St. Lucia in All Her Glory

With a laid-back personality, she is full of adventure, creativity and natural beauty. Her versatile appearances appeal to every walk of life and she truly appreciates the finer things. Who could be such a charmer? None other than the lovely St. Lucia!

St. Lucia is an Eastern Caribbean island and is the only in the world to be named after a woman! It may be because of the feminine landscape, or perhaps it’s the warm ambience.

A total showstopper!

Either way, it is an incredibly romantic destination attracting lovers from all over the world. In her history, St. Lucia was fought over many times and changed ownership between the French and British 14 times between the 17^th and 19^th centuries, although, a pirate by the name of François Le Clerc, nicknamed Jambe de Bois (“wooden leg” in French) was the first to colonize the island, using Pigeon Island as a base to attack passing Spanish ships. From pirates to plantations, St. Lucia was mainly cultivated for sugar. Today, the island is sprinkled with many banana and cacao plantations. St. Lucia is clearly influenced by French style and British law while still emitting a colourful vibe of its own. The weather in St. Lucia is usually hot and humid and the terrain is 77% forests. With such a large canopy, you better believe that the activities like zip-lining and hiking are abundant!

In addition, here are my favourite things to do in St. Lucia:

•  The Pitons – The icon of St. Lucia’s skyline and symbol of the island, these volcanic plugs were formed between 200,000 and 300,000 years ago during a time of extreme volcanic activity when magma hardened inside the volcanos’ vent. Today, you can hike the pitons, or dive the oceanic depths underneath and explore the coral reefs with vast marine life.
• Soufrière – The islands’ original capital (which has since changed), this area sits at the base of the Pitons. There is much to explore there including Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, Church of the Assumption, and Anse Chastanet Marine National Park
• Mud Bath – A couple of miles south of Soufrière is the world’s only drive-in volcano. Although not exactly flying red hot magma, you can observe boiling mud pools release clouds of sulphur. Not far away, a thermally heated river flows into mineral rich mud pools where you can relax, rejuvenate and enjoy mud facials.
• Marigot Bay – North of Soufrière, Marigot Bay is a natural harbour and ‘hurricane hole”. The area has lots of shops, outdoor cafes, and calm-water beaches. You can even hop on a ferry for a short ride to a tiny beach.

The colourful interior of the Cathedral Vasilica of the Immaculate Conception

Here’s a Pro-Tip: The best and most scenic way to travel from the north, near Marigot Bay to the south, near Soufriere Bay, is by sailing. There are many excursion options, and all of them are exciting!

• Castries – The Capital of St. Lucia, this town has great markets, the lovely Vigie Beach and The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception; a colourful mural covered church located in the Derek Walcott Square Park.
• Pigeon Island – Originally a look out point and “Peg-Leg’s” base, this former island was connected to the mainland in 1972 for security and to form Rodney Bay Marina. It is considered one of the most significant examples of St. Lucia’s history. With many ruins amongst the lush, picturesque jungle setting, Pigeon Island has been referred to as a “living Museum” and is a National Park.

International flights to St. Lucia land at Hewanorra International Airport. Although far from Castries, there are fast and efficient transportation options via bus and taxi. George F.L. Charles Airport is located much nearer the city centre, but only allows inter-Caribbean flights.

I’ve bean craving Cacao!

There are many ways to travel around the island including car or scooter rental, however, I’ve found that the best way is to take the “dollar buses”. These 16 passenger vans are privately owned and are a quick and easy way to travel short distances. They have regular stops, although you can also hail one like you would a taxi.

No matter where you decide to stay, St. Lucia hotels have the most magical views and vibes. Just a short walk to the beach, Jade Mountain is probably one of the most noteworthy places to stay on the island. Each room is spacious and open, and has a private infinity pool that reaches right out to the beautiful beachside views. Sugar Beach Resort is another lavish stay. Nestled into the jungle between the Pitons, this incredible location is complete with pristine white sand beaches, a calming atmosphere and private butlers. Any chocolate lovers out there? Fond Doux Plantation & Resort and Boucan by Hotel Chocolat are more than just a relaxing stay, they are both running organic cocoa plantations, offering tours, rejuvenating spa services and fabulous restaurants. Ginger Lily is a colourful hotel in Rodney Bay with a tropical atmosphere located just a short walk from the beach.

St. Lucia has some amazing traditional ingredients such as green figs, salt fish and langouste, the succulent local spiny lobster, and few of the best places to try these include The Big Yard, The Pink Plantation House and Flavours of the Grill. Located in Ladera, an award-winning resort, Dasheene Restaurant and Bar is another one of my favourite places for local cuisine and fine dining.

For a delicious home-cooked meal in a quaint setting, head to Martha’s Tables near Sugar Beach for a dining experience on the front porch of a local private home. If you prefer home-cooked food but in a more social setting, check out the Friday Night Fish Fry in the fishing village of Anse la Raye. This is a great place to enjoying great food and friendly company.

Don’t be shellfish, share your Langouste!

The Fish Fry isn’t the only Friday night festivity that takes place on the island. Jump Up! Street Party in the village of Gros Islet occurs weekly on Friday nights and is an awesome way to experience local night life. Try a local drink with Chairman’s Reserve Rum from one of the many street stands. Speaking of rum, Cane Bar in Soufrière is one of my favourite places to sample some of the best aged rums around.

“You put the rum in the coconut” …oh wait, I mean lime!

There are also many rum tasting and tours that you can experience in St. Lucia; such as The Other Tour and St. Lucia Distillers Ltd. In Rodney Bay. Spinnakers is a great place to stop for a sunset drink after a day of exploring Pigeon Island, or, if you’re in a dancing mood, Pulse Nightclub has resident DJ’s that keep the party going until the wee hours.

St. Lucia is full of creativity which makes shopping an adventure itself. You can find lots of colourful local creations, spices and chocolate at the Central Market. On Saturday mornings, after a night of fun, check out the Castries Market for fresh volcanic soil-grown produce and other amazing treasures. Another one of my favourite places to find beautiful artwork is Eudovic’s Art Studio offering beautifully carved jungle grown woods.

St. Lucia, abundant with serene beaches, tropical forests and stunning underwater landscapes, is truly one of a kind.

Love,

Isabella