Although some say that you should be careful here, as long as you have a guide with you, you’ll be fine. It is not advisable to visit beaches by yourself especially ones away from the main tourist resorts. The crime rate here is low but any place where you don’t see many locals, don’t go by yourself. This includes the more secluded beaches. The street parties can be a bit hectic with loud crowds so get someone to accompany you if you’re wanting nighttime entertainment. Some say that vendors can be a bit aggressive so just be firm and only look at what you want to buy.
About Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is one of the well-known islands in the Caribbean Sea and a mecca for those seeking wellness holidays. Lush rainforest, beaches, and plenty of volcanic mud are just some of Saint Lucia’s attractions but its main focal point are the Pitons, two mountainous volcanic spires which dominate the island.
Castries is Saint Lucia’s capital with a colourful Saturday market where you can buy anything from souvenirs and t-shirts to spices and fruits. Pointe Seraphine is a duty-free area where you can buy to your heart’s content then admire the architecture afterwards in Derek Walcott Square.
Although there is a usual tourist route you can take around the island, if you choose a private guide, you can pick and choose which places you would prefer to see if you only have a day to squeeze everything in. But there are so many excursions here that you can easily fill the majority of your days with the island’s treasures.
With 19,000 acres of rainforest to explore, you simply must venture into the forest. Choosing a guide to go with you will ensure that you see the waterfalls, wild orchids and exotic birds.
The north of the island is the easiest to hike through but in the south you can hike the Des Cartiers Rainforest trail. This trail takes two hours and goes along an old military road. Your accommodation can arrange transport to the beginning of the trails but team with others or use a guide. For those who want a challenge, you can’t get more challenging than scaling the Pitons. Out of the two, the Gros Piton stands 798 metres high and is meant to be easier than the Petit Piton. Allow four hours for this and hire a guide to tackle this huge spire.
If you don’t fancy walking there’s a tram ride instead which provides aerial views of the rainforest canopy whilst sitting in a gondola. This is near Babonneau in the north of the island.
Birdwatchers should head to The Millet Bird Sanctuary Trail which is the best place for bird watching and is home to five of the island’s species. For more hiking trails visit www.maff.egov.lc
You can even horse-swim here, well technically it’s horse riding along the beach before taking your horse in the water with you. And don’t worry if you’ve never done this before, there are classes for beginners at The International Pony Club and Trim’s Horseriding Stables in the north of the island.
Learn more about the island’s history by exploring the forts and barracks at Pigeon Island National Landmark. Visit one of the plantation estates which date back to the colonial era to find out more about how cocoa is produced.
Visit Soufriere, an old seaside town, or watch the fishermen with their nets in the sleeping fishing village of Anse La Raye with wooden cottages which date back a few years.
Saint Lucia is known for wellness and one of its most popular attractions is the Sulphur Springs. They don’t really have an odour but bathing in the bubbling mud will leave your skin looking the best it’s ever looked. You can get really close to the steam in this drive-through volcano which hasn’t erupted since 1766. Many hotels offer spa treatments but if you don’t have the budget, you can soak in the restored baths in Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens for less.
Apart from smothering yourself in the mud baths, Marigot Bay is our favourite place in Saint Lucia. The green waters are so calming and this location was even used as a scene in the original movie of Dr Doolittle.
One of the best ways to see the island is by catamaran which takes you along the west coast. You can go yachting and also dolphin and whale spotting (although it is never 100% guaranteed). Snorkeling is best at Anse Chastanet which is part of a marine park, and one of the prime diving sites is Anse Cochon with a sunken wreck to explore.
If you’ve ever wanted to save baby turtles and an imaginary island from a hurricane, you can visit an attraction called Our Planet where you can find out more about environmental issues whilst doing your good deeds for the day.
The adventurous solo can zip line through the trees at various places on the island. Fly through the tress at the Morne Coubaril Estate, Babonneau and aptly named Treetop Adventure Park.
For beach lovers, the west coast on the Caribbean Sea is the most sheltered compared to those on the east. The liveliest beach is Reduit, a mile of sandy beach where you can waterski, take a banana boat ride or choose another watersport to wile away your hours. This is the best beach to meet others as it is lined by Rodney Bay hotels and there are bars on the beachfront to enjoy a Pina Colada as the sun sets. Anse des Pitons has one of the most beautiful beaches and you can visit The Jalousie Plantation, a luxury resort whilst you are there. You can kite-surf at Anse de Stables and spot the endangered leatherback turtles at Grande Anse between March to August.
With great beaches, stunning nature, and a unique elegance, Saint Lucia has everything you need from a Caribbean island especially if you are seeking a wellness break.
How Long Do I Need
To see most of the island and spend some time relaxing on a beach, I would definitely recommend a week at least. This gives you time to visit Soufriere, the Saturday markets at Castries and the Pitons.
Accommodation in Saint Lucia
No matter where you stay here, you’re guaranteed a Caribbean escape. Whether you choose to stay on a plantation estate, a hotel near the beach or a private villa. Being the Caribbean there are plenty of all-inclusive choices if you don’t want to venture much outside of your resort or you can choose a smaller more intimate resort to relax in. For interaction with locals stay in a locally-run guesthouse.
Don’t be discouraged by thinking that this is just an island for those with an over modest budget. Saint Lucia has accommodation for the most discerning of travellers and all budgets.
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