Saint Lucia isn’t known as the Helen of the West for nothing – the island actually switched political allegiances seven occasions between French and the British guidelines. Solely in 1814 did the British take definitive management, one thing that would go away an enduring mark on the island.
Similar to Helen of Troy in magnificence, the tagline suits this small island which has, since occasions of battle, grow to be unbiased, and self-sustainable. The Saint Lucia that’s marketed as we speak is one which has grown leaps and bounds, and nonetheless manages to carry onto parts each distinctively English, and unmistakably French.
Insider tip: Keep at one of many Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia, and get entry to all three resorts and two golf programs (inexperienced charges included)! This consists of free transfers between the resorts and a complete of 27 spectacular eating places on-property.
There may be a lot to understand about Saint Lucia and the issues the island is thought for, together with its majestic Piton Mountains, drive-in volcano, refreshing waterfalls, spectacular climbing trails, lovely seashores, native avenue events and unique eating places.
There are numerous different issues Saint Lucia is thought for, and we’ve taken the freedom to element the preferred!
On this article on this Sandals weblog:
19 things Saint Lucia is known for
Seven authentic souvenirs to bring home with you
Three interesting facts about Saint Lucia
Simply beautiful
19 issues Saint Lucia is thought for
The Piton Mountains
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Irrespective of what number of occasions you see them, the Pitons stay as awe-inspiring as the primary time. First time viewers, nevertheless, are more likely to be particularly blown away at how majestic these twin peaks are in actual life, significantly when taking them in shut up in both of the 2 cities the place they’re situated.
Yup, certainly, Gros Piton and Petit Piton as they’re identified, may be present in two completely different areas on the island, Soufriere and Choiseul to be precise. They’re in such exact positions, that from numerous angles they appear to be spouting up facet by facet, which makes a sighting of them much more exceptional. The Pitons are a World Heritage Web site, with Gros Piton standing at 2,619ft, being the taller of the 2.
Whereas in Saint Lucia, say sure to a chance to climb the Pitons, as that is an expertise you received’t quickly neglect. Guided excursions can be found to the highest of Gros Piton, whereas Petit Piton rising 2,425ft is a steeper and tougher climb, with a lot much less climbing visitors to the highest.
In case you’re not up for climbing the Pitons, think about taking a catamaran cruise round these majestic landmarks which can permit you get shut sufficient to take nice photographs.
The Sulphur Spring mud baths
The Sulphur Springs in Soufriere are sometimes described as the one drive-in volcano within the Caribbean, and presumably the world. That is an lively geothermal space, a lot in order that there are effervescent mud baths, and steaming vents.
The most well-liked factor to do on the Sulphur Springs is to dip right into a mud bathtub, which is each therapeutic and enjoyable. The Sulphur Springs is the best place to study concerning the creation of the volcanic Caribbean islands, and the advantages of soaking within the springs, that are excessive in minerals. Attempt the Saint Lucian mud bathtub expertise for a pure and economical spa therapy that’s additionally a great time. Guests planning on going into the mud bathtub are inspired to put on bathing fits that they don’t thoughts getting stained!
Attractive seashores
Although Saint Lucia is a volcanic island, this nation boasts among the most lovely white/golden sand seashores within the Caribbean. In reality, the seashores at Anse Chastanet, Marigot Bay Seaside and Rodney Bay are among the many most beautiful on the earth. Convey a couple of swimsuit/boardshorts to make sure you’re all the time seashore prepared!
Insider tip: Wish to keep close to the seashore? Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Beach Resort & Spa is situated on probably the most lovely stretches of white sand seashore in Saint Lucia. Friends of this luxury all-inclusive resort can take pleasure in limitless free cocktails, connoisseur meals, watersports, golf and extra. With 12 gourmet restaurants on-property to select from, you may eat one thing completely different daily!
Regionally grown chocolate
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Chocolate is the magic phrase that always mends hearts, and in Saint Lucia you may attempt genuine, domestically grown chocolate on the historical past packed Morne Coubaril or Fond Doux Plantation. At both of those spots you may get into the chocolate making motion and take a cocoa tour throughout which you’ll be able to study concerning the cocoa making course of whereas nibbling on recent cocoa pods alongside the way in which. Essentially the most hands-on a part of this exercise is certainly crushing cocoa beans as you try and make your individual chocolate bar, however it can all be value it in the long run!
Lush rainforests
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Saint Lucia has hundreds of acres of rainforest ready to be explored. This makes it a nice alternative for vacationers who wish to go on climbing expeditions, or no less than go to a rainforest to get extra in tune with nature. Over 70% of the island consists of rainforest, which is exceptional contemplating some areas on the island are way more developed than lots of the smaller islands of the area.
