Saint Lucia is a sovereign island country in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean.
Part of the Lesser Antilles, it is located north/northeast of the island of Saint Vincent, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique. It covers a land area of 617 km2 (238.23 sq mi) and reported a population of 165,595 in the 2010 census. Its capital is Castries.
The French were the island's first European settlers. They signed a treaty with the native Carib Indians in 1660. England took control of the island from 1663 to 1667.
In ensuing years, it was at war with France fourteen times, and rule of the island changed frequently, it was ruled seven times each by the French and British.
In 1814, the British took definitive control of the island. Because it switched so often between British and French control, Saint Lucia was also known as the Helen of the West Indies.
Representative government came about in 1840 with universal suffrage from 1953. From 1958 to 1962, the island was a member of the Federation of the West Indies.
On 22 February 1979, Saint Lucia became an independent state and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Saint Lucia is a mixed jurisdiction, meaning that it has a legal system based in part on both the civil law and English common law.
The Civil Code of St. Lucia of 1867 was based on the Quebec Civil Code of 1866, as supplemented by English common law-style legislation. It is also a member of La Francophonie.
One of the Windward Islands, Saint Lucia was named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse by the French, who were the island's first European settlers. It is the only country in the world named after a woman.
Legend states French sailors were shipwrecked here on 13 December, thus naming the island in honor of Sainte Lucie.
The volcanic island of Saint Lucia is more mountainous than most Caribbean islands, with the highest point being Mount Gimie, at 950 metres (3,120 feet) above sea level. Two other mountains, the Pitons, form the island's most famous landmark.
They are located between SoufriEre and Choiseul on the western side of the island. Saint Lucia is also one of the few islands in the world that contains a drive-in volcano.
The capital city of Saint Lucia is Castries with a population of 60,263 where 32.4% of the population lives. Major towns include Gros Islet, Soufriere, and Vieux Fort.
The United Nations categorizes Saint Lucia as a Small Island Developing State, a designation similar to a developing country with a few substantial differences due to Saint Lucia's island nature.
The country's gross domestic product in purchasing power parity was estimated at $2.384 U.S. dollars in 2017, ranking 194th among all countries. The services sector accounted for 82.8% of GDP, followed by industry and agriculture at 14.2% and 2.9%, respectively[37]
An educated workforce and improvements in roads, communications, water supply, sewerage, and port facilities have attracted foreign investment in tourism and in petroleum storage and transshipment.
However, with the US, Canada, and Europe in recession, tourism declined by double digits in early 2009.
The recent change in the European Union import preference regime and the increased competition from Latin American bananas have made economic diversification increasingly important in Saint Lucia.
Saint Lucia has been able to attract foreign business and investment, especially in its offshore banking and tourism industries, which is Saint Lucia's main source of revenue.
The manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area, and the government is trying to revitalise the banana industry.
Despite negative growth in 2011, economic fundamentals remain solid, and GDP growth should recover in the future.
Saint Lucia's currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (EC$), a regional currency shared among members of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECU).
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCL) issues the EC$, manages monetary policy, and regulates and supervises commercial banking activities in member countries.
In 2003, the government began a comprehensive restructuring of the economy, including elimination of price controls and privatisation of the state banana company.
Tourism is vital to Saint Lucia's economy. Its economic importance is expected to continue to increase as the market for bananas becomes more competitive. Tourism tends to be more substantial during the dry season of January to April.
Saint Lucia tends to be popular due to its tropical weather and scenery and its numerous beaches and resorts.
Other tourist attractions include a drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs in Soufriere, the Botanical Gardens, the Majestic twin Peaks or The Pitons, a world heritage site.
The rain forests, several options of boat trips, zip lining and Pigeon Island National Park, which is home to Fort Rodney, an old British military base.
The majority of tourists visit Saint Lucia as part of a cruise. Most of their time tends to be spent in Castries, although Soufriere, Marigot Bay, Rodney Bay and Gros Islet are popular locations to visit.
