SAINT LUCIA
An Island For All Reasons
By Darren Paltrowitz
Hiking, biking, mountain climbing horseback riding, nature watching…you name it, and Saint Lucia’s got it. (Alright, so skiing is somewhat limited on an island that averages 80 degrees year-round, but who cares!) There are enough adventures to keep you busy for a week—or a lifetime.
Trek through the lush rainforest, keeping an eye peeled for orioles, black finches, and rare parrots. Gaze out on to sea as majestic frigate birds soar overhead. Look down to spot wild mushrooms, and up to admire bromeliads and orchids clinging to trees. Inhale the scent of jasmine. Wherever you go—whether you arrive on foot, bike or horseback—the twin Piton Mountains dominate your view, a delightful reminder that the best-loved celebrity on Saint Lucia is Mother Nature.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
Sulphur Springs Drive-In Volcano The “world’s only drive-through volcano” is an eerie moonscape of sulfurous steam and gurgling yellow-gray mud. Hikers and motorists can travel right into the crater and walk among rock formations that are millions of years old. Nearby natural hot springs are a smelly treatment for tired bones. Featuring water heated close to 110 degrees, these baths are surprisingly cool enough for one to experience a mud bath. Beyond its relaxing properties, many also believe in the healing nature of sulfur touting its anti-aging qualities too.
Gros Islet Street Party If you are seeking the chance to party Saint Lucia-style, street party is an opportunity to do as the locals do. Known as Jump Up the island’s most famous party happens every Friday (except for Good Friday). The event kicks off at sunset and is something between a block party, a cook-out, a pub crawl, and a night at the club. Arts and crafts vendors display their wares, while a DJ-led dance party takes place and restaurants and bars serve their regular menus. For those seeking an all-night experience, the street party does not wrap until the wee hours of Saturday morning.
Caribelle Batik Here visitors are welcome to observe the crafters practicing the 2,000-year-old Indonesian art in this batik workshop which is both sightseeing attraction and a boutique. Hand-printed cotton fabrics, wall hangings, and clothing are created and sold on site. The operation is set in Howelton House, a carefully restored Victorian building which affords beautiful views of Castries Harbour from high on Morne Fortune.
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS
The St. Lucia Jazz Festival, part of the Soleil Saint Lucia Summer Festival, launched over 25 years ago and has outlasted most other Caribbean music festivals. The major artists who have performed over the years include Elton John, Santana, Smokey Robinson, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Luther Vandross, Amy Winehouse, and John Legend. This year’s happening was more jazz-focused and included sets by Lalah Hathaway, the Robert Glasper-fronted R+R=NOW, and Avery*Sunshine.
Over the course of seven days, the St. Lucia Jazz Festival took place at a variety of locales including Pigeon Point National Park, the Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa, the Rodney Bay-based Harbor Club, and the Sandals Grande Street St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort. Other festivals of note in Saint Lucia include the Roots & Soul Festival, Arts & Heritage Festival, and the Saint Lucia Food & Rum Festival. Info: stlucia.org/summerfestival.
WHERE TO STAY
Jade Mountain Resort This architectural wonder is perched on a picturesque mountainside and offers guests some of the best views of the Caribbean Sea and the Pitons. Accommodations are called “sanctuaries” uniquely designed with an entire wall open to the outside world. Each sanctuary features an infinity plunge pool extending from the sitting area onto the balcony. The gorgeous Anse Chastenet Beach attracts sun worshippers from nearby hotels who come by boat for a day at the beach or to scuba dive. The waters here are part of the marine reserve teeming with fish, so perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Kayaks, sailboats, and windsurfers are available at the water sports center. As another day comes to an end, enjoy a cocktail (or two) and be sure to indulge at the Jade Club where Chef Allen Susser, a James Beard Award winner, creates culinary magic. He refers to his menu choices as “Jade Cuisine,” exotic and flavorful fruits, vegetables, herbs, and chocolate—all sourced from the resort’s organic farm. Naturally, fresh seafood is always on the menu and perfectly prepared to taste. Given the comfort and privacy of the sanctuaries, however, it’s no wonder why room service is so popular!
The Body Holiday Voted “Best Overseas Destination Spa” by Condé Nast Traveler, BodyHoliday takes a unique approach to health, fitness, and overall well-being. Presenting a wide range of treatments, therapies, and activities, the 155-room resort, nestled on Cariblue Beach, is probably the only place in Saint Lucia in which one can enjoy archery, scuba diving, Pilates, fitness boot camps, sailing, and Reiki. The resort has five restaurants including Cariblue, the main dining room offering breakfast and lunch (buffet-style) and Tao, for its fine dining specializing in Asian-Caribbean fusion cuisine (reservations required).
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort Opened in 1989 and designed by Barbadian architect Ian Morrison, this resort is intended to look like a Mediterranean Village offering a mix of villas, suites and standard hotel units. Each one- and two-bedroom oceanfront suite has a separate sitting room, kitchen, and hot tub on the terrace. Spacious hillside villas can easily be closed off or opened up to become one, two, or three-bedroom suites; some have private plunge pools. Several estate villas at the top of the hill have three and four bedrooms, private pools, and full kitchens with a private chef. This all-inclusive spot provides guests five al fresco restaurants, four bars, six swimming pools, a 24-hour fitness center as well as a tennis court, And if you had forgotten to pack your sunblock, sunglasses or any other necessities, there’s even a small store with all the essentials.
For more information on Saint Lucia and its attractions, visit saintlucia.org.
