Saint Lucia Vacations

Our Opinion of Saint Lucia

Although many tourists are not very familiar with St Lucia, it has grown increasingly popular in the last few years. And so accommodations, attractions and facilities have greatly improved. Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay are dotted by most of the all inclusive and luxury resorts. The locals are incredibly friendly and hospitable. Wonderful Creole and international meals can be enjoyed, and great duty-free deals can be found.

But the biggest attraction of the island is its natural beauty and surroundings. This volcanic island has two incredible pitons, a tropical rainforest, sulphur springs, mineral baths and a drive-in volcano. Numerous parks and reserves offer incredible trails to explore by foot, bike or on horseback. St Lucia is a true gem and has rightly earned its nickname Helen of the West Indies.

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Castries serves as a good base for island exploration. The capital is mostly used as a port of call for cruise ships and only a few museums and attractions can be found. But since the island is quite small, everything is close by and easily accessible. This is a destination for nature lovers. There are so many parks and natural reserves to see, as well as gardens, old sugar plantations and an incredible marine life to discover if you go diving or snorkelling.

This capital city is very modern, but still retains a certain colonial charm and it is surrounded by lush green hills. There is also a very vibrant and colourful market, lovely waterfront restaurants and great shops. The resorts are located nearby in Marigot Bay and Rodney Bay, along the gorgeous beaches filled with activities.

Saint Lucia Destination Reviews

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Rating:

"Not a beach resort (3 to 4 foot waves). You can go free to the other two Sandals and spend the day. The beach is nice at the "Grand". There are 3 on the island and all have very good restaurants."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jan. 01, 2009

Rating:

"St. Lucia is beautiful. The people are very nice. I felt very safe in comparison to Cuba, Mexico, and Dominican Republic. We went on a Martinique tour which is a beautiful island, and a tour with "Joe Knows" (a very friendly guy off the beach with his own tour service). Joe was knowledgeable and fun, we all had a great time."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Feb. 06, 2008

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Activities & Sports

A large array of water sports can be practised on the island, like kayaking, water-skiing and parasailing. Windsurfing at Cas en Bas and Vieux Fort is favoured by advanced and intermediate windsurfers but beginners can also try this sport further west where they will find calmer waters. This destination offers great sailing opportunities. The marinas of Marigot Bay and Rodney Bay can rent out sailboats and crewed charters. Other excursions can take you out on a deep-sea fishing expedition

Diving and snorkelling is excellent in St Lucia. This volcanic island is surrounded by spectacular coral reefs and sponges covering the occasional sunken ship. The marine life is incredible as well and if you are lucky you may see St Lucia's The Thing, know as the Loch Ness Monster on Vacation.

Golfers will enjoy the St Lucia's Golf and Country Club which has an 18-hole golf course with a par 71.The The Sandals St. Lucia has the La Toc Golf Course which offers a 9hole par 33 course.

Hiking and jungle biking are a wonderful way to explore the many nature parks and reserve found on St Lucia. Several kilometres of cleared paths let you discover old sugar plantations, secluded beaches and waterfalls hidden in the rainforest. Those looking for a challenging hike can even go up the Gros Piton. Other lush trails and secluded beaches can be done on horseback.

Dining & Nightlife

On Friday nights, the village of Gros Islet hosts a weekly jump up party, popular with locals and visitors alike. Also every Friday you can attend the Anse La Raye Fish Fry BBQ or the Dennery Fish Fiesta on Saturdays.

Themed parties are hosted by most big resorts on various evenings. A show and live calypso bands are usually presented. St Lucia does not offer a very lively club scene but two recommendations would be Indies and The Late Lime in Rodney Bay.

The Brig Unicorn Pirate Sail, a real pirate ship movie prop, features tours around St Lucia to notorious pirate coves and includes a tour of the drive-in volcano.

It is nice to know that restaurants mostly use locally grown produce, spices and fresh fish caught off the shores. You will find many international restaurants but the local places specialize in wonderful Creole dishes. You will find simple and budget minded eateries as well as upscale fine restaurants. Here are a few suggestions:

Dasheene is built like a tree house and is famous for incredible sunsets, Chic, Tao offers a fusion of Asian with Caribbean, The Coal Pot is French & Caribbean, The Great House, an old French plantation, serves up Creole meals, and Dragonfly, at Windjammer Landing, fuses Euro-Caribbean and Asian tastes.

Shopping

Markets and shopping center finds include hand woven baskets and hats, wood sculptures, clay pottery, jewellery, rugs and beachwear. Unique St Lucian souvenirs include batik and silkscreen textiles made into pareos, shirts, table mats and many other items.

Duty-free shopping (with passport or airline ticket in hand), offering great deals on designer perfumes, crystal, china, jewellery, cigars and clothing, is available at a few shopping centers: Pointe Seraphine, La Place Carenage and J.Q. Mall.

Languages: English, French patois
Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar.
Climate: December though May is considered the driest season, with day temperatures hovering around 27C. The rainy season is from June to November. Trade winds provide a refreshing breeze all year. The water temperature hovers around 26C.
Electricity: 220 V, 50Hz. A few hotels have 110 V, 60Hz.

Documents

Valid passport required and ongoing or return ticket.

Driver's License

International driver's license required or a temporary St. Lucia's driver's license (US $20) must be purchased. Must be 25 years old and have a credit card.

Note : The departure tax of around EC $68, per person, is payable cash at the airport when leaving the country.

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Saint Lucia Weather Averages

Avg. °C	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
High	27	27	28	28	30	29	29	30	30	30	28	28
Low	24	24	25	25	26	27	26	26	26	26	26	25
Rain (mm)	175	218	213	132	97	58	53	58	33	36	46	127

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