Sun, Sand and Serenity: St.Lucia Travel Guide

WHY SAINT LUCIA?

When it comes to the Caribbean, each island has its own flair and special something to offer. Saint Lucia is a 3 hour flight from Miami, making the Bahamas an easier option, so when traveling further, the island has got to be something more unique and special to make it worthwhile. Saint Lucia did not disappoint in any way. In fact, it was more beautiful than I expected. Since Saint Lucia has been on my bucket list for a very long time, for my 40th birthday, it was the perfect quick getaway to celebrate.

This island is located between Martinique and Saint Vincent, and only 180,000 people reside there. It is the only island and country in the world named after a woman: Saint Lucy of Syracuse.

It changed hands between the French and the British many times until its 1979 independence, and the influence is palpable everywhere (Britain is still its ceremonial head of state).

SO WHAT MAKES THIS ISLAND SO UNIQUE

HERE ARE SOME QUICK AND FUN FACTS:

At only 238 square miles, located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, this island is home to about 100 waterfalls. Some are small and hidden, others are quite majestic.

Saint Lucia is a volcanic island, but in certain areas the terrain is also made of clay. 

There are also a few must do’s on the island that should get travel inspo flowing:

THE CHOCOLATE

I do love chocolate, and I have had my fair share of chocolate in my life. The chocolate on this island is incredible- some say it is due to the volcanic soil. The people here are proud of their chocolate and it is easy to understand why. 

We did a chocolate workshop, where we learned all about chocolate, and blended a mix of Saint Lucian flavors in, like passionfruit, guava and coconut.

They are also known for their cocoa tea- which is one of the most delicious drinks I have ever tasted. Not to be confused with hot chocolate, this tea is made with a blend of spices (usually nutmeg, cinnamon, and bay leaf), cocoa sticks, and simmered in milk.    

THE GRAND PITONS

These beautiful mountains are so large, grand, and picturesque, they are the main drawing point to this island. The spires formed by the volcano can be climbed (it is a very strenuous hike), viewed by boat, or just observed from your hotels for their natural beauty - more on that later. 

We took a sunset cruise, and the views of the island from afar were just breathtaking.   

THE SULPHUR SPRINGS

One of the most popular things to do here is to participate in the world’s only volcano drive-in - you can drive straight to the edge, and then enjoy the mud baths- hot springs and bubbling mud pools. Although we did not do this, we did do a private hike nearby, where we saw a waterfall that was filled with iron and sulphur deposits at the bottom, providing that same mud bath feel. 

VOLCANIC ISLAND

As a Miami girl I spend a lot of time at the beach but the Black sand beaches here were so unique. Due to the volcanic origins, the beaches here just feel special.  We visited both Anse Chastanet and Anse Cachon- home to dark sand with great views of the pitons, multiple colored rocks, and clear deep water. You’ll find vibrant marine life throughout all the coral reefs. Don’t miss the chance to snorkel and/or scuba dive these rich waters. 

THE HOTELS

When it comes to the hotels, there were 2 hotels here that I really wanted to visit, and since I couldn’t decide, we stayed at both.

Jade Mountain- This resort sits on the same property as Anse Chastanet, it’s sister property.  and all together it covers about 600 acres. The rooms here are unlike anything I have ever seen. All rooms have the same view- the Grand Pitons- making it a building where everyone walks in to their room on the same side, and the entire backside facing the Pitons is totally open. Open air, open wall, and no windows, and though that also means no AC, that’s part of the appeal here. Our Sanctuary (as the rooms are called here) had its own pool overlooking this amazing view. There are 29 sanctuaries here, distributed over 5 different levels. Each sanctuary has its own design, sitting area, and specific color scheme. This hotel is so unique, the service is stellar and the feeling of relaxation will welcome you immediately. The sounds of nature are abundant- frogs making their night noises, and birds chirping and waking you up in the morning. The stars at night are bright and shiny. 

Most of the food served here is grown on its own property, including their chocolate. It’s a long and windy road down to the black sand beach- but what a beautiful beach it is.

Viceroy Sugar Beach- This beach is white sand, and we had a room located right on the main beach between the Pitons. The water here is clear, calm and so inviting, you can’t avoid wanting to jump in and enjoy it. The food at the hotel was delicious, celebrating their local Creole flavors, with interesting spice blends, jellies, and fruits to try (think soursop, breadfruit, yellow watermelon, and the mango and pineapple were just so good). 

Overall we traveled a bit further, a bit deeper into the Caribbean, took a flight that was 30 minutes longer, got an extra stamp in our passports and got an experience that was just so unique. I cannot recommend this place enough. It was a perfect way to enter my 40s.

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