Windward Islands: St. Lucia
Accommodations, Restaurants, Activities and More
Suite and Simple : Episode FLSAS-107
Despite St. Lucia's size, the island offers a variety of quality places to stay, ranging from cozy budget inns to five-star resorts. Host to some of the Caribbean's finest resorts, St. Lucia is a luxury traveler's paradise. One great reason to visit is the food — tropical fruits growing in abundance on the island include mangoes, papayas, pineapples and passion fruit. St. Lucia has also garnered international acclaim for its unique Creole-inspired cuisine.
Consider renting a car to explore the island's natural beauty. If you're wary of braving the island's rugged roads, then explore the fun way — as a passenger in a Jeep Safari, a popular island adventure. And finally, St. Lucia is an excellent gateway to explore more of the Caribbean. Check out the high-speed catamaran service Caribbean Express, a scenic and fast way to jump over to neighboring islands.
Accommodations
St. Lucia is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide. Most of the island's hotels are located in Castries, the capital.
Bay Gardens Hotel
P.O. Box 1892, Rodney Bay, Castries, St. Lucia
758-452-8060
www.baygardenshotel.com
Cost: Rooms start at $100 USD
Charming hotel in Rodney Bay features weekly barbecues and Caribbean Buffets. Reduit Beach, one of St. Lucia's most popular beaches, is a five-minute walk from Bay Gardens. The hotel also offers a wide range of activities including kayaking, tennis, sailing, windsurfing and bird watching.
Anse Chastanet
P.O. Box 7000, Soufriere, St. Lucia
758-459-7000
www.ansechastanet.com
Cost: Rooms start at $210 USD
This hotel is renowned for being one of the Caribbean's most luxurious. Facilities include an art gallery, two restaurants and a water sports center, which includes a diving center. The diving center offers first-class diving and instructional packages for all levels. The hotel also rents cameras, so you'll be able to capture your underwater experience!
Food
St. Lucian cuisine is a combination of fresh produce and seafood. The national dish is Callaloo soup, made from a leafy green that tastes similar to spinach.
The Great House
Cap Estate, Gros Islet, St. Lucia
758-450-0450
Cost: Moderate to expensive
This beautiful restaurant overlooks the sea in scenic Gros Islet. The menu consists of French cuisine with Creole and international influences. Entrees range in price from $20-$40 USD.
Spices at Bay Gardens Hotel
P.O. Box 1892, Rodney Bay, Castries, St. Lucia
758-452-8060
Cost: Inexpensive
This restaurant, popular with local, serves tasty and inexpensive fare prepared with local chefs using delicious fresh produce.
The Green Parrot
Red Tape Lane, Morne Fortune, Castries, St. Lucia
758-452-3399
Cost: Moderate to expensive
Food at this excellent eatery is a combination of Continental and Caribbean under the direction of Chef Harry, a local fixture with restaurant training and experience in London. Entrées range in price from $15-$40 USD. The Green Parrot is open daily from 7 a.m. until midnight.
Activities
When renting a car, you'll need a temporary driver's license. Buy one at the airport or car rental agency. Explore the island on a "Jeep Safari." Ask at your hotel about excursions to St. Lucia's rainforests.
The popular Friday night party at Gros Islet is known as the "Jump Up."
The St. Lucian Jazz Festival
Around The Island
www.stluciajazz.org
Cost: Varies
The 2004 St. Lucian Jazz Festival will take place from May 7th-May 16th. Billed as the "best party in the Caribbean," the island comes alive for days with live concerts, street fares and great shopping. Log on to find out about events and where to purchase tickets.
LeSPORT Spa
Cariblue Beach, Around The Island.
800-544-0368
www.thebodyholiday.com
Cost: Varies
Exclusive Spa resort located in St. Lucia. There are many different treatments available — check the website for a list of treatments and prices.
St. Lucia Helicopter Tour
P.O. Box 2047, Gros Islet, St. Lucia, West Indies
758-453-6950
www.stluciahelicopters.com
Helicopter tour company
Cost: $260 USD for a 60-minute island tour
Anse Chastanet's Diving Center, Scuba St. Lucia
P.O. Box 7000, Soufriere, St. Lucia
758-459-7000
www.ansechastanet.com
Cost: $76 USD
The Anse Chastanet's Diving Center, or Scuba St. Lucia, is known as one of the best in the Caribbean. All Instructors are Scuba Certified. Ask the concierge at your hotel for information on various water packages. The center also rents out camera equipment to take pictures while you scuba!
Travel
Jeep Rental
St. Lucia National Car Rental
758-450-8721
Cost: $88 USD per day
Explore the island on a "Jeep Safari." Ask at your hotel about excursions to St. Lucia's rainforests. There are a number of jeep rental agencies throughout the island.
St. Lucian Temporary Driving Permit
Cost: $14 USD per day, or $20 USD for a 3-month general license
A temporary St. Lucian Driver's License is mandatory if you're planning on driving around the island. These can be purchased at the airport, car rental agency or from the police station, and no driving test is needed.
Ferry ride to Pigeon Island
Cost: $9 USD
A number of companies offer the short service ride to Pigeon Island. Many of the hotels have a complimentary service, so be sure to ask your hotel for details.
Next: Cook Islands, New Zealand
| 
)
