St Lucia

This intimate little island located in the Eastern Caribbean chain between Martinique and St. Vincent is the sort of place that explorers dream of. If you had to look for St Lucia on a map, look North of Barbados for the Mango shaped stretch of land. At only 27 miles long, it is a lush, tropical and unspoiled paradise. With its devastatingly beautiful scenery, it is of little wonder that the island was voted as “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination”, not once, but eight times by the World Travel Awards

The exotic landscape is mostly due to the island’s earlier volcanic influences. The island really has it all as far as scenery is concerned. Think dense jungles, blooming wild orchids and man-size ferns, cascading waterfalls, sulphur springs, and of course, stretches of white sandy beaches.

Two dramatic coastal peaks, called the Pitons rise a whopping 2000 feet from the sea, towering over the jungle. These rainforests offer a safe-haven where endangered tropical birds like the colorful St. Lucia Parrot can flourish. Were the forests ends, orchards of banana and mango trees start.

The climate is mostly temperate, with a cooling breeze that rolls in from the Caribbean. Visitors can expect temperatures ranging between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit from December to May and 75-95 degrees from June to November, so pack cool light clothes. Take note however, beachwear is not appreciated unless you are actually on the beach.

The history of the island is a little on the hazy side. St Lucia was originally inhabited by Arawak Indians around 200 AD, but their culture has been superseded by the arrival Europeans. It was commonly accepted that Christopher Columbus discovered the island, but the infamous explorer could not take credit. He merely sailed close by. In any case, regardless of who discovered the island first, there were no European influences established until a scallywag buccaneer stumbled across the island in the late 1500’s. And as it goes with settlements, the English and the French were soon to follow in order to gain a foothold on the new land.

This rich history of changing hands and merging cultures made St Lucia into what we see today. Aged colonial fortresses, small fishing villages and local open markets dot the coastline. The local cuisine is an eclectic mix, inspired by all those who participated in its history. Here you can dine one French food from a Creole menu in the British quarter, but local food has a distinct Creole flair. You can expect dishes like callalloo (think leafy greens like spinach), curries and pepperpot stew, typically washed down with a locally produced dark rum cocktail. Dining is usually al fresco, made complete with the islands natural beauty as a backdrop.

The holiday vibe in St Lucia is not limited to daytime. In fact, the island really wakes up after sunset, when you can really let your hair down, Caribbean style.  The nightlife is pumping and vibrant with bars, live music venues and clubs all along the waterfront. If you fancy something more sophisticated, visit one of the many lounges for the soothing sounds of jazz. There is excitement and a sense of jubilation all year round, from carnival parades to music festivals. The Atlantic Rally that takes place in November provides for quite the spectacle as cruisers race towards the finish line.

When it comes to activities, travelers are spoiled for choice. There is something for everyone, whether you fancy yourself a treasure hunter in the making, or simply wish to relax and soak up the sun.

The shorelines are protected, ensuring pristine coral reefs with a healthy and diverse marine life that is a dream come true for diving enthusiasts.

A landscape like is beckoning to be explored and there are many ways to go about it, be it on foot, horseback, or by pedaling through the streets on a bicycle. And let’s not forget about the historical ruins playing guards over the island’s coastline. The island also possess state of the art facilities for a round of golf, tennis, sailing or anything else you might fancy

Your budget should determine your lodgings, but there is something to cater to every budget under the sun. You can even pitch a tent at the Anse Liberte camp site, but this option might be just a tad impractical for travelers flying from abroad. For decent midrange options, guest houses and modest hotels offer the best deal, but do not exclude the option of private apartment rentals. These candy colored cottages will usually offer guests the best value for money. However, for those who wish to travel in ultimate luxury and style, there are plenty all-inclusive resorts and spas that will see to it that your every whim is catered to.

Overall, the dazzling beauty of the island mixed with a rich culture makes St Lucia a perfect destination that does not have to break the bank. Regarding the practicalities, the currency here is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which exchanges roughly for EC2.65 to the US Dollar, even if the US currency is readily accepted all over the island. Crime is not really a concern or prevalent here, but do not tempt fate by waving big wads of cash around. If you have your wits about you, and a dash of common sense, you will not run into any trouble at all.