The current Minister of Tourism is Dominic Fedee, he has been in his role since 2016.
Saint Lucia reported a population of 165,595 in the 2010 national census. In 2016, the United Nations Population Division estimated Saint Lucia's population at 178,015.
The country's population is evenly divided between urban and rural areas, with more than a third living in the capital, Castries.
Despite a high emigration rate the population is growing rapidly at about 1.2% per year.
Migration from Saint Lucia is primarily to Anglophone countries, with the United Kingdom having almost 10,000 Saint Lucian-born citizens, and over 30,000 of Saint Lucian heritage.
The second most popular destination for Saint Lucian emigrants is the United States, where a combined foreign and national-born Saint Lucians almost 14,000 reside. Canada is home to a few thousand Saint Lucians.
Saint Lucia's population is predominantly of African and mixed African-European descent, with a small Indo-Caribbean minority (3%). Members of other or unspecified ethnic groups, account for about 2% of the population.
The official language is English. Saint Lucian Creole French which is colloquially referred to as Patois or Patwa, is spoken by 95% of the population.
This Antillean Creole is used in literature and music, and is gaining official acknowledgement.
As it developed during the early period of French colonisation, the creole is derived chiefly from French and West African languages, with some vocabulary from the Island Carib language and other sources. Saint Lucia is a member of La Francophonie.
About 61.5% of the population is Roman Catholic, a legacy of French colonisation of the island.
Another 25.5% belong to Protestant denominations, includes Seventh Day Adventist 10.4%, Pentecostal 8.9%, Baptist 2.2%, Anglican 1.6%, Church of God 1.5%, other Protestant 0.9%.
Evangelicals comprise 2.3% of the population and 1.1% are Jehovah's Witnesses. In addition, about 1.9% of the population adheres to the Rastafari movement. Other religions include Islam, Baha'i Faith, Judaism, and Buddhism.
In 2017, Saint Lucia recorded 60 homicides, the highest in the country's history.
The culture of Saint Lucia has been influenced by African, East Indian, French, and English heritage. One of the secondary languages is Saint Lucian French Creole or Kweyol, spoken by almost all of the population.
Saint Lucia boasts the second highest ratio of Nobel laureates produced with respect to the total population of any sovereign country in the world.
Two winners have come from Saint Lucia: Sir Arthur Lewis won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1979, and the poet Derek Walcott received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992.
Saint Lucian cultural festivals include La Rose and La Marguerite, the first representing a native Saint Lucian fraternal society known as the Order of the Rose that is fashioned in the mould of Rosicrucianism.
The second representing its traditional rival, the native Saint Lucian equivalent of Freemasonry known as the Order of the Marguerite.
References to their origins as versions of pre-existing external secret societies can be seen in a mural painted by Dunstan St Omer, depicting the holy trinity of Osiris, Horus, and Isis.
The biggest festival of the year is the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival. Held in early May at multiple venues throughout the island, it draws visitors and musicians from around the world.
The grand finale or main stage is held at the Pigeon Island which is located to the North of the Island.
Traditionally in common with other Caribbean countries, Saint Lucia held a carnival before Lent. In 1999, the government moved Carnival to mid-July to avoid competing with the much larger Trinidad and Tobago carnival and so as to attract more overseas visitors.
In May 2009, Saint Lucians commemorated the 150th Anniversary of West Indian Heritage on the island.
Together with Caribbean music genres such as Calypso, Soca, Dancehall, Reggae, Compas, Zouk, and Salsa, Saint Lucia has a strong indigenous folk music tradition.
Each May since 1991, Saint Lucia has hosted an internationally renowned Jazz Festival.
In 2013, the festival was re-branded The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival which encompassed culture, visual art, alternative music, education, fashion, and food.
Dancing in Saint Lucia is inspired by Caribbean culture and enjoys an active following. A popular folk dance is the Kwadril.
Saint Lucia's national dish is green figs and saltfish.
