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Plan Your Trip to St. Lucia: Best of St. Lucia Tourism

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St. Lucia

The nature is absolutely the draw at this small, eastern Caribbean island—volcanos, rainforests, and black-sand beaches are just par for the course. It might be loved by honeymooners, but St. Lucia is ideal for anyone looking for a relaxing beach holiday, charming island culture, and activities when you want them. For hikers, there’s the lush rainforest, Pigeon Island National Park, and Tet Paul Nature Trail. Over on the west coast of the island, Soufrière, set against the volcanic Pitons, is ripe for exploring: Don't miss its Sulphur Springs and mud baths, beautiful Diamond Botanical Gardens, and the private black-sand beach of Anse Mamin. Get a taste of local cuisine at a bevy of restaurants serving up everything from green figs and salt fish to cassava bread. And be sure to catch an afternoon cricket game plus the popular Gros Islet Fish Fry on Friday nights. Check out more recs below.

Essential St. Lucia

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Travel Advice

How to do St. Lucia in 3 days

Incredible seafood, street parties, and the best sandy beaches
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My favourite things to do in St. Lucia

Whether you want to speed up your heart rate or slow it way down, St. Lucia has plenty of options. I love to get energized with kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, ziplining, and hiking before winding down with a dip in the Sulphur Springs, yoga, meditation, tai chi, forest bathing, or, my personal favourite, the spas that make the most of all the local products.
  • Sulphur Springs
    3,378
    The world’s only drive-in volcano is in St. Lucia’s town of Soufriere. A mud bath in Sulphur Springs is not only fun but playing in the mud will make you feel like a kid again. The mineral-rich mud is said to detox the body and smooth your skin. Some folks have sworn they look and feel younger afterward.
  • Pitons
    1,996
    Trekking the massive volcanic spires of Gros Piton and Petit Piton is not for rookies, but the rewards include epic views of the island, lush greenery, parrot sightings, plenty of swoon-worthy pics, and bragging rights when you go home.
  • Edmund Forest Reserve
    10
    If you don’t feel like braving the Pitons, there’s the 7-mile Edmund Forest Reserve. It’s not nearly as physically challenging as the spires, and there’s plenty to marvel at along the trail, like the highest peak on the island, Mount Gimie, at more than 3,000 feet. This rainforest is also home to En Bas Saut waterfalls.
  • Millet Bird Sanctuary
    47
    Never underestimate the rejuvenating power of nature. I always get a mood boost at the Millet Bird Sanctuary, home to more than 30 species of birds, including parrots, warblers, and orioles. The nearly two-mile trail is moderate and occasionally challenging.
  • Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
    1,812
    St. Lucia has several waterfalls, but a personal favourite is the 17-metre-high Diamond Falls. The waters are laced with minerals because part of its stream comes from rainwater fed from the Sulphur Springs. Make sure to stroll the gardens before taking a dip in the hot springs.
  • St Lucia Bamboo Rafting
    64
    Indulge your adventurous spirit by bamboo rafting on the Roseau River, St. Lucia’s longest and largest waterway. While you work your way through the mangroves, expect to spot birds and butterflies while learning a ton about the island’s natural history from your guide. There are a variety of tours, including ones that involve rum tasting or a Creole-style lunch on the beach.
  • Rainforest Adventures St. Lucia
    942
    Rainforest Adventures tours will get your adrenaline pumping with a canopy zip line course, aerial tram ride, or trail hike. If you’re up for it, doing all three in one day is possible. Just make sure to book a spa visit afterward.
  • Sol Sanctum
    9
    St. Lucia is known around the world for its health-focussed hotels. One of the newest is Sol Sanctum, a family-owned boutique wellness resort. Treat yourself to daily classes like tai chi, meditation, Pilates, and yoga. You can also feast on vegetarian fare and experience alternative therapies such as energy healing.
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St. Lucia travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Water-based Excursions

According to forum posts, popular water-based excursions in St. Lucia include sunset cruises and snorkeling. SeaSpray Cruises and Mystic Man are recommended for boat trips. Additionally, a catamaran ride with Mystic Man is also highlighted as an enjoyable activity.

Land-based Excursions

For land-based activities, travelers have recommended exploring the island's natural beauty through hikes, such as the Tet Paul Trail, and visiting the volcanic mud baths. Other suggested activities include zip-lining, ATV tours, and exploring botanical gardens.

Cultural and Historical Excursions

Forum posts also suggest engaging in cultural and historical experiences like food tours, rum tasting, and visiting historical sites like Pigeon Island. Travelers have called out the importance of experiencing local cuisine and culture to enhance the visit.

Customized Tours

Some travelers prefer customized tours to match their interests, with companies like Serenity Tours offering personalized itineraries that can include visits to local restaurants, historical sites, and natural attractions.

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Popular Restaurants

According to forum posts, some recommended restaurants in St. Lucia include Jacques, which offers French cooking and is located waterside on the Marina, and Big Chef Steakhouse known for its steaks. Amici, now focusing more on pizza and pasta, is also popular among visitors.

