Tired of the cold weather, the snow or the nonstop rain of the winter? Feeling like heading down south? When it comes to nice and warm destinations, you obviously have plenty of choice. There are plenty of last minute deals, then there are the the luxury destinations, and in that second category, St. Lucia is definitely one of the top destinations.

Credit: image by qubitsu

Located in the Caribbean, St. Lucia is a real paradise, perfect to lie by the shadow of a palm tree, to sunbath by the beach or to get a massage in one of the many spa of the island. If you are more adventurous, you will find plenty of activities to spend your energy.

Tourists agree, if there is one spot not to be missed on St. Lucia, it is Pitons, the sister volcanoes known for their very pointy shape. As a matter of fact, the two Pitons are even members of the UNESCO heritage sites.

Although Gros Piton is not quite as steep as its little sister, Petit Piton, it is not an easy mountain to climb. Huge rocks block many paths, and on rainy days, the roads become quite slippery. This is why the site is closed after torrential rains, to avoid accidents.

The top of Gros Piton is located at 3000 feet above see level (914m above see level). To climb up to the top, you will need the help of experience guides, who know their way through the difficult trails of Gros Piton. When the weather collaborates, the view from the top of Gros Piton is simply spectacular and colorful.

If you can’t get enough of hiking and are looking for a real challenge, try to get a hand on one of the rare guides that will help you go up the much more steep trails of Petit Piton.

Biking in the jungle

Avid bikers, why not take a ride in the jungle? From Soufrière, several trails cross an old sugar plantation which was converted in the 1800s into a cacao plantation. As a matter of fact, the bikes are stored in an old building that used to store molasses. After an hour spent with a guide, who will explain you the difference between the different trails, and even make you taste some of the ripe fruits (oranges, banana, mangoes, etc) of the trees found along the trails, you can explore the rest of the jungle trails on your own.

Looking down on the island

To get an unparalleled view of St. Lucia and its vegetation, you can’t go wrong with the zip lines. RainForest Adventures, located near Castries, in St. Lucia, offers great tours of Gros Piton, including a gondola ecotour that brings you 2600 feet high (793m). Let the tour guide give you a quick description of all the species of trees and plants particular to this rain forest, including cedars, hibiscus, strangle vine and even a 200 years old ficus that needs over 350 liters of water per day to live! Back at the bottom of the mountain, put on your harness for some zip line fun!

If you are looking for a luxury stay and lots of fun, St. Lucia is definitely a place to visit.

Visit Cheap Caribbean Vacations for more information.

HISTORY

St. Lucia’s first residents were the Arawak Indians, but they were later driven off the island by the Carib Indians. European powers (Dutch, British, and French) made multiple attempts to establish settlements on the island, but were met with fierce resistance by the warring Caribs. The French finally managed to strike a deal with the natives in 1651 and began growing sugar cane on vast plantations. The Caribs were used to do the backbreaking work on the fields, but died in large numbers due to diseases and were eventually replaced by African slaves.

Throughout the colonial period the island was fiercely disputed by the French and British and changed hands 14 times. After 150 years of warfare, the French finally gave up their claim on St. Lucia in 1814. The island became a British possession and was integrated in the British Windward Islands. Slavery was banned in 1838 and East Indian workers were brought to St. Lucia in 1882 to cultivate the sugar cane. In 1967 the island was given a certain level of autonomy, and in 1979 full independence was granted.

Today St. Lucia is a volcanic island of 170 000 inhabitants, mostly of African descent. While the island is part of the British Commonwealth, it has a strong French flavor, particularly the language, food, town names, and surnames. Tropical rain forests, banana plantations, and towering peaks make up St. Lucia’s beautiful landscape. Most tourists spend their vacation in the capital Castries and the surrounding areas. English is the official language, but you’ll hear St. Lucians speak Antillean Creole as well.

ACTIVITIES

You’ll find plenty of good beaches in St. Lucia, including Pigeon Island, Marigot Beach, Vigie Beach, and Reduit Beach.

Diving off St. Lucia’s coast is exceptional, especially at Anse Chastanet on the southwest shore.

You can charter a boat and explore the island’s natural sites. Other water-based activities include deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, windsurfing, and kite boarding.

Exploring the island’s lush rainforest reserve is an exceptional experience. If you’re in a good shape, you can take a guided hike to the twin Pitons.

For more information about the Caribbeans, please visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

Some people like to set their own pace, especially on vacation in a beautiful place like St. Lucia. Why be dragged around on a preset tour with other people when you can call the shots, decide where you want to go and when? Spend some extra time in that underground lake, skip the rainforest tour, spend lunch at the beach and then go snorkeling. It’s your vacation, so spend as much time as you like on the attractions you find interesting. If that sounds appealing to you, there are a several companies in St. Lucia which offer this kind of service to tourists.

La Soufriere Drive-In Volcano

An incredible site that should be experienced at least once in your life, this is the only active volcano in the world that you can literally drive into. Although the volcano is dormant, the area is very lively with volcanic activity, sulphur springs, and boiling pools of water. There is a strong stench of sulphur in the area, and the surrounding landscape is stained red, blue, and green from the different minerals bubbling up from out of the volcano.

The last eruption occurred over 200 years ago, and was relatively minor, releasing only steam. The area is relatively “safe”, as seismic activity is very closely monitored, but you should still proceed with caution. The bubbling vents and pools can scald you very badly if you wander off the tour.

The hot baths in the area are believed to have healing properties, and locals often use them to cure skin blemishes. You can take a dip in one of the pools for a small fee.

Gros Piton

Definitely an adventure, climing the Pitons is an exciting tour for people looking for an exciting day trip. The Pitons are located in a World Heritage site, so once you reach the summit, you’ll have a view to remember for the rest of your life.

