St Lucia is an outstanding holiday destination which is perfect for a long, relaxing stay or as part of a Caribbean island hopping itinerary. Renowned for its dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks, mountainous terrain and lush tropical scenery combined with the abundance of activities available for all ages, the island appeals to adrenaline junkies, families, honeymooners and those looking to lay on a beach sipping rum punch.
With a fantastic selection of accommodation options including exclusive resorts overlooking the Pitons, all-inclusive beach hotels and properties offering self-catering villas, St Lucia is perfect for a luxury holiday or a more affordable break.
If you would like further information on any of the properties mentioned, or to discuss your next holiday to the Caribbean, please call us on 01752 880880 or email [email protected].
WHEN TO GO
As with most Caribbean destinations, the winter months see the most travellers because of the warm, dry temperatures. December to March is often the most popular because these are the driest months across the year. People travelling to St Lucia should also be aware that the climate tends to vary across the island, dependent on the natural landscape. When exploring more green and dense areas of the rainforest the temperatures are likely to be high and more humid. However, when visiting coastal regions, the temperatures will be high, but the air will feel fresher due to the breeze coming off the water.
WHAT TO DO
Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
If you like the outdoors, then a visit to the six-acre award-winning Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens is a must. Here you can experience the natural beauty of the Caribbean all in one place. The gardens are beautifully designed and well maintained, allowing you to have a leisurely walk whilst enjoying the fauna and flora, along with the fruits, vegetables and interesting native plants. Diamond Falls itself is breathtaking and mesmerising as the mineral rainwaters fall creating a constantly changing colourful mist. A trip to Diamond Falls is not complete without bathing in the Mineral Bath Spas. It is said that the waters have medicinal qualities, especially those with sore joints and muscles – either way it is a truly relaxing experience not to be missed!
Sulphur Springs
A visit to the Sulphur Springs Park is a unique (if slightly smelly!) experience. The knowledgeable guides provide a detailed explanation of the volcanic history of the island before showing you the bubbling mud baths, hot springs and a trip to the top of the volcano itself. You are given the opportunity to dive into the different light and dark natural mud baths, before rinsing off in the mineral streams. To complete this memorable experience, you can sit and enjoy the 50ft waterfall which gushes over the cliff side into a pool at the centre of the landscaped gardens.
Chocolate Experiences
St Lucia’s tropical rainforests and warm climate make it the perfect place for cocoa trees to thrive. Since the early 1700s, the native cocoa beans have been exported to Europe and they are now renowned for forming some of the finest chocolate in the world. In 2010, the Anse Chastanet estate opened the doors to the Chocolate Laboratory where they invite visitors to take part in the chocolate production and sensory tastings, but also to enjoy a variety of chocolate inspired dishes, cocktails and body treatments at the resorts spa.
Castries Market
A trip to St Lucia is not complete without a visit to the capital Castries, where visitors can experience the lively and colourful open-air market bursting with tropical fruit and vegetables, handmade crafts and souvenirs. Built in 1891, the market now has over 300 regular vendors plus over 100 local sellers in attendance on market days. The highlight is the experience of the country’s fragrant herbs and aromatic spices which fill the air – a truly multisensory experience.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
More than 25 varieties of whale have been spotted in St Lucia’s waters, with the most frequent sightings including the 45ft sperm whale, 20ft pilot whale and breathtakingly large pods of dolphins – sometimes up to 150 at a time. The sightseeing tours offer an educational aspect, while the friendly staff personalise the experience to your specific interests, leaving you to sit back enjoy the sightings of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat feeding, mating and frolicking with their calves – it’s a magical experience and a great way to explore the beautiful St Lucian coastline.
EVENTS
St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (7 – 9 May 2020)
The St Lucia Jazz Festival is long-standing event with live music performances, street parties and fashion shows held across 15 stunning St Lucian venues. Music genres include jazz, calypso, soca and R&B, with artists travelling from across the whole of the Caribbean and beyond.
St Lucia Carnival (June – July 2020)
The St Lucia Carnival is a lively and colourful event which includes dancing, street parades, storytelling and much partying throughout the island. The season concludes on 20 and 21 July with an exciting, fun-filled two-day street parade featuring live bands and music, stunning Carnival costumes and the energetic dancing and partying typical of Caribbean carnivals! This special celebration of the country’s history, culture and creativity should be on the bucket list of anyone who loves all things Caribbean.
