TRAVEL GUIDE The beautiful Caribbean island that lifts your senses WELCOME TO SENSATIONAL

The uplifting Caribbean island of Saint Lucia is a sensory delight, full of awe-inspiring scenery and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you explore the spectacular UNESCO status Piton Mountains, discover the wonder of the Caribbean’s only drive-through volcano or join us for the world-famous Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival – you will be left in no doubt, Saint Lucia stimulates the senses like nowhere else on earth.

“Saint Lucia is full of awe-inspiring scenery and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”

CONTENTS

2. Welcome 22. Spa Experiences

4. Why Saint Lucia 24. Accommodation

6. Attractions and Activities 26. Meetings and Incentives

8. Nature and Adventure 28. Diving

10. Music and Nightlife 29. Sports

11. Culture and Heritage 30. Cruise Highlights

12. Beautiful Beaches 31. Calendar of Events

14. Island Map 32. Travel Essentials

16. Romance 33. Tour Operators

18. Family Fun 34. Accommodation Listing

20. A Taste of the Exotic 36. Contact Information

Call 020 7341 7000 or email [email protected] www.saintluciauk.org | 3 A SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL ISLAND IN EVERY WAY

DID YOU KNOW? If you’re looking for a picture-perfect paradise While Saint Lucia’s natural assets are its that has it all and more, put Saint Lucia at the trump card, the island’s rich cultural heritage also The first European settler on Saint Lucia top of your list. plays a strong hand. The vibrant blend of Carib, was a French pirate called Francois Le Clerc. African, French and English historical influences Nicknamed Jambe de Bois – Wooden Leg Some holiday destinations are ideal for lounging impacts on every aspect of day-to-day life, – he attacked passing Spanish ships during on the beach, others are great for sightseeing and from the island’s distinctive Creole cuisine to the the 1550s from his base on Pigeon Island. exploring. Some are ideal for partying the night French Creole patois spoken by the locals. away, others for quiet, low-key evenings. Some are Saint Lucia gained independence from the best suited to romantic couples, others to families If you want a romantic holiday, Saint Lucia is the UK in 1979. The head of state is still the intent on having fun. But there’s only one place perfect place. At the annual World Travel Awards, British monarch, represented on the island that has everything. the island has won the title of the World’s Leading “Beaches are just an by a Governor General. Honeymoon Destination an impressive eight What sets Saint Lucia apart is that it ticks every times. But Saint Lucia is not the exclusive preserve introduction to the Darren Sammy was the first Saint Lucian to single box. The mango-shaped Caribbean island, of those wanting a romantic retreat. The island represent the West Indies at cricket. He was which is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, is loves to party and does so every weekend in immense beauty that appointed team captain in 2010. fringed with soft sandy beaches, golden in the spirited fashion out on the streets of several north, and dark silver in the volcanic south west. fishing villages, and at the bars in Rodney Bay. Saint Lucia has to offer.” The Saint Lucia Parrot – the country’s national At the same time, with a selection of bird, found in the wild only on the island – was Yet beaches are just an introduction to the family-focused hotels, safe swimming beaches, threatened with extinction, with the population immense beauty that Saint Lucia has to offer. pirate-themed sea adventures and a rainforest reduced to around 150 in the 1970s. Thanks to A lush, emerald blanket spreads over much of the waiting to be explored, nowhere in the Caribbean conservation efforts, its numbers have increased island, with a rich covering of dense rainforest surpasses Saint Lucia for all-round family appeal. significantly since then. across lofty mountains and deep valleys and, in a dramatic culmination of scenic wonder, the In the economist Sir Arthur William Lewis World Heritage status Piton Mountains rise and writer Derek Walcott, Saint Lucia has majestically out of the sea. two Nobel Laureates, more per capita than any other nation. You can, if you so wish, just lay back, listen to the sea gently lapping the shore and take in Under ancient French law, all beaches on Saint Lucia’s blessed good looks from a distance. Saint Lucia form part of the Queen’s Chain, Still, there are plenty of rewarding ways to which means that they are public. experience this tropical paradise close up – from trekking through the rainforest, to speeding over it on a zip-line or even climbing to the top of a Piton.

There are many memorable and original places to stay on Saint Lucia – cottages on plantations, hotels with three-walled bedrooms featuring their own infinity pool – which offer an open invitation to experience the island’s natural delights. In fact, wherever you stay, nature will be present. At an al fresco breakfast a friendly hummingbird might join you and, after dark a tree frog chorus will fill the air.

4 | www.saintluciauk.org www.saintluciauk.org | 0207 341 7000 www.saintluciauk.org | 5 THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO ATTRACTIONS TO SEE

SEGWAY JUS SAIL PIGEON ISLAND

Glide effortlessly up Mount Pimard where you Sail along the island’s coastline aboard the beautifully Pigeon Island National Park is a key landmark in will be able to experience stunning views of restored Carriacou Sloop, Good Expectation. For Saint Lucia. Once used as a lookout point and Saint Lucia’s coastline. Your guide will point out over 150 years, hand-built wooden sailing vessels like military base when the British and the French the different flora and fauna as you ride along on the Good Expectation have traded spices, rum and fought over Saint Lucia, visitors are still able to your Segway. There will be various stop off points more across the West Indies. Once a regular sight see remnants of the military forts and bunkers to see bunkers used by the American military between the islands, you can now relive the nostalgic used during this time. There is also a small during World War 2, Pebble Beach to see the adventure of this bygone era. For more information, museum on site which houses relics and artefacts local fisherman in action and photo visit www.jussail.com. More sailing and water from the battles. A popular venue for picnics and opportunities at Pigeon Island and Rodney Bay. activities can be found on page 28. weddings due to its stunning views of the You’ll also enjoy the highest viewing point, and Atlantic Ocean, Pigeon Island Morne Pimant, where you will be served local MARIA ISLAND is also home to the main stage performances of juices and fruits. Find out more at the annual Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival held www.lucianstyle.com. Saint Lucia’s hidden gem, Maria Island, is a haven in May. Find out more at www.slunatrust.org. for nature lovers. Take the island tour and pull SNUBA ashore onto its white sandy beaches. The WATERFALLS fascinating guided walk showcases breathtaking There’s more Experience an exhilarating underwater adventure views, unique flora and fauna and rare species of Situated in Soufriere, Diamond Botanical in the safest and easiest way possible with SNUBA. wildlife. Find out more at www.slunatrust.org. Gardens & Waterfalls is a nature lover’s dream to explore in A combination of scuba diving and snorkelling, with a wide range of plants and colourful flowers SNUBA allows you to breathe easily underwater HELICOPTER TOUR on display. An informative guide will take you Saint Lucia. So lace up without wearing heavy, restrictive dive gear. on a tour of the gardens pointing out some of It’s open to all the family and doesn’t require Take a bird’s-eye view of the south of the island the medicinal uses of the plants. The waterfalls your walking shoes, certification or diving experience. Find out as you fly high above it. Survey the sheer natural originate from underground sulphur spwings. more at www.coxcoltd.com/snuba. beauty below including lush landscapes and Other notable waterfalls include Latille Waterfall grab your sun cream and spectacular coastline. Then catch a glimpse of and Gardens, Anse La Raye Waterfalls and RUM TOUR the enchanting Pitons, tropical rainforest and Toraile Waterfalls in Soufriere. swimming costume, and take much more. Visit www.stluciahelicopters.com. Travel through banana plantations to the COCOA PLANTATION TOURS your pick from these activities. award-winning Saint Lucia Distillers. Meet the TET PAUL renowned Rum Ambassador, tour the distillery Specialised cocoa tours are available at a variety and experience the distilling process. While you’re The Tet Paul Nature Trail is an easy to moderate of locations throughout the year including the there, sample a wide number of exotic blends 45 minute hike offering visitors a number of Marquis Estate, Anse Mamin Plantation, of rums and liqueurs, which are all available to stunning views, including Sugar Beach and the Hotel Chocolat, Emerald Estate, Morne Coubaril purchase at excellent prices. Find out more at Petit Piton among other attractions. There are Estate and La Dauphine Estate. At Fond Doux www.saintluciarums.com/fun-in-stlucia. traditional medicinal plants and exotic fruit Estate visitors can take part in a tour and lunch trees along the way, and you will also see package, which includes the invitation to join estate a traditional house where the ancestors of workers for the ‘cocoa-rina dance,’ a technique Saint Lucians used to live. Find out more at used to polish the Cocoa beans before roasting. www.soufrierefoundation.org/tet-paul-nature-trail. Find out more at www.fonddouxestate.com.

