St Lucia holiday travel

St Lucia is a laid back and charming Caribbean island that receives direct flights from Europe, yet doesn’t have an overly commercial tourist character. This small island sits in the middle of the Windward West Indies and boasts fabulous beaches, a party atmosphere and some historic ruins.

Where to stay – hotels

Most of the popular hotels in St Lucia are situated in the well developed Rodney Bay area and Reduit Beach, with its mariner and restaurants. Choc Bay, just north of Castries is another St Lucia area with hotels. Be sure to secure your rooms in advance by booking St Lucia hotels online.

There are also some exclusive hotels in the South of St Lucia. Marigot Bay is an exclusive postcard-perfect bar with a couple of hotels. St Lucia also has some excellent dive spots and hotels are found near these at Soufriere. A selection of hotels in St Lucia, such as Sandals, Windjammers and Morgan Bay resort can be found by clicking here.

Hotels in St Lucia are almost all resorts providing the full complement of facilities, such as tropical swimming pools, beachfront loungers, tennis, water sports, airport transfers and all meals on site. A St Lucia hotel can usually organise boat trips and island tours.

What to do

St Lucia’s Pigeon Island, North of the small typically Caribbean village of Gros Islet, retains 17th century ruins that tell the story of the English colonisation of the island and it’s tug of war with France to control the islands of the region. It’s definitely worth exploring.

Castries is a delightful Caribbean capital squashed between a natural harbour and hilly amphitheatre. It’s a safe and relaxed town, one of the most attractive in the Caribbean, and has some interesting markets for you to go shopping for souvenirs.

Soufriere is a small fishing village on the south side of the island where you will find some of the best diving in the Caribbean at Anse Chastenet. There are also two extraordinary conical peaks called Pitons that are climbable.

Sailing is a must on the islands and day trips can be arranged from Rodney Bay. Water sports are also offered along Reduit Beach.

What to see – by car hire

Car hire in St Lucia is the safest and most convenient way to get around, even if you only spend a day exploring the small island. Car hire in St Lucia can be arranged online and includes well known names such as Avis and Hertz.

Marigot Bay is gorgeous, with its palm lined sand bar beach at the entrance and peaceful hidden bay. Make sure you hire a car to see this one (it’s off the main transport route) and stop off here for a swim and a cocktail.

A lush tropical forest runs along the ridge that traverses the centre of St Lucia and by car hire you can find your way to one of the many walking trails off the main road that crosses the interior. More on St Lucia car hire.

Diamond Botanical gardens is found near Soufriere in the south and boasts some delightful tropical species. There are also hot springs in the area.