Saint Lucia, a mango-shaped island, is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide but offers something for everyone. It’s truly nature’s paradise, home to the famous Piton mountains and a lush rainforest fringed by golden sandy beaches. You can spend your days enjoying hiking trails, the volcanic mud baths and swimming in the warm Caribbean Sea. It’s a bird-spotting haven too with five endemic bird species, one of which is the island’s national bird, the Saint Lucia Parrot. Under ancient French law, all beaches on Saint Lucia form part of the King’s Chain, which means that they are public. Many visitors go snorkelling to discover the stunning marine life and coral and Saint Lucia is also home to 22 dive sites so there is plenty to explore beneath the water.
While Saint Lucia’s natural assets are its best feature, a big part of the island’s charm lies in its rich cultural heritage and its people. The vibrant blend of Carib, African, French and English influences every aspect of day-to-day life, from the island’s distinctive Creole cuisine to the French Creole spoken by the locals. Saint Lucia has a rich history of traditional arts and crafts. In Choiseul, a small village south of Soufriere, the local community retain century-old traditions of twining vines into baskets and moulding clay into pots. Venture 30 minutes south of Soufriere to Laborie and step into a Caribbean painting of narrow streets, French colonial architecture and fishing boats. The village is noted for its observance of vibrant Creole culture, black sand beaches and seaweed harvesting. Here, people are proud of ancient traditions. Fishermen still blow into the conch shell to announce their arrival with the day’s catch. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be warmly greeted as you explore Saint Lucia and enjoy warm and genuine hospitality.
Price includes; return direct flights from London Gatwick, private return transfers, 7 nights in eco-certified 4-Star Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, ATOL protection and a FREE £162 donation to the charity of your choice!
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. Take it slow for the rest of the day and relax by the pool and have dinner in the hotel.
Head over to Jade Mountain Resort to explore the coral nurseries of Anse Chastanet Beach by diving or snorkelling. Scuba St Lucia, the dive centre run by Jade Mountain, has partnered up with REEF Rescue Network and Perry Institute for Marine Science to launch two coral nurseries situated right in front of the resort that can be easily accessible from shore, Divers can even help plant and maintain coral here!
Not a diver or snorkeller? Sail along Saint Lucia’s coastline instead aboard the Good Expectation, a Carriacou Sloop, with Just Sail. For over 150 years, hand-built wooden sailing vessels like the Good Expectation traded spices, rum and more across the West Indies. Once a regular sight between the islands, visitors can now relive the nostalgic adventure of this bygone era. During the off-season, Jus Sail also runs a youth training programme to help Saint Lucians gain maritime employment.
This evening, dine in the Beacon restaurant, for delicious food, al fresco dining, and incredible views of the Pitons.
This morning, head out early for bird watching, at the Millet Bird Sanctuary, a haven of bird life in the heart of Saint Lucia. Over 30 species of birds can be found here including five endemic species: the Saint Lucia Parrot, Saint Lucia Black Finch, Saint Lucia Oriole, Saint Lucia Pewee, and Saint Lucia Warbler. This trail provides a breath-taking view of the Roseau Dam, the largest in the Eastern Caribbean. Just 15 minutes from Marigot Bay by car and 45 minutes from the Castries.
After a creole cuisine lunch at Martha’s Table (open between 11:30 am and 3 pm Monday – Friday), visit Pigeon Island, managed by the Saint Lucian National Trust – this wildlife sanctuary features old British Military barracks, beautiful beaches and superb views of Castries. Eat a delicious dinner here before heading back to your hotel.
Today hire a bike and try your hand (and feet) at off-road biking. Eight miles of bike trails have been created through the coconut groves, citrus fruit orchards and 18th-Century ruins of the Anse Mamin Plantation near Soufrière.
If you’d rather take it slow, there are plenty of trails for hiking or walking. You can even climb Gros Piton. It’s a four-hour climb and includes some scrambling, but views from the peak are well worth it.
Stop off at the Coal Pot for delightful Creole and French dishes before returning to your hotel.
Today, visit a local farmers market in Castries. An organisation called Helen’s Daughters aims to get more women (or ‘FarmHers’) into agriculture. Once a month these FarmHers sell their wares at a market in Castries. Pick up souvenirs from handmade soaps to pepper sauces and jams here.
In the afternoon, visit Rabot Hotel owned by Hotel Chocolat and tour a cocoa farm, watch how chocolate is made, and even create your own chocolate with the Bean-to-Bar Experience.
At Sulphur Springs near Soufrière, you’ll be in the middle of a dormant volcano – but don’t worry, the last eruption was in 1766. Today you can see the aftermath of the last eruption, learn about the intriguing geology in an interpretation centre and bathe in mineral-rich pools.
Spend the day by the pool, hit the beach, take a stroll in Diamond Falls Botanical Garden, or ride on a zipline over the Morne Coubaril Estate. Today is your last day in Saint Lucia before returning home, so make it yours.
Feeling inspired? Get in touch with our team of expert travel agents via the button below, or email us at [email protected]. Or take a look at the Sustainable Caribbean Supplement of Charitable Traveller Magazine for more sustainable travel ideas! Don’t forget – every time you book a holiday with us you can donate 5% of the price to the charity of your choice for free!
Fundraising Futures Community Interest Company, Contingent Works, Broadway Buildings,
Elmfield Road, Bromley, Kent,
BR1 1LW. England
Putting our profit to work supporting the work of charitable causes
For the latest travel advice, including security, local laws and passports, visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website.
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