www.saintluciauk.org | 7 DISCOVER NATURE AT ITS MOST SPECTACULAR

“An emerald blanket TAKE A RAINFOREST NATURE TRAIL Eastern Caribbean region. Visit the Millet Bird Anse Mamin Plantation near Soufriere. State-of- be prepared to do some scrambling on the steep Sanctuary, a haven of bird life, and choose the-art suspension mountain bikes are provided, second half of the ascent. A guide is essential, of lush rainforest is Saint Lucia’s rainforest is a wonderful world from a number of birding tour operators and after your exertions you can cool off in the call 001 758 572 9277 to book one. of massive trees wrapped in vines, giant aerial offering tours. They include Mot Mot, sea at the idyllic Anse Mamin Beach. Find out draped over much of the roots, towering ferns, vibrant flora and fauna, www.motmottravel.com, Heather Lea, more at www.bikestlucia.com. GO HORSEBACK RIDING sparkling waterfalls and a symphony of birdsong. www.heatherlea.co.uk and Nature Trek, island, covering rising The best way to experience it is on foot with a www.naturetrek.co.uk. VISIT A BOTANICAL GARDEN In the north of the island, you can ride along well-informed guide on one of the nature trails unspoiled Atlantic beaches and even swim peaks and maintained by the Forestry Department. The trails TAKE OFF IN AN AERIAL GONDOLA In the lovingly maintained Diamond Falls with your horse in the ocean – an unforgettable are of varying degrees of difficulty and length, and Botanical Gardens in Soufriere, you can follow experience. Beginner, intermediate and deep valleys.” there’s something to suit everyone. Island visitors have the opportunity to soar paths around the well-labelled gardens, take in experienced riders are catered for. Find out high above the rainforest canopy with an aerial an impressive waterfall, and wallow in historic more via Trim’s Horseriding Stables at The Tet Paul Nature Trail in the south is one of gondola ride. The views are as spectacular as they spring-fed baths. Over on the east coast at www.horserideslu.50megs.com or the best, and is suitable for families and groups. are exhilarating, and a mountain guide is on hand Mamiku Gardens, scented paths and Atlantic Shores Riding Stables at The Union Trail in the north is one of the easiest. to point out the beautiful sights beneath you. To woodland trails meander through 12 acres www.atlanticridingstables.com. While the Des Cartiers Rainforest Trail, a loop in find out more, visit www.rainforestadventure.com. of landscaped grounds. Find out more at the south of Saint Lucia which partly follows an www.heritagetoursstlucia.org. old military road, is suitable for moderately fit ZIP-LINE ABOVE THE RAINFOREST walkers. Notable trails can also be found at the DRIVE IN TO A VOLCANO tranquil Diamond Waterfall and Botanical Zoom over the Morne Coubaril Estate, Gardens and Pigeon Island National Park. www.stluciaziplining.com near Soufriere. At Sulphur Springs near Soufriere, you are in the Hotels are happy to arrange transport to take It’s one of three places on the island where, safely middle of a dormant volcano – but don’t worry, the you to the beginning of the trails. For further harnessed to cables, you can whizz between last recorded eruption was long ago in 1766. The Forestry Department information on the main platforms set high up in trees. Well-trained steaming pools and bubbling mud you see lie on trails, visit www.maff.egov.lc. instructors guide you through the process. You the weak spot of the crust of the collapsed crater. can also go zip-lining near Babonneau with Rain You can learn more about the intriguing geology in GO BIRDING Forest Adventures, www.rainforestadventure.com. an interpretation centre and bathe in mineral-rich Plus, there’s also Treetop Adventure Park near pools. Visit www.soufrierefoundation.org. A bird watcher’s paradise, Saint Lucia has 167 Dennery, www.adventuretourstlucia.com. species and six endemic species, one of which is CLIMB A PITON the island’s national bird, the Saint Lucia Parrot. BIKE THROUGH THE FOREST The other endemics are the Saint Lucia Pewee, The ultimate physical challenge on Saint Lucia Saint Lucia Warbler, Saint Lucia Oriole, Eight miles of bike trails, some suitable for is scaling the Gros Piton. Though the 798 metre Saint Lucia Black Finch and Semper’s Warbler. novices, others extremely challenging, have (2,618 feet) mountain is more manageable than This gives Saint Lucia the unique distinction of been created through the coconut groves, citrus the near-sheer Petit Piton, you still need to be having the highest number of endemic birds in the fruit orchards and 18th-Century ruins of the fit to tackle the four-hour return trip, and

8 | www.saintluciauk.org www.saintluciauk.org | 9 SHARE OUR LOVE OF TAKE IN A RICH HISTORY AND MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE VIBRANT HERITAGE

