High on most peoples bucket lists is to visit St Lucia in the Caribbean, home to gorgeous golden beaches, beautiful rainforests and crystal-clear waters. In this guide we look at just a few of things you can enjoy whilst staying in St Lucia.
Stunning beaches
If you’ve travelled halfway around the world for some sunshine and beautiful beaches, no doubt you’ll want to spend as much time by the sea as you can (I know I certainly would!) Luckily, there are plenty of stretches of sand on St Lucia to choose from, whether you’re travelling with young ones who want to splash in the sea all day or are on holiday with your partner and would prefer a more secluded cove.
The weather in St Lucia is pretty much always good, so you can come here at any time of the year. In fact, you could get some great deals on winter breaks to the Caribbean island, including offers for liners like Royal Caribbean Cruises. So, you could end up enjoying the sunshine during the colder months while the rest of us have to put up with the frost, wind and rain back in the UK!
Explore the rainforests
Another reason why I’d love to go to St Lucia (there are many!) is that it has a breathtaking natural environment, with the island covered in lush rainforests. Whether you arrive by cruise ship or plane, you’ll notice the impressive green mountains as you approach the isle, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to venture deep into the jungles.
You can join tours on nature trails, feel the spray of cool refreshing water on your face at some of the many waterfalls or (my personal favourite) go zip-lining through the forest. Who can resist the chance to whizz through the canopy of tall trees and feel as though you are flying?
Head undersea
It is not just on land where you’ll see nature at its best, but also underneath the water. I’m no scuba diver, and if you’re the same, you needn’t worry, as you can go snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea and still spot a huge variety of marine life, from clownfish (like Nemo) to turtles.
If you are a dab hand at scuba diving, however, there are lots of other trips you can go on, including exploring the reefs and wrecks located around the island.
Learn about the culture
One of my favourite things to do on holiday is immerse myself in the country’s culture, and with St Lucia, you’ll love learning all about its history and meeting its people.
To discover more about the island and find out what activities locals partake in, head to the fish market at Anse-La-Raye on Friday nights where fishermen sell their fresh catches, from lobster to octopus. Caribbean music will be played as you peruse the stalls and sample some of the delicious seafood cooked using simple yet delicious Creole recipes.
You can also visit traditional farms or see St Lucians practise traditional culinary habits, including baking cassava bread and cooking on macambou leaves at Fond Latisab Creole Park.
There are many ways you can get to know the locals better, but it is worth just trying to immerse yourself in their usual gathering places, such as marketplaces, restaurants and fishing villages, where you’ll find constant activity throughout the day.