The island's cuisine is a unique blend of West African, European - mainly British and French and East Indian cuisine; this creates dynamic meal dishes such as macaroni pie, Stew chicken, rice and peas, fish broth or fish water, and soups packed full with fresh locally produced vegetables.
Typical essential foodstuffs are potatoes, onions, celery, thyme, coconut milk, the very hot scotch bonnet peppers, flour, and cornmeal.
Traditional curried chicken dish
The island is also home to the famous fried dough, known by many as a bake or Johnny Cake. These bakes can be served with different sides, such as saltfish which is either sauteed or lightly fried along with red, green peppers, onions, and seasoned well.
This is the most common way for bake to be prepared, though it can also be served with meats such as stewed chicken or beef.
One popular Saint Lucian dessert is the pastry called a turnover. The pastry is made with sweetened coconut that is boiled with spices, some sugar, and whatever is satisfying.
It is boiled until cooked to a light or dark brown colour; then the mixture is separated into various size portions placed on a rolled out piece of dough.
The dough size may vary too depending on how much is desired, and lastly, it is baked in the oven until the colour of the turnover is nicely browned.
Due to Saint Lucia's Indo-Caribbean population, curry is very popular, however due to the blend of cooking styles, curry dishes have a distinct Caribbean twist.
Roti is typically served as a fast food meal, the bread itself is very flat sometimes very thin and is wrapped around curried vegetables such as chickpeas and potato, seafood such as shrimp and conch, or meats such as chicken, beef, goat, and liver.
The twin Pitons - Gros Piton and Petit Piton are striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere that are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean.
Tourism is vital to Saint Lucia's economy. Its economic importance is expected to continue to increase as the market for bananas becomes more competitive.
Tourism tends to be more substantial during the dry season January to April. Saint Lucia tends to be popular due to its tropical weather and scenery and its numerous beaches and resorts.
Other tourist attractions include a drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs at Soufriere, the Botanical Gardens, the Majestic twin Peaks, The Pitons, A world heritage site, the rain forests, and Pigeon Island National Park, which is home to Fort Rodney, an old British military base.
Saint Lucia's first known inhabitants were Arawaks, believed to have come from northern South America around 200-400CE. Numerous archaeological sites on the island have produced specimens of the Arawak's' well-developed pottery.
Caribs gradually replaced Arawaks during the period from 800 to 1000CE.
Europeans first landed on the island in either 1492 or 1502 during Spain's early exploration of the Caribbean.
The British failed in their first attempts at colonisation in the early 17th century. The island was first settled by the French, who signed a treaty with the local Caribs in 1660.
Like the British and Dutch, the French began to develop the island for the cultivation of sugar cane on extensive plantations.
Caribbean conditions were hard, and many slaves died before they lived long enough to have children. The French and later British continued to import slaves until the latter nation abolished the trade, and then the legal institution.
By that time, people of ethnic African descent greatly outnumbered those of ethnic European background.
Thereafter Saint Lucia was much contested by the two European powers until the British secured it in 1814. It was part of the British Windward Islands colony. It joined the West Indies Federation (1958–62) when the colony was dissolved.
In 1967, Saint Lucia became one of the six members of the West Indies Associated States, with internal self-government. In 1979 it gained full independence.
Tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from January to April, rainy season from May to August; Experiences hurricanes.
Saint Lucia is volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys. The highest point is Mount Gimie at 950m (3117 ft)
Cities in Saint Lucia
- Castries, capital city
- Vieux Fort
- Soufriere, old capital
- Gros Islet
- Marigot Bay
Entry will be refused to citizens of, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, and those who recently visited those countries due to the current ebola virus outbreak.
Citizens of the following countries do not need visas: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (includes Faeroe Islands and Greenland), Dominica, Estonia, Fiji, Finland.
This incledes France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway.
Also Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, and Zambia.
