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| Alexander Gray, Feona Gray and James Henderson |
| Key Features
ST LUCIA is a strikingly beautiful island, the largest and most developed of the Windward Islands, with charming, English and often French Creole-speaking islanders; easily reached from Europe, OK from Canada, a little harder from the States; some classic white sand beaches, but also many pretty, steep-sided, hidden coves, most with beach bars, some dark sand. Many hotels with an all-inclusive plan, but also an excellent crop of smaller hotels, ideal for independent travellers, and excellent villas; some good, many lively restaurants, good day sails, excellent natural life. Visible plantation history. | | |
ST LUCIA GUIDE, THE DEFINITIVE CARIBBEAN TRAVEL GUIDE FOR ST LUCIA
St Lucia is a stunningly beautiful island situated at the heart of the Windward chain in the Eastern Caribbean, between St Vincent and Martinique. It stands with massive green bulk, a network of forested peaks that soar and valleys that tumble to the coastlines. Set between their flanks you will find incredibly pretty coves. St Lucia is also immensely fertile. The forest grows so fast it's enough to put a gardener in a panic.
St Lucia is lucky to have a grand variety of terrain. While the south is so mountainous and fertile, the north and the east coast have less rugged country. Over the millennia they have become capped by coral growth, and consequently have white sand beaches.
As the most developed and attractive of the Windward Islands, St Lucia has been quite successful at projecting itself onto the world’s consciousness as a romantic destination. The island is quite well known now, and it has a large number of visitors each year (including a considerable wedding business). The tourism in the north is led by a number of large and successful hotels.
Many of these have adopted an all-inclusive format, so it might seem limiting for the independent traveller, but in fact St Lucia also has a surprising depth of independent hotels. Tucked away in the island’s very pretty coves and on its lush hillsides (even in the busy North of the island), you will find some absolutely charming places to stay, in all the price categories. Here you get real local Caribbean charm with a Creole twist.
The St Lucians themselves are charming and have a mixed heritage that results from the island’s complex historical past. For many years the island was French, but it was snatched by the British, taken back by the French, and handed back and forth by treaty countless times. The result is a population that largely speaks both English and French Creole.
They have received other things too, from their French Creole heritage. There is a certain style, in the cast of St Lucian faces perhaps, and in their manner and dress, certainly in a coquettishness, that distinguishes them from most former British Caribbean islanders.
St Lucia’s most famous landmark are the Pitons, twin pointed volcanic peaks that rise side by side mid way down the Caribbean coast like massive eye teeth. They are incredibly striking, when viewed from both sea and land. Although they appear as free-standing peaks, in fact they are part of the walls of a volcanic cone that blew itself apart an estimated 40,000 years ago.
St Lucia is attractive for many reasons. It has a strong Creole aspect which is fun to see. It is a lively island, and accessible too. There is a number of weekly events that are fun to join in, fish fries in local villages and of course Friday night at Gros Islet. But in the end its physical beauty is supreme, whether it’s the Pitons in the south or the lovely stretch of bays and beaches in the north. |
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Accommodation
St Lucia has a large stock of hotels, many of them big and active and muscling on the available beachfront. These are located mainly in the north of the island, to the north of the capital Castries, where the lower lying coral base gives up the best white sand beaches. Many of them have adopted an all inclusive formula. Only a few manage to outreach the limitations of the formula, which results in a fairly uniform level of service and style.
There is delightful and surprising depth to the accommodation in St Lucia, however and there are plenty of places to stay that have wonderful Caribbean charm. Some are located in the tourist heartland of the north of the country, but particularly in the south of the island you will find some smaller, truly original properties. And they have fantastic locations too. Some stand high above Caribbean coastline with massive, commanding views, others are hidden among the wonderful tropical greenery of the forest that grows in such abundance.
