The sandy beach stretches like a line of silver round the blue water, and the can fields form a broad belt of vivid green in the back ground. Behind this, the mountains rise in the most fantastic shapes, here cloven into steep-down chasms, there darting into arrowy points, and everywhere shrouded or swathed, as it were, in wood.
H. N. Coleridge, Six Months in the West Indies
St Lucia holiday experts at WEXAS will tailor-make all aspects of your itinerary to create a St Lucia holiday, personal to you.
St Lucia, the second largest of the Windward Islands, is famed for its spectacular natural beauty. While it’s possible to spend your time sunning in a resort by the beach, it’s important to get out and explore this unspoilt island and an undisturbed West Indian way of life.
The majority of the island’s interior is heavily forested – though much has been cut down, most of what remains is now protected – and you’ll find excellent opportunities for bird watching on a hike here. The coastline is dotted with the usual gorgeous beaches.
However the spectacular parts of the island stem from its volcanic past. On the west coast two spectacular Pitons and other rock formations rise from the ocean waves and are surrounded by thick vegetation. These features, created when hardening magma plugged the volcanoes, create an otherworldly feel to the area. At their feet is the town of Soufrière and its marvellous wooden buildings - a favourite haunt for tourists.
Elsewhere, the capital, Castries, is set in another beautiful natural harbour and looks from afar provides an impressive view of reds, blues, whites and greens, however on closer inspection sections are disappointingly modern. Even so, the bustle in the city centre, increased when a cruise ships docks, more than makes up for it.
St Lucia facts
Capital: Castries.
Language: English.
People: Mixed race of African, Caribbean, Indian and European descent.
Religion: Roman Catholic.
Size (sq km): 616.3.
Population: 172,884.
Population density/sq km: 280.5.
Etiquette
The people are very hospitable and encourage visitors to enjoy their lifestyle. It is mainly a West Indian style of life, though some French influences still remain. Casual wear is acceptable, but some restaurants and hotels encourage you to dress for dinner. Beachwear should not be worn in the towns.
Shopping
Batiks and silk screens, sports shirts, table mats, bowls, beads, straw hats, sisal rugs, bags, sandals, woodwork.
Food & drink
West Indian and Creole with French influences. Local dishes include langouste (native lobster) cooked in a variety of ways, lambi (conch) and other fresh seafood. Breadfruit and plantain are popular, and the local spicy dish ‘pepper pot’ is worth trying. Many imported spirits are available; local favourite is rum in punch and cocktails. Beers and fruit juices are also available.
International Airports
George F L Charles (SLU) 3 km from Castries. Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) 67 km from Castries.
Internal travel
All major centres served by a reasonably good road network. Car-hire, minivan buses, and taxis available.
Red tape
Visas
Not required except for Australian and some EU citizens.
Vaccinations
Hep. A, Hep. B, Typhoid, Y. Fever2
Driving requirements
A local licence will be issued on presentation of a national driving licence or you can use an International Driving Permit.
Reps in UK/US
UK: 1 Collingham Gardens, London SW5 0HW, tel (020) 7370 7123, fax (020) 7370 1905. US: 3216 New Mexico Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016, tel (202) 364 6792, fax (202) 364 6723, email eofsaintlu@aol.com.
UK/US reps in St Lucia
UK: PO Box 227, Francis Compton Building, Waterfront, Castries, tel 452 2484, fax 453 1543, email britishhc@candw.lc. US: The American Embassy in Bridgetown (see Barbados) deals with enquiries relating to St Lucia.
Currency
Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) = 100 cents.
Finance
Credit cards and traveller’s cheques widely accepted.
Business hours
0800-1600 Mon-Friday.
Safety & life expectancy
Safety information
Safe.
Life expectancy
Life expectancy: M 70.77, F 78.12.
Useful websites for travel
www.stlucia.org, www.sluonestop.com, www.col.com, www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/saint-lucia.
Local media
English publications include, The Voice of St Lucia, The Star, The Crusader, The Mirror, and Visions Magazine.
Tourist boards
As for Country Reps in UK, tel (0870) 900 7697, fax (020) 7341 7001, email sltbinfo@stluciauk.org. US: 9th Floor, 800 Second Avenue, Suite 910, New York, NY 10017, tel (212) 867 2950, fax (212) 867 2795, email stluciatourism@aol.com.
Below is a selection of some ideas for holidays to St Lucia. This is simply a taste of what we can offer. If you're interested in a specific St Lucia itinerary then please call one of our consultants on 0845 643 6548.
Set on a hillside overlooking the beautiful Anse Cochon Bay, this small and secluded resort, exudes a simple, rustic charm that makes it the perfect barefoot getaway....
Tucked away on a gently sloping hillside with fabulous views over Saint Lucia’s Bonaire Bay, Calabash Cove is quite simply a magnificent resort....
The all-inclusive Rendezvous is perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape, with the added benefit of the best water sports and facilities you could want....
With its secluded setting and spectacular views, you will feel at one with nature at this stunningly beautiful 600-acre resort - it’s quite simply in one of the most breathtaking locations in the Caribbean....
The Discovery at Marigot Bay Hotel is located on St Lucia’s scenic west coast, providing guests with an intimate and luxurious setting and every modern amenity imaginable....
Overlooking St Lucia’s most breathtaking beach and with the island’s only private harbour, this magnificent resort is almost a little world within itself.... Please call 0845 643 6548 for price details.
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The relaxing, all-inclusive BodyHoliday is a fantastic beachfront resort on Saint Lucia - the perfect place to energise and revitalise your body and mind.... Please call 0845 643 6548 for price details.
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Set on an excellent beach in a National Marine Park in the south of the island of Saint Lucia, Jalousie Plantation boasts one of the most breathtaking locations in the Caribbean.... Please call 0845 643 6548 for price details.
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Set on Saint Lucia’s Labrelotte Bay, between Castries and Rodney Bay, Windjammer Landing is a striking resort suited just as well to couples as it is to families.... Please call 0845 643 6548 for price details.
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The driest period is from December to May and there is increased rainfall towards the end of the year (June to November)
GMT -4.
Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) = 100 cents.
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