Best In Travel Magazine // Issue 130 // Saint Lucia

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Saint Lucia LET HER INSPIRE YOU...

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SAINT LUCIA LET HER INSPIRE YOU

Saint Lucia is the quintessential island paradise. Soak up the majestic peaks of the Pitons reaching to the heavens, the splendour of lush rainforests, and the hypnotizing bluegreen waters of the Caribbean breaking just off shore. The landscape, people, customs, and cuisine intertwine to create a Caribbean paradise.

Here, the unique confluence of Caribbean, African, English, and French cultures forms an exquisite blend of food, music, and traditions that will inspire and enchant you. “Ki bèl pèi!” is Kwéyòl for, “What a lovely country!” When you visit Saint Lucia, you’ll discover that it’s not just lovely, it’s truly magical. Discover her mystery and let Saint Lucia inspire you.

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NATURAL LANDMARKS

Saint Lucia is anything but an ordinary island. Her mountains, rainforest, beaches, and historic sites radiate history, beauty and a sense of living poetry. Of course, it’s not possible to see every corner of the island during your visit, and even many locals live here their entire lives without discovering all of her secrets. However there are a few iconic Saint Lucia landmarks that are not to be missed during a visit to her shores.

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NATURE & ADVENTURE

There’s beauty, and then there is Saint Lucia. Saint Lucian Nobel Laureate, Sir Derek Walcott once said, “Visual surprise is natural in the Caribbean; it comes with the landscape.” When you travel to any Caribbean island, you expect sun, sea, and sand. But Saint Lucia’s transcendent natural wonders will transport your mind, body, and soul. Here you have the opportunity to experience the adventure of a lifetime.

UNMATCHED NATURAL SPLENDOUR

In a league of its own, the island’s unmatched splendour is due in part to its volcanic origin. Rich in minerals, the soil produces vegetation so lush that the island seems more like a painted masterpiece. Volcanic eruptions hundreds of centuries ago, also gave rise to bubbling mud pools and sulphur springs. Altogether, the result is a wealth of natural wonders that make for perfect adventures.

To find out more about Saint Lucia, visit www.stlucia.org

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SAINT LUCIA THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE

Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has introduced a new adventure to give visitors unrivalled views of paradise.

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Mango-shaped Saint Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide. It is fringed with soft sandy beaches, golden in the north, and dark silver in the volcanic south west. Yet beaches are just an introduction to the immense beauty that the island has to offer. A lush, emerald blanket spreads over much of the island, with a rich covering of dense rainforest across the valleys and mountains.

A new adventure experience has now been launched this year, endorsed by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, and brings together climbing Saint Lucia’s three fabled summits: Gros Piton (2,619ft), Mount Gimie (3,117ft.) and Petit Piton (2,438ft).

The Saint Lucia Three Peaks Challenge invites visitors to climb each one during their stay on the island. Local experts and guides from ‘The 758 Adventurers’ provide an escorted series of the three hikes which can be booked across the duration of your visit.

Petit Piton is the more technical and difficult endeavour requiring ropes to climb certain sections and it is recommended that this is the first peak to be climbed. Gros Piton is the better known of the three and is already renowned as a popular hike.

Adventurers can attempt all three peaks in one day, or complete the peaks over several days.

MORE INFO

To find out more about the Three Peaks challenges visit: www.stlucia.org/ en_UK/experiences/ nature-adventure/ three-peaks-challenge

And for details about the guides 758 Adventures: www.facebook.com/ The758Adventurers

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AQUATIC ADVENTURES

From exploring idyllic waterfalls to snorkelling spellbinding coral reefs, Saint Lucia is playground for water-based adventures.

Waterfalls, lazy rivers, numerous beaches, and even a water park provide hours of endless fun. The only thing that will make it difficult to plan your Saint Lucia excursions is the number of choices. You won’t know where to begin as one activity is as appealing as the next.

