St Lucia Hotels & Travel Guide

St Lucia boasts a very warm climate throughout the year, with temperatures around 35 degrees C in the summer and 28 degrees C in the relatively cooler winter. Although a predominately dry island, St Lucia does have a defined rainy season between June and November. During this period it is common to have fast and sharp rainstorms; however, it is still very humid during these storms and they usually pass within a few hours. Tropical storms are also a possibility for the island, as St Lucia is located on the ‘Hurricane Belt’. The hurricane season runs alongside the rainy season, between June and November

Many may head to St Lucia for a well-earned spell of rest and relaxation; however, if they are after a bit more action, St Lucia provides an array of activities available. Not surprisingly, a plethora of water sports are on offer, from snorkelling and diving in the clear waters, to fishing, jet skiing, sailing and water skiing. For fans of sports on dry land, a selection of stunning golf courses are scattered around the island. You can also enjoy a game of tennis, though you may wish to play first thing in the morning or last thing at night to avoid the energy-sapping humidity of the afternoon sun. St Lucia is a vibrant island that celebrates many festivals and carnivals throughout the year. It is therefore a distinct possibility that you may stumble across one during your visit. Shopping is another great pastime when holidaying and you won’t be disappointed with the jewels and crafts on offer in St Lucia.

You do not need a visa to gain access to St Lucia for a holiday, but you must ensure you have a valid passport and it has at least six months left on it. To have peace of mind and avoid any nasty medical fees or lost valuables, it is essential you take out appropriate health and holiday insurance. Don’t necessarily head straight for the cheapest; take time to read through the policies to make sure it covers you for everything you plan on doing. It is also good practice to visit your GP before your holiday. They can advise on any medication you may need to take before, during or after your trip. Currency should also be exchanged before you set off. This way you are able to get the most favourable exchange rate. Although you can use your credit card in St Lucia, it is always best to have some cash for the smaller vendors and for taxis and buses.

St Lucia boasts a very warm climate throughout the year, with temperatures around 35 degrees C in the summer and 28 degrees C in the relatively cooler winter. Although a predominately dry island, St Lucia does have a defined rainy season between June and November. During this period it is common to have fast and sharp rainstorms; however, it is still very humid during these storms and they usually pass within a few hours. Tropical storms are also a possibility for the island, as St Lucia is located on the ‘Hurricane Belt’. The hurricane season runs alongside the rainy season, between June and November

Taxis are perhaps the most straightforward way of getting around the island. As in many countries, it is simply a case of hailing a cab when you see one passing. However, if you’d prefer a bit more structure to your travel you can book your taxis through your hotel or hire a driver for the day. Buses also run regularly, especially to and from the shopping district and tourist hotspots such as Pointe Seraphine and La Place Cerenage. If you’d prefer to go private, you can hire cars, mopeds and motorbikes, which enables you to explore that bit more and head off the beaten track. To hire a motor vehicle you must first obtain a temporary driving licence from a local police station; usually hotel staff would help you with this procedure. If you want to take it easy and explore at a slower pace, then bicycles can be hired from many vendors or from the hotel you are staying with.

How to get to St Lucia

St Lucia caters for all desires and requirements when it comes to accommodation. A honeymoon favourite, St Lucia certainly has plenty of hotels with the wow factor, which will make for a dream holiday. Many hotels on the island are all-inclusive with everything you need on the doorstep; however, it is always advised to step outside the resort and explore the real St Lucia. For a slimmer budget, guest houses, self-catering apartments and even tepees can also be found on the island. These provide basic yet very satisfactory accommodation - allowing you to stay on a dream Caribbean island for a very affordable price.

St Lucia achieved independence in 1979 and is now an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations. St Lucia has attracted many explorers in the past, and it’s not hard to see why. It is said that the first European to visit the island was French pirate Francois Le Clerc in the late 1500s. In the late 1650s, the French West Indian Company purchased the island, owning it until its subsequent independence in 1979.

Food can make or break a great holiday destination and you’ll find that St Lucia has plenty to pleasure the pallet. A great mix of influences can be found on many St Lucian restaurant menus, as there are dishes from Asia, Creole, India, Mexico and Europe. This mixture is a deliberate attempt to satisfy all who visit the holiday island. Therefore, if you’re after a more authentic Caribbean meal, you are best heading to where the locals dine or at least asking some natives for their tips on the best places to eat. The atmosphere in many restaurants on the island is as good as the food served. Try walking along the seafront or through the Town Square and pick a place full of life and vibrancy - you’ll be guaranteed a meal to remember. As with many Caribbean islands, seafood is plentiful and comes in a wide variety of recipes and flavours. You can get some real bargains if you are self catering and head down to the local fish markets. If you wish to sample some of the island’s delicacies, then you should look out for conch, plantains, salt fish and green figs.

Of course, the beaches will always be the main attraction to many visiting a Caribbean island such as St Lucia, but there are plenty other sights and sounds worth your time. Historic landmarks such as the military forts of Fort Charlotte and Fort Rodney, which were used by both the French and British in past combats with would-be invaders, are worth a visit. There’s also a few hidden beaches that are free from the hoards of tourists you may find on the main beaches; these can only be reached by boat, making it a great adventure if you want that secluded Caribbean getaway.