The BodyHoliday 

Relatively unspoiled, St. Lucia remains an open region of green-mantled mountains, valleys, wild orchids, and fishing villages. The island is a hybrid of French and British culture, although recent years have seen a South Pacific influence.

Island passions include music and the smell of rich cuisine floating through the breezy air.

Only home to around 175,000 inhabitants, the island is quite rugged and mountainous and steeply inclined.

Rising out of obscurity in the past ten years, it is now one of the biggest players in the Caribbean tourism market. It is also a popular destination for celebratory events with over 36 percent of the islands business coming  for weddings and honeymoons. 
 

All the large luxury hotel resorts in St Lucia have have a fantastic selection of restaurants, snack bars and restaurants. St Lucia offers a wide choice of food including Caribbean cuisine, Seafood, Chinese, Indian and even Italian.

Top Restaurants in St. Lucia

Coal Pot
A family-run business, the Coal Pot restaurant has been part of St. Lucia's local cuisine for over 40 years. Hosting only 10 tables, this waterfront eatery overlooks Vigie cove catering to the French inspired taste of St. Lucia. For a light lunch, stop in and have shrimp salad or broiled fresh fish with a special creole sauce. Popular dinner choices include Lobster bisque and fresh seafood dipped in ginger, coconut-curry, and lemon-garlic butter.

Dasheene Restaurant and Bar
This terrace top restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, showcasing some of the best natural beauty in St. Lucia. Considered casual by day and magical by night, Executive Chef Orlando Satchell describes the menu he has created as ‘sexy Caribbean’. Popular appetizers include grilled crabs and pumpkin soup with ginger. Main courses favourites include pan-fried shrimp, seared duck breast, and baron beef fillet. All dishes are inspired by a West Indies theme.

The Edge
Lead by creative Swedish Chef Bobo Bergstrom, this ‘Eurobbean’ inspired cuisine  encompasses a fine dining atmosphere with luxury culinary tastes that embody the heart of St. Lucia. Among its accolades it also includes the island’s first sushi bar. The contemporary fusion combines Caribbean traditions with a touch of Asian influence. Popular dishes include snapper brazed in bouillon, grilled beef tenderloin, and spiced rabbit. In addition to the standard menu, there is also a five-course tasting menu for those adventurous and interested in trying more.

Jacques Waterfront Dining
Inspired by the restaurant owner Jacky Rioux’s  world travels, this popular St. Lucia eatery offers indigenous ingredients combined in an exclusive French cooking method. Specialising in fish and seafood, Rioux had picks the fresh produce daily.
Delicious appetizers and entrees will make your mouth water. Aside from the decadent menu, the restaurant also had a convent wine list, carrying vintages lines from most countries and almost more than any other restaurant throughout St.Lucia.
 

Rainforest Hideaway
Incorporating classical French cuisine, this fusion eatery is a romantic fine dining escape on the north shore of Mairgot Bay. A short ferry ride away, the restaurant is perched on a dock and offers great views of secluded St. Lucia. The span of entrees is impressive including balsamic-glazed roast quail, marinated wild salmon and exotic vegetables.

 

Castries

St Lucia's capital Castries, is set on a magnificent natural harbour against a backdrop of breathtaking mountains. The market area to the north side of Jeremie Street was built entirely of iron in 1894 to enhance the appearance of the town and also provide a sheltered place where fruit and produce could be sold. A new market has been built next door and on the east side of the capital, there is a small arcade with vendors selling local produce. On the east side of Derek Walcott Square lies the Cathedral which bursts into colour inside. The ceiling, supported by delicate iron arches and braces is decorated with large panelled portraits of the apostles. Remember not to forget your camera!

Soufrieire

Soufriere a town on the west coast of St Lucia and is one of the most picturesque parts of the island, with old wooden buildings at the foot of the spectacular Pitons and rock formations covered in lush vegetation that loom out of the sea. Soufriere itself is a charming old West Indian town dating back to 1713 and was originally founded by the French.

Sulphur Springs

The Sulphur Springs originate from a huge Volcano which was approximately 3 miles in diameter. The Volcano collapsed over 40,000 years ago, leaving the west part of the rim empty  - this is where you drive in from. From the main viewing platforms, you will have the chance to view a moonscape of bubbling, mineral rich, grey mud.

Pigeon Island & Fort Rodney

Owned and managed by the National Trust, the island is of considerable archaeological and historical interest. It was originally occupied by the French pirate Francois Leclerc, followed by the Duke of Montagu who tried to colonise it in 1722, but swiftly abandoned it after one afternoon. Admiral Rodney set sail from here in 1782 to engage with the French Navy. The island was captured by French slaves in 1795 but retaken again by the British in 1798. The island was used for a quarantine centre from 1842 to 1902, when it became a US observation point. The island finally became the home of Josset Huchinson, who leased the island from 1937 till 1976.

