With its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and friendly people, St. Lucia has gained recognition as an ideal destination for families, honeymooners and soft adventure travellers alike.
St. Lucia enjoys a tropical climate with blue skies and brilliant sunshine. Temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, tempered by constant trade winds. The rainy season runs from June to November, with average rainfall ranging from 60 inches in the coastal regions to 160 inches in the interior rain forests. During these months rainfall can be frequent but tends to last just a few moments at a time.
Located at the southern end of the Caribbean chain, St. Lucia is just 21 miles from its nearest neighbour, the French island of Martinique, 24 miles north of St. Vincent and 100 miles northwest of Barbados. Home to some of the best natural harbours and marine facilities in the Caribbean, St. Lucia is a yachting paradise. The island is also an excellent destination for other water sports, including scuba diving, kite surfing and deep sea fishing.
At 238 square miles, the island contains a spectacular range of natural environments, including over 19,000 acres of protected rainforests, estuaries and mangrove forests, rugged coastlines and volcanic peaks, creating a stunning backdrop for hiking, horseback riding, off-road biking and kayaking. St. Lucia is home to a variety of exotic wildlife, including rare indigenous birds such as the St. Lucian Parrot, White Breasted Thrasher, St. Lucia Peewee, St. Lucia Oriole, and St. Lucia Wren. Just offshore there is an abundance of coral reefs, trenches, caverns and underwater volcanic vents, home to a variety of fish, octopus and turtles, as well as puffers, moray eels, parrot fish, lobsters and even sea horses. Both terrestrial and marine areas are protected by the St. Lucia government and environmental ministries.
The island’s culture is heavily influenced by its British and French historic influences, as well as African traditions and religion. While the official language in St. Lucia is English; a French-based Creole (or Patois), coloured by many figurative expressions and proverbs, is spoken by many locals. Music and folk dancing play an integral part of St. Lucia’s culture. In recent years other music influences have gained in popularity, including French Zouk, Calypso, Soca, Reggae and Dancehall.
During the high season, St. Lucia’s nightlife is as vibrant as its daily sunshine, and the island plays host to a number of internationally renowned festivals, including the world-class Jazz and Arts Festival. There are several cultural events, including Jounen Kweyol, paying homage to St. Lucia’s Creole culture, and the annual Carnival, an energetic celebration of music similar to festivals held across the region. The island is also highly recommended for its exquisite caliber of restaurants. Enjoy a wide range of culinary specialties, ranging from delicious local dishes to international cuisine prepared by some of the world’s top chefs.
St. Lucia has seen rapid development in the past few years, as the island’s infrastructure, social facilities and amenities have improved significantly in an effort to meet the demands of its tourism market. Construction has increased in recent years, and new luxury resorts and community developments have opened up the real estate market for outside investment.
There are several shopping facilities located in Castries and Rodney Bay, where visitors can purchase duty-free items as well as locally-made goods and other necessities. Castries is also home to the 100 year-old marketplace, where farmers’ wives sell fruits, vegetables, spices, baskets and other crafts.
With all that St. Lucia has to offer, it is no wonder it has become one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. Whether you are visiting for a week or have chosen to make St. Lucia your second home, we encourage you to take the time to learn about the island’s vibrant culture, explore its spectacular landscape and get a taste of what it truly means to be a ‘Lushun’.