Boasting some of the Caribbean's loveliest mountain scenery, the volcanic island of St Lucia is covered in lush vegetation.
In a nutshell
St Lucia holidays are something special. Combine a sense of wonder with total relaxation and a whole lot of fun, and you’ll get some idea of how it feels to be here. It’s a truly exotic destination, and unbelievably beautiful. No wonder so many couples choose a honeymoon in St Lucia. Gorgeous sandy beaches, brilliant sunshine and sunsets, sparkling water… tropical islands just don’t come more romantic than this!
There’s also lots to do if you’re the adventurous type. You can explore on foot, by mountain bike, or even on horseback. Most of the hotels are on the northwest coast, so we highly recommend you take some excursions round the island to appreciate its diversity. You could even hire a Jeep and drive where the fancy takes you! The famous Pitons are an essential stop, as is the drive-in volcano and botanical gardens. Holidays to St Lucia also have some exciting experiences to offer nature lovers, who may be lucky enough to spot the leatherback turtles who come ashore between mid-March and September to nest.
At night the pace is very relaxed, although Rodney Bay has a wide choice of bars and restaurants with live music and plenty going on.
Sightseeing ideas
Key Events
Feb - Independence Day.
May - St Lucia Jazz Festival - 05-13 May '08.
Jun - St Lucia Golf Open.
Jul - Carnival.
Sep - St Lucia Bill Fishing Tournament.
Nov - Arrival of ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers), the world's largest transatlantic rally for cruisers.
Dec - Festival of Lights.
Getting there
Flight Details - You fly direct from Gatwick or Manchester to Hewanorra international airport in St Lucia with Virgin Atlantic. Local airport departure tax is currently EC$68/US$26 (approx £13) per person and is payable in US or Eastern Caribbean Dollars.
Flight Time - Approx 8 hours 45 min.
Time Difference - GMT -4 hours.
Language - English and Patois.
Currency - Eastern Caribbean Dollar EC$.
Star attractions
- Diamond Mineral Baths and Botanical Gardens
- Pigeon Island NP
- Rodney Bay and Marina
- Sunset Cruises
- Championship Golf
- Snorkelling and Diving
Handy stuff
Local Living
Small beer - £2.20
Loaf of bread - £0.50
Bottle of wine - £16.00
The above are approx local supermarket costs.
Additional info
Great Beaches and Water Sports
St Lucia is blessed with many beautiful sandy beaches. The diving and deep-sea fishing are world class, or enjoy snorkelling in colourful reefs plus windsurfing, water-skiing and parasailing.
Weddings and Honeymoons
A truly romantic destination, St Lucia is the perfect place to exchange your vows. For your honeymoon, we have highlighted our favourite hotels, but many offer little extras like sparkling wine in your room upon arrival.
Explore the Tropical Jungle
Hire an all-terrain vehicle and head through St Lucia's lush countryside for the ride of a lifetime! There are also horseback excursions, mountain bikes for hire and plenty of hiking trails.
Family Fun
Several hotels on the island welcome families with special facilities including kids' clubs and water parks. Kids will also enjoy looking out for humpback whales and turtles, as well as the ruins at Pigeon Island National Park.
FREE Island Experience
Enjoy FREE entrance into Pigeon Island National Park and Heritage Centre - St Lucia's first national park reached from the mainland via a causeway. Its romantic and historical military past will intrigue you.
Total Flexibility
Tailor-make your ideal Caribbean holiday by combining hotels we feature in different destinations. Try a twin- or triple-centre holiday across different islands or combine with a US city or theme park visit.
Weather and climate