For dependencies:
- The Dutch municipalities of Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and the Dutch constituent countries of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Marteen
- The French overseas collectivities of French Polynesia and Saint Martin
- The French overseas regions of French Guiana, Guadelope, and Martinique
- The British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Saint Helena, and the Turks and Caicos Islands
- All three British Crown Dependencies
- Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
If your nationality is not mentioned anywhere above, you will need to apply for a visa. As of the moment, citizens of Haiti do need visas but this is temporary.
Most nationalities pay XCD50 for a single-entry tourist visa. It lasts 6 weeks, and extensions can sometimes be made at Saint Lucia's immigration department.
You must have a completed application form, passport, 1 passport-size photo, funds to cover your stay, the XCD50 fee, and an travel ticket for leaving Saint Lucia to get the visa.
Everyone will need a passport except citizens of countries in the OECS. French citizens can enter with a national ID card for max. 14 days.
Saint Lucia, an island in the Caribbean islands, has a relatively large and lucrative tourism industry, attracting an estimated 350,000 visitors per year.
Due to the relatively small land area of the country, most of the governmental promoting is performed by the state operated Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, led by Executive Chairperson Agnes Francis.
Tourism to Saint Lucia is so vital, that it is the runner-up for the position of the most economically important industry, behind bananas.
It is expected that tourism will take the place of the most economically important industry in Saint Lucia in the near future, as the market for bananas becomes more competitive among the Caribbean islands.
Saint Lucia tends to be popular due to its tropical weather and scenery and for its large number of beaches and resorts.
Although cruises and beaches are what draws most tourists to Saint Lucia, other attractions include:
The Pitons, two volcanic plugs rising more than 700 m directly from the sea that form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sulfur Springs - Located in Soufriere, it is the world's only drive-in volcano.
St. Lucia Botanical Gardens - This botanical garden has a wide variety of plant species, and a sulfur waterfall.
Our Planet Centre - The first Our Planet Centre in the world has just opened in La Place Carenage, Castries.
Many other tours, activities and excursions can be done on the island such as Ziplining, Snorkeling, Hiking & Deep Sea Fishing.
St. Lucia has two airports:
George FL Charles Airport (SLU), which is near Castries.
Hewanorra International (UVF), which is near Vieux Fort. This airport is immediately next to the town of Vieux Fort. From the town, it's easy to think that it's just a few minutes walk to the airport terminal.
Although the control tower is easily visible from the town, the actual terminal entrance is located about 2 miles from the town centre. That entrance is located on the eastern coast road, ie, the road that the buses take to get to Castries.
The airport entrance is not on the road that goes up to Soufriere. So, if you're walking, prepare yourself for about a 2 mile walk. That's not so bad, unless it's really hot.
A bus can drop you right at the airport terminal entrance, if you're so inclined. If your luggage takes up a seat, you'll have to pay for that seat.
George FL Charles Airport is closer to many of the all-inclusive resorts, has a modest terminal and runway able to easily support inter-island commercial flights.
For less-experienced pilots in high-performance aircraft, the over-water approach and hills on both sides of runway can seem a bit harrowing, but prevailing winds are usually favourable.
The airport is right next to Vigie beach, so it's possible to top up your sun tan while you wait for your flight. The terminal is about two miles from downtown Castries, so it is walkable if you do not have much luggage.
Hewanorra is larger, but can be an 1 hour by taxi from most of the major resorts in the north. However, the journey north is a good way to see the island except if you arrive at night.
More information on both airports can be found on the official website for the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority
Ferries to and from neighbouring islands are available, if rather expensive.
The most extensive official service is operated by Express des Isles, which runs services to Martinique, Guadeloupe, etc.
Channel Shuttles Inc. operate a slightly cheaper ferry service - XCD235 including departure tax to Martinique operating from Castries at 10:00 on Wednesday and 15:00 on Thursdays.
They can be contacted at their office can be found in the ferry terminal just outside of Castries.
Cruise ships usually one or two at a time are frequent visitors to the small, picturesque harbour. An open air mall abuts the main pier and offers duty free shops.
