A WEEK IN ST. LUCIA

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. 

About a month ago, my husband, brother-in-law, dear friend and I packed our bags to ring in the new year for a week in sunny St. Lucia. It was my first time in the Caribbean, and except for one small middle-of-the-night tarantula visit (DON’T ask!), we had a wonderful time. The weather was sunny and warm, the beaches were beautiful, and I didn’t have to put on a stitch of makeup for a straight week. Hello vacation!

We have a pretty strict philosophy when we travel, and that’s to create an authentic experience and to live like a local as much as possible. We’re not big on all-inclusive packages and would much rather explore and wander around on our own. We prefer to rent a car, shop at local markets, cook our own dinners and choose our own day excursions. And our approach to our time spent in St. Lucia fell right in line.

We stayed in Cotton Bay Village, a collection of villas in Gros Islet between the Atlantic Ocean and the St. Lucia Golf Club. Our villa, complete with a private backyard pool, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, beach access and a lagoon-style shared pool in the middle of the compound, allowed us to come and go with an established home base. We booked it via Airbnb, which for us is quite literally the BEST + only way to book travel accommodations. I cannot recommend it enough. (Actually, send me a message if you’re interested in a referral code. I could go on and on about my love for this company).

If you’re considering a quick island get-away, I would absolutely add St. Lucia to the running. And if you do, here’s a few things to keep in mind.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Hewanorra International Airport is located on the Southern most tip of the island, near an area called Vieux Fort Quarter. As the larger of the two St. Lucian airports, most international flights land here and therefore, most travelers set up shop in this part of the island. The Southern quarter is bit quieter, boasting lush rainforests and the majestic Piton Mountain peaks. Here’s where you’ll find honeymooners and adult-only resorts as well as the best spots for adventure activities like sulfur springs and a drive-in volcano.

The Northern tip is home to the capital city of Castries and Rodney Bay- an area filled with bars, restaurants, resorts and beaches. Most visiting cruise ships dock in Castries, adding to the hustle and bustle of the area. Food and drink is readily available via a multitude of cafes and restaurants. And there are plenty of beaches- all of which have locals ready to offer on-the-spot excursions and water activities. Wind surfing or beach horse-back riding anyone?

Cross-island travel is possible with transport or a rental car, but it takes some time. It’s best to plan ahead and choose what type of experience best suits you before finalizing a location.

Image taken from alamy.com

PACKING + BEACH ESSENTIALS

You heard it here first. Less is more! I pride myself on being a pretty efficient packer. I travel for work 1-2 x a month and have surviving out of a carry-on down to a science. And I still overpacked! Here’s the straight truth- I spent every day in a bathing suit and didn’t wear half of what I brought with me. Leave yourself some room for souvenirs, will ya? Here’s what I did wind up using:

FOOD + BEV

It may be a small island, but St. Lucia is taking names when it comes to a few key food items. Did you know they’re the leading exporter for the cocoa beans used in Hershey’s Chocolate? During your stay, add the following to your menu:

St. Lucian Coffee

It’s INSANE. Sorry, Starbucks. Pop into a local supermarket and snag a few bags to bring home.

Piton Beer

Named after the Piton Mountains, it’s St. Lucia’s most popular beer. I suggest having a Piton while you gaze at the Pitons, if you can swing it.

Friday Night Fish Fry

If you’re staying North, word on the street is the locals throw a pretty big Friday Night Fish Fry near Gros Islet.

PRO-TIPS

Most places take American currency. There’s no need to exchange a large amount of paper bills.

Fresh beach coconuts- opened on the spot for you to drink- should cost you about $5USD. Don’t pay any more than that.

Pack bug spray. The fresh air is beautiful, but most buildings/restaurants/private villas don’ t have screens on the windows. You’ll thank me for this later.

The Piton Mountains, twin mountain peaks and the most photographed landmark on the island, are absolutely worth seeing. Sail on by via a catamaran or take a hike on the Gros Piton trails if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

Looking for more specific recommendations? Shoot me a message. I’m always happy to share insights from our travels.

Keep on wandering. Wear you are now.

xx

Natalie