The Villa
 – a charming house on an acre of secluded, landscaped tropical garden, has a large living / dining area with ceiling fans and can welcome up to 6, featuring 3 air conditioned bedrooms – with views of the Caribbean Sea or the garden– all in a fresh decor and with ceiling fans, mosquito nets and en-suite bathrooms.

A courtyard with lush tropical foliage connects the living quarters with two of the bedrooms. A spacious, shingle roofed open-air dining patio is ideal for enjoying meals and cocktails at sunset; an attractive, large pool is surrounded by a sun terrace. There is a fully equipped kitchen with all necessities; the housekeeper / cook comes in on 5 days a week; all linen is provided, there is gardener and pool service.

Supermarkets and shops are within easy reach at Rodney Bay.

Make Sand Dollar your tropical home away from home…..

The villa is framed by French doors that extend the living space outside to a veranda and pool deck with commanding ocean views and a vista of St Lucia’s Pigeon Island National Park. Owners Mike & Lolita cook up a delicious morning breakfast; choose your menu and he will do his best to accommodate you.

The shopping, dining and entertainment district of Rodney Bay Village is only five minutes away by car, or the secluded Trouya Beach is a 200 yard walk through a lovely Caribbean garden. Of course, guests at Minalto Bed and Breakfast St Lucia needn’t wander too far away for relaxation tropical style; the pool is cool and crisp and clear, a great place to dip your feet and catch up on your reading.

In 2011 a partnership was established among four of Saint Lucia’s top website service providers in order to take advantage of the strengths each organisation can bring to a group. The partners recognise that together it is easier to deliver a higher level of customer service to all clients, to produce higher quality products and to maintain better long term relationships. We also recognise that these are the greatest concerns to you, our valued customers.

Together, the four companies, CG Designs Inc, Server Side Solutions, Advanced Intellectual Methods Inc. and Superior Business Web Concepts Ltd. have merged and are now doing business as eMagine Solutions Inc. We expect that we will now be able to provide you with better quality products, a wider range of services and a higher level of customer service.

We look forward to doing business with you in the near future.

About us

eMagine Solutions Inc. is a Caribbean/St Lucia based company providing professional website design and development solutions, client based brand and logo designs, search engine optimization (SEO), prepackaged web based applications, completely custom application development and custom database systems.

Our forte is creating clean, user-friendly, functional websites, applications and databases. Satisfying the needs of our clients is fundamental to our business and has been the leading factor in our continued success. We design, manage, build and maintain quality web solutions for a wide range of businesses and industries including the hospitality industry, professional organisations, legal firms, retail outlets, wholesale businesses, government agencies and many others.

We at eMagine have built our business and our reputation by working closely with our clients to ensure the solutions we develop are usable and profitable for them. Our talent is to take the client’s requirement, apply our understanding of web methodologies and propose innovative, technical features and application enhancements that help them to achieve their goals – while taking into account commercial considerations and timeframes. We strive to be on top of the latest in web technology and always ensure that our products are W3C compatible and meet all established coding standards.

The resort comprises of a diverse range of stylishly appointed rooms, junior suites and 1,2,3 bedroom villa suites some with their own private pool or roof terraces with views of theCaribbean Sea and Pigeon Island. Folding doors push back to seamlessly mix the outside with the indoors.

Maximising its incomparable position within three acres of tropical landscaped gardens, with its sandy secluded beach below, this luxury resort offers a private retreat in spacious suites, many with private roof terraces and pools. Cap Maison’s exceptional facilities make it a perfect destination for honeymooners, families or individuals.

The Cliff at Cap restaurant was recently hailed by The New York Times and is already one of the most highly sought after tables on the island. In one of the Caribbean’s most dramatic settings overlooking the surging sea, the restaurant is under the direction of Executive Chef Craig Jones.

His nouveau French West Indian menu elegantly presents the bounty of St. Lucia’s fresh local produce and seafood readily sourced on this tropical island. The Cliff at Cap offers unobstructed views towards Martinique to the north and Pigeon Island to the West, and surrounded by the magnificent Caribbean sea, with sunsets to die for.

The restaurant is open from breakfast to dinner with diners dress smart casual.

Opening times:

Breakfast: 7:30am – 10:00am, Mon – Sun.
Lunch: 12:30pm – 2:30pm, Mon – Sun.
Dinner: 6:30pm – 10:00pm, Mon – Sun.

Happy hour: 5:30pm – 7:00pm, Thus – Sun.

Credit Cards accepted include: Amex, Master Card & Vias

There is often live music, but you can call more more detail on that.

Reservations can be made by calling in out their website.

Ti Kaye may be a small secluded resort but that’s no excuse to be denied some of the conveniences of modern living. We have tried to include much to do as well as comforts without destroying that rustic, barefoot feel to the place. We have the usual suspects you might find in most other resorts and sprinkled it down with some high teck stuff that we hope you will enjoy.