Hotels & Resorts
Just a few of the large hotels in St Lucia stand out from the crowd and they tend to have a special feature such as a strong line in sports or a speciality in children. Most are located on the beaches in the north of the island but if you particularly want to stay in the south then there are a couple of large hotels there too.
| Anse Chastanet
A classic Caribbean resort set in its own secluded cove, its rooms and suites ranged on a steep hillside, climbing from beach level up to the (soon to open) Infinity Suites, which have the most stunning views of the Pitons. A great hideaway but also a lively atmosphere if that is what you are looking for, excellent facilities, including a spa, scuba diving, watersports and mountain-biking
Key Features: Active, up-beat St Lucia hotel resort. 49 (soon to be 73) stylish and very comfortable rooms and suites, very pretty grey sand beach. Full service spa, scuba diving, watersports, mountain biking circuits (in Anse Mamin, the next door cove), art gallery, two 2 restaurants
From US$280/night in summer | | Cap Maison
A suite hotel set to open in July 2008 in the Cap Estate in the far north of St Lucia. With 50 rooms and suites in Mexican ‘hacienda’ style, Cap Maison will be informal but have excellent facilities including a spa, gym, yoga and waterfront restaurant. The 22 suites that make up the hotel will be privately owned and are currently nearly sold out pre-construction.
Key Features: A small luxury Caribbean hotel, villa style living in 1, 2 and 3-bedroom St Lucia villa suites and junior suites. Well equipped kitchens, dining room, sitting area, flat screen satellite TV, DVD and music centre, plunge pool or roof terrace with jacuzzi. Central facilities: infinity pool and Jacuzzi at cliff edge, courtyard pool, spa, yoga, gym, cliff top restaurant, 3 bars, walk-in wine cellar, boutique, air-conditioned lounge/library with big screen TV, WiFi, cove beach with snorkelling, windsurfing and kayaks. Resorts own luxury power boat available for cruises, day trips and private charter.
From US$435/night in summer | | Rendezvous
A good quality all-inclusive hotel designed specifically for couples, set on a never-ending strip of beach in the north of St Lucia. Rendezvous has magnificent gardens in which you will find excellent facilities, including a spa and beauty salon, watersports and a dedicated wedding organiser.
Key Features: Couples-only all-inclusive hotel, two restaurants, dine-around programme, bars including piano bar, some entertainment. Facilities include two pools, beach service, watersports (with instruction) including sailing, windsurfing and scuba, fitness centre with aerobics classes, lit tennis courts, golf driving and putting, archery, volleyball, bicycle tours, wedding co-ordinator (wedding package can be included). Air-conditioned bedrooms with four poster beds and balcony, direct dial telephones, CD player, clock radio, tea and coffee maker, safe, iron and board (no TVs in rooms).
From US$192 per person/night all-inclusive | | Royal St Lucia
A large and lively resort hotel set right on the sands of Reduit Beach in the north of St Lucia. The Royal St Lucia’s 96 suites stand in a horseshoe around a pool and dining rooms, overlooking the island’s busiest and best beach. Good facilities including watersports, spa and conference facilities.
Key Features: Caribbean beach hotel with stunning location, good St Lucia family resort, 96 suites, each with sitting area and a balcony or terrace, well equipped with TV, some with DVD player. Three restaurants, Chic (elegant dining), L’Epicure & Terrace and The Beach Tent for lunch, and two bars, Le Mistral Lounge and La Mirage at the pool. Room service. Free-form pool surrounded by deck, watersports on the beach, including small sailing boats, windsurfers, water-skiing and tennis. Royal Spa with three treatment rooms (one for hydrotherapy), beauty salon, gym. Disabled access, some suites can join for families, children’s club, toddlers’ equipment (high chairs etc), baby-sitting.
From US$197/night in summer | | The BodyHoliday at LeSPORT
A lively and very popular resort set in its own pretty cove at the northern tip of St Lucia. As the name suggests, it offers everything for the body on holiday, from sports and watersports to a spa and holistic rejuvenation. Special single rooms.
Key Features: Resort style St Lucia hotel, 155 rooms, set in its own cove; ever lively, sports and spa treatments by day and evening entertainment, singles rooms, good packages.
From US$289 per person/night in summer | | The Jalousie Plantation
A large, active resort in a truly spectacular setting, between the Pitons in the south of St Lucia. The Jalousie Plantation’s 112 rooms and villas are scattered in 190 acres of forested land that descends to a Great House just above the sea. Excellent facilities, four restaurants (beachside simplicity up to fine dining), spa, tennis courts, children’s centre.
Key Features: A luxury Caribbean spa hotel with four restaurants, full service spa, shops, tour desk, car rental desk, secretarial service and meeting rooms with equipment, children’s centre with activities, pool, watersports, scuba diving, tennis courts, squash, walking trails, dedicated wedding co-ordinator. Accommodation has air-conditioning, ceiling fans, mini bar, coffee maker, safe, clock radio, data port and direct dial phones, satellite TV and VCR.
