As a tropical paradise, St Lucia sits as one of the finest places to visit in the Caribbean. Crisp waters, home to adventure and all-round beautiful weather.
Destination highlights
Picture-perfect vistas
Beautiful Caribbean weather
Home to adventure and discovery
Crisp, blue waters
What are the best beaches in St Lucia?
Considered by many to be THE tropical paradise, a holiday in St Lucia can seem almost too good to believe. So, to convince you, here are some of our favourite beach spots for holidays to St Lucia.
Anse des Pitons – Nestled between the island’s iconic Piton peaks, this beach spot has a view that will take your breath away.
Vigie Beach – Less than a twenty-minute walk from the George F.L. Charles airport, you can begin your island experience almost immediately.
Anse Cochon - Take a break from the sugar-white shores and sunbathe atop the dark, volcanic sands of this serene spot.
Reduit Beach - More than just a spot to sunbathe, this beachside destination offers guests water sports, cocktails, and music.
Anse Chastanet - With so many options available, this beach is the island’s best spot for snorkelling.
Jalousie Beach - If, somehow, you’re in need of the perfect tropical backdrop, look no further. You’re guaranteed to get the perfect holiday snap.
What are the top hotels in St Lucia?
After a day of relaxing on the beach, nothing feels better than drifting off to sleep to the soothing sounds of rolling tides. For an easy stay in paradise, here are some of St Lucia’s best hotels.
Bel Jou Hotel - For the perfect romantic getaway, check into this adult-only hotel, with a rooftop bar, restaurant, and outdoor pool.
Sugar Beach A Viceroy Resort - With the combo of a beautiful beachside location and dozens of activities and events, this truly is a five-star experience.
Ladera Resort - Like something from a storybook, this magnificent destination sits over a thousand feet above sea level, overlooking Soufriere Bay.
Anse Chastanet Resort - Surrounded by the lush Caribbean vegetation, guests can go cycling through the undergrowth before taking a relaxing dip in the lagoon.
Jade Mountain - This villa resort offers private pools, award-winning menus and the most stunning view.
From December to April, St. Lucia is all about that perfect jolly weather. We're seeing stellar temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. So, for everyone daydreaming of sipping rum punch by the beach or diving into crystal-clear waters at Marigot Bay, this is your moment to shine.
But then, enter June to November. St. Lucia dons its rainy attire. Now, don’t let the term ‘rainy season’ get you down – we're talking short tropical showers followed by gorgeous rainbows. Temps still hover around 26°C to 31°C. It's nature's own spa day: lush, green, and oh-so-refreshing.
In-betweeners fear not! May and December serve up some lovely middle ground. Still balmy, slightly rainy but with plenty of sun breaks to make those beach days count.
Whether you're up for sunbathing, rainforest trekking, or simply chilling with a cocktail, St. Lucia won't disappoint.
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FAQs
What currency do they use in St Lucia?
The official currency used in St Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which is as boujee as it sounds 💲
What language do they speak in St Lucia?
The official language of St Lucia is English, but - fun fact alert! - the French-based Creole known as Patwa is also widely-spoken across the island. Save that for your next pub quiz.
How long does it take to fly to St Lucia?
It takes around 9 hours to fly to St Lucia from the UK/Ireland, but trust us when we say it'll be worth every single minute for the views that wait on the other side. One word: dreamy.
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and St Lucia?
The local time in St Lucia is 4 hours behind the UK/Ireland in summer, and 5 hours behind in winter. You might be a smidge jet-lagged when you get back, but it's nothing a trusty nap can't fix.
What forms do I need to complete before I travel to St Lucia?
From 1st March 2023, an electronic entry form will be available to make your entry into St Lucia as fast and smooth as possible.
We advise completing the form prior to arrival in order to avoid delays, but you can complete the form anywhere with internet access prior to landing in St Lucia - including on board the flight if internet access is available!
Here's a quick step-by-step process of how to complete the entry form:
Complete and submit the form (you'll need your flight information, passport details for you and the people travelling with you, a photo of travel documents and a valid email address in order to complete this)
Keep an eye on your emails for a QR code which should come through afterwards
Present the QR code (on your phone, laptop, tablet etc - or even a printed copy) and your passport to the officials on arrival
All done! Happy travelling.
Take the aerial tram
Yep, it's exactly what it sounds like. Forests cover more than 75% of St Lucia, and what's the best way to take it all in? By aerial tram, obviously! You'll be seated comfortably in an open vehicle that cruises slowly and safely through the leafy canopies for the best possible views. Don't forget to hold onto your phone extra tightly when taking pics! There's also a zipline opportunity at the same place, if that tickles your pickle.