Location: Ten minutes from Anse la Raye
Accommodations: 33 Cottages
Restaurants on site: Yes
Region: Anse la Raye
Reservations: 758 456 8101

As soon as you enter the Beausejour property, through two rock outcrops on either side of the road, you know you have arrived at a unique hideaway. The villa is situated between the Pitons, a World Heritage site, on 7 acres of botanical gardens with mango, lime, guava, lemon, coffee, cinnamon, golden apple, fig, nutmeg and a flowering tree from every country in the Caribbean. The gardens are planted with exotic flowering plants and there are orchids in profusion. Beau Estate is situated next to Jalousie Plantation Hotel with its long white sand beach and hotel facilities.

Soufriere, the nearest town, is a small, picturesque town with a couple of small supermarkets and limited shopping. In this area are the botanical gardens, the drive in volcano, various waterfalls – some of which are heated by the volcano, the Pitons and snorkelling at Anse Chastanet beach. The nearby Fond Doux Plantation offers a good restaurant, a lively bar and a convenient starting point for rain forest tours.

The entrance to the Beausejour house is through a long path planted with ginger lilies which opens onto a flat garden with an Indian dining gazebo which looks out to the Caribbean Sea and the Pitons. There are two swimming pools – one has been built using the original rock outcrop with a waterfall cascading down the hillside to another 16 ft x 10 ft pool. The original copra drying shed has been incorporated into the house and provides an unusual accent to the main outdoor living area. There are covered and uncovered areas around these pools and the garden for dining or just relaxing and nearby is a large barbecue oven. The open garden area is a great location for hosting a wedding ceremony / reception.

There are 3 air conditioned, en-suite bedrooms each with a private living room:-

Bedroom 1 has a king-size bed facing a glass wall providing a spectacular view of the mountains. There is an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower and an open air sitting room.

Bedroom 2, or the Indian Suite, has a queen size bed and en-suite bathroom, plus an outdoor shower on a wooden deck. There is a large air conditioned sitting room with a picture window that enjoys views of the tropical vegetation. This sitting room is decorated with Indian artefacts and a spectacular chandelier: plus TV and Video player. Upstairs there is another air conditioned sitting room with a sofa bed.

Bedroom 3, or the Cherry Tree Suite, has a 4 poster, king-size raised bed and a sitting area facing a large picture window. There is an en-suite shower room decorated with conch shell shower heads. There is an open air private patio with lovely views, through the trees, of the ocean.

There is an additional smaller, air conditioned bedroom with a queen size, four poster bed and an en-suite shower room. This room opens onto a wooden deck with a fabulous view of Gros Piton and guests can enjoy direct access to a private hammock deck with two hammocks strung between the Tamarind tree.

The modern kitchen is fully equipped with a large fridge/freezer, oven, cook top, ice maker, sandwich maker, bread maker, ice cream maker, rice cooker, coffeemaker and blender.

Anyone interested in this property please go to Beausejour Residence website for more information.

At St. Remy Plantation, your every whim will be catered to; a full staff is at your disposal. From airport transfers to rum punches by the pool – you will be pampered

Sit back and relax and enjoy a taste of old plantation life at St. Remy.

What we can offer you

• House sits on 27-acre plantation surrounded by beautiful gardens
• A wrap-around veranda with stunning panoramic views
• Two bedrooms with double beds ideal for couples
• A third bedroom with twin beds
• A cottage just steps away from the main house with a double room
• Full-time housekeeper, gardener and driver at your disposal
• A full-sized swimming pool with gazebo
• TV/DVD player and video library available upon request
• Small library of books for your reading pleasure
• Bed linens, towels, maid and laundry service included

Captain Mike’s maintains six boats, two 31ft, one 35ft, two 38ft and one 60ft “Free Willie” (specifically used for Whale & Dolphin Watching), the others used for Sport Fishing and private cruises.

Please note: Free Willie can also be used for private functions such as weddings, parties and Personalised Private Cruises and more.

On the Whale Watching trips you can get yo see local pods of Dolphins, Pilot Whales, Sperm Whales and many other spectacular oceanic scenes. So come join us for a trip or book a charter just for your own group – we will cater you you every need!

St Lucia Sport Fishing

WE OFFER:

Half Days 4 Hours
Full Days 8 Hours
Packages 3 Days or more

THE BOATS:

Bertrams 31ft, 37ft and 38ft powered with twin diesel engines
All necessary safety equipment
Licensed by St Lucia Coast Guard
Insurance coverage
Penn International & Shimano Fishing Gear

PACKAGES

These depend on the boat you select and the amount of days you fish.

Whale Watching in St Lucia

Whale and Dolphin Watching in St Lucia and the Caribbean is one of the most emotional and exciting expeditions you can experience.