“The liveliest evenings In Saint Lucia, as night falls, spirits lift. Just north of Rodney Bay, this little fishing HISTORY ARTS & CRAFTS JOUNEN KWEYOL The liveliest evenings on the island are to be village is known to party, hosting a weekly found in Rodney Bay. Start the evening with a ‘Jump Up’ or street party. Party goers mix on the island are to be From the earliest days, Saint Lucia has been more Saint Lucia has a rich history of traditional Celebrating the island’s rich Kweyol or Creole Sweet Seduction at the classic beach bar, with the locals and enjoy barbecued street desirable than gold. The island was fiercely fought arts and crafts, still evident across the island. identity, Jounen Kweyol is a time to rejoice Spinnakers, www.spinnakersbeachbar.com. food, spiced rums and the deep bass lines of found in Rodney Bay.” over by and Britain, between the 17th and For instance, Choiseul, a small village south of with a programme of cultural demonstrations Then head on over to the ‘strip’ where you’ll local sound systems well into the night. Several 19th Centuries, changing hands an amazing Soufriere, people of Carib origin retain century- and musical performances held in October. find a cool collection of bars and restaurants. villages on the island celebrate the weekend 14 times! The British eventually won, and old traditions of twining vines into baskets and During this time various towns chosen to host this Some of the bars, such as the fashionable in similar exuberant style. maintained control over Saint Lucia until molding clay into pots. Their work can be festival offer visitors a great opportunity to learn cocktail bar Delirius, www.deliriusstlucia.com, independence was granted in 1979. However, the purchased at the Choiseul Art and Craft Centre. more about the French, African and native also serve mouth-watering food. If you’re Saint Lucia is known for holding some of the Gallic influence on Saint Lucia is very strong. influenced culture and customs of this vibrant feeling lucky, round off the night at the tastiest fish festivals in the Caribbean. Dennery Most villages and towns bear French names, and, Venture 30 minutes south of Soufriere to Laborie island. There is also the opportunity to try tasty slot machines or the roulette, blackjack and Village, on the East Coast, invites visitors to even though the official language is English, a and step into a Caribbean painting of narrow Kweyol dishes such as fishcakes, bwapain woti poker tables of the Treasure Bay Casino, sample the sea every Saturday evening at their French Creole dialect, Kweyol, is widely spoken. streets, French colonial architecture and fishing (roasted breadfruit) and the national dish, www.treasurebaystlucia.com. With no seafood fiesta, www.heritagetoursstlucia.org. boats. The village is noted for its observance of greenfig and saltfish. dress code, it’s all very casual in Saint Lucia’s Here the village comes alive with chefs If you would like to learn about Saint Lucia’s vibrant Creole culture, black sand beaches and first casino, and the minimum bets on the preparing the latest catch, using traditional warring past, head up Morne Fortune high above seaweed harvesting. Here people are proud of At any time of the year, you can learn tables are low. coal pots, and BBQ grills, putting a modern , which is covered with numerous ancient traditions. Fishermen still blow into more about aspects of Saint Lucia’s twist on cooking methods handed down over fortifications. You should also visit Pigeon Island, the conch shell to announce their arrival with heritage at the Fond Latisab Creole Park, SAINT LUCIA JAZZ & ARTS FESTIVAL generations. You can sample a menu ranging www.slunatrust.org, a national park featuring the day’s catch. www.heritagetoursstlucia.org, where you’ll from lobster, conch, crayfish and crab to local secluded beaches, old British military barracks, be shown cassava breadmaking, how to catch In April and May music lovers flock to delicacies like roasted fish eggs. Add soca, ruins of gun batteries, a hilltop fort, a rustic DANCE & MUSIC crayfish in a river and saw wood to the rhythm Pigeon Island National Park for the reggae and zouk and suddenly it’s a fiesta! lighthouse and superb views of Castries. Such of a traditional chak chak band. Caribbean’s premier cultural event – the Saint Meanwhile Anse La Raye, south of Castries is the beauty of Pigeon Island, many visitors Every weekend of the year villages around the Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, stluciajazz.org. lays on an equally entertaining ‘Fish Friday’ come just to picnic on the tended lawns and island host legendary ‘Jump Up’ street parties. Here cultural enthusiasts, festival lovers and each week where mouth-watering fresh fish, idyllic beaches or eat and drink at the local Here locals take to the streets with street food music aficionados are wooed by over 50 ice-cold local brews, music and dancing beachside restaurants. stalls and sound systems. Less well known, but world-acclaimed entertainers and artisans can be found. equally legendary, is that Saint Lucian’s go wild over 10 days. LANGUAGE for Country music. One of the best places to join Less well known but equally interesting is that the line dance is the Nashville Palace in Castries. STREET PARTIES & FISH FESTIVALS Saint Lucian’s go wild for country music. Saint Lucia blends the influences of African, Country & Western nights and karaoke bars can French, and English heritage. The official A number of hotels in and around be found across the island, with one of the best language of the island is English but Creole or Rodney Bay, including The St Lucian by rex places to join the square dance being the Kweyol, a form of French patois, remains an resorts, Coco Palm, Bay Gardens Resorts and Nashville Palace in Castries. There’s also influential secondary language. Windjammer Landing offer live Caribbean the Saint Lucia country festival, which has music. Gros Islet is the place to be on featured appearances from Tammy Wynette, Friday evenings. Don Williams and the Charlie Daniels Band.

10 | www.saintluciauk.org www.saintluciauk.org | 11 TOP 10 BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

Saint Lucia has beaches of immense beauty and variety. The colour of the sand ranges from golden in the north of the island, to silver and black in the volcanic south west. On the more sheltered west coast, the sands are lapped by the gentle Caribbean Sea, while on the exhilarating and exposed east coast they are pounded by Atlantic breaks. You can find unspoiled beaches backed by hillsides and draped with dense jungle, together with beaches lined with lively bars, loungers and offering a full array of watersports – the choice is yours. Here are 10 of the best.

TOUCH ENDLESS GOLDEN SAND

REDUIT BEACH Saint Lucia’s east coast where it is normally safe ANSE CHASTANET to swim. A refreshingly breezy spot, it attracts Lined by low-rise Rodney Bay hotels, this mile of kitesurfers and windsurfers. Just north of Soufriere, this memorable fine golden sand is Saint Lucia’s liveliest and most volcanic sand beach is surrounded by steep, popular beach. The water is usually calm and GRANDE ANSE forested hillsides. It is a focal point for the perfect for swimming, all sorts of watersports Anse Chastanet Resort, and visitors can use all of including waterskiing and banana boat rides are This isolated east coast beach is the island’s the hotel’s excellent facilities, including the available, and there are inviting beachfront bars primary nesting spot for endangered leatherback beachfront restaurant, loungers and snorkelling to settle in with a cocktail, the sunsets here can be turtles. During the nesting season, from March gear – the bay is one of Saint Lucia’s best amazing. At weekends, locals congregate at the to August, you can join an organised overnight places for snorkelling. far southern end to picnic and party. camp on the beach, and observe the massive creatures lumbering up the beach and laying ANSE DES PITONS PIGEON ISLAND NATIONAL PARK their eggs in the sand. Note that the beach is unsafe for swimming, and that all visits One of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful Reduit Beach sound too busy for you? Then hop should be arranged through Heritage Tours beaches anywhere in the Caribbean, with a in a water taxi across to the pair of idyllic and www.heritagetoursstlucia.org. crescent of imported white sand set dramatically tranquil sandy strips on the protected, southern between the soaring Pitons, the beach is overseen side of Pigeon Island. You’ll find sun loungers LABAS BEACH by the luxurious Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, to rent and the atmospheric waterfront café, but anyone can visit. Jambe de Bois. Pigeon Island is actually connected A small sliver of sand sprinkled with palms pokes to the mainland, so you can also get here by car. into astonishingly beautiful Marigot Bay. There ANSE DE SABLES “The colour of are sun loungers, kayaks and pedalos for hire, and SMUGGLER’S COVE beer and rotis for sale in the beach bar. To reach The constant winds off long Sandy Beach, the sand ranges the beach, you need to make a two-minute in the far south east of the island, make A long flight of wooden steps takes you down to crossing by pedestrian ferry. conditions in the reef-protected bay ideal for from golden in the this enchanting, cliff-backed cove of tawny sand, kitesurfing and windsurfing. You can hire the hidden away near the northern tip of the island ANSE COCHON necessary equipment and take lessons, or join north of the island, to alongside the upmarket Cap Maison hotel. The locals chilling out in one of the infectiously snorkelling is excellent, plus there’s a beach bar. This is a magical, undeveloped beach of dark sand laid-back beach bars. silver and black in the backing on to jungle, near Anse La Raye. With a reef CAS EN BAS lying just offshore, it’s a great spot for snorkelling, volcanic south west.” equipment can be hired from the on-site dive shop. Shielded by an offshore reef, this long beach Many visitors arrive by boat, but you can also get of beige sand is one of the few places on there via the road to Ti Kaye Resort.

