Santa Lucia

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Why visit Santa Lucia?

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Boasting a drive through volcano, as well as its own National Rain Forest Reserve with over 19000 color splashed acres of natural wonders, St Lucia 's exotic beauty truly captures the abundant allure of the Caribbean. From the distinctive twin peaks of Les Pitons to the cascading majesty of Diamond Falls and the translucent turquoise sea that frames it all, St Lucia dazzles the eye as it seduces the body and spirit.

If there was ever an enchanting place created, it's the island of Saint Lucia. Possessing captivating allure, France and England fought to reign over for nearly 200 years. While British customs and traditions prevail, there is a decidedly French influence that permeates this paradise in the local accent and refined cuisine. But it is the love of romance that is most remarkable. It is found in the blistering passions of its ancient volcano, the serene abundance of its rainforest and the rhapsodic charm of Marigot Bay. Even the twin peaks of Les Pitons, the island's iconic landmark, pair off as beautifully as two people in love.

What does St Lucia bring in mind?

The way of the Pitons

The Gros Piton and Petit Piton rise dramatically from the sea on the island's west coast. The peaks have become synonymous with Saint Lucia's very identity, depictions of which can be found emblazoned on everything from postcards to cigar wrappers to beer labels. Both peaks can be climbed on hikes that range from arduous (Gros Piton) to challenging (Petit Piton); a hiker of decent physical fitness can ascend the Gros Piton in 2.5 hours, while the Petit Piton features a few sections of thrilling open rock face near the top that necessitate the use of ropes and anchors. Both offer sweeping panoramic views of the island, the Atlantic, and the Caribbean.

Escape to Paradise Ridge Ladera Resort, perched on a volcanic ridge 1000 feet above the sea, offers the most remarkable views in the Caribbean from the property's new super-luxurious suites at Paradise Ridge. The suites, built from local hardwood and designed to make guests feel at home in the rainforest, feature 24-hour butler service, four- poster beds, tables and chairs crafted in the on-site workshop, extensive Saint Lucian tile work, and infinity pools (boasting loveseat swings and waterfalls) that overlook the Piton peaks.

Full body mud bath

Saint Lucia's Sulfur Springs, located in the famed drive-in volcano near the town of Soufrière, offer visitors a glimpse at the bubbling, boiling heart of the island, and a chance to experiencing a full-body mud bath. Treatments begin with an alabaster silica application and culminate with a volcanic mud rubdown and a soak in a steaming sulfur pool. The mud is said to contain restorative and rejuvenating properties.

Deep Blue Saint Lucia's west coast is hugged by the warm, calm waters of the Caribbean, and fringed by pristine coral reefs that cling precipitously to the island's volcanic mantle. Zip through the rainforest to secluded Sugar Beach -a picturesque stretch of sand between the Pitons- and take a deep breath though a Snuba tube as you explore the sea floor at 20 feet below the surface. Sea turtles, octopus, sharks, rays and hundreds of species of fish ply these waters, which are also fantastic for introductory dive courses and snorkelers of the adventurous ilk (the sea floor drops dramatically near the base of the Petit Piton).

Things you shouldn’t miss in St Lucia

• Enjoy Marigot Bay

• Anse Chastanet Marine National Park

• Soufrière

• Morne Coubaril Estate: A popular stop on the tourist circuit. The estate is an elegant working plantation growing cocoa, coconuts, and manioc. Zip-lining in view of the Pitons is the most adventurous activity on offer, but guests can also enjoy guided tours of the plantation, its tropical gardens, and a replica of a traditional village.

• Sulphur Springs Park, Mount Soufriere

• Diamond Botanical Gardens, Waterfall & Mineral Baths, Soufrière Estate

• Pigeon Island National Park

• Rodney Bay: On the Gros Islet northern end of St Lucia, Rodney Bay is St. Lucia's tourist magnet with its picturesque crescent-shaped beach and many hotels, restaurants, and shops.

• Tet Paul Nature Trail

• Edmund Rain Forest Reserve - Enbas Saut Waterfall Trail

• Castries Market: The colorful Castries market, at the eastern-most point of Castries harbor, is a great place to experience a slice of local life on St. Lucia. Merchandise ranges from handicrafts to locally grown fruits and vegetables. Shoppers can buy batiks, woodcarvings, gift baskets of spices, banana ketchups and oils, hand-made brooms, hot-pepper sauces, and the usual souvenirs. While the market is open every day, the most active day is Saturday.

• Derek Walcott Square: A great starting point for a walking tour of the capital, Castries. Its most famous landmark is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The cathedral exemplifies a Victorian variation on a Romanesque design and features an Italianate-style clock tower centered on the square. Opposite the cathedral, sits the restored public library and a series of brightly painted gingerbread colonial buildings with verandahs overhanging the sidewalk.

Top destinations in St Lucia

Castries

Castries is the capital and largest city of Saint Lucia of the Caribbean. Castries is in a flood gut and is built on reclaimed land. It houses the seat of government and the head offices of many of foreign and local businesses. The city's design is in a crisscross pattern similar to a metropolitan city like New York but on a much smaller scale. Its sheltered harbor receives cargo vessels, ferry boats, and cruise ships. It houses duty-free shopping facilities such as Point Seraphine and La Place Carinage with many restaurants offer menus from local to Chinese.

Soufrière

Soufrière is a town on the West Coast of Saint Lucia; originally founded by the French, it was the original capital of the island. The British invaded St Lucia shortly after, but the slaves and French deserters fought them in a guerrilla campaign until 1803 when they were defeated, and St Lucia became a British colony. Also, during that time, Castries became the capital of St Lucia. Over the years, Soufrière has had to deal with hurricanes in 1780, 1817, 1831, 1898 and 1980, a major fire in 1955 and an earthquake in 1991. Many of these events have had to result in the town being rebuilt several times. Soufrière has some famous inhabitants, the Empress of France Joséphine de Beauharnais spent much of her childhood in the area, as well as George Charles, the first Premier of St Lucia. Today, Soufrière is more dependent on tourism; the Pitons are just south of the town and there are several attractions in the area.

Rodney Bay

Rodney Bay is a bay on St Lucia; it is along the northwestern coast of the island to the north of Choc Bay. It is named after British naval officer George Brydges Rodney. Admiral Rodney won many battles against France by using a Fort built at Pigeon Island -which is the outer boundaries of Rodney Bay- to view any movements in France's naval base in Martinique. On a cloudless day, one can clearly see Martinique. The Fort remains in pristine condition at Pigeon Island and still has many canons positioned, as if ready for battle. Rodney Bay has become a hub for locals and visitors to the island. From there one can climb aboard the brig Unicorn, used in the film Pirates of the Caribbean and see the west side of the island by sea from her decks, enjoying delicious local cuisine and are always within minutes of numerous shopping boutiques and malls.

Anse La Raye

Anse La Raye is the largest town in Anse la Raye Quarter, Saint Lucia; it is located on the island's Western side, near Marigot Bay. It is a picturesque place with fine examples of French and English colonial architecture. The name Anse la Raye is derived from the rays that are found in the bay; two rivers flow into the bay, these are the Grande Rivière de l'Anse la Raye and the Petite Rivière de l'Anse la Raye. On a Friday night there is a fish fry where the local fishermen showcase their skills and where lobsters, fish and lambi are cooked and eaten. The Fish Fry is located on Front Street which runs parallel to the beach. Nearby attractions include the Anse la Raye Falls and the River Rock Falls.