This should be a must on everyone’s adventure plan and what better place than the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Here there are many resident pods as well as migratory ones, so you stand a pretty good chance of a sighting on nearly every trip. There are 33 species of whales and dolphins and over 20 live in and visit our waters. The species that are most commonly sighted are pilot whales, sperm whales, humpbacks and false Orcas. Orcas or killer whales as they are more commonly called are also seen here from time to time, the last encounter being May 2005, we presumed they were on their way north for the summer months. The humpbacks and sperm whales are often spotted with calves, who spend their time playing and frolicking in our coastal waters. The adults love the warm sunny seas and they just relax, swim, play, court and mate, like any regular tourist!

SCHEDULE WHALE WATCHING AND DOLPHIN WATCHING TRIPS

3 hour expedition.

Private charters for whale and dolphin watching can be arranged through our office. You can then go for as long as you like and maybe mix it in with a beach picnic or other activity. Whale watching is a year-round activity in St Lucia.

The lush tropical landscape, effervescent flowers and shady coconut palms frame the property and create an intimate and seductive island retreat. Our luxurious villa suites enjoy cooling sea breezes, beautiful panoramic views, and our guests enjoy the very best in St. Lucian hospitality. The villa suites at Villa Beach Cottages are fully self-contained and designed to give a sense of seclusion yet are minutes away from many convenient dining, shopping and entertainment areas.

Villa Beach Cottages can also offer guests a two-centre island vacation by also providing accommodation at our sister property, La Dauphine Estate. This spectacular plantation inn is set near a World Heritage Site in mountains close to the town of Soufriere under the shadow of St. Lucia’s world famous Pitons.

Location: Ten minutes from Castries
Accommodations: 20 Villa Suites
Restaurants on site: Yes
Region: Castries
Reservations: 866 542 1991

Soufriere, home to St Lucia’s majestic Pitons, a world heritage site, forms the backdrop to this rustic, ecological plantation hotel which effortlessly marries old world colonial with every modern amenity in nature’s richest surroundings. Imbued with a magical ambiance, Fond Doux Holiday Plantation and Estate is ensconced in verdant tropical gardens, and surrounded by one of Soufriere’s most active agricultural plantations. The French colonial estate house overlooks lush green gardens and original colonial cocoa racks and is minutes away from one of nature’s wonders, the Pitons world heritage site. Luxurious, historical and architecturally intriguing the Fond Doux Holiday Plantation is a journey back in time and closer to nature.

The ideal place to wind down and just relax.

Location: Outside Soufriere Village
Accommodations: 10 Cottages, some two bedroom
Restaurants on site: Yes
Region: Soufriere
Reservations: 758 459 7545

P.O. Box 250
Soufriere
St. Lucia
West Indies

Email: info@fonddouxestate.com

Tel: 758 459 7545 / 459 7548 / 485 6208
Fax: 758 459 7790
Website: www.fonddouxestate.com

Amenities

* Restaurant
* Free Parking
* Pool Area
* Bar/Lounge
* Coffee Maker in Room
* Hiking Trails
* Lush Gardens
* Great for Bird Watching
* Fresh Fruit from location
* Varandahs

Our members are barristers of England and Wales, and attorneys-at-law and notaries in the Caribbean, hence able to work in both jurisdictions, reducing the costs to clients. We believe achieving good communication with all our clients is key to building strong and long lasting relationships whatever the matter you entrust to us.

Working at this level ensures we gain a comprehensive understanding of all your immediate needs and any wider issues, which may be beyond the remit of the original brief. Our hallmark is to provide practical and pragmatic advice. That is how we get to the root of the issue quickly and find the best solution.

About Temple Law Chambers

We pride ourselves and believe in old-fashion and well-tested values one of which is putting the clients’ interests first. Therefore, by embracing modern technology to improve our service we continue to set and work to tight but realistic deadlines as usually time is of the essence.

We continue to build Chambers on our reputation for quality and integrity in all our dealings reflecting the hallmarks of our service.

Temple Law Chambers specialises primarily in serving the legal needs of the expatriate community. Our focus is on the development and delivery of the best solutions to your legal needs by providing high quality individual and corporate legal services.

Services Offered

• Civil Litigation
• Commercial Law
• Company Law
• Family Law (UK and St Lucia)
• Financial Services Law
• IHT Planning (UK)
• Insurance Law
• International Financial Services
• Personal Injury Claims
• Probate and Estate Administration (UK and St Lucia)
• Regulatory Compliance
• Sports Law
• Wills

Lawyers

Henry Joseph
Attorney, Head of Chambers

Henry Joseph practiced at the bar of England and Wales for many years before deciding to progress to a multi jurisdictional practice principally in St Lucia and England and Wales with contacts in other islands in the Caribbean.

Edward A. Flood
Attorney, Partner

Edward Flood has a sound background in family law having practiced in that area in London, England for many years. He has expanded his practice to embrace legal services in St Lucia and therefore has a dual jurisdictional practice catering to clients in both countries.

