The beautiful Caribbean island of Saint Lucia is known for warm calypso rhythms, hundreds of types of juicy mango, a hot tropical climate and the majestic Pitons. Every year this destination is becoming more and more popular among tourists. And it’s easy to see why. In addition to its longstanding treasures, the island is rapidly developing new attractions and opportunities for regulars and first time visitors alike.

With our world increasingly permeated by high-tech, it is refreshing to witness the simplicity of live. In St. Lucia you can find some of the best resorts in the world, but you can also find small villages where the locals indulge in the beautiful nature that surrounds them. If you ask a native, ‘What do you like in St. Lucia the most?’ The answer is simple: “The beautiful weather, no pollution, the Caribbean Sea and our authenticity…”

Now it’s your turn to experience St. Lucia and all it has to offer.
 
EVENTS

St. Lucia Carnival
Each July the island hosts an event that fills attendees with smiles
and joy – the St. Lucian Carnival.
Music, exotic carnival costumes,
the parade, and the excitement around every street corner make this a memorable event – fun for everyone.
www.luciancarnival.com

St. Lucia Jazz Festival
The true fans of jazz already know that every May the island hosts one of the biggest festivals in the Caribbean – The Saint Lucian Jazz Festival. Going back 20 years, the sponsors came up with the idea to organize an exciting annual musical event to attract more visitors and improve the travel industry. Since then, each year locals and tourists fall in love with this magnificent event and make the month of May the most popular time to visit the island.
www.stluciajazz.org

WHERE TO STAY

Jalousie Plantation Resort
A forty-five minute drive south from Hewanorra International Airport and here it is – Jalousie Plantation Resort. While the property spans a huge territory, the resort only has 78 accommodations making it feel even more exclusive and private. Jalousie is often frequented by celebrities, lords and barons.
One of the hotel’s fixtures is a unique mixture of luxury high-end service around the alluring beauty of nature.
There are three types of accommodations, all designed differently and quite fashionable and elegant. The lobby has a game room and bar that exudes glamour and sophistication. Every wall is decorated with art by local and international artists. And anyone interested can buy a specific piece it at the gallery’s website (www.sugarbeachgallery.com)

At the Jalousie Spa all visitors get a complementary 15 minute foot massage upon arrival.
And thanks to executive chef Cupertino Ortiz, the food is another reason to choose Jalousie. From the first bite of a fresh tuna or grilled octopus it is obvious that seafood is more than special here. As we were told, all the fish was still swimming in the morning before arriving atop the plates!
Jalousie Resort will change its name to Sugar Beach Resort by the end of the year. While the name will change the resort’s substance won’t. It will surely remain a special escape from a hectic world.
www.jalousieplantation.com

Rendezvous
Rendezvous a romantic and intimate resort tailored for couples. Having a 47-year history, Rendezvous is considered one of the most romantic places in St. Lucia. A living proof of this romantic gateway’s reputation – per General Manager Yhasmine Remy’s words – is a loyal guest couple who have been coming back to this incredible place for 45 years!

What differentiates this resort from many others is the delicious food, the intimate environment and the friendly and warm service. As a sign of the intimate mood there are no TV’s in the guests’ room – the owners believe that on vacations the trappings of the routine world can destroy the atmosphere of love and coziness.

Speaking of coziness don’t forget to experience the different spa treatments, and especially the highly recommended Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage – a rhythmic technique which has been practiced for hundreds of years.

Furthermore, Rendezvous is a great place for weddings or honeymoons. By the end of your stay there is not much else to say other than “I love it here!”
www.theromanticholiday.com

Cap Maison
For those who would like to experience the Smugglers Cove beach in St. Lucia’s Cap Estate on the north, Cap Maison is one of the best options.  As a sign of customer’s loyalty there is a library where many guests leave their books to finish them upon their return.
Situated at the top of the cliff, the hotel’s restaurant has a majestic panoramic view with a light breeze that immerses you an atmosphere of delight.

Finally, for special private events guests may enjoy the beautiful evening in the privacy of a small wooden deck right below the restaurant surrounded by sea. The surprising part is that they are getting their drinks via special zip line dangling from the top!
www.capmaison.com

Morgan Bay Resort
If you are looking for the casual all-inclusive resort with a family friendly environment you may think about Morgan Bay Resort. The beautiful beach, pools and variety of water activities will give you and your kids plenty of wonderful moments.
www.morganbayresort.com

IN A CLASS BY ITSELF

Jade Mountain & Anse Chastenet
One of the best resorts in the world is located in St. Lucia. Jade Mountain is a spectacular resort for which words fall short. It truly has to be experienced – or at least visited.  Descriptive paragraphs here will do it no justice and therefore we will devoting 6 pages of our new magazine and a full page on our website to attempt to capture the uniqueness and beauty of this special place.
For now visit the website www.jademountain.com

WHAT TO DO

Sulphur Springs
Located on the west side of the island – Soufriere is hiding one of the most fascinating natural landmarks of St. Lucia – the drive-in volcano and Sulphur Springs. Thousands rush to this incredible place to get a mud bath which is known for its unbelievable medical effects.
A tour guide can be provided on demand and don’t forget to purchase the volcano soap.
Finally, from the logistical standpoint, getting there on a boat from any of the coves is always more exciting and romantic.

Rain Forest Adventures
Rain Forest Adventures is a well-known ecotourism park chain in Central America and the Caribbean and a ‘must’ in St. Lucia if you like your vacation with a dose of adrenaline.

You’ll love the zip line. It doesn’t require special skills or being in a particularly good physical shape – and that’s what makes Rain Forest inviting for everybody. The park having has many activity options that  can be enjoyed day or night.
www.rainforestadventure.com/st_lucia_tours_excursions/

 SHOPPING

To experience the real taste of St. Lucia visit the Castries Market – one of the most authentic places on the island. Every Saturday all true shopaholics find themselves in a genuine paradise. Different handmade goods and long aisles of vegetable and fruit fares make it difficult to watch your budget. It is also a good opportunity to try local St. Lucian apples and plums that differ from those we can find in the US.  Castries Market is truly the place to have a genuine St Lucian experience.

NIGHTLIFE
To explore the nightlife of St. Lucia just head over to the weekly “Jump up” street party in Gros Islet. Every Friday locals get together to dance, drink, eat and dance again all night long. Be aware of the crowds and atmosphere of camaraderie but at the same time be prepared to have a lot of fun. This is a great opportunity to experience the local lifestyle of the rhythms and “dirty” dances.

Saint Lucia is a great place to go for a Caribbean vacation, honeymoon or special occasion.
While we can provide many arguments supporting this conclusion, as one famous novelist said: “People never learn anything by being told, they have to find out for themselves.”
Following Paulo Coelho’s advice don’t wait too long and head to your next destination… to St. Lucia.

For more informativon visit www.stlucianow.com

Photos Courtesy of ST. LUCIA TOURIST BOARD