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dolphin Airport Zipline Watersports safari Jeep/ATV riding Horseback Waterfall Segway Shopping Whale/dolphin Birdwatching tour Catamaran Speed boat tour Hiking Biking Helicopter tours Sites Snorkel/Dive Zipline Watersports Jeep/ATV safari Horseback riding Waterfal l Segway Shopping Whale/ Birdwatching Catamaran tour Speed boat tour Hiking Biking Helicoptor tours Snorkel/Dive Sites National Landmark & Waterfall Gardens Pigeon Island Tour Lushan Country Life Park Latisab Creole Fond Bay Marigot Sanctuary Millet Bird Mamiku Gardens Diamond Botanical Waterfall Toraille The Pitons Tet Paul Nature Trail Nature Paul Tet Morne Coubaril Estate Sulphur Springs Doux Plantation Fond Latille Waterfall

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 All mapped out ATTRACTIONS

14 | www.saintluciauk.org www.saintluciauk.org | 15 “Many hotels on the island have dedicated wedding coordinators who will take care of everything for the special day.”

THE MOST ROMANTIC PLACE ON EARTH

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean and of marriage at a fee of EC$335, or on the OUR WEDDING STORY renowned for its resplendent natural beauty, same day for a higher fee of EC$540. Standard romantic retreats and the highest levels of luxury, documentation is required: passport; birth Sally and Mark Woods tied the knot on Saint Lucia is the ultimate location for couples in certificate; decree absolute (if one of the parties is Valentine’s Day on the beach in Rodney Bay, with the first flush of love, honeymooners or seasoned divorced); a death certificate of first spouse (in the 15 family and friends in attendance. “We decided life-partners. case of a widow/widower); a deed poll (if a name to get married in Saint Lucia partly because it’s has been changed); a sworn affidavit of consent easy to do so,” said the bride. “Other holiday Push the boat out, and you could stay in a room stamped by a Notary Public if one of the parties destinations that we considered required more with awe-inspiring views of the Piton Mountains, is under age 18; and an authenticated translation legal documentation. The hotel arranged with a private plunge pool, outdoor shower and if required documents are not in English. everything in an efficient, but laid-back way; a hammock for two strung across its veranda. from visiting the solicitors and getting the papers In the majority of the island’s hotels your bed will Many hotels on the island have dedicated signed, to an appointment at the hairdressers. be strewn with petals on arrival. Many offer wedding coordinators who will take care of All we had to do was be where we were told to pampering packages to newlyweds, which offer everything for the special day – the paperwork, be. It was wonderfully unstressful, and everything champagne breakfasts, candlelit dinners specially flowers, photography, cake, reception, you name went without a hitch.” set up on the beach, and massages for two. it. The ceremony itself normally takes place in the tropical grounds of the hotel – many have On the day, a steel band played ‘Here Comes Being a happy couple is also about sharing strategically placed gazebos for such a purpose The Bride’ as the bride arrived at the beach, experiences and adventures, and there is no – or on the beach, barefoot. and after cake and champagne at the hotel, shortage of possibilities on a holiday to Saint Lucia. the party headed down to Marigot Bay for a With your loved one, you could take a guided walk Saint Lucia also has many fabulous potential lobster feast. “We returned to Rodney Bay on in the rainforest, sign up for a champagne sunset wedding venues beyond hotels. You could a catamaran sunset cruise, which was incredibly cruise, go horseback riding along virgin sands, and get married on a yacht, in a lighthouse, romantic,” said the bride. “All in all, it was party the night away, Caribbean style, at the weekly a botanical garden, a private villa, a plantation the best day of my life.” Gros Islet ‘Jump Up’. estate or in church. You can even get married underwater, and you will find no more memorable GETTING MARRIED IN backdrop for your wedding photos than SAINT LUCIA the Pitons. Saint Lucian companies specialising in arranging weddings can make any of the above Saint Lucia has been voted “World’s Leading Getting married in Saint Lucia couldn’t be easier happen. A further allure of getting married in Honeymoon Destination” an amazing eight since there is no residency period. You can apply Saint Lucia is that you are perfectly placed for times by the World Travel Awards. for a marriage license two days before the date a honeymoon straight after the big day.

16 | www.saintluciauk.org www.saintluciauk.org | 17 “With soft sandy beaches to play on, warm turquoise seas to jump in and magical mountains to explore, it’s LOOK TO SAINT LUCIA FOR hard to imagine a more feel-good family FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN destination.”

With soft, sandy beaches to play on, warm the tree canopy, mountain biking through the turquoise seas to jump in and magical mountains jungle, or riding a Segway along a nature trail. to explore, it’s hard to imagine a more feel-good They can also canter on horseback along a beach, family destination. kitesurf over the ocean, and snorkel over coral reefs that are wonderfully easy to reach from Just think of the excitement of a Pirate Family some of the island’s beaches. Adventure on a replica 18th-Century rigged schooner! Sailing down the island’s dramatic Saint Lucia has many family-friendly hotels coast, stopping off to visit a volcano and for a suitable for most holiday budgets spread all over dip in a waterfall. Other nautical adventures the island. They include Windjammer Landing, that everyone will love include whale and Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, St James’s Club dolphin watching expeditions and glass-bottomed Morgan Bay and, boasting its own water park boat trips. with slides and a lazy river, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa. In 2015 the Caribbean’s first On land, there are exciting nature trails open-water sports park opened – the fun-filled through the rainforest that are suitable for Splash Island Water Park at Bay Gardens Beach families with young children. Knowledgeable Resort & Spa, www.stluciawaterpark.com. guides make flora and fauna spotting both fun All of these properties offer accommodation for and educational. The same is true on cocoa families, along with supervised kids’ clubs and plantation tours and at Lushan Country Life, fantastic food that even the choosiest children will www.heritagetoursstlucia.org. Then there are want to sample – whether a tempting buffet or a adventures galore at Pigeon Island National Park, dish off the children’s menus. Family-oriented with two beautiful beaches, military ruins and a places to eat can also be found outside the island’s lookout point at the top of the fort. hotels. In Rodney Bay, for example, there are pizza places and ice-cream parlours. Teenagers can get their kicks out of tackling more challenging rainforest treks, zip-lining over