Fort Charlotte

Fort Charlotte is the old Morne Fortune fortress, from where you can get an excellent view of the town, coast, mountains and Martinique.

Gros Islet

Gros Islet is normally a sleepy fishing village except on Friday nights when it holds a "street party" from 10pm onwards. This is a great night out, with music, dancing, bars and cheap food, even if a little touristy.

Turtle Watching

Grand Anse beach on the east coast of the island is one of the most important beaches in the Caribbean for the nesting leatherback turtles. Visits to Grand Anse can only be done by organised groups in March - July when the turtles come ashore.

Nightlife

The larger luxury hotel resorts provide entertainment, including dancing, calypso, steel bands, limbo dancers and moonlight barbecues. For those holiday makers looking for some local nightlife, there is a wide selection of good nightclubs and bars on offer around Rodney Bay Marina.

Whale and Dolphin Watching 

Whale and dolphin watching in St Lucia is very popular between the months of June - November. Sperm whales and humpbacks have been frequently seen off the coast of St Lucia.

Diving

There are some very good diving diving points off the west coast of St Lucia, although this is dependant on the weather. Diving on the east coast is not recommended by W&O Travel. One of the best beach dives is off Anse Chastanet beach, where an underwater shelf drops from 10 ft to 60 ft. Scuba St Lucia operates from the hotel. Other dive centres include Buddies Scuba in Rodney Bay, Frogs Diving at Windjammer Resort and Moorings Scuba in Marigot Bay.

Sailing

At Rodney Bay Marina and  Marigot Bay, you can hire any size of craft to sail whereby the larger ones come complete with crew if you wish to also hire them. Many of these yachts sail down to the Grenadines. If you enjoy fishing trips, these can also be arranged. The best way to see St Lucia in all its glory is from the sea, it is recommended to take at least one boat trip in your stay. There are several boat trips which sail down the west coast to Soufriere, where you can stop to visit the famous Volcano, Diamond Falls and the Botanical Gardens and a stop for a swim and snorkel in the warm waters.

Cricket

Cricket and football are the main spectator sports in St Lucia. On the weekends, every village has a cricket game after work in the season, using makeshift equipment in some cases.

Top Shopping Areas

St. Lucia

There are a wide range of options for shopping across the island of St. Lucia. From jewellery to crystal, and handmade goods, there is something for everyone.

Castries
The capital of St. Lucia has boundless opportunities to satisfy all shopping needs. The Castries Craft market is a popular shop for homemade goods. Here you will find authentic paintings, clothing, carvings, and spices, all created by local talent.

La Place Carenage
An air conditioned three storey shopping centre, La Place is a mixture of shopping, dining, and entertainment catering to both tourists and St. Lucia locals. Among the popular island shops, you will also be able to shop duty free in most outlets on the premises.

Pointe Saraphine
The largest duty free shopping complex is at St. Lucia’s main docking station for its endless cruise ships. Here shoppers can purchase duty-free designer perfumes, crystal, china, jewellery, cigars, and clothing as well as homegrown arts and crafts.
 

Citizens of the UK who are spending no more than 30 days in St Lucia do not require a Visa. A return airline ticket is needed, aswell as a full passport valid for at least six months after the return date to the UK.

If you require more assistance please visit or www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

Airport Departure Tax amounts to approximately EC$24 or US$22 per person. Children under 12 pay 50%. Cash Only. Information correct as of April 2011.

In St Lucia the electricity they use is 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are the 2 flat pin type, as in the USA.

If you intend to bring any electrical appliances from home, ensure you have an electrical adaptor.

St Lucia is a very safe island where there is hardly any crime. Harassment from local guides and children at tourist points can be a problem if you are travelling alone, so Western & Oriental Travel recommend taking an organised tour of St Lucia. The use and sale of narcotics is illegal and penalties are severe.

The dry season in St Lucia is between January and April; the rainy season starts in May lasting almost till the end of the year. Rainfall varies as the island is so tropical. Hurricanes can affect the Caribbean during the months of August through to November.
 

AVERAGE CLIMATE IN ST LUCIA

The above table is a guideline and W&O Travel cannot assume responsibility for the statistical information.

The following immunisations are recommended before travelling to St Lucia. Western & Oriental Travel recommend consulting your your GP for upto date information before you travel.

• Typhoid
• Polio
• Hepatitis A

The general dress code in St Lucia is casual. If you’re staying at one of our luxury St Lucia hotel resorts, you may want to pack a few posh frocks or shirts and tie's but generallym shorts and T-shirts are the norm with other holiday makers.