Catamaran rides from Soufriere to Rodney Bay are also offered through a local tour company.
The main way for tourists to get around St. Lucia is by taxi, either arranged by the hotel, taxi agency or individual operators. The tours arranged by resorts are usually the most expensive way to travel but might offer food and drink.
Using a local taxi operator to plan your own adventure will be much more affordable. Your hotel staff should provide you with a number of a taxi agency or operator that they use regularly.
The prices are generally fixed but you can shop around to get the best rate if given several numbers. Many taxi drivers that run from the resorts to the marketplaces will offer tours of the island for around $145 per van load.
Each van will hold between 6 and 12 people.
A taxi from Hewanorra airport to Gros Islet is $85 USD. Renting a car is substantially cheaper than taxis. A taxi from Gros Islet to the Pitons and back is $160 USD.
For the budget travellers or the more adventurous tourists, local buses provide a cheap and fun way of getting around. They are small vans which hold around 10-14 people and vary in quality.
They run irregularly, but frequently from rural towns to urban centres, i.e. Soufriere to Castries, Soufriere to Vieux Fort, Vieux Fort to Castries, each day most travelling to Castries in the morning and returning to Soufriere late afternoon.
They are very affordable and provide a unique experience each time; the vehicle operators often decorate the interiors and play their own music, either a mix of Caribbean flavours or country.
If you want to try and take a transport discuss your route and travel time with one of the local staff familiar with the bus system. Many of them likely take a transport to and from work.
Water taxis are a main source of income for many locals and can be a much quicker, convenient and picturesque method of travelling short distances to private beaches or coastal towns.
Many water taxi operators in the Town of Soufriere can be found at the jetty. The rates of these drivers are a little high and can be bargained down.
There are a few taxi owners who regularly play dominoes and sell drinks near the Hummingbird Hotel and Soufriere beach. They can offer a much cheaper rate. From Soufriere, you can take a water taxi to Anse Chastenet and Jalousie Beaches.
A helicopter taxi can be taken from Hewannora airport to Vigie airport and is a quick and spectacular way to get to the resorts on the Northern end of the island.
Renting a car is also possible at rates similar to those found in the United States or Canada. Driving is on the left-hand side and drivers require a permit - USD12 for one day, USD22 for 3 months.
All St. Lucia - Offers a range of services from Airport and St. Lucia Transfers to St. Lucia Tours and Excursions.
Drive-A-Matic, Cheap car rental. Delivers your car to the airport or hotel, and collects it at the end.
English is official language but French patois is spoken.
Virtually all residents will be able to converse with travellers in English.
Pigeon Island nature reserve, just north of Gros Islet, the park has some of the oldest buildings on St.Lucia and affords views across to Martinique.
The Sulfur Springs, just south of Soufriere, these hot springs are one of the main attractions on the island. There is a pool that the hot water runs through, so make sure to take your swimming trunks and go for a dip.
Rainforest hikes, there are several official hiking routes on the island. The Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries site has links to information about the ones they support.
Climbing the Gros Piton is an achievable goal for most people. Climbs do begin from the beach but the trailhead is at an elevation of about 600 feet (approx. 180 m) above sea level.
It requires about two hours of moderate to strenuous hiking to reach the summit of about 2600 feet (approx. 800 m) above sea level. Be aware that in places the trail is very rocky and that it has steep and uneven surfaces throughout.
Good shoes, water and a hat are necessities. A further 1-and-a-half hours at least are needed to descend. Guides are required and entrance costs $50 US.
Taxis or local buses can be used to reach the trail head, a tour company which supplies a guide goes from Castries to the beach.
Petit Piton is a much steeper ascent and requires technical climbing skills and equipment.
Snorkeling is popular and a number of beaches are suitable.
SCUBA diving, done at Pigeon Island, one of the island's Historical Landmarks, as well as between The Pitons, a World Heritage Site.
Ziplining, Several courses are offered throughout the island. The courses in the northern part of the island are more complex and offer views of the rainforests.