Nature trails and rainforest hikes
Talking of climbing, there are fairly just a few choices in the case of exploring the Saint Lucian rainforest by foot; you may go to locations just like the Edmund Forest Reserve which may be accessed by means of Fond St. Jacques in Soufriere and takes about three to 4 hours to navigate, or trek alongside the Barre de l’Isle Forest Reserve which is a comparatively straightforward stroll, with nice views alongside the way in which. It’s also possible to attempt the well-known Tet Paul Nature Path, which isn’t very strenuous, and takes about 45 minutes. Guides are essential in most situations in the case of climbing in Saint Lucia, and in some instances, you might have to get permission from the Forestry Division.
Beautiful botanical gardens
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Get away from all of it on the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens in Soufriere, the place you may absorb tropical flowers, and a complete lot of greenery. The Botanical Gardens is a mellow tour cease on the island, which is usually explored concurrently with the Diamond Falls, a picturesque waterfall situated within the south of the island.
Spectacular helicopter excursions
See Saint Lucia from an aerial perspective with a helicopter tour. Some guests work the helicopter tour into their airport transfers, making the switch to their resort into an attraction itself. You are able to do a helicopter tour from the north to the south, and on most excursions, you’ll have a educated pitot who can reply all of your questions concerning the island. As you soar by the skies, be aware of all of the attention-grabbing stuff you see alongside the way in which, and take plenty of spectacular photographs!
A historical past of Indians
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The Arawaks are mentioned to have been the primary settlers to Saint Lucia, although from historic accounts, there could have been natives residing on the island even earlier than the Arawaks arrived. It’s believed that the Arawaks known as the island Iouanalao, which interprets to ‘Land of the Iguanas’, due to the multitude of iguanas roaming about. There aren’t as many iguanas on the island anymore, however the story and particulars of the historical past of the Arawaks and the Caribs who arrived later, nonetheless dwell on as we speak. The Caribs referred to Saint Lucia as Hewanarau, and Hewanorra, the latter which serves because the title of the island’s worldwide airport in Vieux Fort.
A historical past of piracy
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Many Caribbean islands have a stunning historical past of piracy, and Saint Lucia is a kind of. The title of French pirate François le Clerc (referred to as Jambe de Bois) comes up quite a bit in Saint Lucia, as does the story about him organising camp on Pigeon Island, from which vantage he was capable of assault Spanish ships crusing within the space.
There are additionally studies of Blackbeard utilizing the waters of Saint Lucia to plunder ships, and of the infamous pirate stashing his bounty in Vieux Fort. The bounty stashing claims have by no means been confirmed, nor has any hidden treasure been discovered, however many islands suffered for some time within the pirate period, which happily is one thing that has been left within the far distant previous of Saint Lucia.
Pigeon Island Nationwide Park and Fort Rodney
(*19*)
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Pigeon Island was as soon as simply that, an island, which was linked after cautious thought to the mainland by way of a causeway. Pigeon Island is filled with historical past, significantly the Pigeon Island Nationwide Park, house to Fort Rodney. Aside from pirates like Jambe de Bois making the world well-known for all of the improper causes, Fort Rodney throughout the Nationwide Park was as soon as a British garrison. Whereas within the park you’ll be capable of discover trails, ruins, and seashores, and maybe even picnic within the vast expanse of area within the park. Pigeon Island Nationwide Park is a 5-minute stroll from Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
Castries colonial fort Morne Fortuné
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Morne Fortune means ‘Hill of Good Luck’, and the world simply outdoors Castries has many spectacular viewing factors. Again in 1803-1844, throughout the time when the British had designated capital Castries as a serious naval port, fortifications had been constructed on Morne Fortune, which overlooks the town. These fortifications had been vital within the battles between the French and the British, and most of them nonetheless stand as we speak. A visit to Morne Fortune is worth it to see a few of what has been left behind from that period, and to take a look at locations like Authorities Home on the northern facet of the Morne, which is the official residence of Saint Lucia’s Governor Basic.
Picturesque Marigot Bay
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There are numerous issues Saint Lucia is thought for, and the postcard worthy Marigot Bay is a kind of. The Bay is likely one of the most breathtaking in Saint Lucia, made much more particular by its peaceable ambiance and hanging panorama. One of many greatest methods to view Marigot Bay is by boat, and also you’ll be swooning as you sail into the Marigot Bay Marina. Marigot Bay was prominently featured within the 1967 Physician Doolittle film, and as we speak it stays simply as lovely or much more so than it was then.
Unique birdwatching
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Even the birds notice that Saint Lucia is paradise, and that is clear within the multitude of hen species that may be discovered on the island, together with six endemic species. A number of the endemic birds that may be discovered on the island are the Saint Lucia Parrot, referred to as the Amazona Versicolor, the Saint Lucia Oriole, and the Saint Lucia Pewee. All in all, there are 180 varieties of birds on the island, and the perfect locations to hen watch or discover out extra concerning the completely different species are the Millet Fowl Sanctuary, the Vieux Fort Wetlands, and the Des Cartiers Rainforest Path.