Several airlines fly to St Lucia with the journey taking approximately 8 hours 30 minutes from London.

Virgin Atlantic and British Airways are some of the airlines that fly direct from London Gatwick, Virgin Atlantic touchdown en-route.
 

The offical language spoken in St Lucia is English although many local St Lucians also speak Creole, a French dialect.

We suggest that all our customers review the foreign office advice for St Lucia before they travel. Please use the following link: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD; symbol EC$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. US Dollars are also accepted as legal tender.

GMT - 4 hours

Western & Oriental Travel can arrange transfers and tours around the whole of St Lucia, as well as between airports and hotels. It is possible to see and tour the beautiful island of St Lucia within a couple of days.

January

Anse-La-Raye Seafood Friday - Every Friday
The Village of Anse-la-Raye, located on the west coast just south of Castries offers the alternate Friday Party with its Seafood Friday.

February

Independence Day- 22 February 
On this day St. Lucia celebrates its anniversary of independence from British rule. In 1979 St. Lucia was reborn as an independent state after being a colony of Great Britain.

May

Labour Day - 1 May
A Labour Day is an annual holiday celebrated all over the world that resulted from efforts of the labour union movement, to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers.

St Lucia Jazz Festival - 2 - 10 May
The St. Lucia Jazz Festival has become one of the major and most anticipated events on St. Lucia and the Caribbean's calendar of events. During the month of May, the island dances when music fills the air and tourism takes on a whole new meaning to all.

June

Fisherman's Feast (Fete Peche) - End of June
This is a thanksgiving celebration by the islands’ Fishermen. An early morning mass followed by the ceremonial blessing of the boats, which are richly decorated. It’s very colourful and has a deep significance amongst the local fishermen.

July

St Lucia Carnival - End of July
This Parade brings to a climax the celebration of St. Lucian Carnival. Titles such as Carnival Queen, Calypso Monarch, Panorama Champions, and Party Monarch among others will have already been decided. On these days revellers take to the streets in a bouillon of colour and music as each band strives to capture the coveted title of "Band of the Year".

August

Emancipation Day - 1st Monday in August
Emancipation Day is widely celebrated throughout the English-speaking Caribbean or British West Indies on the first Monday in August. It commemorates the emancipation of slaves in the British Empire on August 1, 1834.

Feast of St Rose De Lima - Last Sunday in August
This is one of two rival floral cultural feasts of St Lucia. It is celebrated primarily in the more rural communities. Participants dress up in costumes and dance in the streets. After attending a religious service, members of each Flower Society parade the streets of their community dressed up in imitations of Kings and Queens, prince and princesses, doctors, nurses, policemen and soldiers.

October

Thanksgiving - 1 October

December

National Day - Festival of Lights and Renewal - 2nd Sunday in December
Formerly Discovery Day, Saint Lucians have always observed and celebrated that National Day for a number of years by going to church services, attending parades and rallies, organizing sports meeting, staging cultural presentations and recently, the focus has been on the spectacle of these cultural presentations in various communities using the visual imagery of light, in its many manifestation as with light sculptures, lantern contests, and other assimilations.

Dates may change without prior notice and W&O Travel reserves the right not to be liable for these changes.

Taxis

Numerous taxis are available from all of the major tourist areas and luxury hotels in St Lucia. Ensure that the fare is fixed with the driver before your journey, so it is always a good idea to double check with hotel staff before you travel as to how much the journey should cost.

Buses 

There are frequent and reliable buses running on standard routes in northern St Lucia from Castries to Gros Islet or to Rodney Bay. 

The services are operated by privately owned, 14-seater minivans and stop at marked bus stops or by flagging one down along the three major bus routes on the coastal road. Buses also stop at other places as long as the driver has enough room to pull over to the side of the road. Speak to the friendly staff at your hotel for more information on the bus number and destination. 

Buses are an affordable way to get around and fares are rarely more than £1.00.

Car rental

Renting a car for a week or even a few days is the perfect way to explore the gorgeous island. This can be done either before travel or locally. Since 2001, there has been a huge programme to improve the roads and several new bridges have been constructed, making touring the mountainous island much easier and safer.

Visitors must obtain a temporary permit in order to drive in St. Lucia. The cost is EC$54, or $20(USD), and the permit is good for three months. A temporary permit can be obtained through car rental companies, the local police, or the immigration desks at either of St. Lucia's airports. Visitors who have an international driving permit do not need to purchase the temporary permit, but the international permit must be stamped at immigration. Western & Oriental Travel recommend finding out prices of the permits and protocol before you travel. 

Bicycles and mopeds

Although a favoured form of transport on other Caribbean islands, in St Lucia this is an option for the super fit due to the mountainous terrain.