From US$225/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Small Hotels & Inns
The small hotels and inns are one of the delights of St Lucia. They are small and personable, so you can expect to be looked after extremely well, and some of them are in truly spectacular locations. Others are in Rodney Bay, giving you well priced accommodation right in the thick of the action.
| Coco Kreole
A small, well priced inn at the heart of the action of Rodney Bay Village, the liveliest area of St Lucia. Comfortable air-conditioned rooms within walking distance of Reduit Beach, St Lucia’s finest, and over 20 bars and restaurants along the strip.
Key Features: A small St Lucia hotel offering a great base in Rodney Bay Village, 20 king and double rooms, some interconnecting; cable TV, VCR, CD player, free wireless internet access, pool, bar, bed and breakfast plan; at Coco Palm pool, restaurant, massage and beauty.
From US$115/night in summer | | East Winds Inn
Small but elegant inn set in lovely gardens sloping down to a calm beach. Rooms in cottages, very good food, quiet and secluded but close to the action if you want it.
Key Features: Good example of a small hotel St Lucia, 31 rooms and a ‘mini-suite’ in attractive tropical gardens, St Lucia all-inclusive hotel but no ‘all-inclusive’ atmosphere.
From US$445/night in summer all-inclusive | | Ginger Lily
A small and friendly hotel set right in Rodney Bay in the north of St Lucia, just across from the island’s liveliest beach and within a walk of the bars and restaurants of Rodney Bay Village. With eight rooms and three self-catering apartments, Ginger Lily is ideal for independent travellers on a medium budget.
Key Features: Great location at Rodney Bay St. Lucia hotel, eight large rooms with fridge and coffee maker (but no cooking facilities) and three larger executive suites with full kitchens, all with fans and air-conditioning. Pool, bar and restaurant (breakfast and lunch only), complimentary wifi. Just a short walk from Reduit beach and its beach bars.
From US$140 sgl/$167 dbl/night in summer | | Ladera
Ladera has the most dramatic setting in the Caribbean, overlooking the Pitons in southern St Lucia from over 1000 feet. With just suites and villas (which are open on the side facing the view) set in beautiful tropical gardens, Ladera is low key with off-beat style and is a very romantic hideaway. Excellent dining room, Dasheene.
Key Features: One of the top small St Lucia hotels with 25 suites and villas (one and two bedrooms) perched on a ridgeline, with plunge pools and magnificent views. In a quiet, undeveloped part of St Lucia. Central pool, excellent creole cuisine.
From US$340/night in summer | | Stonefield Estate Villa Resort
A group of 20 very attractive 1, 2 and 3-bedroom villas built in traditional West Indian style, set on a former plantation stretching down to the shoreline, with an incredibly dramatic view of the Petit Piton. A friendly hideaway ideal for independent travellers.
Key Features: St Lucia small hotel in a supreme setting, 20 one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom self-catering St Lucia villas set high above the west coast, balconies with hammocks, 16 villas with private pools, safe fridge, stove, coffee maker, hammock, CD players. Central pool, bar and restaurant, internet service, beach below with bar, snorkelling equipment, beach and town shuttles.
From US$200/night in summer | | Ti Kaye Village Resort
Cool, totally secluded and well-priced hideout on the west coast of St Lucia with fantastic views over the calm Caribbean Sea. Good for weddings and divers.
Key Features: Charming St Lucia hotel, 33 rooms in traditional creole cottages, pretty, grey sand beach, kayaks and good snorkelling. Dive shop. Good packages.
From US$175/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Villas
St Lucia ranks among the Caribbean’s top destinations for its villa life. The villa rental business is well established, the staff are well trained and professional management is effective and efficient. Properties are generally of an acceptably good standard – just a few are architecturally striking or particularly stylish - and they all provide an easy style of tropical living. As you might expect on an island of such dramatic beauty, most of the houses have breathtaking views.
The majority of villas for rent are in the hilly Cap Estate at the northern tip of the island, where your neighbour is quite likely to be an affluent St Lucian. This area is also home to St Lucia’s only 18-hole Championship course and if golf is your passion, you can even choose to rent a villa that will give you 14 free rounds a week. Golf widows can take comfort in a day/weekly pass at the excellent spa at Le Sport, which will be within a few of minutes drive or walk from the villa.
