Having visited Saint Lucia several times, over more than a decade, Senior Product Manager at Elegant Resorts, Caroline Beckett, wanted to venture further off the more typical tourist path and discover what’s new and enhanced for 2018…
A renowned Caribbean gem with a bounty of natural treasure to explore, what does lie beyond the majestic Pitons, castaway romance and barrels of local rum? For those wishing to explore outside their luxury hotel or resort, there is a plethora of creole culture, vibrant fishing villages, historic remnants and delicious produce — including chocolate, honey and seafood accompanied by a cool rhythm of Jazz — to discover.
If you can bare to break away from the mesmerising vistas and look past the idyllic backdrops, exquisite suites and indulgent hotel pampering, there is an exciting Soleil Summer Festival – five events to steal your gaze, engage your attention and have you dancing on your feet — such as January’s Food & Rum Festival and Saint Lucia Jazz Festival in May (6th – 13th). The sizzling melody of creole culture, island rhythm, barbecued cray-fish and carnival fever is bound to captivate every visitor and have them dancing down the colourful narrow streets of Gros Islet, near Rodney Bay.
The north and south of Saint Lucia are quite distinct, so the island can provide very different experiences. It’s well worth trying to incorporate the livelier north, before relaxing in the scenic south — however there are a plethora of outdoor adventures to enjoy there, too! From snorkelling below the surface in the Marine Park at the base of the Pitons, to horse-back riding, or flying high on a zip-line, there is plenty to thrill the senses! Of course, there are some sublime hotel spas for those less adventurous types!
While the cuisine available in Saint Lucia has certainly evolved with world-class fine dining — including private cellar dining and paired wine tastings — widely available, so too has the level of luxury accommodation. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort has introduced sensational beachfront Residences, whilst boutique East Winds has created a new bar, enhanced its restaurant and re-styled interiors. Guests staying at the exceptional Jade Mountain can indulge further with the addition of their new chocolate factory, whilst BodyHoliday, in Castries, is all about tempting you into a new health and wellness routine, whilst staying in breathtaking surroundings.
With so many spectacular natural sites to see, delicious island tastes to savour and thrilling island activities to enjoy, visitors can find a world of adventure on one special island destination. At only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, verdant Saint Lucia is a sparkling Caribbean gem with a bounty of inspiring attractions to enjoy.
Essential Saint Lucia experiences not to miss:
• Sample a ‘Chairman’s Reserve’ or ‘Spiced’ rum to taste an extra special tipple
• Enjoy fine dining at The Cliff at Cap restaurant, with its Champagne zip wire
• Feast at The Estate House at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort with cuisine to complement the view!
• For sheer fun, experience Rodney Bay on a Friday evening and dance all night
• For a stunning perspective, take a boat charter to see the island from the sea
• Visit Fond Doux Plantation to see a working cocoa plantation in action
• See 30 species of birds, including the Saint Lucia Parrot, at Millet Bird Sanctuary
To create your first travel adventure in Saint Lucia, or to discover a host of new island attractions, please contact our expert Travel consultants on 01244 897 523 or visit Elegant Resorts
