8 luxury experiences not to miss in St. Lucia
An island enclosed in a blanket of lush greenery, bordered by white sands and the turquoise shades of the Caribbean, St Lucia boasts something for everyone from adventure through to romance. This paradise with its laid-back vibe is the perfect break away. Although it may be smaller and less developed than its neighbours, St Lucia has a whole host of luxury experiences on offer.
1. Hike up the Pitons
A visit to St Lucia isn’t complete without lacing up your hiking boots and summiting one of the island’s iconic and majestic peaks. Standing tall on the southwestern coast, the Pitons, Gros and Petit, are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hire a private guide to take you up Gros Piton, admire the views at the top and once down, congratulate yourself with a Piton, local beer, named after the peaks.
2. Drinks with a view
Perched up high in the greenery sits the Ladera Resort. Visit the islands only resort within the UNESCO area for their cocktails. It is the perfect place for a rum punch in hand whilst watching the sun melt into the Caribbean. Their signature cocktails and friendly service capture the essence of St Lucia, with the most amazing backdrop of both Pitons.
3. Dine on cacao cuisine
A popular foodie destination in St Lucia, Hotel Chocolat on the Rabot Estate houses the Boucan restaurant. Using cacao throughout the menu in both sweet and savoury nature, the Boucan not only offers a gourmet meal but also a truly unique experience. From cacao nib croutons, handmade cacao pasta to estate chocolate sauce you will be truly immersed. You will enjoy the locally sourced ingredients whilst also appreciating the mesmerising views over the rainforest and of the Petit Piton. If you want to know more then book onto their Project Chocolat tour where you can learn more about cacao from the plantation through to the bar.
4. Immerse into a Rainforest Spa
If life isn’t relaxed enough on the island then take to the Viceroy resort. A luxury resort snuggly sitting between the Pitons on Sugar Beach. Recently updated in 2021, it is home to the Rainforest Spa. Zen out in their sanctuary whilst listening to the sounds of native birds and the rolling waves. Book in for one of the natural treatments in one of the treehouse treatment rooms.
5. Fly high
To get a 360-degree experience of the picturesque island views, head to the skies with a helicopter tour of the South Island. With views over fishing villages, the dense rainforest interior, bays seeped in coral reefs and over the Soufriere volcano. If the views aren’t enough you will also get a vibrant commentary from the pilot on the history and culture of St Lucia, describing the islands unique rainforest features and even more unique, banana facts.
6. Sail away
A trip to the Caribbean wouldn’t be complete without exploring its seas. At Marigot Bay, the resort and private marina is the perfect base to charter a yacht. Located on the west side of the island and termed ‘hurricane hole,’ this bay is the perfect spot to shelter yachts and the perfect exit out into Castries harbour. To extend your St Lucia stay, charter a yacht and explore St Vincent and the Grenadines further south.
7. Enjoy infinite romance
Famed for being known as one of the most romantic resorts in the Caribbean, the Jade Mountain resort is an adult-only luxury resort, high up on the hillside. A stay here, in most rooms (or ‘sanctuaries’ as they are termed), hosts a private infinity pool with incredible views. Without compromising luxury, the eco-friendly design and the resorts sustainability initiatives are ones to be rivalled. With round the clock, unparalleled service your stay will be faultless.
8. Drive through a volcano
Drive through the Caribbean’s only drive-through volcano. To do so, you will need to head to Soufriere volcano, sulphur springs park. Take a guided tour through the park and you will witness the bubbling craters. If experiencing this geothermal activity isn’t enough, be sure to take swimwear as you can take a dip in the detoxifying mud baths after.
1. Hike up the Pitons
A visit to St Lucia isn’t complete without lacing up your hiking boots and summiting one of the island’s iconic and majestic peaks. Standing tall on the southwestern coast, the Pitons, Gros and Petit, are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hire a private guide to take you up Gros Piton, admire the views at the top and once down, congratulate yourself with a Piton, local beer, named after the peaks.
