St. Lucia, often celebrated as the “honeymoon capital of the Caribbean,” is renowned for its luxurious hotels and resorts nestled among picturesque hillsides and beaches. Regularly lauded by Travel + Leisure readers as a top Caribbean island, St. Lucia offers a slice of paradise. For those seeking the latest in Travel + Leisure News, this island consistently makes headlines as a premier destination.
However, St. Lucia’s appeal extends far beyond romantic getaways. Angela Torille, Director of Sales and Marketing at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, notes a shift in perception. “St. Lucia was once primarily marketed as a ‘sea and sand’ destination,” she explains, “but that narrative is evolving.”
The island’s diverse landscape boasts renowned hiking trails through lush forests, world-class diving sites, and a burgeoning local culinary scene with farm-to-table dining experiences that are attracting a wider range of travelers. James Wyndham of Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, describes it as “a bit of a sleeping giant.” He adds, “Just when you think you’ve grasped the essence of this island, it surprises you with something new.” St. Lucia is increasingly featured in travel + leisure news for its multifaceted attractions.
Top 5 Must-Experience Activities
- Jade Mountain: This award-winning resort is famed for its expansive suites featuring private infinity pools that perfectly frame the iconic Pitons.
- The Pitons: These UNESCO-designated volcanic peaks are not only a defining feature of the island’s landscape but also offer challenging and rewarding hiking opportunities.
- Orlando’s: Experience authentic St. Lucian cuisine at its finest in the eponymous restaurant of one of the island’s leading local chefs.
- Soufrière: This charming coastal town, nestled between the majestic Pitons, is a hub of natural beauty and award-winning local dining.
- Ferry Travel: Opt for scenic ferry transfers from the airport to your resort, and explore neighboring islands for a unique Caribbean travel experience.
Best Hotels & Resorts
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Jade Mountain
Jade Mountain redefines luxury with its expansive, open-air sanctuary suites, eliminating the fourth wall to maximize the stunning views of the Pitons and the refreshing sea breezes. This mountaintop retreat provides unparalleled seclusion, making it an ideal haven for honeymooners. Guests can luxuriate in private infinity pools and enjoy personalized butler service, creating an almost unreal escape. It’s no surprise that travel + leisure news consistently ranks Jade Mountain among the world’s top hotels, including its recognition as one of the 100 best hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure readers this year.
Anse Chastenet
Established in 1974, Anse Chastenet has cultivated a loyal following of guests who return year after year, drawn to its enduring charm and continuous enhancements. This luxury boutique resort, sharing a 600-acre estate with its sister property, Jade Mountain, boasts an impressive array of amenities. These include 12 miles of bespoke trails, the 20-acre organic Emerald Estates Farm, an intimate spa, a dedicated chocolate laboratory, and even a curated art gallery. Anse Chastenet continually earns accolades in travel + leisure news for its commitment to excellence.
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
Nestled on a serene sugar-sand bay between the iconic Pitons, Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, offers arguably the most breathtaking vantage point in one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. Guests are spoiled for choice, deciding between indulging in the resort’s extensive amenities across its 100-acre property or exploring the myriad of activities designed to showcase the best of St. Lucia. Sugar Beach frequently captures attention in travel + leisure news as a must-visit Caribbean destination.
Cap Maison Resort & Spa
Cap Maison Resort & Spa, a family-owned boutique resort, offers an atmosphere of privacy and seclusion, despite its convenient location near some of the island’s most vibrant areas. This newly recognized Relais & Chateaux property also presents an exceptional culinary journey, spearheaded by its award-winning Executive Chef, Craig Jones, making it a highlight in travel + leisure news for food enthusiasts.
Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences
Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, a long-time favorite island destination, underwent an ambitious renovation last year, resulting in revamped accommodations and the introduction of elevated wellness and culinary experiences. This 65-acre beachfront property features luxurious villa accommodations and close proximity to the lively Rodney Bay, making it a popular choice for multi-generational travel, while still attracting honeymooners. Windjammer Landing is often featured in travel + leisure news as a versatile and appealing resort option in St. Lucia.
