St. Lucia
on Rodney Bay is the most popular (and crowded) of the
northern beaches for sun worshippers. Scuba divers and
snorkelers favor Anse Chastanet and neighboring Anse
Mamin, while wind surfers flock to the swelling waves and
winds of Anse de Sables, near Vieux Fort to the south. The
underwater world of Saint Lucia is a wonder to behold, with
pristine coral reefs sheltering sea horses, octopus, sea turtles,
and a multitude of exotic fish species, including peacock
fish, needle fish, frog fish and batfish.
Saint Lucia’s rain forest covers some 19,000 acres of lush
valleys and peaks. The National Trust and the Department
of Forestry offer 29 miles of trails (some more strenuous
than others) that lead hikers through the tropical rain forest.
The scent of wild orchids fills the air and there are swimmable waterfalls and more than 30 species of birds, such as
the Saint Lucia oriole, white breasted thrasher, Lesser An-tillian peewee, and Saint Lucia wren. If you’re lucky, you’ll
spot the national bird, the Amazona Versicolor (or Jacquot),
a colorful parrot that was once an endangered species and
is now protected.
The island boasts extraordinary botanical gardens as well.
The perfectly manicured Mamiku Gardens were built around
the hilltop ruins of the Baron Micoud Estate House (circa
1766) in the village of Micoud. At Diamond Botanical Gardens and Waterfall in Soufrière, in addition to strolling the
lovely grounds, visitors can soak in curative thermal mineral
baths that were originally commissioned by King Louis XIV
of France in 1784 to fortify his troops against the Saint Lucian climate. Joséphine Bonaparte is said to have bathed here
as a young girl while visiting her father’s plantation nearby.
Where to Stay
Most of Saint Lucia’s hotels, resorts and inns are tucked
away on secluded coves, unspoiled beaches or jungle-cov-ered hillsides. Luxury villa communities, complete with on-site gourmet restaurants, pampering spa services and access
to golf courses, are a popular lodging option. Top ranked
establishments include Cotton Bay Village, where the colo-nial-style town houses and chateau-style villas include dedicated service from a personal butler. The romantic open-air
villas and suites at Ladera feature four-poster beds made of
polished tropical hardwood and breathtaking views of the
famous Pitons. Anse Chastanet Resort is a private estate
of 600 tropical acres that offers world-class snorkeling and
scuba diving. BodyHoliday LeSport delivers a memorable
experience that is tailored to combine sports, healthy food
and exercise regimes for an active beach getaway. No matter
where you stay, you’ll find Saint Lucia to be a soul-satisfying
feast for the senses. |