Kendell Gill
Attorney, Partner

Kendell Gill has a background in finance and banking having spent many years as an accountant.
He utilises this sound grounding underpinned by legal training to provide clients with their full financial needs in a practical and thorough manner.

Milestone Development is a seminar production company that hosts high impact and motivational seminars; corporate training and workshops; custom design seminars, motivational speakers for presentations, personal development seminars and Women’s Empowerment symposiums.

They offer cutting edge corporate training, meaningful personal training, and encourage all positive avenues related to discovering and releasing the great potential within each and every one of us.

Our key focus is the sourcing and provision of educators, lecturers and motivational speakers to conduct various types of training and development seminars to relevant audience segments.

Once a thriving 1500 acre sugar plantation covering the entire northern tip of St. Lucia, Cap-Estate is now the island’s most exclusive residential development.

Ideally situated in rolling hills, snug between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Cap-Estate residences offer the region’s most spectacular views.

HISTORY

In 1998, a group of investors from Chicago bought over the run-down, nine-hole golf course and surrounding real estate.

Since, they have completely renovated and transformed the golf course into a beautiful, challenging Par 71, 6,829 yard golf course, making it the number one golf course on St. Lucia.

VISION

The Cap-Estate vision is to develop the real estate within the vicinity of the golf course into high quality, luxurious villas and condominiums affording homeowners the latest in sporting and recreational facilities in St. Lucia.

Cap-Estate is continuing the development process with a beautiful section of real estate called The St. Lucia Golf Resort & Country Club which is at the very northern tip of St. Lucia and is within the St. Lucia Golf & Country club.

LOCATION

Cap Estate is the northernmost point of the island of St. Lucia, the 27-mile long and 14-mile wide island that lies between Martinique and St. Vincent. This area is exclusive yet close to the center of the social and cultural life of St. Lucia, Rodney Bay.

Rodney Bay is the hub of the best hotels, nightclubs, galleries, duty-free shops and entertainment in the north of the island. Cap Estate is also near the world-renowned Pigeon Island National Landmark; where the annual St. Lucia Jazz Festival is held; the Beausejour Cricket Stadium; home of World Cup 2007 matches and the Rodney Bay Marina; final destination of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers(ARC).

Advertised worldwide as the home of the, “World’s Only Drive-In Volcano”; for the visitors ability to drive and walk right into the heart of a dormant volcano, the park attracts over 200,000 patrons annually. Its 46 hectares spreads majestically between two hills that are centrally located within St. Lucia’s Piton World Heritage Site; a status accorded by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the area’s outstanding universal beauty and unique natural phenomenon, to a 2,909 hectare area which includes the world famous pitons, Gros and Petit Piton. The area is a realm of the senses and a stark reminder of the volcanic origin of the island; however, the present tranquility and captivating beauty of the area, belies the fact the forces that shaped it are still very much alive.

Geology

At Sulphur Springs Park you are in the middle of a dormant volcano and on the site of the last recorded eruption in St. Lucia in 1766. As expected, the immediate area is heavily bruised from the intense volcanic activity experienced in the formation of the south western part of the island. The park’s main attraction is its sulphur springs – an impressive collection of boiling springs and fumeroles that is seated 305 metres above sea level, between the Rabot Ridge and Terre Blanche. The springs, from which the area gets its name, Sulphur Springs, occurs at the intersection of two fault lines which traverse the centre of a large steep sided volcanic depression, called “Qualibou” caldera. This caldera is about 32, 000 to 39,000 years old.

Sulphur Springs has been described as, “the hottest and most active geothermal field in the Lesser Antilles”. As you walk or drive through the park, you will actually be moving over a magma chamber just about 2 km beneath the area’s surface. This magma chamber is responsible for heating the rocks above it, which in turn heats a combination of rainwater that seeps into the ground and seawater from the Caribbean Sea that has seeped into the substratum, giving rise to boiling springs with temperatures between 70 – 90oc and fumaroles with temperatures of up to 172oc. These boiling springs give rise to the world famous therapeutic waters at Sulphur Springs Park, which form the park’s Black Water Pool and the Pool of Love.

Though not adorned in commercial minerals, the area is a mineral lover’s delight. It has abundant supplies of kaolinite and quartz and smaller quantities of gypsum, alunite, pyrite and geotite. As with all other geothermal systems the area is bathed in a copious supply of sulphur. Small supplies of jarosite, which has generated interest from the Wesleyan University of Connecticut, USA, can also be found within the area.

