Destination Debrief: St. Lucia
This spring, my husband and I spent about a week exploring the beaches of Saint Lucia and marveling at the beautiful scenery! Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, St. Lucia is a stunning vacation destination renowned for its lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and the iconic twin peaks of the Pitons. Whether you're seeking adventure in its vibrant rainforests, relaxation on its pristine beaches, or indulgence in its luxurious resorts, St. Lucia offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and sophisticated charm. This island paradise invites travelers to explore its rich culture, savor its delectable cuisine, and bask in the warm hospitality of its people.
Getting There
When traveling to Saint Lucia, international flights will land at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) which is located on the southern tip of the island. Nonstop flights are available from the Northeast via Boston (BOS), New York (JFK & EWR), and Philadelphia (PHL). For those of you coming from further west, you’ll likely connect through Atlanta or Miami.
Once on the island, there are a few different modes of transportation you can use to get to your hotel. My personal favorite for arrival is via helicopter! If you are staying at a hotel on the northern side of the island, like Cap Maison, it can take over two and a half hours on curvy, hilly roads to get there. Not ideal if you’re prone to motion sickness! Instead, opt for the helicopter - a short 15-minute ride and breathtaking scenery! Plus it’s a great way to get an overview of the island.
You can also always go for a private boat ride or driving transfer for those shorter rides. I personally always look for a good excuse to get out on the water! Each option will give you a different perspective.
Weather
St. Lucia experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season, also peak season, from December to April, is characterized by warm temperatures, clear skies, and lower humidity.
The rainy season, from June to November, brings higher humidity and more frequent rain showers, though these are often short-lived and interspersed with sunshine. This is also hurricane season, so while weather can be more unpredictable, accommodation prices tend to be lower. We always suggest purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment!
Activities
Saint Lucia has a load of diverse activity options available for all travelers. For adventure enthusiasts, the rainforest offers hiking, exploring waterfalls, and even zip-lining. The Gros Piton and Petit Piton, iconic volcanic spires, offer challenging hikes with rewarding panoramic views, but these hikes are not for the faint of heart.
If you’re a beach lover, there is no shortage of water activities! The vibrant coral reefs are everywhere and make a great backdrop for some incredible snorkeling and scuba diving. You’re bound to see thousands of colorful fish and if you’re lucky even some sea turtles.
Of course no trip is complete without a visit to the local Sulpher Springs. Saint Lucia is home to several natural hot springs and mud baths. This attraction is popular with visitors and locals alike due to the mud’s therapeutic properties which is known to detoxify skin and relieve muscle aches. Take a soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters as see for yourself!
Check out all the incredible options at this link.
Our Favorite Hotels
I was lucky enough to experience all the properties on this list (and then some!), so I can personally attest to the details of each one and find you the right match for any occasion. Whether it’s your honeymoon or a family getaway over spring break, Saint Lucia has something for everyone.
Jade Mountain
Why We Love It:
Not only does Jade Mountain offer incredibly dramatic views, but at only 29 rooms, this 5-star eco-resort is super romantic and intimate. It’s the perfect spot for couples looking to celebrate a honeymoon, birthday, or special anniversary. Everything from the views to the in-room infinity pools, and fabulous dining is just outstanding and architecture buffs will love the unique design. With over 600 staff members between Jade Mountain and their sister property Anse Chastanet, you’ll never have to lift a finger. Plus they have an all-inclusive dining plan available so you can really indulge! If you’re a beer lover, definitely give their microbrews a try - made with all organic ingredients from their own farm. Jade Mountain is one of the most sustainable properties in the world, so you can feel good supporting a hotel that is not only good for the environment, but that supports the local community as well.
The Location:
Choose to arrive at the spectacular Jade Mountain by helicopter – zooming between the Piti and Gros Piton mountains in this iconic landscape. This is the only resort with its own private helipad and a view of both peaks on Saint Lucia. Jade Mountain is geographically really close to the town of Soufriere but can take 30 minutes on uneven gravel roads to get to the resort, as it sits on the top of a hill.
The Rooms:
The rooms at Jade Mountain are absolutely iconic. They all have huge floor plans and are completely open-air. (For those of you that need that AC - check out Sugar Beach below). Each room features a beautiful infinity pool with views of the Pitons. Each floor plan is a little bit different but offers plenty of space to relax. While the resort does have common spaces and of course the beach, you won’t want to leave your oasis!
Benefits:
✨ Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
✨ Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining
✨ $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
✨ Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
✨ Complimentary Wi-Fi
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Hotel
Why We Love It:
Sugar Beach, as it’s name says, sits directly on one of the best white sand beaches that the island has to offer. There are plenty of loungers and shade available, with the pool directly behind for easy access. The best part is the natural reef just steps off the main beach - no boat is required for snorkeling and equipment is included for guests! Since the beach and reef are public, there are other boats that come to visit, but in the mornings and late afternoon, you can have this place virtually to yourself! Sugar Beach has a spectacular treehouse-style spa and super fun kids club programming for when mom and dad need a little break! You definitely don’t want to miss the smash burgers with a special secret sauce over at Jetty Burger either.
The Location:
Sugar Beach is nestled between the two Pitons on over 100 acres of land and has two beautiful beachfronts. The location is simply unmatched. Sugar Beach also has it’s own fleet of private boats as well, which are perfect for a quick ride to the airport and avoid those twisty roads.
The Rooms:
Sugar Beach is one of the few luxury resorts on the island that offer rooms with air conditioning. They have a variety of rooms, stand-alone cottages with private plunge pools, and even multi-bedroom residences that are great for the whole family. The rooms are super spacious and offer tons of privacy. If you’re looking for a romantic couples escape, check out the beachfront suites!
Benefits:
✨ Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
✨ Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
✨ $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
✨ Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
✨ Complimentary Wi-Fi
Ladera Resort
Why We Love It:
Ladera Resort is the perfect combination of eco-resort and luxury. One of my favorite activities available on property is a guided hike of the grounds with head gardener Ray who has been with Ladera since the mid-90s. Each day Ray collaborates with the executive chef to incorporate fresh ingredients from across the property that are in season - all different types of fruits and vegetables! The hike is fairly steep, but the rewarding views are worth it. At the top and along the way you’ll find spots for meditation, a yoga deck, an outdoor gym, a huge treehouse, and they are even in the process of installing a hot tub at the top. Daily shuttles are available to take you down to the beach, or if you’re feeling like having a self-care day their brand-new spa is sure to hit the spot.
The Location:
Tucked away in the hilltops and jungle sits Ladera Resort, offering spectacular views of the coastline. While the drive to get there can take a little bit, the views are definitely worth it. Plus the multiple acres of hiking trails mean that you have plenty to do without leaving.
The Rooms:
The property here is quite hilly with lots of stairs, so it may not be the best option for those travelers with restricted mobility. If you don’t feel like walking back to your room along the ridge (all with the same beautiful views!) a staff member will gladly transport you via golf cart. Similar to Jade Mountain, the rooms here are open air, but get a nice breeze since they sit on top of the ridgeline. They are incredibly spacious and most offer private plunge pools as well.
Benefits:
✨ Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
✨ Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
✨ $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
✨ Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
✨ Complimentary Wi-Fi
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