Superb scuba diving and snorkeling
Scuba diving and snorkeling are nice causes to trip within the Caribbean, and Saint Lucia is likely one of the greatest islands to do each due to the vibrant reefs that may be present in waters across the island. A number of the hottest locations to dive are the Piton Wall, Anse Cochon, Coral Gardens, and Anse Chastanet, to call just a few. In case you’re planning on snorkeling or scuba diving in Saint Lucia, don’t fear an excessive amount of about bringing your individual gear, as you may hire some on the island. Sightings when snorkeling in Saint Lucia embody turtles, rays, wrecks, and extra.
Insider tip: Keep at any of the three all-inclusive Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia, the place PADI® licensed friends scuba dive for free (max. two tanks per visitor a day). This consists of skilled gear and employees! Not but PADI® licensed? You will get your certification on the resort at further value.
Beautiful waterfalls
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There’s nothing like a cascading waterfall set in opposition to a spectacular tropical backdrop to set your thoughts comfy. In Saint Lucia, you may witness a number of of these, together with the Toraille Waterfall which flows 50 ft down right into a pool that you would be able to dip into, the Diamond Falls, or the Piton Falls. There are numerous different waterfalls on the island, some that are more durable to get to than others, and require a information. One of the simplest ways to discover Saint Lucia’s waterfalls is by way of a tour, which will even give you a chance to navigate nature trails together with your tour group or information.
Friday night time events on the “Fish Fry”
Saint Lucians like to get together, and Gros Islet and Anse La Raye are two communities on the island the place you may expertise the widespread Saint Lucia avenue get together. In Gros Islet, each Friday night time grills are fired up and audio system are mounted up within the streets in anticipation of an evening of partying and enjoyable. This occasion has gone on for years and is named the Gros Islet Road Get together.
Often you’ll discover dwell performances, however each night time there’s a DJ spinning the preferred Caribbean and worldwide tracks. Anse La Raye on the west coast has an identical avenue get together on Friday nights, however this occasion is named a “Fish Fry”, and right here seafood lovers can take pleasure in a wide range of grilled meals together with crayfish, stewed fish, lobster and attractive native sides. It’s also possible to get objects like roasted corn and scorching bakes.
The Anse La Raye Fish Fry is extra concerning the meals than Gros Islet Friday Evening, although each occasions are nice for meals and enjoyable. These occasions are each normally effectively attended by locals and guests and are the right alternative to attempt the native beer, which in Saint Lucia’s case, is Piton beer! Dennery on the east coast additionally has an identical occasion, the place you may dance to Reggae and Dancehall music all night time and get an opportunity to listen to Saint Lucia’s widespread ‘Dennery Section’, which is taking the music world by storm.
Driving horses on the seashore
Horse using on the seashore is one thing you may take pleasure in by yourself, with associates, or with children. Often excursions of this nature begin off on the stables, the place riders get an opportunity to get snug with their horses. After that, it’s onto the path which ends up in the seashore. In case you see your horse heading towards the water once you get to the seashore, don’t panic; it’s all a part of the tour. The horses are effectively educated, and easily love cooling off on an area seashore simply as a lot as the typical human. Most horse-riding excursions are about two hours lengthy, so plan accordingly. Attempt Atlantic Shores Stables in Vieux Fort, Hoofprint Ranch in Roseau Valley, or any of the native stables in Cas En Bar.
Native open-air markets
Castries might not be essentially the most trendy metropolis, nevertheless it definitely is bustling. From Monday to Saturday you’ll discover plenty of exercise within the metropolis middle, significantly on the Castries Market, or the Arcade. The Market is the place to go for recent fruits, greens, and native spices, whereas yow will discover practically any memento you may consider on the Arcade. A visit to the Market is a real solution to meet and expertise the genuine Saint Lucian lifestyle, and it’s a good alternative to seek out spices, cocoa tea, selfmade craft objects, and random Knick knacks to take house.
Seven genuine souvenirs to deliver house with you
1. Painted masks
There isn’t a brief provide of souvenirs to be present in Saint Lucia, and brightly coloured and arduous carved wood masks are excessive up on the checklist of issues to not depart the island with out for a lot of guests. The masks make it doable to take a chunk of Saint Lucia house with you, which you should use to exhibit inside your own home, or give as a present.
2. Handmade pottery
Pottery isn’t a nasty present, particularly if it’s hand-crafted. You’ll be able to decide up sensible pottery items or present items that may add a raise to your décor again house. The pottery out there in Saint Lucia is exclusive, and ranges from fashionable to conventional, so that you’ll have loads of choices to select from.