Best Things to Do
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Hike Gros Piton
Embark on a surprisingly challenging two-hour hike to the summit of Gros Piton, considered one of the Caribbean’s most iconic hikes. Karolin Troubetzkoy, Executive Director of Marketing and Operations at Jade Mountain and Anse Chastenet, advises, “Ensure your guide takes you to the northern viewing platform. It’s less frequented, yet the panoramic views of the island are even more breathtaking.” For a less strenuous hike with equally stunning vistas, she recommends the Tet Paul Nature Trail, nestled between the two peaks. Hiking Gros Piton is a highlight often covered in travel + leisure news about St. Lucia.
Visit Sulphur Springs
Experience the raw power of St. Lucia’s volcanic origins at the island’s Sulphur Springs, concealed amidst jungle rivers and waterfalls near Soufrière. Famously known as the world’s only “drive-in volcano” due to its unparalleled accessibility, these massive, steaming fissures are a must-see. Wyndham suggests, “A visit is incomplete without a detoxifying mud bath in the naturally heated pools.” Sulphur Springs is a unique attraction often featured in travel + leisure news about St. Lucia’s natural wonders.
Sample Local Chocolate
St. Lucia is gaining recognition in the Caribbean for its burgeoning artisan chocolate industry. Visit Cacoa Sainte Lucie for immersive bean-to-bar chocolate-making workshops and experiences. Their gourmet creations make for perfect, authentic souvenirs. The rise of St. Lucian chocolate is increasingly highlighted in travel + leisure news.
Explore Pigeon Island National Landmark
“The French and British fiercely contested this strategic location for years,” explains Torille, referring to the 44-acre island reserve on St. Lucia’s western coast, “and you’ll instantly understand why.” Climb to the summit of the ruins of the island’s 18th-century fort for sweeping views across the sea towards neighboring islands. Enhance your visit with a picnic lunch enjoyed on the pristine, untouched beaches. Pigeon Island’s historical significance and beauty are often mentioned in travel + leisure news about St. Lucia.
Go Diving
St. Lucia’s dramatic volcanic past has created underwater canyons and caverns, making the island a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving. Dive sites are scattered around the island’s coast, with many charters heading to the bay between the Pitons off Sugar Beach. The resort features a PADI-certified dive center, led by the president of the St. Lucia Divers Association, ensuring a safe and high-quality diving experience. St. Lucia’s diving scene is frequently showcased in travel + leisure news for underwater adventures.
Best Restaurants
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Orlando’s
Chef Orlando Satchell, previously heading the kitchen at one of St. Lucia’s most prestigious resorts, now helms his own eponymous restaurant and bar on the island’s west coast. The cozy, unpretentious setting allows his multi-course menus, brimming with sustainably sourced ingredients and authentic Caribbean flavors, to truly shine. Orlando’s is a culinary gem often praised in travel + leisure news.
Coal Pot
Coal Pot, a long-standing marina-front eatery in St. Lucia’s capital, offers a delightful fusion of Caribbean and French cuisines. Its enduring popularity with both locals and visitors is a testament to its quality. Don’t miss Coal Pot’s sister restaurant, The Pink Plantation, for Creole-inspired dishes served in a historic, 150-year-old estate. Coal Pot’s legacy is often recognized in travel + leisure news about St. Lucia’s dining scene.
The Treehouse Restaurant
Anse Chastenet’s Treehouse Restaurant presents two distinct farm-to-table menus: Balawoo, featuring rich, tropical-inspired flavors, and Emerald, showcasing the island’s best vegan dishes. The restaurant’s open-air treehouse terrace offers breathtaking views of the Pitons amidst lush island foliage, creating a memorable dining experience frequently mentioned in travel + leisure news.
Dasheene
Led by award-winning local chef Nigel Mitchel, Dasheene is celebrated for its innovative St. Lucian-French fusion fine dining, utilizing locally-grown ingredients to create a unique culinary experience on the island. The restaurant is located within Ladera, another renowned luxury resort on the island’s southwest coast. Dasheene’s culinary excellence is often highlighted in travel + leisure news.
The Naked Fisherman
Experience elevated “toes-in-the-sand” dining at The Naked Fisherman, where you can savor perfectly crispy conch fritters and Creole barbecue on the idyllic cove beach below Cap Maison Resort & Spa. Sunsets over the water are particularly sublime, especially during special events like seafood boils or live music Sundays. The unique beachside dining at The Naked Fisherman is often featured in travel + leisure news.