There’s no need to worry, however, as you are sure to get the most out of your

vacation dollars. Go kayaking down the Roseau River. Sign up for Sea Trekking and get up-close with the friendly marine life. Experience underwater activities like scuba, snorkelling or snuba. Or go on a world-class kitesurfing excursion. There’s something for everyone, and you’ll find perfect options for couples, friends or families.

There’s no shortage of water adventures in Saint Lucia.

Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or something a bit more laidback, your perfect adventure awaits. Saint Lucia abounds with aquatic excursions — choose your own aquabased experience and let her inspire you!

SNORKELLING

Experience the unparalleled beauty lying just beneath our crystal-clear waters. Snorkelers of all experience

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levels can enjoy Saint Lucia’s underwater paradise. Anse Des Pitons, Anse Chastanet Beach, and Virgin Cove lead the options for snorkelling on the island. No matter where you choose to go, though, visitors will be greeted with a spellbinding panorama of colourful coral reefs and exotic marine life.

SCUBA DIVING

The beauty of this enchanting island extends beneath her waters. See more of what Saint Lucia has to offer at her world-class diving locations. With more than 20 diving

sites along the western coast, you won’t have a problem scheduling an appointment. From Soufrière to Rodney Bay, you’ll find several dive schools and guided scuba tour groups. Instructors and guides are ready to assist, whether you’re a novice or interested in diving certification.

SNUBA & SNUBA DOO

What do you get when you combine scuba diving and snorkelling? In Saint Lucia, it’s SNUBA! Go beyond snorkelling, but only as far as you’re comfortable — no certification or diving experience is necessary. Explore breathtaking underwater scenery and

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interact with marine life. Saint Lucia’s popular SNUBA Adventure program attracts millions from across the world. Try something new and SNUBA in Saint Lucia!

And if you’re travelling with children, SNUBA DOO is SNUBA for the little ones. Kids aged four to seven get to experience the wonders beneath the sea. What better way to nurture their creative minds than with an up-close venture into a magical realm?

SEA TREK HELMET DIVING

Just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be any other option for underwater exploration, Sea Adventures brings you Sea Trek Helmet Diving. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk on the moon, this comes pretty close. Complete with a specially-designed Sea Trek helmet, you’ll walk along the ocean floor among sea turtles, seahorses, and other forms of marine life. Another fun excursion for the entire

family, and no experience or certification required!

SPLASH ISLAND WATER PARK

If you love water and have a little “Ninja Warrior” lurking on the inside, Splash Island Water Park is your spot. It’s a giant floating obstacle course just off the shore. Its dozens of features include trampolines, slides, swings, hurdles, monkey bars, and a climbing wall. There’s even water volleyball! It’s perfect for the entire family and a great way to make friends.

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KAYAKING

This water adventure begins at Marigot Bay and takes you through scenic routes like Roseau Bay. If you’re a fan of Rex Harrison’s Doctor Dolittle, you’ll appreciate that Marigot Bay was one of the locations in this 1967 classic.

Glide along the Roseau River and bask in the mystical serenade by the various wildlife that calls the woodlands home. You will coast through an avenue of majestic red mangroves and

lush greenery that envelope the path. Embrace the awe that overtakes you as the gentle, soothing waters guide you through the lagoon, past impressive rock formations, and right to the ocean. Some kayaking tours even include snorkelling.

UP, UP & AWAY!

Your water adventures in Saint Lucia won’t be complete without a little hang time. If the thought of getting hooked up to jetpacks and emerging

dramatically from the ocean fills you with joy, then flyboarding is for you. Perhaps you prefer kite surfing. A passion for surfing and kite flying, along with the gentle Caribbean winds provide the perfect ingredients for an uplifting ride.

If these activities are too much for you, it’s just as much fun to watch the acrobatics of those with more experience. To give kitesurfing or flyboarding

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a try, you can sign up for private lessons with certified pros. Whichever activity you choose, you’re guaranteed another way to enjoy the beauty of this stunning island.

