21 minute read
SAINT LUCIA
Quintessentially Caribbean, Saint Lucia offers recreation and rejuvenation in the tropics. We take a deep dive into the gem of the West Indies as it embraces a future for community-led tourism
Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Deane Anderton
Much like its endemic national bird, the Saint Lucian Parrot, Saint Lucia is defined by colour – from the sparkling azure of its seas and verdant swathes of jungle, to the kaleidoscopic splendour of its coral reefs and the vibrant jumble of village markets.
Reputed for its beauty, known as the ‘Helen of the West Indies’, and thanks to its location in the path of the north-eastern trade winds, it is not surprising that Saint Lucia has seen many cultures fight to claim this land. First colonised by French settlers in 1650, Saint Lucia finally gained independence in 1979. Remnants of the island’s tumultuous period of colonisation can be found in the military ruins of Pigeon Island National Park, whose shores hold tales of plunder and pirates. Now, Saint Lucia represents a vivid melting pot of cultures, combining Carib, African, Indian, French and English.
This small, paradisiacal isle enjoys a tropical maritime climate. Saint Lucia is split into the livelier northern areas, home to the cruise port-terminal capital of Castries, and the far quieter, rural south. Here you will find a bounty of natural wonders, like the mud baths and natural springs of Soufrière, thundering waterfalls and treks through thick jungle that hosts over 156 bird species. Fertile mountain valleys are carpeted with cocoa plantations that still represent a mainstay of the island’s economy, such as the historic estate of Fond Doux.
Hikers will savour the chance to summit the iconic Pitons – towering twin pyramids of rock rising out of the Caribbean Sea that have long been a national landmark. The surrounding western Caribbean coastline encases secluded coves and stretches of beach whose waters host teeming marine life. Snorkellers and divers worldwide flock to the coral reefs of Anse Chastanet and Grande Anse, where leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs, while whales and dolphins glide further out to sea.
Elsewhere, the island’s famous Creole cuisine is sure to set tastebuds tingling. Weekly ‘Friday Fish Frys’ are not to be missed, as villagers and visitors alike take to the streets to celebrate the start of the weekend over freshly caught fish and lashings of rum, as Calypso and other music drifts in the background. Islanders are known for their hospitality, and as the saying goes, in Saint Lucia, there’s no such thing as a stranger.
Mount Kailash Rejuvenation Centre was birthed out of a desire to revolutionise the healthcare system. The attraction to the concept was initiated with the simple yearning to see mankind relieved from its suffering and experience the fullness of the healing properties of the natural remedies that occur in and are derived from nature. This sort of care is founded on an in-depth overstanding that we are natural beings and as such when our physical bodies become unbalanced as is reflected in a dis-eased state our remedy is in nature. This physical imbalance is brought about by a disruption in our natural life enhancing modes of thinking/meditating which is in harmony with nature/universe. Therefore, to effectively heal ourselves of our dis-eased condition we must be placed in an environment that not only caters to the physical manifestation of the dis-ease through natural herbal modalities of treatment, but one that also acknowledges the environmental and spiritual imbalance that made significant contributions to the manifested state of being unwell. Mount Kailash Rejuvenation Centre seeks to redefine the concept of hospital by providing a service that heals the individual as a whole being by intricately intertwining their rehabilitation process with natural healing properties which include simply being in an environment that accommodates such, an environment that motivates ones to want to live, and to want to recuperate through its rich abundance of the beauty that life has to offer. It awakens the consciousness of the simple perfection of beauty there is within every entity when in its natural state. Through this experience, it brings to remembrance the ancient ways that kept us well in times long past. It affords us the opportunity to be able to see, love, find full joy and value our natural selves.
Retreat Rejuvenate Restore
The Ladera Resort is known as a romantic paradise in the West Indies. Reputed for its peaceful serenity, and hospitable staff, Ladera Resort prides itself on providing 5-Star luxury in perfect harmony with nature. As the only resort in Saint Lucia located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ladera is perched on a volcano ridgeline 1,000 feet above the sea and just outside the port town of Soufrière, with stunning views of the Caribbean and Pitons. We find out more with Managing Director of the resort, Christian Gandara.
Outlook Travel (OT): What kind of travellers does the Ladera Resort target? Christian Gandara, Managing Director (CG):
We target people who are looking for romance, like honeymooners or couples celebrating special occasions. Otherwise, it might just be people who are looking for a place to reconnect with their loved ones. We also attract people who want to immerse themselves in the nature and the culture of Saint Lucia. Our three-wall concept allows you to interact with the beautiful wonders of Saint Lucia, while enjoying the pleasures of life. With excellent farmto-table food and the best wines, you will be truly pampered by our team members.
OT: What are some of the top experiences that the resort has to offer?