2. Drinks with a view
Perched up high in the greenery sits the Ladera Resort. Visit the islands only resort within the UNESCO area for their cocktails. It is the perfect place for a rum punch in hand whilst watching the sun melt into the Caribbean. Their signature cocktails and friendly service capture the essence of St Lucia, with the most amazing backdrop of both Pitons.
3. Dine on cacao cuisine
A popular foodie destination in St Lucia, Hotel Chocolat on the Rabot Estate houses the Boucan restaurant. Using cacao throughout the menu in both sweet and savoury nature, the Boucan not only offers a gourmet meal but also a truly unique experience. From cacao nib croutons, handmade cacao pasta to estate chocolate sauce you will be truly immersed. You will enjoy the locally sourced ingredients whilst also appreciating the mesmerising views over the rainforest and of the Petit Piton. If you want to know more then book onto their Project Chocolat tour where you can learn more about cacao from the plantation through to the bar.
4. Immerse into a Rainforest Spa
If life isn’t relaxed enough on the island then take to the Viceroy resort. A luxury resort snuggly sitting between the Pitons on Sugar Beach. Recently updated in 2021, it is home to the Rainforest Spa. Zen out in their sanctuary whilst listening to the sounds of native birds and the rolling waves. Book in for one of the natural treatments in one of the treehouse treatment rooms.
5. Fly high
To get a 360-degree experience of the picturesque island views, head to the skies with a helicopter tour of the South Island. With views over fishing villages, the dense rainforest interior, bays seeped in coral reefs and over the Soufriere volcano. If the views aren’t enough you will also get a vibrant commentary from the pilot on the history and culture of St Lucia, describing the islands unique rainforest features and even more unique, banana facts.
6. Sail away
A trip to the Caribbean wouldn’t be complete without exploring its seas. At Marigot Bay, the resort and private marina is the perfect base to charter a yacht. Located on the west side of the island and termed ‘hurricane hole,’ this bay is the perfect spot to shelter yachts and the perfect exit out into Castries harbour. To extend your St Lucia stay, charter a yacht and explore St Vincent and the Grenadines further south.
7. Enjoy infinite romance
Famed for being known as one of the most romantic resorts in the Caribbean, the Jade Mountain resort is an adult-only luxury resort, high up on the hillside. A stay here, in most rooms (or ‘sanctuaries’ as they are termed), hosts a private infinity pool with incredible views. Without compromising luxury, the eco-friendly design and the resorts sustainability initiatives are ones to be rivalled. With round the clock, unparalleled service your stay will be faultless.
8. Drive through a volcano
Drive through the Caribbean’s only drive-through volcano. To do so, you will need to head to Soufriere volcano, sulphur springs park. Take a guided tour through the park and you will witness the bubbling craters. If experiencing this geothermal activity isn’t enough, be sure to take swimwear as you can take a dip in the detoxifying mud baths after.
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Mexican main dishes sometimes include a dash of cacao which I’ve enjoyed. The Boucan restaurant is taking this even further. I’d love to be choosing from that menu.
Hiking up the Pitons shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. Make sure that you’re fit enough and start early to avoid the heat of the sun. Always take more water than you think you’ll need.
We had a fab time in St Lucia when we last visited. I wish this post had been available back then. There are a lot of these experiences that I wish we’d done.
I didn’t know you can hike up the Pitons! It looks too steep for a casual hike and might probably not be for non-experienced people like me. I’ll just continue to admire it from afar while sipping a cocktail on the beach.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about St Lucia from people I know who’ve been there. That’s probably why I landed on this post! Would love to visit soon.
St.Lucia is indeed stunning Valerie and as someone who has spent most of their life here I can truly say it’s still one of my favorite spots on earth!
My advice if you come is to divide your time between south-west-and north so that you can really get the most out of it. Whilst the island is small our roads are quite bad and getting to and from can sometimes take longer than expected.
Feel free to message me for any questions you would like answered