THIS CARIBBEAN ISLAND HAS BLACK SAND BEACHES, SULPHUR SPRINGS AND A DRIVE-IN VOLCANO

With a tropical climate, a mix of golden and black sands, and luxurious resorts, it’s easy to see why St Lucia is known as one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. Here, you can relax on secluded volcanic bays, indulge in spa treatments and unwind in upscale and boutique resorts surrounded by lush vegetation.

This small, laid-back island consists of two distinct regions, offering visitors an impressive selection of beaches, dense jungles, and world-class diving. In the north, Rodney Bay has balmy waters, luxurious resorts, and the famous Friday Jump Up Street Party – with late-night bars blasting reggae and street vendors selling authentic BBQ.

Conversely, Soufrière reigns supreme in the south, surrounded by tropical gardens, a dormant volcano, secluded beaches, and the awe-inspiring Pitons towering above the shoreline. Beyond the sandy beaches and upscale resorts, there are plenty of activities in St Lucia, from ziplining through the lush jungle to hiking to hidden waterfalls and exploring the World’s Only “Drive-in Volcano.”

Here's why you should pack your bags and head straight for St Lucia.

Go diving in colourful coral reefs

This volcanic Caribbean Island offers a range of thrilling adventure activities and water sports, including snorkelling and diving on vibrant reefs. Venture underwater to see exotic fish, coral-encrusted boulders, and shipwrecks at various dive sites. Divers and snorkellers can take full advantage of St Lucia's low currents and excellent visibility to explore a mix of healthy coral and diverse marine life while submerged in balmy waters.

Sea temperatures here range from 26°C in the winter to 29°C in the summer, so you won't need much more than a 3mm shortie to keep warm. While snorkelling is a great activity year-round, the dry season between December and May is ideal for diving for optimal underwater visibility and conditions.

Explore the planted coral nurseries at the Anse Chastanet house reef. Proximity to the shore makes this marine site ideal for diving and snorkelling right off the beach. This marline-life-rich house reef is just 10 metres from the water's edge at the rather swish Anse Chastanet resort and extends over 20 metres.

You'll also find a well-equipped dive shop on-site offering masks and fins, dive trips and PADI courses. Gear up on shore and seek out peacock flounders, puffers, moray eels, turtles and many more species at this pristine site.

Named after its storybook-like qualities, the fairyland dive site is as dreamy as you might imagine. Colourful coral and sponges are plentiful, making Fairyland a perfect spot for underwater photography. Descend, and you'll find a kaleidoscope of colour on the sea floor, along with curious turtles and stingrays.

Visit the world’s only drive-in volcano

Sulphur Springs is a collapsed crater billed as the world’s only drive-in volcano because tourists can drive up to the edge of the bubbling springs. This dormant volcano, part of the Sulphur Springs, last erupted in the late 1700s but remains a hotspot of geothermal activity.

At the popular Soufrière Drive-In Volcano, you can see bubbling mud pools and steaming vents, feel the heat rising from the earth, and be enveloped by the distinctive sulfuric smell, which smells a bit like rotten eggs. Ewwww. One of the best aspects of visiting the Soufrière Volcano is the therapeutic mud baths, the number one rated natural mud baths tour in St Lucia.

First, dip in hot pools, then cover yourself in grey, mineral-rich mud before rinsing off in another pool. This process is said to detoxify the body and alleviate conditions like arthritis and eczema. The mud, rich in sulfur, iron, and copper, makes the skin exceptionally smooth and rejuvenated. Baths vary in temperature, with the hottest pools reaching up to 113°F (45°C).

Zipline through a rainforest

For thrill-seekers, ziplining is another popular activity near the East Winds Resort, and staff can help you organise a visit to Rainforest Adventures, where you can explore St Lucia's lush rainforest reserve via a scenic aerial tram and exhilarating ziplines that take you through the forest, with an expert adventure guide.

Head to Rainforest Adventures in Castries – a 3,442-acre Rainforest in Babonneau, where you can traverse a rainforest reserve via a scenic aerial tram and exhilarating zip lines.

High above the tropical canopy, you can take a zipline tour through dense forest with a professional naturalist guide. Learn more about the plants and wildlife while you whizz through the tropical forest across multiple platforms and lines.

When suspended above the ecological park, watch for elusive mongooses, opossums, and hummingbirds that live among the thick shrubs.

Explore nature trails and beaches by Segway

Why hike up St Lucia's rugged trails when you can roll up them on a guided Segway tour? Lucian Style Experiences will teach you how to ride a Segway like a pro and help you navigate nature trails on two wheels in no time. If you've not ridden one before, a Segway uses sensors and gyroscopes to maintain balance, allowing the rider to move around smoothly and efficiently.

Find balance, glide up a rocky trail on Mount Pimard, and enjoy delicious views of St. Lucia's dramatic West coastline. Along a bumpy, motorised trek, a local guide will point out historical sights and give an insight into St Lucia's colonial past and the bloody battles between the English and the French for control over the island.

Hike the Pitons

Rising dramatically from the azure Caribbean Sea, the Pitons are the towering symbol of St Lucia. Located on the southwestern coast, these twin volcanic peaks, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the rugged remnants of ancient lava flows and pyroclastic deposits.

The hiking route to the summit of the Pitons is a challenging experience for adventurous visitors that will take you through verdant rainforests and winding trails, depending on which Piton you pick – Gros Piton or Petit Piton.

