St Lucia Holidays

St Lucia is a blanket of lush forest, emerald-cloaked mountains and palm-fringed beaches crowned by the magnificent Pitons.

When you first lay eyes on Saint Lucia it’s easy to see why it’s regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. The iconic Pitons paint a jaw-dropping backdrop to St Lucia’s forested mountains and beautiful bays, inviting you to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty. Often touted as one of the world’s most romantic destinations, St Lucia has long been a favourite with couples and honeymooners. 

While it’s tempting to simply relax and soak up the incredible views, St Lucia’s natural landscapes provide the perfect setting for adventure activities, from hiking through the rainforest and horse riding on the beach to exploring protected coral reefs and soaking in hot mud pools.

Whether you’re looking for a picture-perfect honeymoon or a fun-packed family holiday, talk to us and we’ll help design your ultimate Saint Lucia holiday.

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St Lucia - Perfect for

  • Iconic landscapes

    The Pitons are a Caribbean icon and they need to be seen to be appreciated.

  • Ultra-luxe resorts

    Saint Lucia is home to a handful of jaw-dropping resorts and hotels.

  • Adventure isle

    The rainforest-cloaked landscapes and surrounding seas are a natural playground.

  • Bean to bar

    The island is heaven for chocolate lovers and sweet-toothed visitors.

St Lucia Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in St Lucia

StolenTime by Rendezvous

A boutique wellness hotel just for adults located on the beautiful two-mile Malabar beach.

BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia

Treat your body and mind to complete relaxation and rejuvenation.

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

This luxurious haven showcases the island’s natural beauty.

Anse Chastanet

A romantic hideaway in a spectacular hillside and beach setting near the Pitons

Bel Jou

A relaxing all-inclusive holiday away from the beach but amid lush gardens.

Cap Maison

A luxury hacienda-style hideaway and a member of Relais & Chateaux with some of the island’s very...

East Winds

A boutique, all-inclusive hotel with a collection of timber-clad garden cottages and oceanfront r...

Jade Mountain

Exceptional open-air sanctuaries for perfect Piton gazing

Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort

Lemongrass-infused cold towels and refreshing cocktails on arrival set the tone. This place will...

Serenity at Coconut Bay

An all-inclusive boutique resort with private butlers offers an exclusive escape – and you can ac...

The Landings Resort & Spa

A beautiful all-villa resort set around a pretty marina overlooking one of the island’s loveliest...

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort

This secluded hillside resort overlooks a peaceful beach and offers a range of activities and acc...

Ladera Resort

The only resort located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site and overlooking the Pitons, Ladera...

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

Holidays at this St Lucia family favourite are everything a Caribbean break should be.

Rabot Hotel from Hotel Chocolat

A swish rainforest hideaway set on a 140-acre ethical and sustainable cacao farm with stunning Pe...

Zoetry Marigot Bay

An all-inclusive escape where great food, brilliant pools and beautiful mountain and marina views...

Sandals Regency La Toc

Memorable dinners follow perfect beach days – then you can dance the night away at this sparkling...

Sandals Halcyon Beach

Perfect for special occasions, this serene adults-only resort also has a great atmosphere thanks...

Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa

Relax and indulge at this romantic adults-only resort on St Lucia’s palm-fringed white sand coast...

St Lucia Sunset Cruise

Round off the day in style with a relaxing couple of hours gliding over the tranquil Caribbean Sea on a spacious catamaran. As you cruise along to a soundtrack of local music, you’ll be able to kick back and enjoy the cool evening breeze, the coastal scenery at twilight and a delicious rum punch and St Lucia-style snacks. (There’s fruit punch, sodas and sparkling wine as well if you’d prefer.) Nature, naturally, provides the highlight of the trip: a stunning view of the sun dipping below the horizon and maybe, just maybe, a glimpse of the elusive green flash, a rare but glorious natural phenomenon most often seen just before sunset.

• Duration: evening
• Times: 5pm to 7pm
• Departures on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from North West hotels only
• Operates year round
• Group experience
• Adults only cruise

Good to know
Transfers, guide, and drinks and snacks on board are included.

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West Coast Catamaran Cruise

Lap up the glorious scenery of St Lucia’s west coast from the deck of a spacious catamaran. You’ll cruise south to the Pitons, those soaring volcanic spires that are so iconic they even feature on the island’s flag. At Soufrière, the former capital, you’ll disembark to visit what’s often described as ‘the only drive-in volcano in the world’, a fascinating adventure that will introduce you to hot springs, steam vents and pools of mud bubbling like porridge - you can either take a tour or visit the mud pools. Then it’s time to return to the catamaran to set sail for Anse Cochon, one of the best spots in St Lucia for snorkelling. Here you’ll be able to hover above coral reefs that are home to an array of colourful fish. A perfect day ends with a leisurely trip through Marigot Bay, often considered one of the most scenic places in the Caribbean.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 4.30pm
• Departs Monday to Saturday from North West hotels only
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Entrance fees, lunch, drinks and guide are included.