CG: For some, it might be enjoying a nice glass of champagne in your private heated pool, overlooking a panoramic view of the Pitons rising above the blue Caribbean Ocean. Others might enjoy hiking along our private nature trail to the top of the volcano ridge, where you can enjoy complimentary sunrise meditations or yoga sessions.
OT: How does the resort incorporate an eco-friendly philosophy?
CG: We harvest all of our rainwater. It is then treated and used for all the resort’s needs, whilst our hot water is entirely heated by solar panels. Meanwhile, most of the ingredients used in our restaurant are grown on property, or sourced from local farmers and fisheries in order to support our surrounding communities.
OT: Are there any recent new developments at the resort that visitors can look forward to?
CG: We have several new additions that we are excited about. These include a new 18,000 square ft spa, a new wine room, and a brand new rum bar that stocks rums from across the whole Caribbean.
FOR ALMOST 60 years, the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) has operated as the trusted voice behind the island’s tourism industry. We catch up with CEO, Noorani Azeez, as the association engages with major amendments to the local tourism development act, to discuss a future for a community-centred industry.
Outlook Travel Magazine (OT): Can you talk us through the origins of SLHTA and its initial vision?
Noorani Azeez, CEO (NA): The association was initially formed in 1963 by a group of 12 hotels who wanted to share with the wider economy and other stakeholders the opportunity that the tourism sector held for investment, employment, Noorani Azeez
and the general development of the country. In 1985, the association expanded to include nonaccommodation business operators, including destination management companies, sites and attractions, with a particular emphasis on the food and beverage sector. In 2019, our current board of directors saw how the association was evolving and based on the strengths of the institution, we amended our name from The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association to the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association. We felt that this better reflected our growth and the fact that two-thirds of our members are non-hoteliers.
OT: What are your association’s current goals?
NA: COVID-19 really turned everything upside down, so we have drifted slightly from the strategic plans that we had mapped out for 2019 to 2023. Our primary goals haven’t changed, but they have been reclassified in terms of priority for our organisation. Right now, these
Outlook Travel (OT): Introduce us to Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel - how long have you been in operation and what led to your foundation?
....... Alisa Coleman, President (AC): Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel was originally a private residence built by my father, the renowned graphic designer Owen Coleman. After completion of the build it soon became apparent that this location and property needed to be shared and in 2018 we converted the compound to a bed and breakfast and eventually a full service hotel. Our guests appreciate the intimate nature of our luxury resort and the numerous services we provide. The hotel is operated by the Coleman family, ensuring the same level of service to guests year after year. In 2022 Tripadvisor named us on its Best of the Best list as the #12 Bed and Breakfast in the entire Caribbean.
OT: What makes Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel stand out from the competition as an accommodation of choice in St. Lucia?
....... AC: Each of our six luxury suites are uniquely appointed with various architectural elements from around the world but the most compelling, according to our guests, are our breathtaking views and the truly outstanding service provided by our team. Gazing from our sundeck and our suites you can look past our 65 foot infinity pool and stare directly at the majestic pitons which reflect against the Caribbean Sea in Soufriere Bay. While you’re enjoying your sunset drink or the rainbows overhead, our team, made up of dedicated, loving and warm employees,will go out of their way to ensure that each guest has a fabulous experience.
OT: Could you provide a brief overview of the hotel and its facilities?
....... AC: Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel has six luxury suites each with their own private bath and exclusive appointments. The common areas include the infinity pool, our Asian reflecting pool with koi fish, an outdoor shower surrounded by lush vegetation, and our living room area with Piton view and fire pit. We provide in room spa and massage services, day to day concierge services for transport and excursions and our fabulous restaurant – The Pavilion. Our suites include the Grotto mini apartment suite, the two-
room Upper Temple suite, and the Pool View, Sunset and Bouganvilla suites. The latter has recently been updated to include a private dunking pool off its Pitons view deck. All of our suites are fully air conditioned, have in room safes and mini refrigerators along with US and Caribbean voltage outlets. Suite stays currently include our signature daily buffet breakfast and housekeeping services. Meal plans are also available. Our Pavilion restaurant accommodates not only our hotel guests but offers delicious local and American fare to all during lunch and dinner. Our tasty specialties range from frosty tropical drinks, Rotis and Burgers to candlelit romantic dinners with a star-speckled view of the sky and the majestic pitons. We require reservations to dine with us but can easily welcome large parties celebrating special occasions including pre-wedding dinners and more. We have entertainment weekly and a full bar to accommodate guests nightly.
OT: What is the hotel’s target audience?
....... AC: We are an adults only venue with romance as our specialty. Guests have planned engagements with private moments and locations, small weddings and ceremonies and what we call “villa takeovers” buying out the entire property for a wedding ceremony and dinner accommodating up to 50 people.
OT: How has the hotel navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and are you confident about recovery?
