St Lucia

Introduction

Lush rainforests, the world-famous volcanic peaks of the Pitons, the poetry of Dereck Walcott and a reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most scenic islands. Luxury honeymoons in St Lucia are top of the list. It is a great island for just being together, whether that means developing tans on the beach, scuba diving in the crystal clear waters or browsing through the batik shops in Castries. Unspoilt and undeveloped, the part-Creole, part-French, part-English ambience only adds to its allure.

The beauty of St Lucia also lies in its highly individual choice of places to stay – we can arrange luxury family holidays in St Lucia at a range of high class family resorts with every facility under the sun. We also offer luxury golf and spa escapes and more unusual hideaways including a number of St Lucia’s ravishing boutique-style properties on secluded beaches or in unspoilt hillside locations. Choose your resort carefully. For white sands, contemporary hotels and lively nights, focus upon the north or relax a while further south amidst splendid tropical scenery.

Regional Info

HIGHLIGHTS

Rain Forest
A lush, mature rain forest, lying almost 1,800 feet above sea level. Twenty nine miles of waking trails invite exploration of this tropical forest, home to a vast variety of flora and fauna, including the Jacquot, St Lucia's national bird
The Pitons
A UNESCO World Heritage site, St Lucia's twin peaks are a breathtaking sight to behold. Hiking trips can be arranged
Pigeon Island National Park
Visit the Choiseul Heritage site, a village with spectacular view
Rodney Bay, Castries
A lively resort with a range of restaurants and shopping experiences
Drive-In Volcano
Nestled behind the town of Soufrière is the world's only drive-in volcano, with guides on hand to talk you through its history and formation
Diamond Botanical Gardens, Soufrière
Natural trails lead through the lush tropical gardens to the mineral baths and a picturesque waterfall
ATV tours
Experience the thrill of riding through the countryside on an all terrain vehicle
Mountain Biking
A host of trails suitable for beginners through to experienced off road riders
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Sperm Whale, Short Finned Pilot, Spinner and Bottlenose Dolphins can be seen in the waters off St Lucia
Sunset Cruise
A leisurely sail along the coast as the sun dips toward the sea
Brig Unicorn Cruise
A full day sail to Soufrière aboard the Black Pearl with a delicious Creole lunch on board
Rain Forest Aerial Tram Ride & Sky Canopy
Enjoy a bird's eye view of the rain forest from the Aerial Tram gondola or fly through the trees on a series of zip lines
Scuba Diving
Explore St Lucia's renowned marine park with 13 reef dive sites
Abseiling at Anse La Raye
Trek along the riverbed before abseiling down Anse La Raye waterfall
A day trip to The Grenadines
Fly to Union Island then set sail for Mayreau, the Tobago Cays and Palm Island. The trip includes a stop at each island with time to swim in the crystal clear water, snorkel on the pristine coral reefs or simply to relax on the sparkling white beaches

EVENTS

February | Annual Independence International Food Fair
Including French, Guyanese, Jamaican, British, Italian, St. Lucian, Rastafarian, Indian, Cuban and many more multi national influences, the fair also provides an opportunity for local farmers and crafters to display and sell their produce.
May | St Lucia Jazz Festival
One of the major events on St. Lucia's calendar, encompassing multiple shows of acoustical/straight ahead jazz, new age jazz, fusion, rhythm and blues with acts emanating from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe. The shows range from formal performances to intimate late night open-air venues and club venues to open air picnic style events.
June & July | St Lucia Carnival
An exciting mix of music, dance, song, costumes and drama.
October | Jounen Kweyol Entenasyonnal
A festival celebrating a popular yet un-official dialect of French, widely spoken in the Caribbean region. A mix of Kweyol (Creole) food, music, games and folklore come together to give this festival a really unique flavour.
November | St. Lucia Food and Rum Festival
An event to attract the best chefs, wine connoisseurs, rum fanatics and food critics from not only across the Caribbean but internationally too.

LOCAL SPECIALITIES

Shopping
In and around St. Lucia's capital, Castries, visitors can find a variety of unique shopping experiences from the local craft and food markets to the duty free goods at Pointe Seraphine.
Arts and Crafts
St. Lucia is very proud of its' heritage in the arts. For a taste, head to the Eudovic studios in Goodlands 10 minutes south of Castries to see beautiful works of art sculpted from wood. Or combine sightseeing and shopping at the 100 year-old Caribelle hilltop house, where you can watch artisans make batik and screen-prints. On the southern coast of the island you will find the Choiseul Arts & Crafts centre, a wonderful source of hand-woven baskets, unique placemats, chairs and woodcarvings.
Local flavours
Visit the small coastal village of Anse La Raye on a Friday for the local fish fiesta. The freshly caught fish is marinated in fine local seasoning and cooked to order, with a backdrop of lively Caribbean and local music - a taste of authentic village life. Or visit Gros Islet for the Friday Night Street Party, where locals and visitors alike enjoy freshly cooked food on the street BBQs and party to the sounds of the local music.

TRAVEL TIPS

CLIMATE
A year round holiday destination, the best time to visit is December to May with average temperatures of 75°F. June to November can be humid with intense tropical showers.

CAPITAL

Castries

TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT -4 hours

CURRENCY
Eastern Caribbean Dollar

FLYING TIME
8 hours 45 minutes when flying direct

Honeymoons & Weddings

Spa