Local Cuisine

For those interested in local cuisine, travelers have recommended Dasheene at Ladera and Mango Tree at Stonefield for their use of local ingredients and unique menu offerings. Orlandos in Soufriere is also praised for its personal attention and use of local flavors.

Seafood and Specialties

Seafood lovers might enjoy Saltfish at Green Fig and Trou au Diable, known for their fresh fish and seafood. For a unique experience, Rabot Restaurant at Rabot Hotel incorporates chocolate into their dishes, providing a distinctive culinary experience.

Additional Options

Other notable mentions by travelers include Treehouse at Crystals and Pavilion at Caille Blanc, both offering memorable dining experiences with good food and atmosphere.

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Recommended Resorts

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend Coconut Bay, Rendezvous, and East Winds as top all-inclusive resorts in St. Lucia. Coconut Bay is favored for its proximity to local sights and offers a good balance of adult-only areas and family sections. Rendezvous is highlighted for its intimate, adult-only atmosphere and has been mentioned for its large suites and extensive entertainment options.

Entertainment and Amenities

Travelers have called out BodyHoliday for its inclusion of daily spa treatments and a wide range of activities, making it an excellent option for those looking for a wellness-oriented vacation. East Winds is praised for its high-quality food and luxury accommodations, providing a more upscale all-inclusive experience.

Location and Exploration

Some users pointed out that Serenity at Coconut Bay is ideally located for those looking to explore the island, yet wish to return to a luxurious, all-inclusive environment. This resort combines convenience with high-end amenities, appealing to those who prioritize both adventure and relaxation.

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Accommodation Options

According to forum posts, for honeymooners seeking a luxurious and intimate setting, the Sandals resorts in St. Lucia are recommended due to their couples only, all-inclusive setup with varying amenities across different locations. For those desiring a more unique and serene experience, the Marigot Bay Resort and Calabash Cove offer excellent services, with Calabash Cove being noted for its outstanding food, private plunge pools, and a calm beach.

Activity Suggestions

Some travelers have suggested incorporating a mix of relaxation and adventure into a St. Lucia honeymoon. Popular activities mentioned include hiking the Tet Paul trail, visiting the Sulphur Springs, and enjoying spa treatments at resorts like BodyHoliday, which includes a daily spa treatment in its package.

Local Experiences

For honeymooners interested in local culture and cuisine, Soufriere is a great area to explore, with access to local restaurants and close proximity to natural attractions like rainforests and the iconic Pitons. Travelers have also enjoyed the authentic Lucian food at places like Roots Bar in Marigot Bay.

Travel Tips

Travelers recommend renting a car for greater flexibility and the ability to explore the island independently, noting that driving in St. Lucia can be an adventure due to its mountainous terrain. For sea excursions and deep-sea fishing, companies like Mystic Man Tours and Salty Boat Charters have been positively reviewed.

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Car Rental Companies

Several car rental companies are frequently recommended by travelers on the forum. Popular choices include Drive-a-Matic, Cool Breeze, and St. Rose Auto Rentals. These companies are praised for their service and the quality of their vehicles. Other mentioned options are First Choice Rentals, Islander Car Rentals, and Carz 4 Rent, known for their good rates and reliable service.

Vehicle Options and Services

Travelers have options ranging from standard cars to 4x4 vehicles, suitable for navigating the mountainous terrain of St. Lucia. Companies like Drive-a-Matic and Cool Breeze provide a variety of vehicles and are noted for their comprehensive services. Adventure Leisure Car Rentals is another option, especially popular among tourists staying in Marigot Bay.

Additional Considerations

According to forum posts, some companies deliver vehicles island-wide, which adds convenience for renters. For those over 65, a medical certificate might be required when renting from certain companies, like Drive-a-Matic.

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Amenities Overview

According to forum posts, Royalton St. Lucia offers spacious, modern rooms with features such as huge walk-in showers, double jetted tubs, and large balconies. The resort provides 24/7 room service and complimentary in-room beverages like water, coffee, tea, soda, and juice.

Food and Drinks

Travelers have mentioned that Royalton boasts a robust dining experience with options for no-reservations dining and a large buffet offering top-shelf alcoholic beverages. The resort also ensures a casual dress code for dining.

Recreational Facilities

Posts highlight that Royalton has extensive recreational facilities including huge, uncrowded pools, a splash park for kids, and watersport activities. Entertainment options are decent, contributing to a comprehensive luxury experience.

Additional Comforts

For many users, the convenience of amenities like ample chairs and shade around the pool areas enhances the overall comfort and relaxation provided by the resort.

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Primary Currency

According to forum posts, the official currency of St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). Most transactions within the island are conducted using this currency.

Acceptance of Other Currencies

Travelers have noted that the US Dollar (USD) is also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. However, change is usually given in XCD, which might not be favorable due to varying street exchange rates.

Advice on Currency Exchange

Some travelers recommended exchanging currency at local banks in St. Lucia for better rates rather than using other currencies directly for transactions. This avoids the double conversion fees that might occur if using non-local currencies like Canadian Dollars or Euros.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.