One of the best and must-see trails is the Tet Paul Nature Trail outside of Soufrière. This hike winding through the lush greenery provides a view of neighboring Martinique and St. Vincent. Visitors will find an abundance of tropical fruit, including pineapples.
The sleepy village of Soufrière, which makes an excellent base for your Saint Lucia vacation, has an interesting history. It is the birthplace of Josephine, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. The village’s Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is beautiful and worth a visit. Then relax at the Anse Mamin beach.
A visit to Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park outside of Soufriere Bay is very popular with tourists. Your tour will take you through a collection of stick huts that were used by the villagers 200 years ago. Then you will go to the old Monplaisir estate to learn some local customs, such as how to process coconuts and what to do with raw sugar cane and cocoa beans. The estate’s restaurant offers some excellent Creole food.
If tasting cocoa beans seems a bit tame, the Soufriere ziplining tour over the Petit Piton is recommended. As you zoom through the air, your view of Soufriere and the Caribbean will be unsurpassed.
The fabulous outdoor life in Saint Lucia continues when the sun sets and a vibrant nightlife takes over. For 50 years, the most famed street party occur on Fridays on Gros Islet. Beginning at sunset, the streets fill with people eager for barbeque and seafood, beer, and colorful vendors. Forget about sleep while the DJ blasts his music, and everyone dances until Saturday morning.
Best Regions to Visit in Saint Lucia
The drama and surreal beauty of the mountainous volcanic area surrounding Soufrière have already been discussed. There are other areas on the small island of Saint Lucia that visitors should experience.
Castries Market
Whether you are vacationing in Saint Lucia or making a port call from a cruise ship, Castries is the shopping hub of the island, especially the incomparable Castries Market. This huge market is a food and flea market mecca where you will find treasures that cannot be found in any ordinary boutique.
This is a sensory overload experience, with colors and aromas leading the way. And the air is filled with English and French Creole and the aroma of genuine star anise and turmeric, quality spices that Americans can have difficulty finding in their local market, so it pays to stock up. Visit the stalls with prepared food and get a taste of genuine local dishes.
Beyond the food, there are unlimited stalls selling arts, crafts, jewelry, and clothing, all of which make wonderful gifts and souvenirs. Bargaining for the best price is expected. If you are taking a taxi to the Castries Market, some taxi companies provide a tour.
Marigot Bay
The Marigot Bay Resort will take you from the delights of a flea market to Saint Lucia’s most luxurious resort. Here, you don’t haggle over prices; at the Marigot Bay Resort, you will have all your needs catered to while you focus on the azure sea, blue sky, and swaying palm trees. The resort has two infinity pools, beautiful guest accommodations, a swim-up bar, and a rum cave, all of which are visited by travelers from around the world.
The resort has several great dining establishments with an ocean view, and a visitor’s only problem will be choosing among them. The Rum Cave is the ultimate rum experience. Enjoy an assortment of rum samplings with a light meal and or a cigar and some live entertainment within sight of the marina. Learn more about the local rums in a rum tasting session.
Visitors can take advantage of the resort’s ‘All-Inclusive Dining’ package that permits wining and dining anywhere at Marigot Bay for one price.
The Spa Village at the resort is surrounded by stunning botanical gardens leading to an ultimate paradise. The treatments here are meant to invigorate the body and the mind and include manicures, pedicures, and hair treatments. Its fitness classes of Pilates and yoga classes are available daily.
Best All-Inclusive Resort or Hotel in Saint Lucia
Jade Mountain
The 600-acre Jade Mountain Resort near Soufriere is a celebration of Saint Lucia’s beauty. The stunning architecture is nestled within the glorious view of both Pitons and a magical beachfront. This is one of the best all-inclusive adult resort experiences in the Caribbean.
The Jade Mountain Club is overseen by an award-winning chef. Surrounded by an infinity pool with kaleidoscopic colors, this elevates ordinary dining to new heights beneath the stars. A jazz band entertains most evenings.
The Kai en Ciel Spa offers a large menu of treatments. Couples can relax in an oil-infused hot tub followed by side by side massage.
For chocoholics, the Chocolate Factory is nirvana. Choose from chocolate tastings to preparing your own truffles and delight in chocolate-infused dishes. Life is sweet at the Jade Mountain Resort.
Best Resort or Hotel for Couples at Saint Lucia
The Rendezvous
Couples looking for serenity, romance, and tranquility on Saint Lucia need look no further than The Rendezvous, an all-inclusive resort for couples. It begins with two miles of spectacular beachfront, a tropical garden, and a list of romantic activities. Try a candlelit dinner at the beach after a day of strolling the breathtaking coastline.
Indulge in the Spa in the Water Garden. Sample the exotic food in the various restaurant and join in the nightly entertainment. The Rendezvous’ Stolen Moments program will serve guests champagne on the beach at sunset. A food platter is available. Steal more moments on a champagne cruise, in a cooking class, wine sampling, and massage lessons.
Best Family-Friendly Resort or Hotel in Saint Lucia
Coconut Bay Resort
The Coconut Bay Resort has a split personality – and two wings. The Harmony wing is perfect for adults-only activities, spas, and pools, while the Splash wing is a delight for kids. Splash offers all the first-rate accommodations and restaurants as Harmony, but everything here is kids-oriented. Within Splash, kids can romp in Cocoland, which is the island’s largest waterpark. There is the Kidz Club with its youth-oriented activities, and the animal sanctuary for petting the animals. There are nine restaurants from which adults and kids can choose. Silk Restaurant has an Asian-infused menu and requires a bit of dressing up – ideal when mom and dad want some alone time. If the children tag along, they’ll find a kid’s menu with their favorite chicken nuggets. The Trattoria Restaurant’s kids’ menu lets them dine informally on spaghetti, chicken fingers, and hot dogs.
The best dining experience at the Coconut Bay Resort might be the Jerk Treehouse, which is indeed a table in a treehouse with a fabulous view. It can be a romantic setting for a couple, but kids will have a hard time resisting eating in a treehouse.