Other villas are situated on the Vigie Peninsular, a residential area just outside the capital Castries, or in Rodney Bay, which is alive with restaurants, bars, shopping, the marina and the fabulous Reduit Beach. As a complete contrast, there are a few lovely villas in the mountains and forests of the south of the island. It is so different that you might almost be on a different island. A popular option is to arrange a two-centre holiday in the two different areas.
Villa sizes range from one to six bedrooms and every villa comes with a private pool and a housekeeper/cook, who will happily assist with your shopping and share with you some of the secrets of Creole cooking.
Important Note: most villas are available at a reduced rate for low occupancy (ie taking fewer than the full number of rooms) and for stays of 21 days or longer. A supplement is applied over Christmas/New Year and over the Jazz Festival in May. For full details of rates, please follow the link from villa name below to go to the review page of each individual property.
Details of how to get there, airport transfers, and self drive car hire are included on these individual pages.
| | Sleeps 12 | La Dauphine Estate
A beautiful restored great house (with a second manager’s house) set on a working plantation estate just above Soufrière in the south of St Lucia. Classic Caribbean plantation elegance, original floors and verandas with gingerbread trim, overlooking magnificent gardens.
Key Features: Attractive and unusual St Lucia villa rentals for up to twelve people - perfect two centre holiday option with Villa Beach Cottages in the north on Choc Bay Beach, near Castries.
From US$95-310/night for 2-12 persons in summer | | La Paloma
A stylish St Lucia villa with a comfortable Mexican/Caribbean mix of furnishings and flavour. Picture perfect for weddings but also a good villa for families. Pretty gardens in a dramatic cliffside setting (fully enclosed) with excellent views.
Key Features: One of the best St Lucia villa rentals properties on the island, swimming pool (20ft x 20ft), Jacuzzi, cable TV, CD system, board games, childs play area and built-in barbecue grill.
From US$358-810/night in summer | | | Sleeps 11 | Cap Pavilion
A very private 5-bedroom colonial plantation style house inspired by Oliver Messel’s love of coral stone and cool green painted woodwork. Excellent venue for weddings and elegant entertaining, film/fashion shoots.
Key Features: Top St Lucia villa rental, services of a St Lucia wedding planner, panoramic 360 degree views, numerous verandas, terraces and living areas set on a 4 acre hillock, with swimming pool, cable TV, CD system, barbecue | | | Sleeps 10 | Arc En Ciel
A very impressive and elegantly furnished five-bedroom house set in three acres of gardens in the South of St Lucia. Arc en Ciel has classic Caribbean architectural design and decoration, with bedrooms linked by covered walkways to a plantation-style great room. A villa of exceptional quality with truly magnificent views of the sea and the Petit Piton.
Key Features: An exceptional St Lucia villa rental set between the St Lucia Pitons, highest quality, with Piton and sea views, extensive landscaped woodland gardens, formal great room, large verandas, two storey breakfast gazebo, dining terrace with fully equipped bar and surround-sound, barbecue, professionally equipped kitchen, laundry room, large angled swimming pool with grotto and waterfall, plunge pool, 2nd pool for master bedroom, TV, DVD and CD system in all rooms.
From US$1,700-2,000/night in summer | | Bananaquit House
A charming 5 bedroom Caribbean holiday home with fabulous views of the St Lucia Pitons. Extremely light and open, Bananquit House centres on a huge living room of white wooden walls and floors, splashed with bright upholstery and decoration. It is a delightful, tropical villa with a country cottage feel, suitable for families with children or a group of friends.
Key Features: Ideal family St Lucia holiday home with children’s bedrooms. Enclosed swimming pool (10ft x 15ft) with tiled sun terrace. Alfresco dining and sun terrace. Spacious open-plan living/dining area with stunning views. Fully equipped kitchen. Laundry room. TV for DVDs only. Stereo system. Small library of books, selection of board games. Gas barbecue. Twin-engined Aquasport motor boat available on request (extra cost). Nearby tennis court (extra cost) for day play.
From US$445-634/night in summer | | | Sleeps 8 | Kinnoull
Modern, simply furnished, 2 storey plantation style property with 3 bedrooms in the main house and a romantic 1 bedroom self-contained cottage. Lovely verandas and terraces for outdoor living, and stunning views of Pigeon Point and the Pitons.
Key Features: A St Lucia private rental villa for golfers and grown-ups, swimming pool, cable TV, VCR, CD system, fax, barbecue area.
From US$392-520/night in summer | | Seascape
A lovely 3 acre seafront location, ideal for independent travellers seeking to enjoy a great variety of birds and 200 different species of trees, plants and flowers - plantation style. Wonderful views.