Check out the 'drive-in' volcano
We guess you could kind of say it's like a drive-in cinema, only...it's a volcano rather than a cinema. Some people say this trip isn't anything groundbreaking (no pun intended), but if visiting a volcano is on your bucketlist, then this is certainly the way to do it. You can literally drive into the crater of this bad boy, and then wander between the bubbling sulfur springs and hissing steam pools. We'll let you decide if it's worth it!
Get your scuba dive on
With waters as clear as this and so many tropical fish to make friends with, it'd be rude not to - right? There are a bunch of diving schools and trips available, but whichever you choose, it's the perfect opportunity to admire the vibrant coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks and underwater scenes that look like something from a Pixar movie.
Channel your inner Willy Wonka
Fancy making your own chocolate? Yes, you will get to eat it afterwards. We thought that'd sway you. St Lucia is actually home to the Fond Doux Estate - a 135-acre plot of land with tropical gardens and sustainably-farmed cocoa fields. Book on a trip to make your own chocolate, or simply stop by for a visit and bag some goodies from the on-site chocolate shop.
Explore Pigeon Island
Nope, it's not an island full of pigeons. But it is a beaut national park where you can learn all about the island's heritage and biodiversity. In other words? Epic views and beaches for days. Sold yet? A little top tip. if you stop by in May then you'll be able to catch the St Lucia Jazz Festival, which is basically just a week of free concerts. Erm - sign us up?!
Admire the detail at Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
The name might be a mouthful, but this place is much easier on the eyes - trust us. It's a gorgeous cathedral located in Derek Walcott Square, known for its intricately-painted walls and ceilings that combine a mix of styles. In fact, it's so iconic to the area, that it's largely known as simply 'The Cathedral'. No further distinction needed. It's giving Beyoncé vibes.
What events can I go to in St Lucia?
For St Lucia, so long as it brings people together events can take any shape or form throughout the year. With food, music and vibrant colours, here’s a list of dates to keep handy for your next holiday.
St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (April - May) - local and international jazz artists take over the island with all-star performances across a variety of venues
St Lucia Carnival (July) - think a fun-filled street parade that spans over 2 days, with live bands, DJ sets and flamboyant costumes in a celebration of Caribbean history
Fishermen's Feast (Fête Pêche) (June) - fishermen celebrate on the last Sunday of June every year with church services and delish food to give thanks to the community
Mercury Fest (July) - the ultimate beach party at Pigeon Island National Park - think boats, inflatables and live concerts from international superstars
Roots & Soul Festival (August) - a festival dedicated to trailblazing musicians in reggae, hip-hop, Afro-punk and R&B, with performances and masterclasses to boot
St Lucia Dive Fest (September) - with waters so clear and marine life so vibrant, it's no wonder that diving is such an iconic part of the St Lucia experience, celebrating this week-long festival with dolphin-spotting trips, kayaking, diving classes, rum cocktails and fresh seafood
Creole Heritage Month (October) - a month of music, dancing, eating tasty food and celebrating the Creole heritage, with theatre performances, lectures and vibrant street parties
St Lucia Triathlon (November) - a week-long festival of fun activities with something for all levels
National Day - Festival of Lights & Renewal (December) - this festival of the Feast of Saint Luce and the Patron Saint of Light is a light-filled celebration with lantern competitions, parades and a fireworks display for the grand finale
Where is the best nightlife in St Lucia?
When it comes to holidays to St Lucia, the night scene is all about those swanky bars, island beats and dancefloors that stay lit (in both senses of the word) 'til dawn. Trust us, this place will take any excuse for a celebration or street party. Don't miss these top spots for a bit of fun after sundown:
Gros Islet Street Party - the island's most famous Friday night hangout, with food stalls, rum shacks, soca music, and dancing under the stars
The Troubadour Lounge - a swanky spot where all the cool kids come to play, with a chic setting, live jazz music and a menu full of exotic cocktails
Anse La Raye Fish Fry - fresh seafood and live tunes? Sign us up! This place transforms into a vibrant party spot every single Friday
Rum Therapy Bar and Treatment Center - an absolute must-visit spot on the island, this port bar brings the karaoke vibes and buckets of cheap beer
Boardwalk Bar - think ice cold beer and cocktails right by the waterfront, so you can slurp while you watch the yachts pass by
Cane Bar - a proper swish bar specialising in sushi and rum cocktails in an elegant setting
GLO Nightlife - every night's something different at this place, whether it's a salsa night, soca music or just a neon-lit dancefloor playing everything from Reggae and Dub-step to House
Night Bash Volcano Tour - if visiting a volcano by day is a bit too mainstream for you, hope on one of these night tours where you'll get the chance to take a dip in an actual volcanic mud bath, with Piton beers and local drinks provided
Verve - an entertainment hotspot in Rodney Bay with good music, good vibes, cheap drinks, friendly staff and karaoke Sundays - what more could you want?!