The course at the Morne Coubaril Estate by Soufriere is simpler and provides a view of the Pitons.
Catamaran Sailsing, St. Lucia has become a very popular destination for catamaran sailing. One company that specializes in this is Sea Spray Cruises.
St Lucia Photo Tour (St Lucia By Kirk), 16 Cedar Drive East, Mountain View, Grande Riviere, Gros Isle, Saint Lucia Online bookings only
9:00AM - 3:00 PM. The St Lucia Photo Tour is a niche tourism product that seeks to provide visitors with a deeper window of perception and interaction with local culture through the medium of photography and cultural immersion.
Tour groups are intentionally kept small to afford participants greater photography learning opportunity $250.00.
Volga Nature Trail, is located near the Sulphur Springs Access Road. The trail is less than 1 km in length and the time required to finish is about 1 HOUR 30 minutes.
An easily accessed hike and moderate loop taking in lush vegetation and staggering views. From flat stretches to lush greenly natural stairway, the track is an excellent introduction to St. Lucia's diverse landscape.
The trail features two scenic spots, introducing Both Piton - Petit and Gros Piton mountain and the neighboring areas including Sugar Beach Resort coastline, jade mountain, Stonefield Villa Resort and Ladera Resort landscapes and 360 degrees Ocean Views.
No other trail in St.Lucia can such views be found Up Close & Personal!Reservations is Required, Fully Guided Tour, Entry Cost USD$10 per person.
The East Caribbean Dollar is pegged to the US dollar at 1 USD = 2.7 XCD. Cash machines on the island dispense XCD.
Do bring US dollars, because you will most often but not always get better value spending in US dollars than in East Caribbean dollars. You cannot easily get USD on the island.
Castries market is a good place to buy gifts as is the JQ Shopping Mall in Rodney Bay. There is also La Place Carenage, a duty free and gift and souvenir outlet located in the main harbour of Castries.
There you will find fine jewellery arts and crafts, ideal for gifts.
Supermarkets have quite good prices on rums produced or bottled on the island, e.g., Elements 8, Admiral Rodney, and especially Chairman's Reserve.
Visits by cruise ships over the years have generated a duty free mall at dockside, Point Seraphine, Castries with jewellery, souvenirs, art, liquor/rums and other offerings typical for cruise shoppers.
You may also find lower, duty-Free prices available across the island in strip malls and resorts. You may need identification as a visitor to qualify for duty-free treatment.
St Lucian food consists mainly of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and a variety of curry, jerk, rice and stewed dishes.
The coal pot is a delicious stew, traditional to native carib cultures and can be found at many local restaurants in Castries, Soufriere and Vieux-Fort.
Vegetarian and meat rotis can be found at a number of small local restaurants. Ask any local for the best roti shop and he or she will tell you how to get there.
Rotis are usually made fresh in the morning so, if eating a spicy early lunch is of interest, it's highly recommended.
Local cuisine is prepared throughout the island so, depending on where you are staying, ask a local if he or she knows someone/somewhere that prepares local food and you will be sure to be welcomed somewhere nearby.
Many rum shacks in rural towns also prepare food if given advanced notice. Fish, veggie, chicken and goat meals are very common and usually come with a number of sides including salad, plantain, breadfruit, macaroni, and rice prepared a number of different ways.
For a quick snack, barbeques with chicken and pork can be found in any community on a Friday night. The food is well marinated and spiced. Soak up the sauce with a barbequed or fried bake. Fried chicken and fish can also be found, and are quite delicious.
There are weekly parties and festivals held in various communities throughout the island where you can also sample a range of local foods, including sea food, barbequed meats, salads and drinks.
These festivals are filled with dancing, drinks, food and music. Let your hair down, try some cuisine and lime it up. Be sure to ask what is in the pots before you sample the food. For those environmentally conscious, blackfish is porpoise.