Hot water baths

The waters flowing within the park and within the pools are ranked as highly as the waters of the Baden Baden in Germany, Yellow Stone Geysers and Hot Springs in Wyoming, USA and Onsen Ryokan, in Japan and are world renowned for their ability to reduce stress, cure rheumatism, psoriasis and other skin ailments. In fact, in 1784, under instructions from King Louis XV1 of France, samples of the mineral saturated water emerging from Sulphur Springs were analyzed in France and found to possess similar medicinal properties to the waters of the Aix-les-Bains. Consequently, baths were built by Baron-de-Laborie, the French Governor of St. Lucia (1784 to 1789), at Diamond Estate, 1 km north-west of Sulphur Springs Park. The original Diamond Baths were destroyed during the Brigand War that followed on the heels of the French Revolution (1789-1794), but, were rebuilt by the owners in the early twentieth century. These baths today sit within St. Lucia’s largest and best kept botanical gardens and are themselves a tourist attraction.

Our guides confidently boast that a dip in our magical waters makes every visitor look ten years younger!!! Well, come take a dip and find out for yourself.

Black Water Pool

Just beside the park’s entrance is our famous Black Water Pool. Built in 2004 and refurbished in 2009, this area boasts a natural open air hot water pool, sitting area, hot and cold water showers and changing rooms. You can feel free to dip your feet in this black mineral-rich pool or if you’re more adventurous take a full bath in its 38.7oc (101.6 Fahrenheit) waters.

Find out more information about the Sulphur Springs Park and the management team - Soufriere Foundation.

The general currency for the island of St Lucia is – Eastern Caribbean Dollars (EC$ or some times XCD). As the island is now mostly run via tourism, US Currency (USD) is widely accepted in most restaurants, bars and public shopping areas. Not so much in the outskirts.

• Monetary unit: 1 East Caribbean dollar = 100 cents
• EC – US: 1 US = 2.679 East Caribbean dollar

Note. not everyone will work off the 2.679 rate, many may just guesstimate and try and make an extra buck off the exchange rate.

A delicious Caribbean buffet is served daily and features popular West Indian dishes. You will always find freshly caught fish, lobster (in season), succulent steaks, and fantastic grilled chicken prepared by Chef Pius (an accomplished musician) who considers every dish a melodic symphony bursting with life.

Enjoy alfresco dining day or night. Diners can choose from the shaded open patio or be kissed by the suns rays while dining in the open air. The bar is modern and inviting and the friendly waiters and bartenders make easy conversation so that you’re quickly relaxed. By your second visit, chances are they’ll already know your name.

At Bread Basket, affordability and quality are synonymous and is the main reasons why patrons continue to return this local hot spot.

Famous for its majestic Pitons – volcanic twin peaks that rise straight out of the ocean to over 2,500 ft on the island’s southwest coast, and not too far away bubbling sulphur springs that’s a drive through no doubt and additionally a large variety of luxury accommodation that are listed as some of the Top Resorts in the Caribbean by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.

For the beach lovers out there there’s a magnificent variety of white and black sand beaches dotted around the island, with most of the calmer selection located on the west coasts. If you are into diving however, St Lucia offers translucent waters with a vast variety of sheltered reefs crowded with a large number of tropical fish, sea horses, titles and lots more.

Although St Lucia is becoming one of the top Caribbean destinations in recent times, much of the island still remains relatively unspoilt. It is relaxed in nature, informal and incredibly friendly. With its natural beauty, breath-taking views, friendly locals and authentic culture – this makes St Lucia your only choice! Visit St Lucia and make you next vacation a lasting memories.

Chief Ministers of Saint Lucia (1960-1967)

Premier of Saint Lucia (1967-1979)

Prime Ministers of Saint Lucia (1979-Present)

* Note – Died in office

SLP – Saint Lucia Labour Party
UWP - United Workers Party
LPP – Labour Progressive Party

St. Lucia from Ursi on Vimeo.

I recently came across this interesting video from a passenger coming into St Lucia on a cruise-ship, although taken some time ago it shows their entrance into St Lucia from the south, their day out to Soufriere and much more – enjoy!

Big thanks and shout out to Ursi from Switzerland:
Ursi’s website 

1. Jade Mountain based in Soufriere
2. The Jalousie Plantation, also based in Soufriere
3. Cap Maison Luxury Resort & Spa, in Cap Estate northern end of the island
4. The Bodyholiday at LeSPORT, Cap Estate
5. The Landings, minutes from Pigeon Island in the north

Well below we have provided you with just a few options to think about. They may not be the top things to do in St Lucia as this can be optional for each individual. So let us know what you think, tell us your top things to do in St Lucia!

Spend a day at Pigeon Island National Park

Pigeon Island is home to the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, additional to this Pigeon Island has a lot more than just that to offer. Its a national land mark, a historical location and a spectacular place to spend the day. The entrance fee is only US$5.00 for non-resident and US$2 for locals, children (age 5 – 12) US$1.

OK, so what can you expect for a day out at Pigeon Island?