What’s the food like in St Lucia?
Food in St Lucia is like one big flavour fiesta, with seafood as fresh as the sea breeze and local fruits bringing all those tropical vibes. Whatever your mood, check out these local dishes for a taste of the good stuff:
Green figs and saltfish - it sounds funky, but trust us - this national dish is downright delish, with the two main ingredients boiled separately, and then sauteed with peppers and garlic
Bouyon- a hearty, one-pot soup made with meat (usually pork or beef), yams, plantain and dumplings, all simmered to perfection with herbs and spices - usually served at celebrations
Accra - deep-fried fish fritters made with salted cod, herbs and spices, usually found at local street vendors
Lambi - conch meat is stewed or grilled with a bunch of herbs and spices for a tender, flavour-packed dish
Breadfruit - this starchy fruit is a common ingredient found in many Creole dishes, often served roasted, fried or boiled
A-Listing these dishes was the easy part, but now let’s help you find some places to eat them! Give these top restaurants in St Lucia a whirl:
Orlando's - a cosy, chef-owned restaurant in Soufriere, showcasing a farm-to-table tasting menu that celebrates St Lucia's flavours
Flavours of the Grill - a casual eatery located in Gros Islet, famous for its Friday night fish fry with grilled fish, spicy accras and ice-cold beer
The Coal Pot - a waterfront gem serving a wide range of seafood dishes with a Creole twist, including grilled lambi, coconut curry shrimp and huge seafood platters
Naked Fisherman - a beachside bar and grill dishing up fresh seafood, juicy burgers and tropical cocktails - perfect for a laidback bite by the sea
Dasheene at Ladera - a swanky spot tucked between the Pitons, offering a delish menu (where you can try staples like bouyon and green fig and saltfish) with some incredible views on the side, perfect for a special occasion
Places to visit
Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
'Diamond Falls' might kind of sound like a town or school from an angsty teen drama, but it's actually the name of some pretty epic, pretty beaut botanical gardens in St Lucia. This award-winning private park spans over 6 acres (which is a lot, btw), all packed with exotic plants, colourful flowers, natural pools and an iconic waterfall that waits at the end of the trail, like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Everywhere's clearly signposted so you can follow the pathways between leafy canopies and chirping birds. There's even a gift shop at the end so you can bag a souvenir to remember your trip by!
Gros Piton
Don't worry - despite what the name looks like, there's nothing gross about this mountain. In fact, it's one half of one of the most iconic landmarks in St Lucia - the Pitons. You can get your snaps of this gorgeous lump of land from down below (you can even see it from most of the beaches!), but if you want the full experience, you've gotta lace those hiking boots up. Trails along this mountain are safe and extremely popular, offering epic views of Soufriere, Vieux Fort, and the island of Saint Vincent from its peak. Trust us, your Insta feed's gonna be popping off ⛰️
Marigot Bay
It doesn't get much more scenic than this colourful little bay. And here's a fun fact: this place was used as the setting for the 1967 adaptation of Doctor Dolittle! If it's good enough for the movies, it's good enough for us. While it's not necessarily a top spot for sunbathing and swimming, it is a top spot to hop in a kayak or take a scenic wander. Once you reach the top of the hill, you'll be able to watch the boats come and go, and there are plenty of places to eat and drink along the bay. Cocktail at sunset, anyone?! 🍹
Key facts about St Lucia
Flight time
Around 9 hours
Time Difference
-4 hours (summer)/
-5 hours (winter)
Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Language
English
Do I need any vaccinations to visit St Lucia?
We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to St Lucia?
Yes, since 1st December 2020, a tourist tax at a nightly rate of $3 (US) per person applies for hotels priced up to $120 (US), and a nightly rate of $6 (US) per person applies for hotels priced over $120 (US). Good news for the youngsters, though - anyone aged 12-17 will only need to pay half of this tax.