ISLAND ROUTES

Island Routes is an independent operator of curated excursions and experiences in the Caribbean. Holding the

spot as the ‘World’s Leading Caribbean Attraction Company’ at World Travel Awards 2023, Island Routes offers a wide selection of day tours and exclusive experiences across the trifecta of scapes – land, air and sea. Its day tour options provide guests with ready-made, trailblazing experiences while their Private and Bespoke Collections answers the call for privacy and exclusivity in the great, big, outdoors.

Find out more on website www.islandroutes.com

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FAMILY FUN

Saint Lucia is a dream vacation for adults and kids alike. There are plenty of family activities on both land and in the cool, clear sea. Watch your toddler feel sand for the first time as their toes touch the beach, or hold on tight as the whole family ziplines through the jungle. Grab your sunblock and your sense of adventure, because you’re on your way to create amazing family memories.

Relax with beach activities

Family fun in Saint Lucia starts on the beach. From building simple sand castles to sea shell gathering expeditions, there’s plenty to do on the coast for kids of all ages. As your kids get older, they can start to explore the ocean and play in the waves as they roll on to shore.

If your children are interested in marine biology, take them to Anse Chastanet Beach, which is one of the best shallow water snorkelling locations in the country. The area around it is roped off from boaters, keeping the water calm and safe for people who want to swim. There are dozens of other

hotspots around the island to snorkel around and explore the bright, tropical fish of the area.

HEAD OUT ON THE WATER

If you’re looking for more family fun in Saint Lucia on the water, then board a boat. There are a variety of ways you can explore the island

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just off shore while your family gets their sea legs.

Board a pirate ship and sail the seven seas, or at least the Caribbean Sea, on a quest to find the 20 species of whales and dolphins that live in these waters. Check out SNUBA Doo for a kidfriendly experience that is similar to scuba diving and snorkelling, or grab a fishing

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rod and teach your kids the art of hooking and reeling. There’s plenty to see above and below the surface as you get to know the island’s natural wildlife.

EXPLORE THE RAINFOREST

After the beach, get out of the sun for a day and enjoy a cool respite from the coast by heading into the island’s tropical rainforest. You can take a guided hike through the jungle, where local nature experts will point out Saint Lucia’s native

plant and animal life. You can also explore this part of the rainforest by bike or on horseback.

If you want to get a little higher up, head into the canopy with a ziplining excursion or rope bridge walk. This gives families a chance to see some of the brightly-coloured birds native to the island while getting a rush of adrenaline as they fly through the air.

There are dozens of different family activities in Saint Lucia

that your family will love. The memories you make on this trip will last a lifetime, and your kids will beg you to take them back to the island so you can snorkel and zipline as a family once again.

MORE INFO

To find out more about Saint Lucia, visit www.stlucia.org

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A CARIBBEAN CULINARY HUB

Some visitors travel to Saint Lucia just for the food. The island has become a hub for culinary enthusiasts looking to try the latest restaurants or learn the roots of popular Caribbean dishes. The bars in Saint Lucia also bring hospitality to the next level, and keep the party going until late in the evening. Check out a few of the top options to satisfy your taste buds and enjoy your dining experience.

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EXPERIENCE FINE DINING AND FIVE-STAR CUISINE

Visitors celebrating their anniversaries, weddings, and other milestones can enjoy fine dining at a variety of Saint Lucia restaurants. The professional chefs on the island pull inspiration from

the sea and Saint Lucia’s Creole heritage to create amazing dishes that wow diners. You can expect your meal and wine to be paired perfectly, with a decadent dessert at the end. The meals you enjoy at our restaurants will stay in your mind for years to come.

CASUAL DINING IN SAINT LUCIA

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good meal on Saint Lucia! Across the island, there are Saint Lucia restaurants that can impress your palate and leave you wanting more. From mom and pop shops that specialize in a few dishes to beachside restaurants where you can watch the sun rise or set over your meal. Check out the guide below to find some of the top picks in your area that are budget-friendly and still delicious.

MORE INFO

To find out more about Saint Lucia’s restaurant and culinary scene, visit www.stlucia.org

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HEAD TO NORTH SAINT LUCIA

North Saint Lucia is one of the most popular locations for visitors to stay. It has seemingly everything just a few minutes away. While this area is harder to get to from the airport, many visitors are likely to stay in this region during their visit.

