St Lucia

Romantic island with palm-fringed beaches and a great choice of activities

With a landscape dominated by two towering volcanic cones known as pitons, St Lucia is an impossibly beautiful island with gorgeous beaches, lush rainforest and a variety of accommodation from boutique retreats and private villas to all inclusive resorts.  Highlights of the island include:

  • take a sailing tour of the island and snorkel from the boat
  • the Friday Fish Fry street party which starts the weekend with chicken or locally caught fish, rum punch or Piton beer and Caribbean music.  
  • a hike to historic Fort Rodney for fantastic views over the island
  • snorkel the protected reef off Anse Chastanet beach
  • hike to the summit of Gros Piton (3-6 hours one way) or try other rainforest trails such as the Tet Paul trail

Walking on St Lucia

Inland, away from the beach resorts, you will find some gorses walking on St Lucia.  Perhaps the most well known hike is the 3-4 hour steep route to the top of Gros Piton, best done with a guide.  There are other trails of varying difficulty  through nature reserves and many of the hotels are on huge estates and offer guided walks in their grounds.  A map showing footpaths on St Lucia is available.  

  • Flying time: 8-9 hours
  • Time difference: -5 hours
  • Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar
  • Best time of year to travel: Year round but Feb to May best
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Ideas for a trip to St Lucia

Here are some of our favourite hotels in St Lucia but the island has a huge array of accommodation from rustic rainforest retreats to staggeringly luxurious resorts so please get in touch for further ideas.

7 nights B&B at Anse Chastanet hotel

from £1970 per person low season to £2885 high season
Nestled in a dramatic hillside location with stunning views of Les Pitons, Anse Chastanet, featuring 49 uniquely styled rooms, is a true romantic hideaway. The 600 acre estate, with two beaches and 12 miles of private trails, offers a fabulous snorkelling and PADI diving centre, relaxing spa treatments, mountain biking, watersports and three superb restaurants.

7 nights B&B at Jade Mountain

from £3685 per person low season to £5430 high season
Jade Mountain is a striking contemporary celebration of Saint Lucia’s stunning scenic beauty. Experience the wonderful organic farm or chocolate laboratory and take advantage of all that sister property, Anse Chastanet, has to offer. Activities include two beaches, snorkelling, diving, yacht excursions, tennis, Yoga, mountain biking and hiking.

7 nights B&B at Calabash Cove

from £1840 per person low season to £2330 high season
This sleek and modern adults-only resort offers a unique boutique feel and quirky touches including the swim-up Junior Suites that fringe a lovely 100 foot infinity-edge pool. 26 cottages and suites boast Jacuzzis and beautiful ocean views, while some have private pools. Enjoy the secluded sandy cove, relax at the Windsong restaurant and cocktail bar, indulge with a massage at the Ti Spa or exercise at the ocean view gym.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions that haven't been answered here? Send your questions to enquiries@shearwatertravel.co.uk and we'll try our best to help.

British Passport holders don’t need a visa to visit St Lucia.

On entry, you will be granted a specified period to stay. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply and pay for an extension of stay through the St Lucia Immigration Department.

Visit FCDO pages for further information

Check your usual vaccinations are up to date and consider tetanus and hepatitis B.  Always check NHS Fit for Travel pages before travelling

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