Key Features: An unusual Guyanese wood St Lucia villa, swimming pool, fruit trees and coconut palms, good for birdwatching.
From £50/night per person in summer | | Zandoli
Swim in the moonlight, shower under the stars - an exotic house with a sensuous Balinese flavour. Superb views to the sea and Pigeon Point.
Key Features: Dramatic sunsets, fabulous St Lucia villa, Excellent for weddings and entertaining, swimming pool, wet bar, cable TV
From US$375-530/night in summer | | | Sleeps 6 | Cinnamon Beach Villa
An exotic 3 bedroom villa in earthy Latin and Caribbean style, set on a hillside in Trouya in the north west of St Lucia. Prolific use of local woods gives Cinnamon Beach Villa an ethnic feel, its mustard walls hint of Mexico and there is a stylishly rustic touch in the large veranda incorporating a gommier tree. Ideal St Lucia vacation accommodation for a romantic break or for older families.
Key Features: Appealing, split-level, hillside villa for exotic St Lucia vacation rentals. Lower terrace with swimming pool, large mid level veranda with dining area, open-plan living and fully equipped kitchen area. Upper level with three air-conditioned bedrooms with ceiling fans - master with balcony, sundeck, dressing room and Jacuzzi bathtub. Laundry room. Cable TV, DVD, CD music system, small library of books.
US$325-380/night in summer | | Hummingbird House
A seriously nice 3 bedroom home with innovative design features, lots of charm, wall to wall shutters opening to lovely wooden decks for outdoor living, great views and, from the Master bed in particular, a view to stay in bed for!
Key Features: A very well put together St Lucia villa that melds with its tropical surroundings, swimming pool, cable TV, CD system, board games and barbecue.
From US$315-365/night in summer | | Jonson Villa
A spacious, newly refurbished, 3 bedroom seafront St Lucia villa set in landscaped gardens running down to the sea. Within walking distance of Causeway Beach. Setting and views give an excellent backdrop for St Lucia weddings.
Key Features: One of the best St Lucia villas for rent for families and Caribbean weddings, swimming pool and surrounding sundeck, formal and casual dining areas, splendid views of Pigeon Point, cable TV including all bedrooms, radio/cassette player. Large fenced garden.
From US$295-345/night in summer | | Saline Reef
A comfortable, light and airy 3 bedroom, contemporary Caribbean home, split-level with cleverly positioned vantage points from which to sit and drink in the views to the sea and coast.
Key Features: Colourful retreat for St Lucia villa rentals, large open-plan living area, gallery dining room, sun terrace with dipping pool and a swimming pool, cable TV, CD system and barbecue
From US$459-519/night in summer | | St Remy
A restored 150-year old estate house, which has hosted royalty, set in a former cocoa plantation, now a veritable tropical garden of Eden. Keen gardeners and botanists will be transported by this property.
Key Features: A rare South St Lucia villa with a wrap around veranda, traditional furnishings, botanical gardens, fantastic Caribbean flora, swimming pool with sun deck, CD player
From US$255-420/night in summer | | Tamarind Villa
The wide covered veranda running the length of the house, gated from the pool, makes this 3-bedroom family home perfect for younger children whilst grown-ups enjoy a truly Caribbean villa experience – high ceilings, cooling breezes and genuine Madras cotton soft furnishings. Views to both the Atlantic and Caribbean.
Key Features: A St Lucia villa designed with children in mind, swimming pool, cable TV, VCR, CD system and barbecue
From US$239-299/night in summer | | Wild Orchid
Very spacious, well equipped 3 bedroom villa with modern design, good interior and exterior living space, separate dining and living areas, very private master bedroom and far reaching views.
Key Features: A St Lucia villa of large proportions, extensive outdoor living areas and fantastic sea views, swimming pool, multi-media room with 34” cable TV, Bose surround sound music system, barbecue terrace, water cooler
From US$355-395/night in summer | | | Sleeps 5 | Admiral's Quay & Rodney Quay
Exceptionally pleasant waterfront and garden condominiums/townhouses in a quiet enclave of 24 units around a central pool by Rodney Bay Marina. Great for couples or families and anyone with a boat to park.
