St. Lucia is one of the most geographically diverse islands in the Caribbean and home to the world's only drive-in volcano! It's an active volcano with sulfurous fumaroles and hot springs but hasn't erupted in thousands of years. It's located toward the southern end of the island which is more tranquil, very lush, and breathtakingly scenic with its iconic double Piton Mountains (pictured above).
The rainforest jungle and formidable Pitons beckon to outdoor enthusiasts to explore and climb. The Pitons are actually volcanic spires and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their marine area is 60% covered by coral reefs which are fantastic for snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Gros Piton at 2,619 feet has at least 148 plant species and is home to 27 bird species, five of which are endemic. Petit Piton at 2,438 feet has 97 plants species, and the ridge between the two is home to eight rare tree species.
St. Lucia has diverse hotel options including all-inclusive, barefoot luxury, and ultraluxe properties that are family-friendly or adults-only - and plenty of white sand beaches. Everyone will savor fantastic dining like ocean-fresh seafood prepared by the some of the Caribbean's top chefs.
International flights arrive in the southern part of the island by Soufrière, the island's former capital that's full of French and British military history and is now a lovely town to stroll and enjoy. The east side of the island is the most remote and hard to reach, with no major hotels; most hotels are on the more accessible western coast. Heading north involves two hours of winding roads with hairpin turns, and generally visitors tend to stay in either the southern or northern part of the island. The northern side of the island has more beaches and a domestic airport that's great for island-hopping around the Caribbean. St. Lucia's current capital of Castries is a British colonial town with a great art scene, dining, and lively nightlife. This side of the island is where you'll find St. Lucia's golf courses too.
If you have the time and budget, I recommend taking a helicopter from the north to the south and spending time in hotels on both sides to fully appreciate all that St. Lucia has to offer. Or you can take a helicopter from your hotel's side to the other coast for a day trip of discoveries.
Below are some top accommodations and VIP experiences to enjoy on the stunningly unique St. Lucia.
Top Hotels & Resorts
Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort is surrounded by the majestic Pitons, and its white sand beach, spa and waterfront dining make this location magical. The 96 room property reaches into the jungle and extends right onto the beachfront. The hotel is closing May-October 2021 for updates and beautification, so plan ahead now.
Jade Mountain rises above the beachfront resort of Anse Chastanet on St. Lucia's southwestern Caribbean coastline and is replete with organic architecture that celebrates the island's scenic beauty. This is an iconic, adults only resort, famous for its three-walled rooms, with a wall open to sea breezes and no need for A/C. Enjoy your plunge pool in this intimate resort of only 29 rooms.
Cap Maison Resort & Spa is a former sugar plantation on 1,500 acres of rolling hills at the northern tip of the island, with the tranquil Caribbean Sea on one side and invigorating Atlantic Ocean on the other. You can also enjoy a cruise on the resort's own private motor yacht.
Key Northern St. Lucia Experiences
Secret garden and private culinary experience
Rainforest waterfall hike
Catamaran sail, snorkel and island adventure around the island with lunch
Private sunset sail
SCUBA diving adventure
Private horseback ride on the beach
North St. Lucia rainforest ziplining, hiking, or biking adventure
VIP dining, market, or casino experience in Castries
Key Southern St. Lucia Experiences
Bean-to-bar chocolate experience
Market tour and Caribbean cooking glass
VIP volcano mud bath and massage with your own attendant (and towels!), rinse in a waterfall
Private cooking class with a Caribbean chef in his own restaurant's kitchen
Gros Piton guided hike
Rainforest mountain bike adventure
South St. Lucia ATV excursion
Catamaran sail, snorkel, and volcano adventure
Yoga session and smoothie class
Hook and cook fishing charter (the crew clean the fish for you!)
Private SCUBA diving session
Top Itineraries with St. Lucia
Caribbean Island Hopping Adventure (10 days/9 nights): St. Lucia, Petit St. Vincent, Barbados
St. Lucia Ultimate Luxury or St. Lucia Wellness & Relaxation for Couples (6 days/5 nights)
Nine Muses Travel works with exceptional tour operators who add unparalleled value for my clients.
Expert guides for private tours: historians, naturalists, artists, unique locals
Exclusive experiences
Comfortable, sanitized, and luxurious vehicles
Custom-designed routings
24/7 real-time support
Competitive rates at four and five star properties with strict health and safety protocols
Deep destination knowledge
Flexible and worry-free cancellation policies, including 100% refunds until shortly before travel
Contact Nine Muses Travel when you're ready for luscious, luxurious St. Lucia and to learn more about me and what I can do for you!
I design journeys that inspire by highlighting local arts and culture, history, and cuisine for intellectually curious clients longing to feel deeply inspired by exciting destinations, culinary delights, and authentic cultural experiences on a life-changing, joyful journey of discovery.
Danielle Dybiec
Founder & President