18 | www.saintluciauk.org www.saintluciauk.org | 0207 341 7000 www.saintluciauk.org | 19 TASTE A WORLD OF with cooking classes and explore the island’s every night of the week. Enjoy perfectly cooked culture and cuisine. Their cookery courses are Angus Beef, succulent local fish and seafood, a led by local chefs and followed by a three-course chic and comfortable Lounge Bar with killer lunch or dinner made by you in the class. cocktails and a top class winelist. FLAVOURS Visit www.cooklikealucian.com. Visit www.bigchefsteakhouse.com. If you’re looking to sample the real Saint Lucia DASHEENE then head to the bustling food markets of the island’s capital, Castries. Here you’ll find vendors Spectacular views of the Pitons and jungle- displaying an exotic range of locally sourced fruit, covered slopes of the island’s south-west, mean vegetables, seafood and spices. A visit to one of that the restaurant of the boutique Ladera hotel the local restaurants is recommended to taste the offers the most breathtaking panoramas of any authentic regional cuisine. restaurant in the whole Caribbean, let alone Saint Lucia. Visit www.ladera.com. THE PINK PLANTATION HOUSE MARTHA’S TABLES Discover this 140 year old, three storey, French Colonial wooden home in two acres of lush tropical This is just the place to sample honest, homemade Saint Lucia is a feast for the senses, with creative gardens with a scenic view of the Caribbean Creole cooking. Martha O’Neil serves up fish chefs making full use of the abundance of coastline. Their restaurant is famous for cakes, lamb stew and grilled chicken with plantains, home-grown tropical fruit, vegetables and freshly authentic French Creole cuisine, local juices rice and beans, on the terrace of her home near caught seafood. and cocktail specials. Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort. The surroundings may be modest, but the food is lovingly prepared The island’s hotels offer a wide range of cooking THE CLIFF AT CAP MAISON and top notch. Visit www.marthastables.com. styles, from fine dining to classic Creole cuisine. In the morning you may spot fishermen out in the An elegant restaurant perching on a clifftop near A CHOCOHOLIC’S DELIGHT bay hauling in your hotel’s ‘catch of the day’, but the northern tip of the island, it’s a spectacular you should also try to eat out during your stay. setting overlooking the surging Caribbean Sea. The sweet taste of chocolate, food and adventure Pre-dinner cocktails can be taken on a rock down awaits in Saint Lucia. The best way to experience Many Saint Lucian restaurants offer Creole and below, with drinks delivered on a zip-line pulley it is by visiting one of the working cocoa Caribbean dishes, such as stewed meat or green system. Welsh-born Executive Chef, Craig Jones, plantations sprinkled across the island. fig (green banana) with saltfish, but international serves an inspired French West Indian The Rabot Estate near Soufriere is home to flavours are in abundance too. This is especially contemporary menu. Visit www.thecliffatcap.com. Hotel Chocolat, www.hotelchocolat.com, the true in Rodney Bay Village where you’ll find Thai, cocoa-producing estate is the island’s oldest, Indian, Chinese, Italian, French, EuroCaribbean, THE COAL POT dating back to 1745. You can stay on the 140-acre seafood and steakhouse restaurants. property at Boucan and dine at its restaurant Produces classic French and Creole dishes in this where organic Trinitario cocoa beans appear Moreover, a number of first-class restaurants are long-established, art-filled restaurant. Hidden throughout the delightful and delicious menu. The sprinkled across the island, with spectacular and away alongside the waterfront of Vigie Marina, estate is chock-full of activities, including a romantic settings aplenty where you can dine in across the bay from Castries, the establishment Tree-To-Bar Experience, where you can make your style with a magical view of the Pitons. is a favourite among Saint Lucians, and own chocolate, and the Cocoa Juvenate Spa, Alternatively, you may prefer the intimacy of the seafood platters are outstanding. which specialises in cocoa-based treatments and private dining villas that come supplied with their Visit www.coalpotrestaurant.com. therapies. There’s also the Fond Doux Estate, own chefs. www.fonddouxestate.com, which offers a tour and RAINFOREST HIDEAWAY lunch package including participation in the At the other end of the culinary spectrum, but no Cocoarina dance. You can also visit less memorable, is a paper plateful of lobster or At this romantic restaurant, you dine La Dauphine Estate, www.villabeachcottages.com, crab cakes served during a Friday evening ‘Fish on a wooden deck protruding out of the which is nestled in the lush forested heights of “A number of first-class Fry’ in the fishing village of Anse La Raye. Also mangroves over the calm millpond waters of Soufriere. You can take the complimentary tour of not to be missed are Gros Islet’s legendary Friday Marigot Bay. The unique setting and sophisticated its plantation and sample the delights of cocoa restaurants are sprinkled ‘Jump Up’ street parties where local residents set European and Creole food has attracted tea, a delectable drink made with aromatic spices. up sound systems, street food stalls and makeshift celebrities staying on mega-yachts moored in And then there’s the Emerald Estate at Anse across the island, bars. The sizzling smells of barbecued fish and the bay, including Bono and Eddie Murphy. Chastanet, www.ansechastanet.com, where you chicken waft through the streets as exotic rhythms Visit www.rainforesthideawaystlucia.com. can visit their Chocolate Laboratory and sample a with spectacular and fill the air. variety of chocolate infused activities, including BIG CHEF STEAKHOUSE truffle making classes, sensory tastings, romantic settings.” For those who want to take a cookery course, educational estate trips and much more. Cook Like A Lucian is a hands-on culinary Located in Rodney Bay Village, the mixed adventure studio that invites guests to get creative clientele makes for a busy but relaxed atmosphere

20 | www.saintluciauk.org www.saintluciauk.org | 21 “You can soak in the restored baths in the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, and in bathing pools at the nearby Sulphur Springs where you can cake yourself in purifying mud – the ultimate natural spa EXPERIENCE THE CARIBBEAN’S treatment.” NO.1 SPA DESTINATION

Awarded the ‘Best for Spa Holidays’ at the perhaps a Lucian Lime and Ginger Scrub? Or Telegraph Caribbean Travel Awards in 2015, maybe a Saint Lucian Sizzler full body massage? Saint Lucia has a rich history of offering Or even a seawater hydrotherapy session? One rejuvenating and restorative treatments. treatment is covered in all-inclusive rates, along In the late 1700s, King Louis XVI of France with various fitness and relaxation classes such as ordered the construction of baths fed from the yoga, pilates and t’ai chi. Specialised treatment hot, mineral-rich springs of Soufriere’s volcano, courses targeting sinus and sleep problems, using to allow his troops to benefit from the therapeutic Ayurvedic and Balinese techniques, are also powers of the waters. You can soak in the restored on offer. baths in the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, and in bathing pools at the nearby Sulphur Several other hotel spas occupy memorable Springs, where you can cake yourself in purifying locations. At Ti Kaye Resort’s spa, mud, the ultimate natural spa treatment. www.tikaye.com, open-air treatment rooms are set into the cliffside, and enjoy spectacular Many hotels in Saint Lucia offer spa sessions sea views. At Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, in rather more sophisticated surroundings. www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugarbeach, Resembling a mini-Alhambra, the vast, award- the Rainforest Spa lives up to its name; sessions winning Wellness Centre at The BodyHoliday, take place in gazebos perched on stilts above a www.thebodyholiday.com, employs 50 massage gushing stream and the forest floor. A temascal, and beauty specialists, and has possibly the most an Amerindian steam dome, links the complex to comprehensive array of spa treatments of any Saint Lucia’s earliest settlers. Unique bamboo hotel in the Caribbean. One session each day – massages are available at this resort.