1. A history lesson – take a visit to the Pigeon Island Interpretation Center, learn interesting facts about the history of St. Lucia and Pigeon Island, an interactive exhibit that explains the rich and diverse history and culture of St. Lucia is awaiting you inside the museum. The Interpretation Center is located in a former mess hall built by the British that has been restored for the purpose – this is also near the main offices of the St Lucia National Trust.
2. Explore, explore & explore - there are a number of ruin dotted around the island, explore the barracks, mess hall and remains of other structures built and left by the British when they occupied St. Lucia. Each one is labelled with all the necessary information you will need.
3. The Island Adventure – there are a few trails that you can use when within the park, these will take you around the island, and to either one of the islands peaks. You will need to be in decent physical condition or just take your time. It is well worth it as the views at the top are breathtaking!
4. Relax on the beach – there are a number of private small beaches than can only be used by people who have entered the park. They are small but very comfortable, rocky outcrops close by allow for good snorkeling opportunities. If you was some extra comfort rather than just a plain beach towel, beach chair rentals are available and affordable at a price of US$2 and can e paid for on entrance to the park.
5. Casual dining with a view – there is an ideally located seaside restaurant overlooking the bay facing the Rodney Bay area named: Jambe de Bois. They offer a simple but comfortable and affordable menu catering to all kinds including a a very tasty seafood lasagna. When entering into this restaurant you will find some of the most rustic style furniture you would have seen in a while – it begs simplistic charm. Definitely give this place a try – free internet wireless also available.

Some things to note, the park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, but the restaurant will still be available to those who want to dine up until 10pm.

View / Climb the Pitons

“Majestic”, “magnificent”, “spectacular”, “wow” – all thing said about the Pitons of St Lucia. If you do not know what I am talking about, St Lucia boasts two mountainous peaks that just seem to rise out of the ocean and join the mainland. Left over from history volcanic activity in the area, these peaks are icons to St Lucia and the reason why one specific hotel was placed were it is – the view!

There are many points of view when it come to seeing these great peaks – they can be seen from land, sea and air and all can wow you.

By land, the Pitons are located in region of Soufriere. Getting there you will need to drive (or be driven) down the windy west coast of St Lucia, the drive will take something in the region of one and a half hours from the north of the island.

By sea, you will get what I mean when I mentioned above “peaks that just seem to rise out of the ocean“. All I can say here is you need to experience this for yourself.

By air, a point of view that not everyone will get to see. You may get a glimpse when flying into the island but most notably would be a helicopter ride that will give you a view you probably will never forget.

OK, with all that said lets get to the hands on of aspect of the Pitons.

Climbing Gros Piton… did I mention their names earlier? There are to peaks, Gros Piton and Pitit Piton, one short and fat and one tall and steep. Both can be climbed but generally most people go for Gros Piton and it is the easier of the two. With that said – easy is a somewhat an under estimation. I myself have never dared it as I am very lazy and somewhat over weight and I know that if I did I would DYE. Not realistically but in my mind that is what I think at least. That does not mean it is unattainable to all, you just need to be willing and able. The less fit people take longer and the fitter of our kind can do in what seems like no time at all.

See below a description of the trail from the Soufriere Foundation website:

“The Gros Piton Nature Trail offers a great opportunity to conquer the majestic Gros Piton. The nature trail starts from the community of Fond Gens Libre which means ‘Valley of the Free People’. Brigands, or black freedom-fighters, used the area as a secure haven during the slave rebellion of 1748. The tour commences at the Interpretation Center with exhibits of rare vegetation and birds found along the trail.

The first half of the trail is for everyone to enjoy! The base of the trail winds around the mountain at a gradual slope. Magnificent views of the ocean and the Choiseul Village can be seen to the East. Several Brigand sites and the Anse L’lvrogne Canyon can be visited in the first section. Caves, tunnels, rock shelters, camps, signal stations, look-outs and landing sites make the tour interesting and mystical.

The second half of the trail involves a steep ascent to the summit of Gros Piton and is intended for the more adventurous hiker.

Approximate time: 4 hours round trip.”

Spend a day on the beach

St Lucia have a wide range of different styles of beaches around the island, due to previous volcanic activities in the south you will find that many of the beaches in this area are black sand beaches. Make sure you have your sandals or slippers handy as the sand can get a bit hot!

Check out images of beaches around the island

One of the most popular areas in St Lucia is Rodney Bay, Rodney Bay also hosts one of the most popular beaches St Lucia has to offer – Reduit Beach. A regular spot for hotel guest, cruise-ship passengers and locals alike.

If you don’t want to share with to many people, there are also many other beaches on offer. Many of the hotels in and around St Lucia are located either on or near a beach. Fishing, diving, swimming and snorkeling can all be had include water sport facilities – motorized and non-motorized. Wind surfing, surfing (when the waves are in supply), hobby cats, kite surfing, para-sailing, skiing and much more can be found.

Check out our “Beaches in St Lucia” post for more.

