What is the attraction of this Caribbean Island? Hmmm… maybe it’s the mouth-watering delicacies the island offers or its fun-loving inhabitants, who can resist the island’s amazing weather all year round? It’s the perfect choice for that romantic getaway or family vacation. Let’s explore!
Hotels:
One of the beautiful things about Saint Lucia is the wide range of accommodation available to suit all budgets from small guesthouses and self-catering apartments to boutique hotels, spacious villas, all-inclusive hotels and luxurious resorts
Almond Morgan Bay
This gorgeous hotel is located on a lovely beach on the west coast of Saint Lucia. Transfer time from the airport is 1 hour 30mins, and it is situated 15mins from the capital, Castries. This popular resort is built around a pretty, curving bay with a sandy beach and green hills behind. It has 4 gourmet restaurants serving breakfast, lunch and à la carte dinner as well as nightly live entertainment. Activities here include; windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, water-skiing, a fitness Centre as well as treatment rooms for massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. The rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and satellite TV, as well as a king-size bed or twin beds sleeping max 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children.
Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa
The new Bay Gardens Beach Resort is situated on Saint Lucia’s beautiful Reduit Beach. Transfer time from the airport is 1 hour 30mins. The resort provides restaurants and bars as well as non-stop entertainment 3 times a week! It boasts a Lagoon-style swimming pool, Jacuzzis, a sun deck, Gym and La Mer Spa. Daily activities include Pilates, Yoga, Water Sports and much more. The hotel is equipped with 42 Deluxe Rooms - 33 1-Bedroom Suites in 6 blocks of 3-storey buildings.
Food:
The food available in Saint Lucia is as rich as the culture and history of its people. Eating on this exotic island is without a doubt an exciting and enriching experience, as different cuisines from all over the world are incorporated. The cuisine is influenced by West Indian, Creole and French food. Popular dishes are pepper pot stew, callaloo soup and fried codfish. Shellfish and fish are caught daily. Salt fish is used in a number of recipes. Vegetables include cassava, dashing (taro) and sweet potatoes. Breadfruit is also grown. The fruits cultivated on the island are bananas, coconuts, guavas, mangoes, papayas, passion fruit, pineapples and sousa. Fresh fruit juices are available and alcoholic drinks, such as beer (Pitons) and rum (Bounty), are brewed locally….now where do we make reservations?!
Restaurants:
Rodney Bay Village
Here you will find most of the restaurants, bars and clubs on island. It also has a new shopping mall (Baywalk Mall) with an array of shops and restaurants on offer and which houses the only casino on the island.
Kahikili’s Polynesian Grill
Kahikili’s Polynesian Grill is the only Polynesian restaurant in the West Indies, featuring authentic cuisine from the Pacific Islands and Japan. Some of the signature dishes include Huli-Huli Chicken, a thick Moloka’l Paniolo Steak, and fresh sushi. The staff are warm and friendly, the prices are very reasonable, and the customer service is excellent.
Dasheene Restaurant and Bar
Guests and visitors flock to Dasheene to enjoy the spectacular views and award-winning cuisine. Best known for its eclectic and innovative menu, it is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a Sunday Brunch as well. It sets itself apart by focusing on sustainable cooking sourced from locally harvested ingredients.
The Edge Restaurant
After two years of existence, The Edge Restaurant is said to be the best restaurant on the island. It is located inside Harmony Suites Hotel, Rodney Bay Village, and has a stunning torch lit waterfront setting. The restaurant offers world-class food and service that can stand up to any top restaurant in any major city.
Seven Must See Places to Visit in Saint Lucia:
Pigeon Island National Park
Simply put – a stunning historical adventure. There are a number of hiking opportunities which travellers can take advantage of; there are also loads of great historical sites to see. The area around the park is being developed and has a great marina and some wonderful small eating establishments.
Anse Chastanet Beach and Reef
Often described as paradise here on Earth, the Anse Chastanet Beach and Reef area is incredibly beautiful and one of the most unique places to visit or stay on the island. The beach offers one of the quietest and secluded experiences on Saint Lucia’s shoreline and the setting and atmosphere there is truly exquisite.
Errard Plantation
Regularly rated as one of the top attractions in St. Lucia, the Errard Plantation offers visitors the opportunity to see an area that was once a working plantation in Saint Lucia’s past.
Maria Islands Nature Reserve
One of the nicest nature reserves in the entire Caribbean, the Maria Islands Nature Reserve is definitely worth a visit for anyone wanting to explore Saint Lucia’s natural areas a little more thoroughly.
Saint Lucia Rain Forest
This is a great attraction, especially for those coming from places where rain forests are uncommon. The beauty of the lush jungle plants and the excitement of seeing some wildlife, makes this a trip well worth going on.
Great events
Saint Lucia Jazz
An international music festival celebrating the best in Jazz, Soul, R’n’B, Reggae, Pop and Calypso. Past performers have included Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Amy Winehouse, Anita Baker, Angie Stone, Beres Hammond, Neyo, Trey Songz plus many more. ‘Saint Lucia Jazz’ usually takes place in the first week in May.
Carnival
Carnival takes place in mid July, its great fun for all the family featuring colourful costumes, floats and fantastic music for the party revellers.
Jounen Kweoyl
On 23rd October Jounen Kweoyl is a celebration of Saint Lucia’s creole heritage. Folk-telling, music, dancing and food festivals across the island.
Top travelling tips:
Money
Saint Lucia’s currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) commonly referred to as EC. However, the US Dollar is accepted in many places on the island. Currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, and hotels.
Language
The official language spoken in Saint Lucia is English although many Saint Lucians also speak a French-based patois, Creole (Kwéyòl).
Airport Tax
There is a Departure Tax of EC $68 or US $26 for all passengers over 12 years old leaving Saint Lucia Island. This tax is collected upon departure from Saint Lucia.
Time Zone
The standard time zone for Saint Lucia is UTC/GMT -4 hours
Immigration
Foreign nationals intending to visit Saint Lucia for business, pleasure or study are required to have a valid passport from their country including citizens of Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Citizens of other nations are required to obtain a valid Saint Lucian visa.
All in all Saint Lucia is an amazing island, packed full of exciting activities, engaging cultural pursuits and breath-taking views, well worth a trip!