Nature lovers will appreciate Pigeon Island National Park, which you can reach by car

over a causeway. This park offers hiking opportunities, as well as places for kayaking, snorkelling, and swimming. Take some time to walk around the old fort ruins and imagine what it would be like back in the 1700s.

North Saint Lucia is also home to the town of Rodney Bay, which has some of the top Saint Lucia beaches

as well as popular nightlife spots. Plantation beach faces the Atlantic side, so you can take advantage of wind sports and surfing. Or you can visit Treasure Bay Casino Saint Lucia and try your luck with cards or roulette. North Saint Lucia has more diverse activities, and is ideal for groups of people traveling together or for families.

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DIVING IN SAINT LUCIA

Diving in Saint Lucia offers a world class experience with the island ideally situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Undoubtedly a great option for the wellseasoned diver, families or groups, the adventurous spirit and of course the novice who aspires to experience the wonders of the underwater world.

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Boasting more than 22 aweinspiring dive locations, the majestic isle of Saint Lucia harbours a wide range of stunning dive options.

Come prepared to meet an oceanic splendour that is all but ready to audition her vivaciousness. The turquoise waters of Saint Lucia effortlessly satisfy a plethora of dive expectations. Be it the certified adventurer, the ever-inquiring soul, the newfound dive lover or perhaps the gorgeous bride looking to make a splash of a statement, a piece of Saint Lucia promises to enthuse you.

The dive operators are all fully certified by international organizations brandishing ASHI, PADI and NAUI ratings. Take a dive

and explore only the best of scuba, snorkeling, SNUBA and Sea-trek on Saint Lucia.

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WORLDCLASS DIVE SITES

Come and be inspired as you explore dive sites voted among the top five in the Caribbean by Scuba Diving Magazine. Get VIP access and indulge in the uniqueness of Saint Lucia’s underwater mysteries as you escape to a salty adventure of spectacular biodiversity all enshrined in the deep blue of this fair isle. Offerings include wreckages of intentionally sunken cargo vessels elegantly laced by soft corals, underwater trenches and valleys all home to a showcase of magical ocean life.

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TOP FIVE DIVE SITES Fairyland, Soufriere

You can’t go scuba diving in Saint Lucia without visiting Fairyland. This dive spot gets its name from the variety of corals and sponges that create a colourful backdrop for all who visit. Divers can explore this plateau. This area is on a major headland and is sometimes subject to strong currents that keep the coral and sponges very clean, so that their vibrant colours are visible. The depth ranges from 12m to 61m. Turtles are often seen on this dive and are usually friendly.

Saline Point, Gros Islet

This site is the most northerly site on the island, located in front of the LeSport Hotel. This site is also good for snorkelling. Scorpion fish, pufferfish, and schools of grunts, rays and eels can be

seen here. Beach entry is possible at this site.

Bone Yard, Castries

Located on the northern side of the mouth of the Castries Harbor, Bone Yard is the site of a World War II vessel and what appears to be the wing of an airplane. It is the home to lobsters, and many other tropical fish and marine life. The story goes that the vessel was torpedoed off the coast of Martinique and tried to make it to Castries Harbor. The wreck lies in an average of 35 to 45 feet of water.

Lesleen M Wreck, Anse La Raye

Shipwrecks are a magnet for divers, and this Saint Lucia dive site doesn’t disappoint. Divers can find this 165-ft freighter in Anse Cochon Bay, where it was sunk in 1986. Divers can swim past coral

fans and schools of French angelfish to perch in the hold and engine room. The dive ranges from 40 to 60 feet and is accessible to all levels of divers. The 167ft long wreck offers open access to the surface and is inhabited by many types of marine life including lobster, moray eels and reef fish. This shipwreck makes for a stunningly colourful dive.