Best Times to Visit
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The ideal time to visit St. Lucia is between December and April, offering sunny skies and warm, yet not excessively hot, days. While these months are the island’s peak season, St. Lucia’s popularity with honeymooners ensures hotels are often booked year-round. Travel + leisure news often recommends this period for optimal weather.
Visitors may find more affordable hotel rates during the wetter off-season, from May to November. These months bring the added charm of a lush, tropical landscape, making the occasional afternoon showers a worthwhile trade-off. Budget-conscious travelers might find value in off-season travel, as noted in travel + leisure news travel tips.
For culturally inclined travelers, early May is the time for the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, a nearly two-week event showcasing local and international musicians and artists across the island. Travel + leisure news frequently covers cultural events like the Jazz Festival as travel attractions.
In July, St. Lucia celebrates Carnival with a week of vibrant festivities fueled by the local Dennery Segment music scene. While not as large as some other Caribbean carnival celebrations, it’s a memorable party to plan your trip around. Carnival in St. Lucia is a highlight often mentioned in travel + leisure news covering Caribbean festivals.
The Best Times to Visit the Caribbean for Beautiful Weather, Fewer Crowds, and Lower Prices
How to Get There
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By Plane
Despite its small size, St. Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is well-connected, offering direct flights from numerous East Coast cities. Major airlines like Delta, Jet Blue, United, and increasingly American Airlines provide frequent flights throughout the year. St. Lucia also benefits from strong regional connections via Caribbean airlines, many of which fly into the smaller George F.L. Charles Airport near the capital. Travel + leisure news often reports on flight accessibility to popular destinations like St. Lucia.
For those seeking ultimate luxury travel, Tradewind Aviation offers direct private charter flights to the island from various locations across the U.S. and the Caribbean, including nearby islands like St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Puerto Rico. Private jet travel options are sometimes highlighted in travel + leisure news for luxury travelers.
By Ferry
While island hopping is not as prevalent in the Caribbean as one might expect, ferry services between St. Lucia and Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Martinique offer a viable option on a smaller scale. Ferries operate daily on a scheduled basis, but availability may vary seasonally, so it’s advisable to confirm with your hotel or resort when planning your itinerary. Ferry travel options are occasionally mentioned in travel + leisure news covering Caribbean transportation.
Places to Visit
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The Northwest Coast
St. Lucia’s northwest coast is the island’s commercial hub, including its capital, Castries. This area hosts a concentration of resorts, including many of St. Lucia’s larger all-inclusive properties. Torille recommends, “Visiting Rodney Bay is essential if you’re interested in venturing beyond your resort to experience local cuisine, shopping, or nightlife.” Coastal regions and resort areas are common topics in travel + leisure news destination guides.
The Southwest Coast
The more tranquil and unspoiled southwest coast is home to the dramatic Pitons, jungle trails with waterfalls, and smaller, ultra-luxurious boutique resorts. On your way to Sulphur Springs, be sure to explore the town of Soufrière; dining at Orlando’s and browsing Zaka Art Café are excellent additions to an island excursion. Unique towns and attractions like Soufrière are often featured in travel + leisure news destination spotlights.
The East Coast
St. Lucia’s rugged Atlantic coast, characterized by wave-battered shores, remains largely undeveloped for tourism, preserving its stunning natural landscapes. Wyndham suggests, “Guided ATV expeditions and trail walks along the eastern coast are popular with adventurous visitors seeking a less explored experience than the well-known Pitons.” Off-the-beaten-path destinations and adventure travel are increasingly popular in travel + leisure news.
How to Get Around
Rental Cars and Taxis
Taxis are the most prevalent mode of transport for visitors in St. Lucia. While fares can be relatively expensive, taxis eliminate the stress of navigating the island’s winding mountain roads and narrow valley passes.
For the adventurous and independent traveler, rental cars are available through international and local companies at the airport and in larger towns.
Water Taxis
St. Lucia’s breathtaking scenery is amplified when viewed from the water. Utilizing water taxis for travel along the tranquil west coast is a fantastic and scenic alternative, especially if a snorkeling trip or sunset cruise isn’t already on the agenda. Water taxis are also available from the international airport to many west coast resorts, providing a memorable start to your St. Lucia vacation. Unique transportation options like water taxis are sometimes highlighted in travel + leisure news travel tips.