Drive through a Volcano

Not to have to write too much about this, here is another post from the Soufriere Foundation:

“The Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano

The well-known Sulphur Springs in Saint Lucia is the hottest and most active geothermal area in the Lesser Antilles. The park is approximately 45 hectares and is billed as the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano. A walk through the crater takes you past pools and hot springs bubbling and belching with sulphur-laden steam. Just outside the Springs, you can bathe in the warm sulphuric pools, reputed for its soothing effects. The Sulphur Springs forms part of the story of the creation of the entire Caribbean basin.

The main area of Sulphur Springs comprises numerous hot springs, bubbling mud pools and fumaroles (steam vents) in an area of strongly hydrothermally altered clay-rich rock approximately 200 m x 100 m in size. Many fumaroles have temperatures 100°C or hotter, and temperatures of up to 172°C have been recorded. Numerous studies have been carried out over the past 50 years to investigate the geothermal energy potential of Sulphur Springs, to date, however, no attempt at exploitation has been made.

Geothermal systems such as Sulphur Springs form when rainwater seeps into the ground where it is heated by hot rock. The hot water becomes buoyant, and rises back to the surface along cracks. In some places the water is heated so much that it rises as steam. The heat source for the Sulphur Springs geothermal system is probably the cooling magma body responsible for the young volcanism of the Soufrière Volcanic Centre.

The Come take a 30-minute tour of the Sulphur Springs Park – St. Lucia’s premier tourist attraction!”

Land & Sea Tour

This is the choice of all the choices you will have when you get here. We are only a small island 616 sq km (238 sq miles), calm waters on the west Caribbean coast and more rough water of the Atlantic east coast. White and black sand beaches and forested interior. On land there is much to do and see, at sea you can sight see, fish and more – see our Tours section for more. BUT.. if you want to get all you can in one tour, there are Land & Sea tour options that are highly suggested.

There are many tour suppliers offering different Land & Sea options so let me just give you and idea of what can be had..

The following is one example of a land & sea tour offered by Sunlink Tours based in Rodney Bay:

“Immerse yourself in St. Lucia’s culture and history with a land tour to Soufriere; then witness the natural beauty of the Caribbean coast from the sea, two great tours in one.

Explore traditional fishing villages and stop at lookout points for scenic photographs, as you travel the west coast road to Soufriere. Visit the volcanic Sulphur Springs and the Diamond Botanical Gardens, with its hot mineral baths and picturesque waterfall. Enjoy a buffet lunch at an Estate House. Sail north along the coast, relax and top up your tan before stopping for a refreshing swim at one of our bays. Cruise through famous Marigot Bay, still a safe haven for yachts during the hurricane season.

Remember if you prefer, you can travel first by boat and then by bus on our “Land & Sea” Tour.”

With all that is mentioned above, I hope this is a great starting out to experiencing St Lucia, the above is only a small portion of the things to do in St Lucia. Visit our Activities section, Tours section for more.

Let us know what are your best things to do and see are, and lets see if we can persuade more people to come visit this beautiful island called St Lucia.

Place your comments and suggestions below:

Due to the nature of the island and the economic market, flights to St Lucia are changing all the time. The government is always negotiating new deals and new airline to come to St Lucia. Keep a close eye on this page for more up to date information.

Do I need a visa?

Generally most westerners do not need visas. For a full list of people requiring a visa or not, check the Saint Lucia Governmental website:
(the following links take you away from this website)

• List Of Countries/Territories Whose Nationals Do Not Require Visas To Enter Saint Lucia
• List Of Countries/Territories Whose Nationals Require Visas To Enter Saint Lucia
• Visa Fees And Exemptions
• Visa Processing Times and Payment Methods
• Saint Lucia Overseas Missions
• Saint Lucia Visa Application Form

By Boat

Saint Lucia – Guadeloupe
Brudey Freres (french only) has 2 sailings a week between Guadeloupe and Saint Lucia on Fridays and Sundays. Although most ferries stop on at Martinique along the way, there are direct services in high season. L’Express des Iles has services as well.

Saint Lucia – Martinique
Wednesdays and Fridays at 1.30pm and Sundays at 3.30pm, L’Express des Iles travels from Fort-de-France to Castries on Saint Lucia. In the opposite direction, ferries leave 5 times a week. Both crossings take about 80 minutes.

Saint Lucia – Dominica
L’Express des Iles has 3 to 5 weekly sailings between the capitals of Dominica and Saint Lucia, Roseau and Castries respectively. All of them stop on their route in Fort-de-France, Martinique (see above). Most boats leave around 10am and take about 4,5 hours to complete the total journey.

Saint Lucia – Barbados/Saint Vincent
From October 2009, BEDY Ocean Lines, will have a ferry in operation for residents only, connecting Saint Lucia with Barbados and Saint Vincent.

Kitesurfing is a mixture of paragliding, wake-boarding, surfing and windsurfing, and appeals to a large target group. All you need is a board that is not even two meters long and weighs between 2 to 5 kilos, a kite that folds up to rucksack size, and a control bar and kite lines.