It’ss an incredible experience, but isn’t for the timid. If you decide to go, you’ll recieve a climbing guide who will help you with your 2 mile ascent to the summit. The climb takes approximate 1 1/2 to 2 hours for a quick group, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the surrounding area. Make sure to bring your camera!

Some tips for those who decide to summit Gros Piton, pack hiking boots with you before you go. The path isn’t well defined, with lots of loose dirt and mud. This is a fairly challenging climb, so if you’re not particularly active you may wish to forego this attraction. It’s a continous hike, almost 2 hours long, like climbing up a never-ending flight of stairs.

By Jason for Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

Dedicated exclusively to couples, Sandals Regency Resort in St. Lucia is located in Gros Islet, at only a 20 minutes drive from the airport and the town of Castries.

Experience the relax atmosphere of St. Lucia

The resort is located on a narrow peninsula, in the middle of a tropical park, on one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Resort offers an amazing view of the town of Castries and of Pigeon Island, host of the well-known Jazz Festival of St. Lucia.

Sandals Regency Resort in St. Lucia is the resort if you need to take some time away from the stress of the city, to cuddle with your other half, and treat yourselves to luxury. “All-inclusive” takes a totally new meaning at Sandals. From fine dining restaurants, to luxury bedrooms fully equipped, and activities and entertainment throughout the day and evening, as well as a panoply of water or beach sports, everything is included in your package!

In this no wonder why Sandals is one of the most prestigious resort chain in the Caribbean and that couples from over the world fly to enjoy a quality stay (check out Sandals in the Bahamas).

Review of the Sandals Regency Resort in St. Lucia

Sandals Regency in St. Lucia is the perfect place to stay if you want quiet vacations with your honey. As a matter of fact, the hotel is exclusive to couples only, so no big noisy families to spray water all over the pool when all you want to do is to enjoy the sun and your mojito. No screams, no cries while you are having a romantic meal, which includes champagne, wine, salmon, 7 buffets or a-la-carte restaurants, fine dining and even a band and live music at most restaurants (all included). For more romance, try the candle light dinner at the beach, your feet in the sand, which is not included but well worth the experience. Moreover, customers from Sandals Regency are welcomes in any of the 2 other Sandals resorts of the island, accessible by a free shuttle.

Luxury stay at Sandals Regency in St. Lucia

The resort itself is comprised of great amenities : 3 pools, a jacuzzi, a spa, bars, tennis courts, a basket court and even a 9 holes golf court. Sandal Regency is one of the biggest hotel on the island. One little negative point : the food which is sometimes boring because of the lack of choices for buffet lunches, and a-la-carte restaurants open only in the evening. Other than the lack of lunch variety, the food is great, even excellent. Desserts are however a little plain and I strongly believe that a resort of such a high quality should hire a master pastry chef. If you want to visit Castrie, a 20 dollars cab ride will bring you right there.

Overall, Sandals Regency Resort is a magnificent resort, which offers an amazingly sunny and relax holiday. A highly recommended hotel for every couple who are in the need to stay away from the everyday stress.

By Kandi for Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

Recently there has been a lot of development on the island, with major resort companies like Sandals moving into the area, now is the time to find the perfect St Lucia all inclusive vacation, and you’ll have plenty to choose from. Here are a few of the top choices

The Inn On The Bay
This fabulous little inn is located just above the town of Marigot Bay, on the western coast of St Lucia. Run by a friendly Canadian couple, Normand and Louise, this St Lucia all inclusive resort is just a few steps away from town, and the beach. It’s a great little getaway as the owners do their best to make your trip comfortable. Normand will act as chauffeur, driving guests into town, and arranging day trips, rentals, and anything else you need help with, while Louise is quite the accomplished cook. If you have a chance, try to get your breakfast on the secluded patio, it has a breathtaking view of the surrounding area, and overlooks the Caribbean sea.

Villa Beach Cottages
These come very highly recommended by travelers. Situated right on a quiet beach at Choc Bay, along the northwestern coast of the island, this St Lucia all inclusive is really in the perfect spot. A few minutes north and you can see Rodney Bay, which boasts a very unique attraction. You can climb aboard the brig Unicorn, which was featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean. Just a few minutes to the south and you can visit the capital of St Lucia, the city of Castries.

If you’re looking for a nice, relaxed, and secluded spot, than this couldn’t be more perfect from you. Your suite is right on the beach in a secluded area, and often times the only people will be you and your family.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
Beautifully maintained grounds, fabulous scenery, clean and well kept beaches, these are just a taste of what to expect when booking your vacation at this St Lucia all inclusive beach resort. As you’ll see from many of the reviews online, this resort boasts incredibly good service, great pools, and a huge selection of restaurants/bars.

A great tip for guests there, if you’re in the pool, go to the swim up bar and ask for “Peter’s Special”, it’s one of the best drinks there.

Sandals Regency St. Lucia Golf Resort and Spa
Another great St Lucia all inclusive resort from the Sandals line of hotels. Whether you’re a couple looking for some rest and relaxation, on your honeymoon, or even planning a wedding, stay at the Sandals Regency Resort in St Lucia will be the best few weeks of of your life. The people working their have a certain pride in their work, and it reflects in the overall quality of the hotel. From accommodations to services and grounds maintenance, everything is top notch. The restaurants are surprisingly high quality, especially compared with other resorts of a similar price range, and the drinks are to die for. Drinks are poured from top shelf ingredients, and the bartenders are incredibly skilled. If you’re looking for a trip to brag about to friends, consider the Sandals Regency in St Lucia, you won’t regret it.

For more information, visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation and offer yourself the luxury of an all inclusive suite.