Key Features: Very conveniently placed St Lucia condos, Admiral’s Quay: communal pool & cable TV; Rodney Quay: 2 bedrooms, communal pool, Jacuzzi & cable TV
From US$145-240/night in summer | | | Sleeps 4 | Heaven
A very pleasant 2 bedroom villa with an unusual ’loft’ design and splendid, 360 degree views from a hilltop on Becune Point in the Cap Estate in the north of St Lucia. Set in two acres of private gardens, Heaven has a low key feel, with stylish white furniture, dark-stained wood on white-painted stone walls and plenty of good outdoor living space. Suitable for honeymooners.
Key Features: A cosy Cap Estate villa, one of the best places to stay in St Lucia for privacy-loving romantics with swimming pool, alfresco dining terrace, pool side deck and pool terrace with panoramic views. Open-plan living/dining with gallery loft bedroom. Charming master bedroom off pool. Cable TV. CD player.
From US$255/night in summer | | La Fleur Des Pitons
A contemporary 2 bedroom house with plenty of creole style, perched 1000ft up on the Pitons High Ridge, with an awe-inspiring setting overlooking the landmark Saint Lucia Pitons. La Fleur des Pitons uses the best in Caribbean plantation style, with natural tropical wood and a very open aspect to provide very comfortable tropical living with truly magnificent views. A unique retreat for romantics.
Key Features: Incredible Caribbean house rentals setting with stunning views between the Pitons. Open plan Great Room (30ft x30) living with fully equipped kitchen, dining and sitting area. Covered veranda. Infinity edge swimming pool with adjacent sun terrace. Alfresco dining terrace. Two air-conditioned bedrooms each with balcony and Piton views, king-size four poster bed, wet bar and en suite bathroom with shower. DVD player. Bose stereo system with CD player and music library. Books and games. WiFi. Perfect tropical hideaway for couples in the beautiful surrounds of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
From US$500/night in summer | | Smugglers Nest
Set above Smugglers Cove, this is a beautifully appointed, two bedroom adobe style home with soul where the living areas meld with the mesmerizing garden. Good choice for weddings, honeymoons or for those just looking for a very special place to be.
Key Features: A seductive St. Lucia villa rentals choice, superb retreat, swimming pool, dramatic cliff edge gazebo, Cable TV, CD system, barbecue.
From US$445-555/night in summer | | | Sleeps 2 | La Mer
A unique open-fronted, one bedroom cottage with garden shower, upper sitting/dining room, open air living room, plunge pool with sun terrace and lawns with uninterrupted sea views. Very private.
Key Features: Perfect St Lucia villa for lovers, semi garden shower, upper sitting/dining room, open air living room, plunge pool with sun terrace and lawns, cable TV, VCR, CD music system and built-in barbecue.
From US$182/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Villa Resorts
Like the hotels, the villa resorts of St Lucia are split between the beach-based resorts mainly in the north of the island and the smaller properties, often in wonderful locations in the south.
| Cotton Bay Village
A luxury villa resort designed specifically for families in the far north of St Lucia. Cotton Bay Village is a series of suites, townhouses and free standing villas in its own community behind a curve of Atlantic-facing sand. There are very good facilities including a spa, a children’s club, golf right next door and optional butler service.
Key Features: Caribbean family resort with Hummingbird children’s centre with programmes for 3-10 year olds (toddlers accompanied by a nanny and older children can also attend). St Lucia villa resort with Caribbean luxury villas and townhouses, three restaurants, Champagne bar, some entertainment. Spa with beauty salon, fully equipped gym, boutique, deli and general store, beach and swimming pool, watersports including kayaking and scuba diving, horse-riding, golf course next door, also a dedicated wedding organiser. Perfect Caribbean for children, accommodation with nanny service, butler service, TV, CD and DVD players.
From US$344/night in summer | | Stonefield Estate
A group of 20 very attractive 1, 2 and 3-bedroom villas built in traditional West Indian style, set on a former plantation stretching down to the shoreline, with an incredibly dramatic view of the Petit Piton. A friendly hideaway ideal for independent travellers
Key Features: St Lucia villas in a supreme setting, 20 one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom self-catering St Lucia villas set high above the west coast of the island, balconies with hammocks, 16 villas with private pools, safe fridge, stove, coffee maker, hammock, CD players. Central pool, bar and restaurant, internet service, beach below with bar, snorkelling equipment, beach and town shuttles.