La Roche (The Rock), Castries

Also known as “Barrel Beef,” La Roche is a small island about a quarter of a mile outside Rodney Bay Marina. Maximum depth is around 50ft/15m. This dive has underwater trenches and valleys where you

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KABAWÉ KRAWL

Experience legendary Saint Lucian hospitality by embarked on a Kabawé Krawl.

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If you’re interested in exploring Saint Lucia whilst sipping a Piton beer or sampling a rum punch then you’ll love our new experience. It’s called Kabawé Krawl which is Creole for pub crawl or bar crawl. It’s a trail of bars around the island that we have selected to give you a real flavour of our different communities. It’s an opportunity to meet the locals, swap stories and

enjoy some more of our Saint Lucian hospitality!

You can book a guided tour around the bars with one of our local tour companies, booking information with transportation is below. Alternatively, if you’re out and about, look for the Kabawé Krawl sign at a participating venue. You’ll find all the bars on Google maps.

To start, take a look at the list of bars to find out where they are on the island, who you might meet and what’s on offer. We hope you enjoy our Kabawé Krawl.

MORE INFO

To find out more about the Kabawé Krawl visit: www.stlucia.org

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SAI NT LUCIA’S LEGENDARY NIGHT LIFE

As the veil of night falls on Saint Lucia, the island’s celebrated nightlife emerges. From legendary “jump-up” street festivities to full-moon beach parties to club-hopping on bustling restaurant strips, there’s virtually no limit to the island’s night time entertainment options. Saint Lucia is renowned across the Caribbean for her exotic rhythms and flavours; her nightlife is an experience that is not to be missed.

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RODNEY BAY VILLAGE

Dine and dance at Rodney Bay Village, the north island’s de facto “nightlife central.” Dinner is served at an array of excellent restaurants covering all tastes and budgets. Culinary options include authentic smoked barbecue, steakhouse, Mexican, Chinese and Indian cuisine, as well as other eclectic casual and local dining options.

Late night bars and clubs are a bustling mix of locals and visitors. As you walk down the strip, be sure to stop by one of the regular karaoke and live music nights at various venues to enjoy uptempo soca and cool reggae. The party never ends as the Rodney Bay vibe goes on till late most nights of the week.

GROS ISLET STREET PARTY

The Gros Islet street party — perhaps Saint Lucia’s most famous “jump-up”— has taken place weekly for more than 50 years, come rain or shine. In fact, the town only takes a night off from hosting Saint Lucia’s most famous party on Good Friday.

Every Friday night starting at sunset, the residents of Gros Islet fire up their barbecues, ice down the Piton beer, set up table-top bars in the streets, and get ready to welcome thousands of enthusiastic revellers to the colourful fishing town’s narrow streets. Arts and crafts vendors lay out their stalls, and the town centre becomes DJ central, as a giant sound system cranks up and keeps the street party moving until the early hours of Saturday morning.

And be sure to bring your appetite! On Friday nights, Gros Islet is lined with sizzling barbecues, grilling everything from zest chicken and pork to the freshest catch, landed just hours before by the town’s fishermen. Local cuisine is the ticket, and the adventurous should look out for the lambi or conch grills on the waterfront, or seasonal seafood favourites like spiny lobster and bwigo (whelks).

ANSE LA RAYE FISH FRY

During the day, the beachside fisheries complex at Anse La Raye is a busy hive of activity, as the local fishermen take to the sea in their colourful boats or pirogues and return laden with the finest catch. On Friday evenings, snapper,

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tuna, dorado, barracuda, Spanish mackerel, lobster, crab and a plethora of other delicious sea-dwellers makes its way to the villagers’ coal pots and grills, which line the beachfront, surrounded by brightly covered tables and impromptu street cafes. The aroma of freshly cooked seafood will surely excite your senses.

DJs and local musicians line the street, giving you ample opportunity to sample Saint Lucia’s local soundscape.