- Friday night, Anse La Raye "Seafood Friday"
- Friday night, Gros Islet Jump-up
- Every Second Saturday, Canaries Creole Pot
- Saturday, Dennery (East coast) Fish Fry
Rodney Bay is full of people from all over the world and the restaurants reflect the diversity. You can find a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Italian, French, and local cuisine, in a small area.
For this reason, Rodney Bay is a good place to be based in St Lucia. The most interesting restaurant is La Terrasse, a French restaurant which cooks local ingredients in French styles.
It is one of the more expensive restaurants at about $50 per person for dinner.
Rodney Bay is home to the Antillia Brewing Company, a microbrewery which is a good place to go for a pint before dinner. They also serve finger-food.
Saint Lucia Distillers produces a variety of rums across a wide price range.
- 1931, A super premium series of rum that's produced in limited quantity batches each year
- Chairman's Reserve, Premium rum that includes a spiced rum, a white rum, and two dark rums
- Crystal Lime, A rum-based lime liqueur
- Bounty, A mass market red rum that's commonly drunk on the island
- Marigot Bay Liqueurs, Rum-based cream liqueurs. Varieties include coconut and banana
In addition to rums, Piton Lager beer is brewed and bottled on the island and is quite good. It has 5% alcohol by volume, a slightly greater percentage than most American beers but very much in line with many European beers.
St. Lucia is home to a huge number of resort hotels as well as small boutique hotels and self-catering villas, condos, and vacation apartments.
- SunWest Villas Rodney Bay, Gros Islet. An ideal location, in the Rodney Bay area, allows you the luxury of a tranquil retreat or the alternative to be adventurous and explore the island’s renown hot spots.
- Oceanview Hotel Rodney Bay, Gros Islet. Small hotel resort with 37 rooms and a spa.
- Villa Beach Cottages Castries. Self-catering beachfront villas.
- The Inn On The Bay Marigot Bay. A romantic 5-room Hotel overlooking beautiful Marigot Bay.
- Jade Mountain Castries. One of the top hotels in the world
- Oasis Marigot, 177 Seaview Avenue (Marigot Bay). checkin: 16:00; checkout: 11:00. Oasis Marigot is a vacation community nestled on the hillside overlooking Marigot Beach, St. Lucia.
It offers different types of accommodations to fit any travel budget. All units enjoy a spectacular view of the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean.
Active vacationers who want a unique experience, such as island hopping on a 42-foot yacht, diving or sailing, will find it at Oasis Marigot. From $159.
- Mago Hotel, Soufriere. Eco-Hotel, overlooking the bay, set amongst the tropical forest.
- The Jalousie Plantation, Forbidden Beach Soufriere. Embraced by St Lucia’s majestic Pitons. Luxurious private Caribbean beach resort.
- Harbour Lights inn, Castries, City Gate. A cheap guest house just next to the Vigi airport. room include showers and toilet and A/C rooms are available for extra money. has wifi Sgl USD33, dbl USD44 no air-con.
- Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa, Rodney Bay, Gros Islet. checkin: 4pm; checkout: 11am. 4 Star Caribbean Beach Resort located on the famous Reduit Beach in Rodney Bay Village.
- Bay Gardens Hotel, Rodney Bay, Gros Islet. checkin: 2pm; checkout: 11am. Medium sized 3 star property located in Rodney Bay Village, 5 minutes away from sister property Bay Gardens Beach Resort. Perfect for business travel. From $70.
- Bay Gardens Inn, Rodney Bay, Gros Islet. checkin: 2pm; checkout: 11am. Voted Best Small Hotel in the Caribbean by Virgin Holidays, this cozy, intimate 3 star hotel in Rodney Bay Village is minutes away from Reduit Beach. From $66.
- Cap Maison, Smugglers Cove Drive. Designed in an elegant Spanish Caribbean style, Cap Maison is a stylish boutique resort offering a personalised and sophisticated Caribbean experience.
- Royal by Rex Resorts, Castries. A peaceful St Lucia resort providing an elegant blend of privacy and sophistication in a fabulous setting.