22 | www.saintluciauk.org www.saintluciauk.org | 23 ACCOMMODATION TO FEEL ON TOP OF THE WORLD

From high-end hotels and rustic rooms to expansive balconies and private plunge pools. properties, and guests staying at one of the resorts SMALL AND PRIVATE MORE INFORMATION intimate inns and family-friendly resorts, no The north of the island also has distinctive places may use all the amenities and services at the other matter the type of place you’re looking to stay at, to stay where you will be thoroughly pampered. two. Another couples-only all-inclusive resort Saint Lucia can also provide affordable, For more details on Saint Lucia’s hotels, B&Bs you’ll find Saint Lucia is very accommodating. Cap Maison is a classy clifftop property worth considering is the classy Rendezvous, a ‘home-away-from-home’ experiences. Examples and villas, including their latest offers, beautifully designed in Spanish-colonial style, tropical garden by the sea on the northwest coast. are La Haut Resort, their bedrooms and Creole visit www.saintluciauk.org. Hide away in a candy-coloured cottage in the while Windjammer Landing is a Mediterranean- Fun-loving singles, couples and families are all restaurant enjoy spectacular Piton views, grounds of a plantation estate, or be right next inspired complex with villas and suites perfect for likely to have a ball at the vibrant and refreshingly and the Mango Beach Inn in Marigot Bay. Small to the jammin’ nightlife of Rodney Bay. Book into families. East Winds, spread over 12 acres of casual St James’s Club Morgan Bay north of hotels to consider include Villa Beach Cottages, a no-expense-spared hotel with a private plunge bird-rich tropical gardens, is the epitome of peace Castries, and at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa Auberge Seraphine and the Fox Grove Inn. pool and butler service, or stay with locals in a and tranquillity, while the USP of recently in the south. warm and friendly guest house. Spend your renovated The BodyHoliday offers an astonishing VILLAS holiday at an all-inclusive super hotel with a array of sporty and holistic activities included in COUPLE’S ONLY whole host of on-site facilities, or base yourself in the package. Other luxurious places to stay Villas offer more space, privacy and freedom in a more intimate property better suited for getting include Calabash Cove and The Landings. Saint Lucia is made for two – a romantic getaway your holiday. Whether you’re looking for a rental out and exploring. The other big decision to where you and your loved one can unwind for your family, for a luxury break or a romantic make is whether to stay in the busier north of BOUTIQUE and indulge in one of our couples-only resorts retreat, there’s something to suit every need. Saint Lucia, close to golden-sand beaches, or without the distraction of children. For instance, Examples include Cleopatra Villas set in the down in the south, where you’ll be surrounded by A number of the Caribbean’s most romantic Rendezvous, The Boutique Hotel for Couples is prestigious Rodney Bay Marina, Marina Haven the island’s most magical scenery. One solution is and escapist hotels can be found in the an all-inclusive Eden – a tropical garden by the Villa nestled between the hills above Rodney Bay, to divide your time between the two. southwest of Saint Lucia. One example is sea where you can rediscover what brought you and La Belle Helene situated at the foot of the Stonefield Estate Villa Resort, a former lime and together in the first place. Whilst Sandals Grande spectacular Piton Mountains in the south. PURE LUXURY cocoa plantation in the shadow of Petit Piton, St. Lucian is resplendent in pure romance, where the villas have four-poster beds, open-air offering private cabanas and intimate dining The island has a good stock of private Unique is an overused word in travel brochures, showers and private plunge pools that are ideal beneath the moonlit sky. villas to rent. The biggest concentration can be but it accurately describes several of Saint Lucia’s for skinny dipping. Another is quirky Crystals, found in and around the upmarket Cap Estate, hotels. In hilltop Jade Mountain, bedrooms come high above Soufriere, with half a dozen exotically RODNEY BAY VILLAGE a short drive from the Rodney Bay area, but in the form of palatial three-walled sanctuaries, furnished cottages and a magical tree-house bar there are also some very luxurious villas with iridescent tiled, private infinity pools and restaurant. Also ideal for romantically Saint Lucia’s main entertainment spot has an around Soufriere, with jaw-dropping views merging with a mesmerising panorama of the inclined couples, there’s secluded Ti Kaye Resort, excellent selection of accommodation. If you of the Pitons. In luxury villas, the rates Pitons. At sister property Anse Chastanet and at up the coast near Anse la Raye, where rustic want to be right on fabulous Reduit Beach and often include the services of a cook Ladera you can stay in rustic-elegant rooms with cottages come with rocking chairs and hammocks have lots of on-property amenities, there’s the and a maid. to-die-for views through an absent wall. Want on their sea and sunset-facing terraces. excellently run four-star Bay Gardens Beach more conventional luxury? Then consider Sugar Resort, the all-suite Royal by rex resorts, the Beach, a Viceroy Resort. Spectacularly nestled ALL INCLUSIVE all-inclusive St Lucian by rex resorts next door or between the Pitons, the resort’s £65 million the Blu Saint Lucia boutique hotel. But there are transformation has, among other things, resulted Holidays where pretty much all your meals, drinks also appealing smaller-scale hotels worth in the creation of very elegant villas and a new and on-site activities are covered in the rates can be considering, such as the Ginger Lily, with 11 world-class spa. Whilst Capella Marigot Bay on very relaxing and good value, Saint Lucia has a rooms set around a tropical courtyard garden, and the exclusive west coast invites you to take in the number of hotels that provide just that. Couples Harmony Suites, in a quiet spot on the lagoon. breathtaking views of the bay from rooms with can choose from three ‘luxury included’ Sandals

24 | www.saintluciauk.org www.saintluciauk.org | 25 MEETINGS AND APPEALING ACTIVITIES & ADVENTURES INCENTIVE GROUPS Your clients can, if they so wish, just lay back, listen to the sea gently lap the shore and take in Saint Lucia’s good looks from afar. But there are plenty of rewarding ways to experience this tropical paradise close up – from trekking through the rainforest, to speeding over it on a zip-line or even climbing one of the Pitons.