Although Petit Piton is smaller, it's a more strenuous hike – with a nearly vertical ascent, so an experienced guide is highly recommended. Gros Piton is the more accessible and popular peak, taking around 3 to 6 hours to ascend the 3.6 miles of undulating marked trails.

Start your climb early when temperatures are milder, and you'll be rewarded with panoramic ocean views, colourful wildflowers, and elusive wildlife. Looking for a shorter hike? Try the Tet Paul Nature Trail, a less demanding 45-minute trail near the Pitons.

Paddleboard on Caribbean waters

Paddleboarding is becoming popular in St Lucia, and it's easy to see why when you get out on a board. SUP on clear Caribbean waters and explore secluded bays, vibrant reefs, and jungle-covered bluffs as you glide across the lapping waves.

Most Paddleboarding takes place on the more sheltered beaches all along the western coast of Saint Lucia, where waters are calmer, and winds aren't as fierce – meaning a safer experience for newbie paddlers.

Many St Lucian resorts, including East Winds, Jade Mountain, and the Landings, offer complimentary paddle board hire and guided SUP trips.

Marigot Bay on the western coast of St. Lucia is a peaceful spot for a paddle. With a lush green backdrop and glassy waters, it is where you'll find an anchored fleet of million-dollar yachts.

Anse Chastanet Beach allows paddlers to paddle right above their rainbow-coloured house reef, where you can view sponges and marine life from your board.

Discover Waterfalls and Mineral Baths

In the lush landscapes of Soufrière, St. Lucia, the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths are a tropical paradise brimming with colour and history.

Here, you can wander through six acres of vibrant tropical plants, spot exotic birds, and listen to the gentle hum of insects. The star attraction here is the mesmerising and highly photogenic Diamond Waterfall.

This 17-meter-high cascade isn't just any waterfall—its colours shift dramatically, thanks to the rich mineral content fed by the nearby Sulphur Springs. The water sparkles with yellow, green, and brown hues, creating a kaleidoscope effect on the rocks, a truly unbelievable sight.

The history here is just as rich. In 1784, King Louis XVI of France built a bathhouse for his troops to soak in the mineral-rich waters. Now restored and modernised, these baths are believed to help with chronic rheumatism, respiratory issues, and skin conditions.

Imagine bathing in volcanically heated pools, surrounded by nature, feeling the therapeutic properties of minerals like sulfur, copper, and magnesium working their magic. Utter bliss.

Have a yoga session at Jade Mountain.

Uber-luxurious Jade Mountain Resort is located on a tropical 600-acre estate with suites, a spa, infinity pools, restaurants, and many activities. Famous for its Piton views and three-walled rooms, where the lines between outdoor and indoor space are intriguingly blurred.

This swanky sanctuary resort is where travellers with a healthy budget come for a romantic Caribbean escape with personalised service, beach access, gourmet food, and leisure activities.

For pro and aspiring Yogis, complimentary wellness, meditation, and yoga activities are available, from Vinyasa Yoga, Sup Yoga, and couples' yoga to private, paid sessions with an experienced yoga and meditation instructor.

Most Yoga sessions occur on Jade Mountain's Celestial Terrace, where you can admire panoramic ocean views as you move through asanas, control your breathing, and quiet your mind.

Where to stay in St Lucia

St Lucia is also home to many upscale and boutique resorts that offer a dreamy escape from everyday life. Many of the resorts and hotels on the island offer a wide range of activities and can help you plan and book diving trips, rainforest adventures, and guided hiking trips.

East Winds Resort is an intimate, all-inclusive hideaway on La Brelotte Bay. This boutique resort features 30 cottage-style suites in lush gardens, providing a serene and private atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a swim-up bar, a garden spa with organic treatments, and a private white sand beach. The resort is known for its exceptional service, gourmet dining, and peaceful environment, making it perfect for couples and groups of friends who want a relaxing Caribbean break.

Anse Chastanet offers an eco-friendly experience on a 600-acre estate with stunning views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. The resort features individually designed rooms that blend with the natural surroundings, including some with open fourth walls for panoramic views. feeling adventurous? You can try scuba diving, jungle biking, yoga, and guided nature walks here. The beachside and hillside deluxe rooms are spacious, with modern amenities like free WiFi, fancy toiletries, and twice-daily housekeeping.

Jade Mountain elevates luxury with its unique architectural design and unbelievable views. Each sanctuary features an open fourth wall and a private infinity pool, offering unparalleled privacy and spectacular Pitons and the sea vistas. The resort emphasises personalised service, with amenities including fine dining, a spa, and various activities tailored for honeymooners.

The Landings Resort and Spa on Rodney Bay combines uber luxury with family-friendly amenities. This swanky resort offers spacious villa suites with full kitchens, private terraces, and even private hot tubs overlooking the ocean in some suites and rooms. Guests as can enjoy multiple pools, a kids' club, water sports, a spa, and fine dining options.

How to get to St Lucia

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic provide direct flights from London to St. Lucia. British Airways flies from London Gatwick (LGW) to Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in about 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Virgin Atlantic offers similar services from London Heathrow (LHR), with direct flights taking approximately the same duration Both airlines offer various cabin classes, including economy, premium economy, and business class.

Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, several options are available to reach your destination. Taxis are readily available, and the journey to popular tourist areas like Rodney Bay or Soufrière typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Airport shuttles and car rental services are also available for more flexibility during your stay.

For the most seamless experience, booking flights and accommodations as part of an all-inclusive package deal through TUI, Virgin Holidays or British Airways.

2024-08-02T15:05:31Z dg43tfdfdgfd