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Private Soufriere Day Cruise

Take to the water for a boat trip to Soufrière, the former capital on St Lucia’s west coast that’s set within the caldera of a dormant volcano. Here you’ll visit a geothermal area called Sulphur Springs, billed as ‘the only drive-in volcano in the world’, where you’ll find hot springs, steamy fumaroles and thermal mud pools. The itinerary also includes a stop at the nearby St Lucia Botanical Gardens, the oldest on the island. Set in six acres on a former colonial estate, it’s a magical place full of lush greenery, dazzlingly colourful flowers and equally vivid birds. The river that runs through the middle tumbles over mineral-stained rocks at the bottom of the garden at Diamond Falls, a must-be-photographed natural wonder. After lunch in a restaurant in Soufrière, you’ll board your vessel again for a relaxing snorkelling session, the perfect way to conclude a day of gentle exploration.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.30am to 4pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
All entry fees are included, as is lunch and drinks.

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Sunset Cruise to Marigot Bay

There’s nothing quite like a Caribbean sunset for colour and drama, and seeing it from your own crewed boat takes the experience to another level. On this evening cruise, you’ll glide along the north-west coast of St Lucia as far south as verdant Marigot Bay, described by one celebrated American novelist as ‘the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean’. You’ll have time to decide for yourself if you agree with this verdict, before making your way back across the waves to Rodney Bay as the sun dips into the sea.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 4.30pm to 6.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Drinks and snacks on board are included.

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Sunset Cruise to Rodney Bay

Soak up the dazzling colours of a Caribbean sunset as you explore the north of St Lucia by private boat. Your cruise will take you to Rodney Bay, where you’ll find the former fishing village of Gros Islet, now a popular holiday destination. Just to the north lie the twin peaks of Pigeon Island, a historic site that’s home to several colonial-era forts and St Lucia’s annual jazz festival.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 4.30pm to 6.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Drinks and snacks on board are included.

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Anse Cochon Snorkelling Experience

Discover St Lucia’s stunning underwater world on a snorkelling adventure in one of the island’s most pristine bays. Your cruise along the west coast takes you to serene Anse Cochon, known for its calm, clear waters and dark sand beach fringed by lush vegetation. Here, in what is part of the National Marine Reserve, you’ll be able to float above vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, keeping an eye out for rarer visitors from shrimps and eels to stingrays and nurse sharks. It’s a thoroughly relaxing way to spend a morning in beautiful surroundings that should appeal to everyone from honeymooners to families.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to midday
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Drinks on board are included.

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Taste Of St Lucia

Enjoy a glimpse of island life away from the coast on an easy-going adventure. You’ll drive through the picturesque countryside of northern St Lucia to Lushan Country heritage site. Here, you’ll stretch your legs on a relaxed walk around the seven-acre family-owned plantation, learning all about the local trees, plants and birds, before sampling luscious tropical fruits straight from the tree. You’ll also drop in at a typical Creole house to see how some local dishes are made - and enjoy trying a few. Driving on through banana plantations, you’ll hear about the history and culture of the small communities you pass along the way before arriving at St Lucia Distillers for an engaging lesson in how rum is made. At the tasting bar, you’ll be able to sample a selection of different brands and buy a bottle of your favourite to take home. Last but not least is a stop at Marigot Bay with time to sit and enjoy a drink while soaking up the atmosphere.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to 12.30pm
• Departs Monday to Friday
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
The distillery is a great place to pick up a bottle of rum at factory prices as they can package it up to go in checked-in luggage.

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Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise

Head out across the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea in search of some of the whales and dolphins that are either resident or just passing through. Keep a lookout for pilot, sperm and mighty humpback whales and the rarer orcas, otherwise known as killer whales. You might also be lucky enough to see a large pod of spinning or spotted dolphins; their inquisitive, playful nature means they often approach the boats for a closer look - an experience you won’t forget. We think it’s a perfect way to spend a morning for families as well as couples, honeymooners and groups.

• Duration: half day/

• Departs Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Soufriere area
• Departs Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from North hotels
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Sightings are likely, but not guaranteed. Experience is subject to minimum numbers.