Kite Surfing St Lucia

“After years of teaching for other companies around the world, it was time to set up her own company. Bringing together all of her experience and knowledge of the sport to give you the highest quality and professional tuition on the latest equipment. Kitesurfing is Beth’s passion, and it won’t take you long to realise this. Learning to kitesurf in a relaxed atmosphere is important, and there is nowhere better than a warm beautiful Caribbean beach.

Whether your a beginner or already know how to kitesurf, we have lessons to cater for your needs…”

http://www.kitesurfingstlucia.com/

Email: kitesurfingstlucia@yahoo.com

The Reef & Surf

“Novices can learn the basics in courses of 4 to 10 lessons. You start with an introduction to powerkite flying to get used to the kite’s power and the technique of handling it, and at the end of the first course unit you should be able to control the kite and cope with its tremendous pull in every situation, and to manage a safe start and landing.

Next you move to a water-relaunchable kite, which has even more pull. You do various exercises with it on the beach, and practice bodydragging on the water and once you’ve completed this part of the course you’ will have done the groundwork for becoming a successful kitesurfer. From now on you’ll be in the water: you’ll learn to do a waterstart in case you fall in, and you’ll have your first go at standing upright on the board…”

http://www.slucia.com/kitesurf/

Email: kitesurf@slucia.com

Highlights

• For Nature Lovers and Serious Hikers

Tour Includes

• Jacquot (St Lucia Parrot) Trail hike
• One (1) Nature Interpreter for a group of eight (8) Hikers

Duration: 3.5 hours

Notes: Walking/hiking shoes mandatory (no high heels, sandals or flip flops)

The Hike is not suitable for pregnant woman or persons with back or neck injuries. It is only suitable for the physically fit and not for children under 12 years of age.

The brand new Adrena Line canopy zip line tour is not for the faint of heart. This exciting new tour starts off with a short hike through the peaceful forest. This quickly turns into an adrenaline rush as you scramble across Floating Stairs past Eagle’s Claw, zip through the canopy from tree to tree with 18 platforms, swing from the Tarzan Swing onto Tarantula’s Nest, then rappel down on the Boa Rappel to the terra firma.

Highlights

• Newest Canopy zip line in the Caribbean
• Zip line accessibility is fast & easy
• Exclusive features: Tarzan Swing, Tarantula’s Nest, Boa Rappel, Floating Stairs
• Zip through eighteen (18) Platforms
• Small groups of eight (8)
• Inspected and approved by ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology)/International Insurance
• Highest ratings in Health & Safety

Tour Includes

• Adrena Line Canopy zip line
• Tarzan Swing
• Boa Rappel
• Tarantula’s Nest
• Floating Stairs
• Two (2) Zip Line Sweepers for a group of eight (8) guests

Tour Duration: 2 hours

Notes: Walking/hiking shoes mandatory (no high heels, sandals or flip flops).

The Adrena-Line tour is not suitable for pregnant woman or persons with back or neck injuries.

Experience the thrill of zip lining in St Lucia without missing out on the rainforest’s rich wildlife.

The innovative TRANOPY tour combines the up-close views of an aerial tram with the excitement of a canopy zip line tour. A professional naturalist guide will accompany you along the rainforest trails, pointing out some of the secrets of the rainforest that surrounds you.

Hightlights

• Three attractions for the price of one (Aerial Tram, Rainforest Trails & Rainforest Canopy Zip Line)
• Only accessible via the Aerial Tram
• Awesome views
• One (1) Nature interpreter and one (1) Zip Line Sweeper for every eight (8) guests
• Inspected and approved by ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology)/International Insurance
• Highest ratings in Health & Safety

Tour Includes

• Soar, Hike, Glide
• Aerial tram ride
• Jacquot Trail hike
• Tranopy zip line course (11 platforms and 10 lines)
• One (1) Nature Interpreter and one (1) Zip Line Sweeper for a group of eight (8) guests

Duration: 4 hours

Notes: Walking/hiking shoes mandatory (no high heels, sandals or flip flops).

The Tranopy tour is not suitable for pregnant woman or persons with back or neck injuries. It is only suitable for the physically fit and not for children under 12 years of age.

We put light on the helmets and lit the forest with lights!

Hightlights

• Awesome views
• One (1) Nature interpreter for every eight (8) persons
• Approved and inspected by Aerial Trams ANSI B77 Code
• Highest ratings in Health & Safety
• No fitness limits, for all ages

Tour Includes

• Aerial tram ride
• Fern Nature trail
• One (1) Nature Interpreter for a group of eight (8) guests

Tour Duration: 2.5 hours

Note: Walking/hiking shoes for trail (no highheels, sandals or flip flops allowed for trails), suntan lotion, rainprotection, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, travel details forDuty free shopping.