My wishlist wasn’t very long and Saint Lucia isn’t very big but Mummy and I had different ideas about our short vacation – she wanted to lounge at the beach all day while I wanted to explore. The compromise: one full day of island exploration and one day of beach bumming. Everybody’s happy.
Our day of exploration and adventure was made possible by Real Saint Lucia Tours. I sent an email requesting a full day island tour at 8:00 am; the tour guide/driver was waiting for us at the hotel lobby by 10:30 am! Our day would not have been as spectacular as it was without Learie, our amazing tour guide and driver. He made sure I ticked off every activity on my wishlist for that day and also recommended a few other activities that made the day even better!
1. Swim at Sugar Beach (formerly known as Jalousie Beach)
The moment I spotted this spectacular beach online, I made it my mission to visit. Pictures do not do this spectacular stretch of paradise justice – it is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. Soft, powdery white sand (imported from Trinidad & Tobago, the guide at the Sulphur Springs said) covers the beach’s natural black volcanic sand and its calm emerald waters are almost surrounded by towering, protective mountains. A striking contrast!
Access to Sugar Beach is via the ultra-luxurious and expensive Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort. Luckily, there are no private beaches in Saint Lucia so even without shelling out the US$700+ per night for a room at the resort, the general public can access the beach. Learie parked at the resort’s car park and we made the 15-minute walk downhill to the beach. There are shuttles to take you back up to the car park but for non-guests, access to the shuttle requires a receipt from the pricey restaurant on the beach.
Tip 1: It doesn’t matter what you buy at the restaurant or beach bar. A bottle of water is fine.
Tip 2: The piña colada is awesome!
Storytime: Learie told us that Matt Damon once shelled out US$1.2 million to rent out the 100-acre resort for 1 week! I don’t blame him. It’s beautiful!
2. See the iconic Pitons
The Pitons are Saint Lucia’s most famous landmark and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Gros Piton is the taller of the two mountainous volcanic plugs with a height of 786m while Petit Piton is slightly shorter at 739m. Located in Soufriere, hiking enthusiasts would enjoy the guided, 2-hour moderate to strenuous hike to the peaks of each mountain. Petit Piton climb is more challenging than Gros Piton. It’s probably worth the effort though, as the photos I’ve seen of the views from the summit are breathtaking!
For the rest of us who prefer less strenuous activity, we get to take the iconic photo touching the Piton’s summit, without ever beginning the trek up. What more could you ask for? Your tour guide or a friendly local will know exactly where to take you to get the perfect shot.
3. Tour Sulphur Springs Park in Soufriere
Saint Lucia claims the world’s only drive-in volcano in the sleepy town of Soufriere, located to the west of the island, about an hour’s drive south of Castries. Your sense of smell quickly acclimatises to the pungent odour of the sulphur-rich springs, as you enter the park.
Our Sulphur Springs Park tour guide was a fountain of knowledge, as he explained the geothermal system and the area’s history, geology and chemistry. As you stroll through the Park, you’re actually walking atop a magma chamber, which is what makes the boiling springs reach temperatures of up to158-194F (70C – 90C) and the hissing fumaroles the reach temperatures of up to 340F (170C). The steam rising from these are a sight to behold.
Fun fact: Soufriere used to be the island’s capital before the volcano’s last eruption in 1776 destroyed the quaint town.
4. Take a Mud Bath at the Black Water Pool in Sulphur Springs Park
After your tour of the Sulphur Springs, head to the Black Water Pool for a dip. While the water at the sulphur springs is dangerously hot, the water at the Black Water Pool is a much more comfortable (and safe) 101.6F (38.7C). The water is rich in minerals and its dark colour is caused by the reaction between its high sulphur and iron content.
Legend has it that you emerge from the mud baths 10 years younger! I’m not sure about the veracity of that claim but the bath sure felt great! I even got some mud to take away for home use.
5. Eat & Drink Local by Boysie
Somewhere along the road in the town of Anse La Raye, there is a lady who goes by the name of Boysie. Boysie offers true Caribbean hospitality and for US$1 you can sample as much as 11 different Saint Lucian-made spirits, liqueurs and condiments. I sampled banana ketchup and banana BBQ sauce on a crisp dasheen chip (delightful btw). I also sampled everything from spiced rum to banana rum cream, ginger wine (surprisingly good!) and jungle juice (a rum punch) as well as a local cure-all made by soaking a blend of aromatic herbs and tree barks in alcohol (Similar to mamajuana in the Dominican Republic). Boysie swears by this miracle potion, which she claims heals coughs and colds, relieves menstrual cramps, and even works as an aphrodisiac to boost libido and cure impotence.
My mom and Boysie became fast friends and to Mummy’s delight, Boysie blessed us with a bag of mangos as we were leaving. Can you believe that mother dearest didn’t even share with me?
6. Spend the Day at Reduit Beach
Another stunning Saint Lucia beach located in Rodney Bay/Gros Islet area. Golden sand and clear, calm waters in a mesmerising shade of blue are probably the main reasons why Reduit Beach is the island’s most popular with tourists. Ample chairs are available to rent, and several bars and restaurants dot the beach. Lots of fun water sports are available and there is even an inflatable water park for adults and kids right in the water.
Since my stay on the island was so short, I didn’t get to do a few things I wanted to so this is my wishlist for my next trip to the Saint Lucia.
- Visit a waterfall
- Visit Pigeon Island
- Zipline at Rainforest Adventure Park, which has the longest zipline in the Caribbean!
Trip at a Glance
Hotel: Blu St. Lucia
Rating: 3/5
The Good:
- Friendly staff
- Right across from Reduit Beach
- Cabana at poolside
The Bad:
- Dated rooms
- No safe in room
- No comforter – just a top sheet
The Bottom Line: Good choice if you plan to spend most of your time away from the hotel. Read my full review on TripAdvisor.
I loved Saint Lucia! The Sulphur Springs bath is a definite must-do too…that was certainly the highlight of my trip, and I’m not crazy about adventure so that says a lot!