St. Lucia (Caribbean Sea)

St. Lucia, photograph # 1—on the southwest coast of the island, the UNESCO-designated Pitons soar high into the sky

Leaving Martinique late at night, we sailed the short 12 miles [19 kilometers] to the independent Eastern Caribbean island nation of St. Lucia (formerly British, explaining why vehicular traffic on the roads is on the left side of the road).  “The Verdant hills of St. Lucia create an idyllic Caribbean backdrop for its capital city of Castries [where our ship docked].  Outside of the capital, the island has unspoiled tiny fishing villages dotting the shoreline, banana plantations edged with wild orchids, picture perfect beaches lapped by cerulean waves, and the UNESCO-designated Pitons soaring high into the sky.  Outdoor experiences dominate time spent on this island paradise, from admiring the panoramic views at Morne Fortuné and exploring the vibrant tourist hub of Rodney Bay to snorkeling at Pigeon Island, driving through the Soufrière Volcano, and discovering scenic Diamond Falls.  For cultural immersion, peruse the fresh produce and handcrafts at Castries Market, shop for local made batik items, and sample Admiral Rodney rum and golden Piton beer, named after the island’s signature volcanic spires.” – our ship’s travel guidebook

Emblematic of St. Lucia, the UNESCO World Heritage site is comprised of Petit Piton and Gros Piton, two volcanic spires rising from the sea and blanketed with thick forest and abundant bird species.  Hikes up the Pitons are strenuous due to the steep climbs and humid climate.

St. Lucia, photograph # 2 – sailboats anchored in a bay on the west coast of the island

Little known fact: “St. Lucia is one of only two countries in the world to be named after a woman.  While the reasoning behind the name is vague, it is believed that early French seamen who were shipwrecked on the island and grateful for their survival named it after the Christian martyr Saint Lucy of Syracuse.” — our ship’s travel guidebook

St. Lucia, photograph # 3 – the large fishing village of Soufrière on the west coast of the island

St. Lucia, photograph # 4 – Soufrière Drive-In Volcano has bubbling sulfur springs in the caldera of the dormant Qualibou volcano that last erupted in 1746; it is the Caribbean’s only “drive-in” volcano

St. Lucia, photograph # 5 – sulfur venting out of the caldera at the Soufrière Drive-In Volcano

St. Lucia, photograph # 6 — bubbling sulfur springs in the caldera of the dormant Qualibou volcano

“The nature is absolutely the draw at this small, eastern Caribbean island — volcanos, rainforests, and black-sand beaches are just par for the course.  It might be loved by honeymooners, but St. Lucia is ideal for anyone looking for a relaxing beach vacation, charming island culture, and activities when you want them.  For hikers, there’s the lush rainforest, Pigeon Island National Park, and Tet Paul Nature Trail.  Over on the west coast of the island, Soufrière, set against the volcanic Pitons, is ripe for exploring:  Don’t miss its Sulphur Springs and mud baths, beautiful Diamond Botanical Gardens, and the private black-sand beach of Anse Mamin.  Get a taste of local cuisine at a bevy of restaurants serving up everything from green figs and salt fish to cassava bread.” — www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g147342-St_Lucia-Vacations.html

St. Lucia, photograph # 7 – following our walking tour of the Soufrière Drive-In Volcano, our three-generation family of seven stopped for a tasty 4-course luncheon at the very popular (with honeymooners) Ladera Resort, just south of the fishing village of Soufrière – overlooking the UNESCO-designated Pitons

St. Lucia, photograph # 8 – the infinity swimming pool at the Ladera Resort

St. Lucia, photograph # 9 – the view from our luncheon table at Dasheene Restaurant at the Ladera Resort, overlooking of one of the UNESCO-designated Pitons soaring high into the sky

“A one-of-a-kind place on earth.  Built by hand, Ladera Resort sits on the volcanic ridge between the two legendary Pitons of St. Lucia.  The only resort built on a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  A space to love, explore, restore and celebrate.” — www.ladera.com

St. Lucia, photograph # 10 – the Ladera Resort has spectacular views of the two UNESCO-designated Pitons soaring high into the sky

St. Lucia, photograph # 11 – at the Ladera Resort, the accommodations are rustic suites — very Swiss Family Robinson in look and feel — that have private plunge pools and no fourth wall, allowing unobstructed views

“Anticipate the experience of a lifetime at this eco-lodge built with Caribbean timber, local stone, and terra-cotta tiles on the site of a former cocoa plantation.  It’s in a calm, beautiful garden setting on a forested ridge overlooking the Pitons and the sea far below.  Rustic suites — very Swiss Family Robinson in look and feel — have private plunge pools and no fourth wall, allowing unobstructed views.  At Ti Kai Posé Spa, indulge in a hot volcanic stone massage or take a dip in the mineral pools.  A free shuttle can take you to Sugar Beach, just five minutes away.  Note that there are no televisions or phones in guest rooms, but there’s free Wi-Fi for the needy (plus, only 17+ here — befitting one of the world’s most romantic resorts).” — Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards 2017 – 2024

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