....... AC: As one of the first resorts to open during the pandemic, we are confident about recovery – we take the safety of our guests and staff very seriously instituting special cleaning protocol and education for our team. We support helping the infrastructure of St. Lucia which in turn helps our team and their families.
OT: What does the future look like for Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel?
....... AC: We see a bright future at Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel and plan for improvements to guest services and experiences on a consistent basis. We understand the balance between luxury and eco-tourism provides its challenges and recognise guests that appreciate that our natural resources are limited. Still, we plan to grow to allow as many people as possible to share what we found to be the magic and beauty of St. Lucia not just the Pitons - but the warmth of its people.
include focusing on sustainable economic recovery both for our members and the destination. We are working closely with our members to ensure they are complying with the new protocols of operation that have been created post-2020.
Now, we are also much more deeply involved with civil society. We have literally tripled our resources to support discussions amongst civil society actors that reflect issues affecting our communities and our environment. Many of these issues rose to the fore during the COVID-19 experience, and so we recalibrated our resources to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure we create sustainably healthy communities and protect our environment.
OT: How do you market Saint Lucia as both a business and leisure travel destination?
NA: We lean heavily on the fact that we are first and foremost a leisure destination and we are still piggybacking on the many incredible leisure accolades that we have won over the years – whether it’s bragging about our Nobel Laureates, our unique cultural heritage, or geographic amenities. We have been able to package this all in a very effective way for business travellers too, who may have an opportunity to come here whilst doing business and allow themselves a couple of hours for rejuvenation. That blend has worked fantastically for us.
We support the marketing of Saint Lucia by working closely with our sister association, The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, and serving on their Marketing Committee. We engage with prospective clients through trade shows and other marketing mediums where we can promote our offerings.
OT: What trends are currently reshaping tourism in Saint Lucia and how are you utilising them?
NA: We’re paying very close attention not only to what our members want, but also our guests and potential visitors, and particularly how those demands are evolving post-2020. For many of us, 2020 will serve as a new benchmark and it has really triggered a national call to action for us to revisit the vision for tourism’s development on the island.
We are focused on ensuring that tourism permeates our communities more effectively. Its benefits need to redound more powerfully to our communities and our environment. Through re-shaping and amending legislation, we are hoping to accommodate this new vision for tourism. This includes implementing new legislation on community-based
tourism, allowing groups to make legitimate investments in their communities that have a tourism bias. Our evolving Tourism Development Act also seeks to allow these non-traditional operators access to incentive regimes, financing mechanisms and human resource development - resources that will allow them to not only take the risk of investing in tourism but also to thrive as a business operator.
OT: How is sustainability transforming Saint Lucia’s tourism industry?
NA: Community development has got to be twinned with the development of tourism. We cannot divorce the two from each other. We’ve got to do it in a manner that is sustainable and allows our community-based investors to own assets and equity in the tourism industry. When this type of ownership is created, then it has a positive knock-on effect for environmental sustainability, as seen with communities who are involved in developing the coral reefs and taking guests on diving excursions. These individuals have vested ownership in terms of how the reef is managed, pollution is mitigated, and how waste is disposed of. That type of ownership model allows us to have a very competitive edge when it comes to sustaining our environment.
OT: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Saint Lucia, particularly with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic?
NA: All of us who are involved in policy-crafting for the destination are very encouraged, both at a regional and an international level. The predictions that were put forward in terms of tourism’s recovery were quite measured and we have been able to surpass that in an admirable way. We have seen tourism continue, as it has done in the past, to demonstrate a high level of resilience and an amazing ability to recover quickly.
We are very optimistic right now, since all of our brands are open for business and we’re in a situation where we are looking at setting up strategic relationships with other sectors on the island to build much more powerful linkages in the supply chain. We are realising that we can rely more on domestic producers to bridge supply chain gaps thereby making our destination more resilient to future shocks. The prospects are excellent for Saint Lucia, and I believe that in the next 12 to 24 months we will see more new brands operating on the island with healthy expansion for existing brands driven by investor confidence.
Tel: 758 452 5978 evp@slhta.com www.slhta.com
OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS
FOR BUDGET TRAVELLERS…
SLEEP:
FOR PANORAMIC ROMANCE –
The Ladera Resort boasts a unique location, perched on a volcano ridge 1,000 feet above the Caribbean Sea on the site of the Rabot Estate – one of Soufrière’s oldest and most famous cocoa plantations. Reputed as Saint Lucia’s most romantic getaway, all 37 suites here benefit from a private plunge pool and stunning views of the Pitons. Ladera stands out for its eco-friendly philosophy, with each room constructed from locally harvested tropical hardwoods and its award-winning Dasheene Restaurant, which offers a Farm to Table culinary experience. All furniture is also hand-crafted by Saint Lucian artisans. Although not a beach hotel, a free shuttle service is provided to Malgretout Beach nearby.
