Saint Lucia: Land of Awards & Accolades
Saint Lucia: Land of Awards & Accolades S aint Lucia’s history of compiling awards and accolades since tourists began setting foot on this tiny island is no secret to the travel industry. There are many reasons why, but let us first discuss what makes Saint Lucia one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean.
The history of Saint Lucia is rich with adventurous tales, blended cultures, and a natural diversity. The culture here blends the influences of African, French, and English heritage. In fact, throughout the 617-square kilometre (238-square mile) island, you’ll find remnants of the many wars the island endured between the French and the British fighting for control of the island between 1660 and 1814, with the flag of Saint Lucia changing 14 times in that period. The British ultimately took possession under the Treaty of Paris in 1814, and at that time Saint Lucia became a Crown colony. In February, 1979, it finally became independent, as a constitutional monarchy and member of the Commonwealth, with John Compton of the United Workers Party (UWP) as its first Prime Minister. When you first visit Saint Lucia, you’ll come to see why the European powers wrestled over this amazing island. But why so much recognition? Why so many well-deserved awards and accolades? If you’ve ever visited Saint Lucia, you already know why. For those of you that have yet to see this “Helen of the West Indies”, we know it’s just a matter of time before you visit us, and then realize why Saint Lucia is a “dreamer’s dream.” Not only will you find attractions and a culture that will astound you, but the many reasons tourists come to our beautiful island time and time again. The maritime tropical climate here is one of the best in the Caribbean. You’ll find the best in scuba diving and snorkelling on colourful coral reefs, cruises, sailing, and game fishing. On the lush and tropical foliage that gently caresses the
aqua-green waters, the towering and majestic Pitons rise gallantly out of the Atlantic with warm, sandy beaches that look like a scene from a Hollywood movie. Close by palm-fringed bays, relaxing sulfur hot springs, golf, botanical gardens, national parks, wildlife reserves, hiking, cycling and horseback riding are easily accessible by ferry, taxi or bus. Cultural attractions include the famous and colourful Carnival, where vibrating and hypnotic music fills the air, sexy costumes abound and Saint Lucia’s very own “whining” dance. Carnival attracts tourists from all parts of the globe and follows directly behind the annual internationally known and immensely popular Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival. This event is next scheduled for May 5-14 2017, so make sure to mark your calendar. Creole Day (Jounen Kwéyòl) is celebrated each year on the last Sunday of October. This year, the various towns chosen to host this festival put out the result of their grand preparations: local foods and drinks such as breadfruit, green fig, plantain, saltfish, kingfish, manicou (opossum), roast pork, bakes (dough, either fried in oil or cooked on a flat grill) and a famous dish, bouyon (fish, chicken or other meat stewed with dasheen [taro], yams, plantains, banana and dumplings), lime drinks, guava drinks and more. Most people commemorate this day by wearing the island’s national wear adorned in traditional Creole colors known as madras. So whether you are visiting to experience our heritage, our natural beauty or celebrating a wedding, honeymoon, birthday or other life milestone, we are happy to have captured your attention.
List of the awards and accolades Saint Lucia has won so far for 2016. “The Top Ten Caribbean Islands, #2 Overall” Caribbean Travel & Life/January “The Top Ten Caribbean Islands, #3 Luxury” Caribbean Travel & Life/January “Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean, #1” U.S News and World Report/January “Best Beach Honeymoon Destinations, #6” U.S News and World Report/January “Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean, #7” U.S News and World Report/January “Best Caribbean Beaches, #8” U.S News and World Report/January “American Express Travel 2016 Trending Destinations” American Express/February “The 25 Best Caribbean Islands” #1Business Insider/February “Porthole Cruise Editor-in-Chief Awards, Best Port Agency/Tour Operator” Porthole Cruise/March “Best Romantic Getaway” Business Insider/March “The World’s Most Romantic Destination, #3 /Brides/June “The Best Island in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas, #9” Travel + Leisure /July BusinessFocus Dec / Jan
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