- Nature's Paradise at Marigot Bay, 1 Marigot Heights. Avocado & Banana Cottages are located on a quiet ridge high above the sea at Marigot Bay.
The spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea creates the mood. Marigot Bay is what you have in mind when you think Tropical Paradise.
- Bannaquit House, Located in the hills north of Soufriere. Bannaquit House is a privately owned 7 bedroom villa available for rent, nestled on the hillside above the famous Anse Chastenet Beach.
With unparelled views of the Piton mountains and exposure to the delights of the Caribbean sea, Bananaquit offers an experience like no other.
- La Haut Resort, West Coast Road, Soufriere. checkin: 2 pm; checkout: 12 pm. La Haut or Le Haut literally means the height in Patois, a French dialect that is commonly spoken by St. Lucians.
La Haut sits on a hill overlooking Soufriere, one of the oldest towns in St Lucia.
- Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, Labrelotte Bay, Castries. checkin: 3 pm; checkout: 11 am. The legendary Windjammer Landing is St. Lucia's premier independent villa resort featuring five restaurants.
Complimentary kid's club and accommodations that range from cozy cottages for two to luxuriously appointed four and five bedroom villas.
- Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina, Marigot Bay. A luxury St. Lucia resort overlooking Marigot Bay with a world-renowned marina. Accommodations and amenities include guest room and suites, as well as restaurants and a spa.
This luxury hotel also offers wedding venues and conference facilities.
- Brigand Hill, Anse Galet 40 minute south of Castries. Luxury 5 bedroom villa in the heart of the west coast of St Lucia.
Villa is situated halfway between Castries and Soufriere creating the perfect place to explore the island. Sleeps 10 across 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms w/ pool. Highly popular. varies on season.
The island has a rather turbulent history. It's worth taking a Jungle Safari around the rainforests, as this also includes much information on the island itself.
There is a marine sanctuary or national park on one side of the island by the Anse Chastenet resort. Great spot to learn about local marine life & ecology.
St Lucia is as safe as any other country. However you should exercise the same caution as you would at home. Pickpockets are in every country,just be careful in crowded areas.
There have been muggings in Gros Islet during the Friday night lime parties. Stay in the busy areas, and stay away from the jetty without a guide.
Use of camouflage bags is illegal in Saint Lucia if you're not military personnel; if you show up at the airport with one, it will be confiscated.
Street vendors are decidedly less aggressive than most Caribbean nations. A simple no thank you is sufficient.
Some of the locals will offer gifts when you stop however don't be naive, they expect something in return, so either refuse the gift in the first place or be prepared to pay a dollar or 2 for the proffered gift.
These people are very poor and unemployment is high so tourists are often the sole means they have to make some money.
Driving can be fun, but you should be a confident driver as driving is on the left, the roadways can be narrow, steep and in rough condition.
A 4x4 or similar high-clearance vehicle is necessary if you decide to venture into the mountains. There's only one main roadway so it is difficult to get lost, but should it happen the locals will help you find your way.
Sexual acts between men are illegal and carry a custodial sentence of up to 10 years, though it is not known how strictly this is enforced. Gay travellers should be safer here than in, for example, Jamaica.
However caution is advised and public displays of affection may be met with hostility. There is no law which explicitly forbids lesbianism.
This island is a series of hills and mountains. The main west coast roadway is the most hair-raising series of winding hair pin turns you have ever seen, particularly between Castries and Soufriere.
The east coast roadway is more direct but it still takes approximately 90 minutes to drive from the airport in Hewannora (UVF) to Castries and Gros Islet in the north.
In preparation for the shuttle, people who are staying in the north and are prone to motion sickness, should bring Dramamine and take it immediately upon arrival at Hewannora Airport.
Tap water is safe to drink in most tourist areas, however bottled water is widely available for those who desire it.
All beaches on St. Lucia are open to the public.
Nude sunbathing is illegal in St. Lucia.
Tourism Observer
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