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Bean To Bar Chocolate Experience

Indulge your senses on a memorable adventure at the idyllic Rabot Estate, owned by British chocolatier Hotel Chocolat. Your immersive day at the verdant 140-acre site in Soufrière will begin with a tour of the cacao groves, where organic and sustainable practices are very much to the fore. You’ll learn everything there is to know about how the beans become the finished product, from tasting and shelling to grinding, mixing and pouring, and will have the hands-on fun of crafting your very own bar. While the chocolate is setting – or tempering, if you want to get technical – you’ll sit down to graze your way through an inventive cacao-influenced lunch at the world-class Boucan restaurant while taking in the fabulous views of Gros Piton. Afterwards, it’s time to collect your personally made chocolate bar and see how long you can resist the temptation to eat it!

• Duration: full day if staying in hotels situated in the north; half day if staying in hotels in the Soufriere area
• Departs Daily
• Operates year round
• Group experience with private transfers

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Rainforest Jacquot Trail

Get back to nature on this immersive wander in Saint Lucia's world-famous rainforest. You'll hike in the shadow of towering Chataignier and gommier trees as you follow the meandering and ascending Jacquot Trail. Experience the soundtrack of the forest as you climb and learn more about the island's flora and fauna from your experienced guide.

• Duration: half day
• Departs daily
• Operates year round
• Group experience

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Get to know the island of Saint Lucia and those important practicalities when planning your perfect island adventure.

Capital
TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -4 hours

CURRENCY

Eastern Caribbean dollar; many establishments will accept US dollars

FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION

9 hours

RELIGION

Christianity (majority Roman Catholic)

LANGUAGE

English and Sain Lucia French Creole

Where is St Lucia?
The tropical mountainous island of St Lucia is one of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles and its nearest neighbour is Martinique. The calm Caribbean waters lap the western shore while the choppy waters of the Atlantic Ocean break on the east coast of the island.

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The Pitons & Soufrière
On the south-west shore, the magnificent UNESCO-listed Pitons tower over the town of Soufrière, St Lucia’s first capital. These twin vegetation-clad volcanic spires rise dramatically from the coastline and the surrounding forest to form the island’s most recognisable landmarks. The luxury resorts set in this part of the island have the most spectacular views of the Pitons from the beach and high in the forested hills.

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Castries
The vibrant capital city of Castries, which was founded by the French and later used by the British as a naval port, sits by a deep sheltered harbour on the island’s west coast. Enjoy the best views of the city from the summit of Morne Fortune, or the ‘Hill of Good Luck’, once a key battle ground. Many of our resorts are set on palm-fringed bays that dot the west coast between Castries and the island’s northern tip. The northern-most town of Gros Islet is a lively destination with a number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. The town’s main stretch of sand – the family-friendly Reduit Beach – offers a great base for watersports such as parasailing, snorkelling and diving.

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Shopping
Head to Castries for the best selection of shops on the island. Pick up some bargains including jewellery, electronics and souvenirs at the Pointe Seraphine duty-free shopping complex which is a popular stop for cruise passengers. There are a few other malls in and around the capital which sell everything from clothing and food to locally distilled rums and hand-made jewellery. At the heart of the city, you’ll find the bustling Castries Central Market which sells the street food, arts and crafts, local spices and a range of souvenirs from cheap knick-knacks to quality handicrafts such as woven baskets. A number of studios and galleries in and around Castries offer unique souvenirs like wood carvings, paintings and sculptures.

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Getting around
Although St Lucia is small – just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, it can take a while to navigate the winding mountain roads. Minibuses run between the main towns such as Castries, Gros Islet and Soufrière, and are a cheap way to get around and experience a taste of local life but drivers often wait for the bus to fill up before they depart. Driving along St Lucia’s unmarked, narrow roads with steep drops can be a hair-raising experience so renting a car isn’t recommended; it’s much more convenient to jump in a cab. Water taxis are a quick and scenic way travel along the coast.

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Diving & snorkelling
One of the best snorkelling and diving sites in St Lucia is the Anse Chastanet reef which lies off the south-west coast of the island. One of the things that makes this site so special is its proximity to the shore – the shallow reef is just 15 yards from the water's edge so it's ideal for beginners. Nearby ‘Fairy Land’ is a popular diving spot with colourful corals and a good chance of seeing turtles. If you’re entranced by the beauty of the Pitons, then venture underwater to discover the Keyhole Pinnacles. These striking volcanic peaks are encrusted with black and orange coral and are located at the northern entrance to the Bay of Soufrière.

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Food & drink
St Lucia cuisine is an eclectic mix of influences including French-Creole, European, African and Indian. The island makes the most of its abundance of local produce including tropical fruit such as mango, banana, coconut and pineapple as well as and vegetables including cassava and breadfruit, which is similar to potato. Try the tasty national dish, green fig and salt fish which is actually made with banana – which is known locally as fig. Fried plantain, conch fritters and accra – fried fishcakes are popular side dishes, and you’ll find plenty of fresh seafood including mahi mahi, snapper and lobster. A refreshing bottle of the Piton local beer to wash down some banana cake is a great end to a meal.

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