Saint Lucia: What to Do & Where To Stay On The Island

Posted by Jenniffer Sheldon on Friday, June 14, 2024

I've long lusted after a Caribbean escape, having heard the classic tropes of crystal clear sea and endless palm lined beaches. Yet, while both of these things are undeniably true, what became apparent from visiting Saint Lucia was how the island is so much more than these clichés.

While secluded white sand beaches are certainly on offer, so too are incredibly lush rainforests that wrap round the island, punctuated by colourful houses that sit delicately amidst stunning hillside settings. From the striking backdrop of the Pitons to the unspoilt beauty of Marigot Bay, everywhere you turn feels as though you’ve been dropped in an idyllic screensaver.

There’s certainly no denying Saint Lucia’s authentic and effortless natural beauty, however with the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival making its triumphant return after a covid induced three year hiatus, there were more reasons than ever to visit the tropical paradise this year.

Peak season in Saint Lucia is typically from December to April when dry and sunny climes are near guaranteed, however this will unsurprisingly mean bigger crowds and higher prices. Visiting just after this period in May, we not only benefited from a quieter hotel but were also able to enjoy the Jazz & Arts Festival, with the weather holding out for the entire trip.

Here’s what to know if you’re considering a visit to Saint Lucia.

What to do

Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival

Running across several days, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts festival returned with a bang this year as internationally beloved Sting and Shaggy headlined the final night, with countless other artists such as CKay (of viral TikTok fame) also performing. Beyond the sheer bliss of watching the unlikely duo of Sting and Shaggy collaborate on Englishman in New York, the general vibe of the festival was so much more relaxed than those of the UK, with no need to push through crowds to get a decent view.

There’s something for everyone at the festival, with each day dedicated to a different genre, from pure jazz to upbeat Caribbean fusion. The oldest and biggest festival of its kind in the Caribbean, this year’s Jazz & Arts Festival was expanded to include a wider range of music genres than ever before, and even if you might not deem yourself a pure jazz enthusiast, you’re sure to have a newfound appreciation for it after watching these renowned musicians play - I certainly did!

For those wanting to travel outside of peak season the festival is definitely worth planning your trip around. Pro tip - opt for a water taxi to avoid hours in traffic getting to and from the festival. As you can imagine, it's a busy time to travel on the island!

Explore by boat

This will no doubt be one of the best things you do on your trip. Enjoy a tour of the island by boat, covering everything from Soufrière in the south to the Sulphur Springs volcano where you can soak away your worries in the volcanic mud baths. Snorkel in turquoise waters, wave to the Pitons along the way and enjoy a trip to a nearby waterfall, all with lunch and refreshments provided by the friendly crew of Knotty Girl, with prices starting at around £100 per person.

Raft down Roseau river

Fear not, this is not a white water rafting situation. Instead, glide lazily down Roseau river as your personal guide attentively explains the unique and rich history of the island, as well as talking you through local wildlife. Prepare to be mesmerised by the mangroves. Prices for a tour with beach lunch start at roughly £80 per person.

Craft your own chocolate at Howelton Estate

This eight acre estate is not only host to one of the best views on the island, but moreover offers a chocolate making class. Visitors are guided through how to create their own velvety chocolate using locally produced cocoa, seeing through the process from crushing cocoa nibs with a mortar to leaving with your own chocolate bar. Ensure you allow yourself a few moments to sit and take in this breathtaking vista of the Castries. Prices from roughly £48 per person.

In need of more inspiration ahead of your trip? Head to Saint Lucia tourism for some ideas, from iconic landmarks to tick off to the island's rich history and culture.

The best hotels in St. Lucia, from jungle hideouts to beachfront resortsGallery14 PhotosView Gallery

Where to stay

Windjammer Landing

Nestled in the picturesque hillside of Labrelotte Bay, Windjammer Landing sits on a secluded stretch of white sand beach with calm waters for easy swimming. Recently renovated, Caribbean and Mediterranean influences are effortlessly woven together through the resort, with each villa promising impressive views and amenities to match. My own villa featured a kitchen, living room and private terrace with plunge pool, so it’s easy to understand how many guests end up spending much of their trip tucked away in their villas.

Though with the stunning setting, it would be a shame to. Turquoise sea is right on your doorstep, with diving and water sports available as and when you please. No need for the early rush to the beach to secure a sun lounger for the day as there are always plenty spare, with every fine detail accounted for.

Boasting five restaurants (all excellent - tried and tested!), guests can enjoy everything from traditional Caribbean cuisine to Mediterranean favourites. In terms of facilities, with a gym, tennis courts and spa all on site, there’s little else you could want for. However, what really sets Windjammer apart is the attention to detail and warm Lucian hospitality on offer. Nothing was ever too much trouble and we were made to feel exceptionally welcome during our time there.

Whether for a couples trip or solo getaway, this is the place to stay if you want to guarantee maximum relaxation and rejuvenation. Learn more about Windjammer Landing's premium all inclusive offering here.

Address: Labrelotte Bay, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.
Price per night: From £302 per night, with villas starting at £492.

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Save when you book your Saint Lucia trip with these booking.com discount codes.

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