DENNERY SEAFOOD FIESTA

The sheltered village of Dennery lies almost exactly halfway down the east coast of Saint Lucia, where the Atlantic first makes contact with the island. The harbour is another busy fisheries complex, in a picturesque setting flanked by tall cliffs and overlooked by the charming hillside village. On Saturday nights, the beachside becomes a community “lime” (or “hangout”), with street

vendors setting up beside the surrounding rum shops and bars, and the pounding beat of Dennery’s festivities resonate the air. The vibe is laid back, friendly and authentic, as the Fish Fiesta is a favourite with many locals from the south of the island.

EXPERIENCE SAINT LUCIA’S NIGHTLIFE

The range of nighttime activities as diverse as the island’s cultural heritage, and there are many dance clubs, lounges, street parties, pubs and more to be experienced. However, at all of them, you’ll find a celebration of island life and a hospitable atmosphere. A night out on the town at some of Saint Lucia’s best nightlife scenes is sure to provide you with fun and memories.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS IN SAINT LUCIA

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NATURAL HEALING

With over 1,300 different species of wild flowering plants and 150 species of fern squeezed into just 620 square kilometres, Saint Lucia is a botanical paradise. Discover the many plants and trees that have been part of traditional Saint Lucian medicine for generations. Cover your skin in the therapeutic volcanic mud and dip in the hot baths at Sulphur Springs, plunge into one of the island’s refreshing waterfalls or take a guided hike or birdwatching tour in the lush rainforest.

TREATMENTS & THERAPIES

Saint Lucia has a rich history of offering rejuvenating and restorative treatments. The baths in the Sulphur Springs date back to the 1700s and were built to access the therapeutic waters of the volcano. In addition to the restored baths and natural practices available, there are an impressive choice of spas and salons in hotels and independently across the island that provide a wide range of treatments and programmes to pamper and indulge you. Enjoy spa therapies and beauty treatments in stunning locations such as

open-air rooms, rainforest showers and spectacular sea views. You’ll also find locally sourced and created products alongside international brands.

EATING WELL

Saint Lucia’s varied history is ever-present in its food with Creole flavours alongside international cuisine. If you’re looking for healthier menus there’s a great choice available. Across hotels and independent restaurants you’ll find vegan and vegetarian options and locally produced juices such as pineapple, soursop and tamarind. Chefs make full

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use of home-grown tropical fruit, vegetables and freshly caught seafood to create delicious, wellbalanced dishes.

MIND & BODY

There are an ever-growing number of fitness and relaxation classes such as yoga, pilates and tai chi available in hotels and standalone centres. Or get inspired with one of the many wellness retreats with stunning views of the Pitons, the sea and the forest. You can start the day with yoga

at sunrise on the beach or wind down with meditation at sunset in the open air.

MEDICAL MEETS WELLNESS

The award-winning wellness centres on the island take Saint Lucia’s wellness offering to the next level. The Bodyholiday resort for example, has the most comprehensive collection of services in the Caribbean and works regularly with specialists and experts from around the world to offer ground-breaking treatments. The Landings Resort and

Spa has just launched the region’s first programme dedicated to female wellbeing with each product used during the custom treatments carefully selected to address a variety of female concerns. With more medically focussed therapies being developed the island is fast becoming a sought-after destination in this field.

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LAND AHOY!

Saint Lucia is home to an array of land-based adventure.

Being outdoors never felt so good. Enjoy the rich earthy smell of the rainforest, and fill your lungs with the fresh island air. You’ll appreciate nature like never before. You can sign up for group tours or create your own adventures.

Take your Saint Lucia adventures to great heights by hiking the Gros Piton. If you want to keep your trekking at sea level, you can hike the Eastern Nature Trail along the Atlantic

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coastline. ATV Tours, ziplining, and nature trails are just a few of the many Saint Lucia excursions available. Countless possibilities await you.

Highlights include Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths, located in historic Soufrière. The private park offers a peaceful natural retreat from the outside world. Experience the beauty and lushness of

the tropics with the park’s diverse range of tropical plant, flowers, birds and insects. Visit the colourful waterfall for that perfect photo op. Relax in the warm soothing waters of the mineral baths.

MORE INFO

To find out more about the array of land-based adventures in Saint Lucia, visit www.stlucia.org

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