Before traveling to the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia in May, I was trying to dig up some helpful travel vlogs on YouTube. Among those I found were two from the channel inthefrow, and although the vlogs showed gorgeous views, I couldn’t understand why Victoria and Harrison never left the Anse Chastanet/Jade Mountain resort complex. However, after visiting for a week, it makes sense. Our trip to the gorgeous, volcanic piece of land, which the British and French fought over for 154 years was wonderful, and the views were breathtaking, but I would advise those visiting, if you can afford it, to stay at a resort and have excursions arranged for you.
Which Resort to Choose
We stayed at an Airbnb near the capital city of Castries. However, most of our time was spent in the Soufriere area, so every day began and ended with an hourlong drive along the winding western road of the island.
Of the resorts in the Soufriere area, our favorite was Sugar Beach Resort. Those not staying at the resort can enjoy the beach, restaurants, and spa—either by paying $50/person to drive in and park within the resort or by parking just outside the entrance and walking down the steep hill to the main buildings.
Sugar Beach’s eponymous beach has gorgeous white sand that was imported to the island, with a restaurant right along the sea. The freshly caught fish and cooked vegetables is the dish to order and may be one of the best meals we’ve ever had.
Which Outings to Do
Hike Gros Piton
Experienced rock climbers who opt to hike Petit Piton, which has a smaller, but much steeper, elevation change, aside, dedicated hikers will want to visit Gros Piton.
Always drawn to volcanoes, I initially became interested in visiting Saint Lucia because of this hike. A four-hour trek round trip, this is not for the faint of heart. I had previously thought hiking Giant in the Adirondacks was the most arduous climb, but Gros Piton has claimed that title as its own. It probably didn’t help that my hiking partner instructed our guide, who has been hiking Gros Piton for over four years, to, “Go as fast as you want. We’ll keep up.”
I was initially wary of being required to have a guide on the hike, but ours enhanced the experience. He was available to answer questions about Saint Lucia in general and served as a good motivator when at the halfway point I was already uncertain if I would make it to the summit.
It’s not a cheap hike, and although online sources disagree, a guide is required, and the excursion costs about $50/person. Bring more water than you think you'll need, arrive early in the morning--around 7 or 8 a.m.--to avoid midday heat, and bring some trail mix or snacks. It won't be until the end that you're rewarded with phenomenal rum raisin, mango, and soursop ice cream, which rings in at $4 for a 2-scoop cup but tastes like a million bucks.
Walk the Tet Paul Nature Trail
If a 4-hour hike and serious muscle soreness sounds less like a badge of honor and more like a terrible way to spend a vacation, the Tet Paul Nature Trail is a great alternative to the Gros Piton hike. It’s cheaper—the entry fee is only $10/person—a guide is not required, and the views are actually better than those from Gros Piton's summit, as you get a 360-degree panoramic view of the island, including both Gros and Petit Piton. The walk takes only about 45 minutes, too, so it can be one of many events in a given day, even if the only other events are lounging on the beach and enjoying a mojito.
Visit the Diamond Botanical Gardens
Right outside of Soufriere, the Diamond Botanical Gardens are worth visiting for two main reasons: the first, Diamond Falls, is, unsurprisingly, the main one. A small waterfall, Diamond Falls is gorgeously set against lush greenery and was featured in the movie Romancing the Stone. The second reason to visit the gardens is to enjoy the quiet serenity of the space while also learning a bit about some of the native flora of the island. The entry fee is $7/person.
Go Scuba Diving
Not something I would have thought to do if left to my own devices, but I was, fortunately, traveling with a certified diver. We went out with Chester of Action Adventure Divers on four dives, one lasting 50 minutes, and saw gorgeous coral, fish, and a few sea turtles.
Where to Eat
Have Breakfast at Ladera Resort
Those who aren’t staying at the resort can book a table at Dasheene Restaurant of Ladera Resort through OpenTable. The views are unmatched, and you can enjoy looking out at the Pitons while having fresh mango juice and creole bread—similar to a French baguette—before an omelette or the best banana pancakes on the island. Just be prepared to be joined by a bullfinch or two..or five...who will, as our Gros Piton hike guide said, “Watch you watch them eat your food.” Some may disagree, but I think there are few things as delightful as watching small animals flock around the papaya and apricot jam you’ve left behind.
Get a Mojito at Hotel Chocolat’s Restaurant
Saint Lucia is known for a few things in the culinary realm: their fried fish, Piton beer, and rum. It’s a bit ironic, but of all that we tried at Boucan Restaurant of Hotel Chocolat, my favorite thing was the mojito, made with local rum and fresh mint from the estate.
Saint Lucia tourism says of the island: "Let her inspire you." With so much to experience, it is hard not to be inspired by the island. My parting piece of advice to those who typically travel solo, though, is to let this particular destination inspire you...in a group. I hope you have a chance to visit.