3. Cocoa sticks
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Cocoa tea within the Caribbean equates to scorching chocolate in lots of different locations, however the Caribbean model packs much more taste. Cocoa sticks are primarily log sized floor and fermented cocoa beans. They’re the important ingredient in making Saint Lucian Cocoa Tea, and since they’re typically so neatly packaged, you received’t have a tough time taking just a few house with you.
4. Sizzling sauce
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Sizzling sauce goes with nearly each meal on Caribbean phrases, and by the point you’re prepared to return house, you’re more likely to have a newfound appreciation for pepper. Attempt manufacturers like Baron’s West Indian Sizzling Sauce for those who’re on the lookout for a tasty Caribbean scorching sauce to take house. There are different native varieties out there, however Barons is the preferred, and also you’ll be capable of apply it to issues like barbecued meats, burgers, fries, and extra!
5. Native honey
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All honey will not be created equal, and that’s one thing that all the time comes as a shock to folks. Candy and nutritionally dense, the truth is that honey can style completely different relying on the place it’s made. This has to do with the place the bees supply the nectar and pollen, and the reality of the matter is, a well-made bottle of honey can certainly add some much-needed sweetness to life. Saint Lucian honey is pure and scrumptious, and also you’ll wish to attempt some throughout your time on the island.
6. Rum
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Rum is one thing Saint Lucia is aware of a factor or two about, and that is a lot as a result of island’s intensive rum distilling historical past. Saint Lucia has produced just a few expertly crafted rums through the years, together with the Saint Lucia Distillers produced and promoted Chairman’s Reserve Rum. You will get Chairman’s within the Authentic taste, or in a Spiced Rum or White Rum selection, or you may get the ‘Forgotten Casks’ limited-edition bottles to provide as items.
7. Piton Beer
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Piton Beer is a kind of stuff you merely should attempt throughout your vacation in Saint Lucia, particularly for those who intend to snap some photographs holding a Piton, on prime of the Piton! That is the last word trip picture superb in Saint Lucia, nevertheless it wouldn’t be doable with out the home-brewed Piton pilsner beer, which has earned worldwide accolades, together with a number of Monde Choice awards.
4 attention-grabbing information about Saint Lucia
1. St. Lucia grows LOTS of bananas
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Bananas had been as soon as thought-about inexperienced gold in Saint Lucia (from 1964 onwards), and thru the ‘gold rush’ has simmered down considerably through the years, Saint Lucia nonetheless has a wholesome banana business and farmers which can be dedicated to making sure their merchandise get an area in regional and worldwide markets with the intention to maintain their livelihoods.
You’ll be able to see how large the banana business is in Saint Lucia by simply observing the intensive banana plantations on the roadside as you’re making your solution to your resort; the bananas are normally wrapped in blue plastic luggage to guard them from the weather, hungry birds and pesky bugs. Be sure you have a banana or two whereas in Saint Lucia, as Saint Lucian bananas are identified to be sweeter, and general tastier.
2. Saint Lucia is the one nation named after a lady
Saint Lucia is stuffed with attract and pleasure, and it’s hardly stunning that it might be the one nation on the earth named after a lady (Saint Lucia of Syracuse)!
3. Two Nobel Prize winners had been born in Saint Lucia
It’s no stroll within the park to win a Nobel Prize, however the small island nation of Saint Lucia has earned two by means of Sir Derek Walcott for Literature (1992), and Sir Arthur Lewis in Economics (1979). This achievement makes Saint Lucia the nation with the most Nobel Laureates per capita on the earth. Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureates are celebrated yearly within the month of January (their birthday month), with a complete committee being set as much as set up actions of their honor.
4. Saint Lucia received its first-ever Olympic medal in 2024!
Saint Lucian monitor star, 23-year-old Julien Alfred, is likely one of the personalities Saint Lucia is most identified for, particularly after her historic win on the 2024 Paris Olympics. Alfred soared previous American Sha’Carri Richardson to win the 100m finals with a time of 10.72 seconds. Celebrations erupted in her hometown, the place a watch get together had been arrange at Derek Walcott Sq.. She additionally competed within the 200m race on the 2024 Paris Olympics and earned second place with a time of 21.98. Moreover, Alfred shone on the 2023 World Championships, profitable a silver medal within the 100m and a bronze medal within the 200m.
Merely lovely
Figuring out intricate particulars a couple of vacation spot earlier than getting there can improve one’s expertise by stretching their perspective and permitting them to be extra receptive by means of being knowledgeable. There are such a lot of issues Saint Lucia is thought for, that you just’ll surely be capable of add to this checklist throughout your trip on this merely lovely island.
Additionally learn: 40 Amazing Things To Do In Saint Lucia