“Imagine treating your There’s beauty beneath the surface too. The sparkling waters off Saint Lucia provide staff and key customers an exhilarating playground for memorable sightseeing cruises, deep-sea fishing, kitesurfing to the wow-factor and first-rate diving. of Saint Lucia. No matter Many of these activities can be customised to incorporate unique team building experiences – ensuring your clients will remember their what you have in mind, adventure long after their return to work. Saint Lucia is a dream destination for meetings, on-island destination incentive and special interest groups. Offering CHOOSE FROM A RANGE OF a year-round warm climate, beautiful beaches, a ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING: management companies world-class range of accommodation, bespoke itineraries and dedicated destination management · Rainforest adventures can create incredible companies – all in one awe-inspiring tropical island. · Street party nights · Spa and health experiences experiences for every TAKE YOUR MEETINGS & · Rum tours INCENTIVES PROGRAMME TO · Diving and snorkelling client and budget.” THE NEXT LEVEL · Golf days · ATV and quad biking Imagine treating your staff and key customers to · Coastline horse rides the wow-factor of Saint Lucia. No matter what · VIP experiences you have in mind, on-island destination · Heritage tours management companies can create incredible · Nature trails experiences for every client and budget. They · Sailing courses offer you access to a range of premier meeting · Deep sea fishing trips and conference venues that can accommodate · Bespoke beach parties MEETINGS, CONFERENCES groups of 5-500 guests. · Cocoa plantation tours & INCENTIVES · Chocolate making classes Whether it’s organising a theatre-style conference, · Creole cooking lessons If you’re thinking of where to hold a conference an outdoor marquee for a VIP event, booking a or event, Saint Lucia offers a winning combination small meeting room or arranging a personalised EXPERIENCE A CULTURAL of excellent facilities, experienced organisers and itinerary from beginning to end – they understand MELTING POT memorable things to do – plus frequent, non-stop just how important corporate guests are and scheduled flights from the UK. Some of the larger will work closely with you to transform your While Saint Lucia’s natural assets are its best hotels in the north of the island can host ideas into reality. feature, a big part of the island’s charm lies with conferences for sizeable numbers of delegates. its rich cultural heritage. The vibrant blend of There is no shortage of unique venues: think Beaches are just an introduction to the immense Carib, African, French and English influences plantation houses, golden-sand beaches and beauty that Saint Lucia has to offer. A lush, every aspect of day-to-day life, from the island’s luxury yachts. And as light relief from meetings emerald blanket spreads over much of the island, distinctive Creole cuisine to the French Creole or for team-building exercises, groups can go covering lofty mountains and plunging valleys in patois spoken by the locals. trekking through or zip-lining over the rainforest, dense rainforest. And in a dramatic culmination horseback riding in the surf or on a catamaran of scenic wonder, the Piton Mountains rise Whether your clients want to be part of our trip along the spectacular west coast. If you have majestically out of the sea. The mountains pulsating nightlife, take in a street party or clients to woo, you could treat them to a helicopter have UNESCO World Heritage Status, and are indulge in one of the gourmet restaurants tour, or take them out deep-sea fishing or for a a strong contender for the Caribbean’s most sprinkled across the island, they’ll always be round of golf on the island’s championship course. arresting attraction. treated to our famously warm hospitality.

26 | www.saintluciauk.org www.saintluciauk.org | 27 IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ENJOY A SPECTRUM DAZZLING SEAS OF SPORTS

The sparkling waters off Saint Lucia provide an Another option is to go whale and dolphin DIVE CENTRES: From world-class cricket to netball and off-road Next to the Beausejour ground is the exhilarating playground for memorable watching. You can never be 100 per cent sure of biking, a whole range of sporting activities await Beausejour Indoor Practice Facility. Initially built sightseeing cruises, deep-sea fishing, kitesurfing, sightings – that is part of the thrill – but sperm, Scuba St. Lucia on dry land. as an indoor practice venue for international first-rate diving and snorkelling. pilot and humpback whales are commonly www.scubastlucia.com cricketers taking part in the World Cup in 2007, spotted, as are large pods of playful dolphins. Saint Lucia is perfect for sporting groups, the facility has since become home to netball, Saint Lucia’s beauty extends beneath the surface. Some boats are equipped with hydrophones, so Marigot Beach Club and Dive Resort spectators and active holiday-makers. The island volleyball and basketball. It is equipped with a Reefs teeming with colourful and varied marine you can hear the creatures chatting away in clicks, www.marigotbeachclub.com has a variety of sports venues, with good facilities state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard and timers. life can be found close to shore off the southwest squeals and clacks. that are suited to a wide range of sports. coast, making them ideal for accessible snorkelling Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort The National Tennis Centre is also located as well as diving. The reef at Anse Chastanet, The easy to reach deep waters close to www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com The Saint Lucia Golf Resort and Country Club’s next to the Beausejour ground and boasts six which lies within a marine park, is perfect for Saint Lucia also provide outstanding fishing 18-hole, par-71 course, spread over the rolling courts including a stadium court, and has plans “From world-class cricket beginners as it is just off the beach. You may spy grounds. With expert help on board, complete Island Divers hills of the Cap Estate in the north of the island, for expansion. octopuses and turtles, and deeper down, moray novices and pros can sign up for half or full-day www.tikaye.com offers one of the most scenic and challenging to netball and off-road eels, parrot fish and even sea horses. More superb sports fishing expeditions, and see if they can rounds in the Caribbean. There’s also a 9-hole The George Odlum Stadium is located in the dives await at the base of Petit Piton, where the haul in something big, like a blue marlin. Dive Fair Helen course with taxingly narrow fairways at Sandals south of the island in Vieux Fort, and is a biking, a whole range of dramatic sloping wall descends 1,500 feet. www.divefairhelen.com La Toc Golf Resort & Spa, with green fees and stone’s throw from the Hewanorra International Anse Cochon is also a prime snorkelling Fancy some proper sailing? Saint Lucia is transportation to the course free for guests staying Airport. The stadium seats 8,000 and boasts a sporting activities await and diving area: one exciting dive site here is the a yachter’s paradise. The island has two Eastern Caribbean Diving at one of the island’s three Sandals properties. regulation football pitch and a 400m all-weather wreck of an intentionally sunk cargo vessel, the state-of-the-art marinas, one in the inner lagoon www.easterncaribbeandivingstlucia.com athletics track. on dry land. ” Lesleen M. of Rodney Bay, the other in the dreamy natural With programmes of golf, tennis and archery haven of Marigot Bay, where the Scuba Steve’s Diving lessons, The BodyHoliday, is geared up for With so much to offer, sporting tours of A day on a catamaran sailing through the calm ‘super yachts’ of the rich and famous often moor. www.scubastevesdiving.com sporty types. Saint Lucia are popular with British schools, Caribbean Sea along the dramatic west coast of Boat charters, with or without crew, universities and clubs, with plenty of local cricket, Saint Lucia is one of the very best ways to see the are possible from the marinas. Eco Dive St. Lucia As is the case across much of the English- netball and football sides on the island keen to island. You’ll pass traditional fishing villages and www.ecodivestlucia.com speaking Caribbean, cricket is a real Saint Lucian take on the visiting teams. may pause for a snorkel or a swim in crystal clear For those seeking further thrills, excellent passion. The Beausejour Cricket Ground built in waters off an unspoilt beach, and enjoy kitesurfing and windsurfing conditions can be Dive Saint Lucia 2002 just outside Rodney Bay, is the most modern unforgettable views of the Pitons rising abruptly found on the south and north east coast. www.divesaintlucia.com stadium in the region, and hosts international out of the ocean. matches – including ’s group games in the Visit www.saintluciauk.org 2007 Cricket World Cup.

