Edition 99: Saint Lucia

St. Lucia is a surprising Caribbean powerhouse. Breathtakingly gorgeous yet shockingly down to earth, you’ll find little to detract from this perfect island paradise. [The Discoverer]( [St. Lucia] Edition 99 | 5:09 read time [St. Lucia]( | [@vaycayokay]( St. Lucia is a surprising Caribbean powerhouse. Breathtakingly gorgeous yet shockingly down to earth, you’ll find little to detract from this perfect island paradise. Honeymooners may have made a strong claim to its sandy shores, but St. Lucia is a destination for everyone, from the thrill seekers to the beach bums. Fun Fact: Saint Lucia is one of the only countries in the world that takes its name from a woman — St. Lucy of Syracuse. Saint Lucia N 13.91° / W 60.97° [@aliciavalenski]( April – June Peak travel season runs from December to April when the weather is dry and sunny. Traveling in late spring means fewer tourists to contend with and less chance of encountering tropical rain. As a bonus, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival takes place each May, and it’s definitely worth checking out. [#saintlucia]( | [@shamarmarcus]( Where Sea Meets Shore Tropical paradise and stunning beaches go hand in hand, and you’ll want to do more than your fair share of sunbathing on the shores of St. Lucia. A truly remarkable collection of public and private beaches awaits you, and you won’t be able to stick to just one. Start with Sugar Beach, squeezed between the two Piton peaks this beach is iconic to St. Lucia, and though part of the beach is reserved by the Sugar Beach resort, the northern section is open to the public. The beaches of Marigot Bay and Pigeon Island National Park will also delight. Find your way to Anse Cochon for seahorse sightings, and Reduit for a basketful of activities. Finally, for something a little different, visit the black volcanic beach Anse Chastanet. [#travelsaintlucia]( | [@adamstevensvisuals]( The Grand Pitons When you’re done with the sand, head inland to discover the lush vegetation-covered interior for even more adventure. The top experience has to be [hiking Gros Piton]( the larger of the dual volcanic spires that are iconic to St. Lucia. Be warned, the hike is not for the faint of heart. Then slip over to [Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens]( for a peaceful afternoon spotting tropical flora and fauna. Finally, head across the man-made causeway to [Pigeon Island National Park]( and explore historic landmarks, including the cannons of Fort Rodney. [Rodney Bay]( | [@happilynappyme]( Jump Around While most of St. Lucia caters to the tourist market, there’s a local side you should explore. Creole and Caribbean influences combine to create a vibrant local culture. The best place to get a feel for the island life is Castries, the only true city on the island. Explore the Castries market for fresh produce and local handicrafts. Admire the colorful architecture around Derek Walcott Square and marvel at the 400-year-old monkey pod in the center of the park. If you want nightlife, stick around for Friday night. Hit up the [Anse La Raye fish fry]( to sample freshly-caught seafood served close to the shore. Then head to Gros Islet, where the streets come alive when the sun goes down with a street party known as the “jump-up”. Vendors, dancers and tons of people take over the sidewalks to have some fun. [JADE MOUNTAIN ST LUCIA]( | [@alex.tritz]( Treat Yourself to Everything Of course, your number one priority while visiting St. Lucia is to treat yourself. We’re talking decadent spa treatments, [yoga classes]( and all the delicious food you can eat. Check out the thermal mud springs at the world’s only drive-in volcano. [Sulphur Springs Park]( is home to bubbling mud baths where you can slather yourself with healing mud and relax. Check into one of the numerous luxury spas, particularly the Rainforest Spa at [Sugar Beach Viceroy]( which services clients in the middle of the tranquil jungle. Finally, tour one of [St. Lucia’s cacao estates]( to learn about the island’s chocolate culture and take home your very own sweet treat. [@rubyure]( Ruby’s Discovery [@rubyure]( "St. Lucia is personally my favourite of the Caribbean Islands as not only does it have absolutely beautiful classic Caribbean beaches, the people are so friendly, the food is incredible and there’s an unlimited amount of things to do. On some of the other islands I found that, apart from the designated tourist traps of tax free shopping, zip lining, going to the beach and eating at American style restaurants and bars, there wasn’t much more for a visitor to do on the island, however St Lucia had all of that as well as so much more." [Soufrière, Saint Lucia]( | [@aliciavalenski]( Caribbean Cuisine St. Lucia’s Creole influences, access to the ocean and rich soil make it a prime place for some delicious, fresh food. All produce is locally grown, and while it may be easy to just stay in your resort, don’t miss out on the island’s local eateries. Try [Orlando’s]( for fresh Caribbean fare in a fine dining atmosphere. For some Creole, hit up [Fedo’s]( a simple and delicious spot in Soufriere. If all else fails, pick up some fresh fruit from a vendor and have yourself a little beachside picnic. Don’t forget to indulge in a traditional tropical cocktail, or just raise a local Piton beer to the sunset. [Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort]( | [@shamarmarcus]( You Can’t Go Wrong Rare is the destination where you truly can’t make a bad choice in accommodation. St. Lucia’s collection of resorts, boutique hotels and luxury villas are nearly unrivaled in the Caribbean — which is saying something. From the stunning views of [Jade Mountain]( to the unparalleled decadence of [Sugar Beach Viceroy]( choosing accommodations will be by far the most difficult choice you’ll make here. Of course, you can’t ignore the smaller hotels and villas either, with spots like [Bel Jou Hotel]( and [Fond Doux]( making a strong case to forgo the sprawling resort properties and make yourself feel at home. [Pitons]( | [@thomas.ysf]( Don’t Be Shy "St. Lucia is an incredibly beautiful and safe island with a vibrant culture and the friendliness people in the Caribbean. Don't be shy. Get out and explore. Go local with [this great tool](. The Jazz festival, Creole Heritage month, chocolate celebrations - there's always something going on here and that's why I can't get enough of it." – Sara Burnett Under the Sea "St. Lucia is also known for having some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean, particularly at the Anse Chastanet Reef, which is home to more than 150 different species of fish. If you're PADI certified, you can join Scuba St. Lucia on a boat diving tour at the base of the Piton Mountains or a wreck diving tour of a 165-foot freighter sunk in 1986. If you're not PADI certified, don't worry — the island's snorkeling is absolutely spectacular." – [@aliciavalenski]( [SUBMIT TO UPCOMING DESTINATIONS!]( How Did We Do? 1 2 3 4 5 1550 Wewatta Street, Denver, CO 80202 Are we coming on too strong? [Update your preferences.]( Want to call it quits? [Unsubscribe](