FOR A QUIET BOUTIQUE STAY –
Located on the Anse Chastanet Road near Soufrière, Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel offers guests a luxurious stay amidst the most majestic view on the island. An intimate boutique with six bespoke suites including either sea or mountain view, guests can also enjoy a 65-foot infinity pool and waterfall facing the Caribbean Sea and Pitons. Savour authentic cuisine prepared by a Saint Lucian cook and arrange excursions through the team to feed your appetite for adventure. Aside from its tasteful decoration and dedication to exceptional customer service, the hotel sits above the secluded paradise of Snorkel Cove, where untouched coral reef awaits.
FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SOUL -
Promising the ultimate off-grid experience, the Mount Kailash Rejuvenation Centre harnesses the power of nature to deliver optimum health and wellbeing through its all-inclusive wellness retreat. The centre was founded in 2017 by renowned herbal physician the Rt Hon Priest Kailash. Born from a desire to revolutionise the healthcare system, the centre believes in intertwining the rehabilitation process with natural healing. It offers a range of group retreat programmes, including Self Love, Sacred Goddess, and Rising of the Gods. Personalised retreats are also available. A remote natural sanctuary hidden amongst tropical greenery, allow yourself to unwind to the sounds of nature.
IN FOCUS SOUFRIÈRE
Castries may be Saint Lucia’s official capital, but the former colonial capital of Soufrière sits at the heart of some of the island’s most loved attractions
THE TOWN TAKES its name from the sulphur fumes of the nearby volcano, where hot springs, geothermal fields and waterfalls await, and bathing in the volcanic mud promises a rejuvenating healing treatment. The dormant caldera of Qualibou is renowned as the world’s only ‘drive-in’ volcano, allowing you the ultimate access to its steaming sulphur streams.
The town itself is a picturesque assemblage of colonial architecture and wooden cottages painted in vibrant colours. The bustling waterfront is also a hive of activity, justifying Soufrière itself as at least a day-trip destination. Ideally positioned in the scenic south, Soufrière is surrounded by centuries-old plantations, such as the still-functioning cacao plantation of the Fond Doux Estate which offers popular walking tours.
Offering hidden beaches and natural wonders, Soufrière’s most obvious draw is its proximity to the two towering Pitons. These scenic pinnacles overlook the town and are flanked by swathes of sandy beach. The daring may choose to hike and climb these conical volcanic spires, savouring a variety of hiking trails that offer unparalleled island views. Below, explore the submarine jungle of coral reefs at the Pitons’ base for some unforgettable snorkelling or diving. Sit back and admire the view on the white sands of Sugar Beach or seek out true seclusion on the quiet shores of Anse Mamin.
LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS
GROS AND PETIT PITONS
These two limestone peaks are the most iconic sight in Saint Lucia, commemorated everywhere from beer bottles to local currency. A reminder of the island’s volcanic legacy, the Pitons were officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. Located in a bay near Soufrière, both Pitons can be climbed, or you may prefer to snorkel in the azure waters at their base.
ANSE CHASTANET
This scenic spot is best known for its coral reef, which is protected as a national marine reserve. The dark-sand beach, nestled against sloping hillsides swathed with jungle, is located on the southwest of the island and is known for its water sports and some of the best snorkelling to be found in Saint Lucia.
PIGEON ISLAND
A National Park and picturesque islet, Pigeon Island is a gateway to a tumultuous era in Saint Lucia’s history ever since the first European settled here in the 1550s – an enigmatically named Frenchman called Jambe de Bois, or ‘wooden leg’. Dominated by an 18th-century fort, take a tour of ruined military buildings used during the French and British battles for the island and ascend the fort’s lookout point for unbeaten panoramic views.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
ALTHOUGH IT IS possible to travel from one end of Saint Lucia to the other in under two hours, the island’s interior is one of the most mountainous in the Caribbean. For those keen to venture beyond the confines of their resort, a hire car is the most popular option. A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended, not just for more adventurous excursions, but also since the conditions of the roads can be poor in places – potholes and roadworks are to be expected, as are narrow roads and sharp corners! Most main roads are well-surfaced but can be extremely steep on the West Coast and notoriously pot-holed in the East. Bear in mind, most tourist attractions are a few miles off the main highways where you are likely to encounter steep, rough roads where signposts may be lacking.
All visitors will need to acquire a temporary permit to drive here, which can be obtained at the rental car company, or at the airport’s immigration station. Local minibuses are also an option but are reputed for their lack of a timetable and often cramped conditions. Elsewhere, water taxis are a good way to commute between beaches and waterside villages.
The two primary airports include Hewanorra International Airport in Saint Lucia’s south, or George F.L. Charles Airport in Castries.