28 | www.saintluciauk.org www.saintluciauk.org | 29 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY OCTOBER National Day Saint Lucia’s Day (sometimes Lucy for short) is the Nobel Laureate Week Feast of La Marguerite Church feast day dedicated to St. Lucy of Syracuse, Saint Lucians, Professor Sir Arthur Lewis, who This festival is an explosion of floral colours and the Saint of Light, and is observed on the 13th of won the Nobel Prize for economics in 1979, and takes place on 17 October. Visitors are welcome December. The National Festival of Lights and Derek Walcott, recipient of the literature award in to observe and participate. Renewal is held the night before the holiday. In this 1992, share the same birthday – 23 January. celebration, decorative lights (mostly bearing a Poetry readings, theatrical productions and Jounen Kweyol Christmas theme) are lit in the capital city of lectures take place towards the end of January. Events throughout October focus on Saint Lucia’s Castries and the official activities end with a fascinating mixed African and French Creole spectacular fireworks display. FEBRUARY heritage. Kweyol, the French-based local patois is spoken by over 90 per cent of Saint Lucians. The Festival of Lights and Renewal Independence Day celebrations peak near the end of the month on On 13 December, in honour of St Lucy, patron On 22 February, 1979, Saint Lucia became Jounen Kweyol or Creole Day, when chosen saint of light and after whom Saint Lucia is independent from Britain. The date is a national communities lay on traditional Creole cuisine, named, elegant displays of Christmas lights holiday, and is marked with official parades. crafts such as pottery and basket weaving, music, appear and lantern-making competitions dance and games. are held around the island. The date is also M AY National Day. NOVEMBER Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival More details on forthcoming events Saint Lucia holds a major international jazz and Saint Lucia Triathlon and festivals can be found arts festival at Pigeon Island National Landmark. The Saint Lucia Triathlon is the culmination of a at www.saintluciauk.org. “With so much to see and The music on offer includes R&B, soul, pop, week-long festival of fun activities. To ensure that reggae and soca, as well as jazz. Household-name there is something for all levels of competitor do, Saint Lucia is one of performers have included UB40, Rihanna, there will be a choice of different courses, all Amy Winehouse, John Legend, R. Kelly, winding through some of the most stunning the most exciting stops Diana Ross, Toni Braxton, The Gypsy Kings, scenery in the Caribbean. Hugh Masekela and Ziggy Marley. in the Caribbean.” Visit www.stluciajazz.org. DECEMBER

JUNE/JULY Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) Each year, over 200 yachts join in the world’s Carnival largest transoceanic sailing event, from Saint Lucia’s month-long, heady carnival season Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia. The 2,700 nautical culminates in mid-July with steel band, calypso mile crossing takes two to three weeks, and ends CRUISING AROUND THE ISLAND’S and soca monarch competitions, a carnival queen in Rodney Bay Marina, where concerts and show and two days of intense street partying. For celebrations are held to welcome the sailors. more information visit www.luciancarnival.com. Visit www.worldcruising.com/arc. HIGHLIGHTS AUGUST Feast of St Rose de Lima This is one of Saint Lucia’s two historic, rival Saint Lucia is one of the most exciting stops on If you want to reduce time on the road, flower festivals. On 30 August, members of a Caribbean cruise itineraries. Even if you’re visiting you could have a swim, and lunch, in the society dating back to the 18th Century, parade as Saint Lucia just for the day, you will still have plenty photogenic Marigot Bay. Alternatively, spend the king and queen, judges, policemen, soldiers and of time to take in a few of the island’s highlights. morning soaring over the rainforest canopy on an nurses, all while a singer, or chantwelle, teases the Most cruise ships dock in the port of Castries, in aerial tram near Babonneau. Then in the opposing society with Creole songs. strolling distance of bustling markets laden with afternoon, chill out on the golden sands of Reduit fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, world-class shopping Beach in Rodney Bay, or climb Pigeon Island’s Chocolate Heritage month and restaurants. Should you venture beyond Fort Rodney to take in the superb 360° views. Saint Lucia will once again celebrate the island’s capital, popular trips are to the A wide choice of tours can be booked through Chocolate Heritage Month recognising the role Soufriere area, for close-up views of the Pitons, local operators. cacao and its beloved by-product chocolate has visits to the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and played in its history. With a number of on-island the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano. experiences, the month-long festivities will delve into Saint Lucia’s cacao roots, offering travellers unbeatable island-wide hotel and resort promotions for plenty of chocolatey fun.

30 | www.saintluciauk.org www.saintluciauk.org | 31 TRAVEL

ESSENTIALS

HEALTH cost of the journey before setting off. Taxis can also be booked for island tours. In the Unless coming from an infectious area, no Rodney Bay and Soufriere areas, water taxis will vaccinations are required. However, hepatitis A, take you along the coast to nearby beaches. polio and typhoid are recommended vaccinations. Water is safe to drink from the tap, and Car hire bottled/distilled water is widely available. Vehicles can be rented from the airports and hotels, and booked in advance through travel agents and car rental offices. You will need a WEATHER temporary driving permit, purchasable from the rental company. A four-wheel drive vehicle is Tropical, with daytime temperatures typically a good idea. in the mid to high 20s celsius year round. June to November is the wetter time of year. Buses A network of minibuses provides public transport CURRENCY to most corners of the island, and fares are cheap.

The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Ferries dollar, which is linked to the US dollar at US$1 to Those who prefer to do much of their travelling EC$2.70. You can also pay for most items with US on the water will find that Saint Lucia is well HOW TO GET HERE dollars, and hotel rates are quoted in US dollars. serviced by ferries, making it easy to include Saint Cashpoints issue EC dollars. Lucia in any island hopping tour. Several ferry Both British Airways www.ba.com and Virgin lines connect Saint Lucia with , Atlantic www.virgin-atlantic.com fly direct to TIME DIFFERENCE and . Saint Lucia from London Gatwick. Thomas Cook airline www.thomascookairlines.com flies In winter, Saint Lucia is four hours behind Visit www.express-des-iles.com or Channel Shuttles direct to Saint Lucia from Manchester. Fly from Greenwich Mean Time, and from late March to Inc (tel 758/451-8161) which operates a daily ferry London to Hewanorra International Airport in late October (British Summer Time) five hours service between Saint Lucia and Martinique. Saint Lucia’s south in just eight hours. The behind the UK. domestic airport, George F.L. Charles, is situated Helicopters in the north, near Castries the capital and is used ELECTRICITY Spectacular aerial tours of Saint Lucia are to island hop to neighbouring shores. possible, and helicopter transfers between Generally 220 volts, 50 cycles AC, with most Hewanorra and George FL Charles airports ENTRY REQUIREMENTS sockets taking UK standard 3-pin square plugs. reduce the travel time between the south and Adaptors are available at many hotels. north of the island. For more information, You must hold a passport valid for at least visit www.stluciahelicopters.com. six months from the date of departure from DIAL CODE Saint Lucia. For British passport holders, a Visa TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES is not required. For information on Visa The international dialling code for Saint Lucia requirements for citizens of other countries, visit is (00) 1 758. On hotel and restaurant bills, a government www.stlucia.gov.lc, or call the High Commission tax and a service charge are applicable. for Saint Lucia on 020 7370 7123. GETTING AROUND These charges are often not included in hotels’ published rates and on restaurant menus. The duty-free allowance into Saint Lucia is Taxis However, the prices on labels in shops are 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2kg of tobacco, These are widely available. Point-to-point fares what you pay. For further details visit and 40 fluid ounces of spirits or wine. are fixed, but it’s still advisable to establish the www.stlucia.org/faq.