Creole Day (23 – 24 October 2020)
Known as Jounen Kweyol, this festival celebrates the island’s rich Creole heritage and features cultural demonstrations and musical performances. Towns across the island host events, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the diverse cultural influences and to sample delicious Creole dishes.
WHERE TO STAY
windjammer landing villa beach resort
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort is set within 60 acres of hillside overlooking Labrelotte Bay on the northwest coast of St Lucia. The majority of the spacious suites and villas are set into the hillside providing peace and privacy, and spectacular views out over the bay. Whitewashed paths lead down the hillside through tropical gardens, allowing you to wander down to the beach for the day safe in the knowledge that there is a complimentary shuttle service to return to your accommodation!
Stay 7 nights from £1,075pp on Bed and Breakfast
anse chastanet resort
Anse Chastanet is a luxurious resort in St Lucia which emphasises the natural beauty of the island and its landscape, set on a stunning 600-acre tropical estate bordered by two unspoilt beaches with incredible views of the famous Pitons. Each of the 49 rooms have been individually designed to maximise the views of the Pitons or the sea, some with louvered walls which open onto private terraces to provide panoramic views and others missing a fourth wall entirely taking open plan living to the next level!
Stay 7 nights from £1,575pp on Bed and Breakfast
Rendezvous
Rendezvous is a boutique, couples only premium All Inclusive resort located on a two-mile stretch of the stunning Malabar Beach on the northwest coast of St Lucia. Family owned and run, the resort has an elegant, intimate atmosphere overseen by their attentive and friendly team, enabling guests to enjoy ‘Stolen Moments’ together. The beautifully furnished rooms and suites are nestled amid the beautifully maintained tropical gardens, with some located right by the beach for spectacular sea views. The resort boasts two pools and a lazy river surrounded by tropical foliage, while complimentary activities include waterskiing, scuba diving and many more.
Stay 7 nights from £1,749pp on All-Inclusive
cap maison
Cap Maison is a family owned resort, set on a cliff-top bluff on the northwestern tip of St Lucia, overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the island of Martinique in the distance. This is a unique and intimate hideaway which is ideal for couples, families or groups of friends looking to unwind and relax. The resort maintains a reputation for high standards, with accommodation comprising just 49 bright and spacious suites and villas designed in a Spanish Caribbean-style, with large windows and private verandas. Guests can take advantage of the resort’s cove-like sandy beach where there is a small reef to snorkel, lounge by the pool or perhaps treat themselves to a relaxing treatment at Cap Maison’s spa.
Stay 7 nights from £1,875pp on Half Board
east winds
East Winds is a luxury all-inclusive, boutique hotel is set beside a secluded, sandy beach and is a firm favourite of Tropic Breeze’s founder, Jo Plummer, as well as many of our clients. The unique property is perfect for those looking to completely unwind in an elegant and informal retreat, with outstanding food and plenty of things to do. The bright cottage-style accommodations are dotted around the spacious grounds with tiled floors, wooden furniture and colourful fabrics.
Stay 7 nights from £2,099 on All-Inclusive
calabash cove
Calabash Cove Resort & Spa is an adults-only boutique resort, built on a hillside leading down towards the beach and ocean, and is home to one of the finest restaurants on St Lucia. This romantic hideaway is set within tropical gardens, combining luxury and comfort in all of the 26 suites and cottages. Swim-up Junior Suites feature steps down into the resort’s infinity pool, whilst Water’s Edge Cottages come complete with their own private plunge pool – perfect for a romantic escape!
Stay 7 nights from £2,499pp on All-Inclusive
Tropic Breeze specialises in creating holidays to resorts we know and love. We maintain a close relationship with each hotel, allowing us to offer you the very best deals. If you would like further information on any of our properties or a quote please call us on 01752 880 880 or email [email protected]
Tropic Breeze offer fully bonded and protected holidays, whether booked with flights via our ATOL 5615 or for accommodation only holidays with our ABTA Y5401. This means you can rest assured that your Tropic Breeze holiday is safe and secure.
Author KatieCategories Best places to go on holiday, Caribbean, News