From US$200/night per villa in summer | | Villa Beach Cottages
Pretty gingerbread cottages and villa suites set right on Choc Bay Beach between Castries and Rodney Bay in the north of St Lucia. Good facilities for independent living within walking distance, good wedding location and comfortable atmosphere for solo travellers. Also two classic Caribbean houses at La Dauphine Estate near Soufrière in the south for an interesting 2-centre combination.
Key Features: Intimate St Lucia villas resort, just 14 cottages and villa suites, swimming pool, barbecue, beach, small open air restaurant, mini mart, shop, friendly staff, wedding gazebo, in-room massages
From US$190/night in summer | | Windjammer Landing
Village of whitewashed villas clambering up a hillside (and some hotel rooms nearer the beach), set in 55 acres fronting onto Labrelotte Bay, a calm beach on the Caribbean side of St Lucia. Very popular with families in holiday periods, but otherwise a good all-round resort, with something for everyone. Popular wedding venue.
Key Features: Excellent St Lucia villa resort, lively and fun, but with the space to unwind and relax. One, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units and private villas. 2 swimming pools and 2 children's pools, complimentary non-motorised watersports, tennis courts, 4 restaurants, 3 bars, internet café. Extensive facilities for families, children's club and teenage programme
From US$212 EP-$492 All-Inclusive/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Cottages, Apartments and Condominiums
St Lucia has impressive depth in its accommodation and so there are opportunities for less expensive independent travel including cottages and self-catering apartments although we have not found strong properties to feature in this section. For the best value accommodation try guest houses, some of which offer self-catering units.
| La Petite Fleur
A rare find – a lovely one bedroom guest cottage – in a truly spectacular setting - on a ridge 1000ft up overlooking the Pitons on the south-western coast of St Lucia. The studio bedroom is modern with some Caribbean style in the natural wood, and there is a lovely dining and sunning deck with absolutely stunning views. La Petite Fleur is a unique hillside retreat for two facing the St. Lucia Pitons.
Key Features: Good villa alternative to apartments in St Lucia, great honeymoon hideaway. Furnished wood decked veranda for dining and relaxing. Plunge pool. Studio bedroom with sitting area and kitchenette – fridge, toaster oven and electric coffee maker.
From US$285/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Guest Houses
There is a good variety of personable accommodation at less expensive rates too. Again, some of them are in really lovely settings, others within a shout of the action of Rodney Bay.
| Balenbouche Estate
A lovely hideaway on a working plantation estate in the far south of St Lucia, centred on a very pretty creole house. Just 8 rooms in modern and traditional buildings, excellent welcome. A true Caribbean original, bed and breakfast at a very good price. Excellent wedding and holistic retreat venue.
Key Features: Historical St Lucia guest house, offering exceptional value, also St Lucia villa rental - 8 prettily presented rooms (some self-catering cottages), excellent facilities for yoga, Reiki and other holistic activities, good walks, close to nature, working plantation, Heritage site, family home
From US$80/night in summer | | Chez Marie Alish
Just five large self contained apartments of an unexpectedly high standard, in the local town of Gros Islet, comfortable and good value. Excellent base for St. Lucia Jazz Festival 2005, St Lucia touring and independent travellers.
Key Features: Exceptional value, 5 well presented, spacious St Lucia rentals, balcony, air-conditioning, well-equipped kitchenette, easy local transport, close to great beaches & best restaurants in St Lucia
From US$55/night in summer | | The Reef Beach Huts
Excellent, inexpensive haunt right on St Lucia’s windsurfing beach, just four quite simple rooms with café, excellent value right in the thick of the action
Key Features: Budget St Lucia guest house accommodation, superb windsurfing and kitesurfing St Lucia, 4 rooms, café, windsurf rental and instruction, The Reef Kite + Surf centre
From US$50/night single | | Villa Caribbean Dream
An utterly charming private house sitting on a hilltop at the southernmost tip of St Lucia giving magical views of the coast and sea. Guest rooms & apartments perfect for solo travellers or couples looking for a retreat with massage, complementary therapy and homeopathy available.
Key Features: Fantastic St Lucia Guest House, St Lucia rentals by owner, 4 guest rooms, 1 studio apartment and a Creole Cottage with kitchenette, very friendly German owner, and dog. WiFi. Great value, cheap Caribbean vacation.
From US$35 single/$45 double/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Sailing and Cruising
St Lucia is a hub for crewed yachts with Rodney Bay Marina offering the best facilities for visiting yachts. Moorings has a small base at Marigot Bay for bareboat charters. For further details on sailing, please see under Sailing.
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