If there is something invigorating, it is taking a vacation in a beautiful, serene place. When looking for a vacation destination, you should consider style, luxury, peace and fun. After all, this is the time to let loose and forget all everyday troubles for a while. Your body, mind and soul should be in harmony as you enjoy everything good that the world has to offer. One place you can get all this is St Lucia.
This Caribbean Island is considered one of the most beautiful. Whether you want to go for a relaxing trip in the sun or an incredible opportunity to have an experience of a new culture, St Lucia will give you an unforgettable time. This island is surrounded by dramatic scenery with its beautiful white shores, volcanic landscapes and dense rainforest. There are also resorts scattered all across the island, and tourists get to enjoy exploring some of their most protected coves. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the warm hospitality of it's residents or hike in incredible scenery, this picturesque island has it all.
Black and White Beaches
Due to the volcanic past of this island, some of its beaches have black sand. However, do not let this deter you as white sandy beaches are also commonplace. The fact that this island offers visitors both worlds make it even more desirable. Sunbathe at one of its many beaches or go for a long swim in its crystal clear waters. Or if you love an adrenaline rush why not try surfing? The beaches are also lined with restaurants, resorts and shops and for those who would rather be in a secluded area, try palm-shaded coves like the Anse Chastanet.
You might also like Destination Guide: Ibiza.
Festivals
Another great thing to experience on this beautiful island is one of its many thrilling festivals, mingling with the locals and seeing their rich culture first-hand. Just like any other Caribbean country, St. Lucia loves to unite locals and tourists in celebrations. In May each year, people get to celebrate the St. Lucia Jazz Festival. This festival has grown to become one of the world’s most popular jazz celebrations since it offers world-class performances.
In July, a carnival takes place in Saint Lucia. It features an energetic spectacle of music, street dance, parades, pageantry, song and theatre. Some of the carnival’s highlights include bands that compete in calypso and the carnival queen crowning event.
Water Activities
Both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea offer tourists with many options when it comes to water activities. In Saint Lucia, there are many trips, equipment rentals, lessons and boat charters that you can enjoy whilst on holiday here. The most popular water sports include snorkelling, windsurfing, parasailing, surfing and water-skiing. Anglers are also not left behind. The waters around this island offer big-game fishing for priced white marlin, sailfish, mackerel and barracudas.
There are also many renowned dive sites that include underwater volcanoes, shipwrecks full of corals and sponges and coral reefs. These waters also house thousands of schools of tropical fish, turtles, stingrays, seahorses and nurse sharks. If you prefer not to venture underwater, consider going for whale and turtle watching trips. There are loads of species to see, including spotted dolphins, sperm whales and humpbacks.
Exotic Tours
Have you ever imagined a drive-in volcano? Well, you can see it in reality in Saint Lucia. It has the only volcano in the world where you can actually go for a drive in. The spot is considered the most popular in the whole of St Lucia. Although it smells of rotten eggs due to its high levels of sulfur, the breathtaking views will be worth the experience. Visitors are also permitted to take baths in nearby hot springs and take mud baths near the volcano.
Get on your hiking boots and explore the massive rainforest. Any nature lover will enjoy the incredible views that it has to offer together with lovely surrounding nature. Take a breath of fresh air as you walk through the forest. If you after more of a thrilling experience, consider the Treetop Adventure Park. It features suspension bridges among the tropical trees and they also offer zip lining. And for the foodies out there, a chocolate tour might be just what you're looking for, where you get to discover how chocolate is made, right from bean to bar.
Tasty Cuisine
Although small, this island has a lot of delicious food waiting to be sampled and seafood is a big part of it. For a romantic evening, it's the perfect place to book a lobster dinner with your loved one on the beach as you watch the sunset. Other popular fish dishes on the island include grilled tuna, snapper and mahi-mahi. Their local flavours will simply take your taste buds to another level. Definitely be sure to try the conch fritters in their spicy Caribbean sauce! Also, sample the green figs and salt fish or a meal of breadfruit with callaloo soup. These delicacies are a must try whether you are a foodie or not. And wash it all down with some of the fine St Lucian rum!
Have you ever been to St Lucia? Or is it now firmly on your bucket list?