St Lucia Holidays
A luxuriant isle full of lush mountains, tropical rainforests and the two renowned Pitons: twin, jungle clad volcanic peaks that rise majestically from the clear blue waters. An island of true unspoilt beauty and acknowledged by many as the most picturesque island in the Caribbean.

As you travel around the island the scenery will captivate you. Deep valley and gorges set against the back drop of the Caribbean Sea. Rainforests full of exotic rare birds and plants, where lushness is overpowering, wild orchids unique to St Lucia scent the air and the elusive St Lucian Parrots squawk overhead.

Marvel at Soufriere’s bubbling sulphur springs, the Botanical Gardens, the magnificent waterfalls and a visit to Diamond Falls is a must, the world’s only drive in volcano.

The island is scattered with pretty villages, large banana plantations and amazing beaches, sun-worshipers can revel in the mile long pristine white sandy beaches contrasted by other beaches made from volcanic black sand. From the secluded to the hives of activity, there is a beach for everyone’s taste. And like all Caribbean islands the diving and snorkelling is spectacular, with as many exciting sights under the water as above the water.

If history and culture is more your thing, explore St Lucia’s historical capital, Castries, with its exquisitely decorated cathedral and colourful rum shops.

The People of St Lucia are known for their warmth and kindliness, when their not inviting you to a game of beach cricket they’ll be telling you amazing island tales. Their cuisine is a tantalizing mix of West Indian and Creole dishes, and you will be taken in by the atmosphere from the moment you arrive.

Weather
Hot tropical climate tempered by trade winds which are constant year round. The driest and coolest time of year is Dec – May with temperatures between the 70s and 80s. June-Aug is the hottest part of the year where temperatures can reach the 90s. The rainy season is June-Nov but even then you won’t get a constant downpour, just short intense showers. By Day
St Lucia has a huge range of activates to get involved in, whether you want to spend your days on the beach playing volleyball or taking on any of the various water sports. Why not sail out to sea and do a spot of fishing or go diving and explore the under water paradise that is waiting to be discovered. If land activities are more your thing St Lucia has golf courses set in tropical landscapes; have a game of cricket, or how about tennis or squash? Go hiking on one of the many trails around the island and see what amazing wildlife you can spot or hire a mountain bike, quad bike or even a horse and take a ride through the rainforest. By Night
Hotels will have their own entertainment, whilst Castries boasts a few well known restaurants and bars. Rodney Bay is the liveliest place on the island hosting several bars and nightclubs and on Reduit Beach you’ll find live calypso music. There’s also Pigeon Point where you’ll find the Captains Cellar, a favourite with us Brits!Top Attractions
• Mount Soufriere – The world’s only drive in volcano where you can walk between bubbling sulphur springs.
• Castries – The islands capital is well worth a visit with its lively markets and great views of the harbour.
• Pigeon Island National Park – See many historical ruins and exotic wildlife, one of the most peaceful locations on the island.
• The Pitons – Visit St Lucia’s famous twin peaks, a truly spectacular sight.
• Diamond Waterfalls & Mineral Baths – A magnificent waterfall set in botanical gardens, and mineral baths reputed to have healing properties.
• Turtle Watching (Great Anse Beach) – Watch them laying their eggs between April and June.
• Fort Charlotte – Dating back to 1764, these well preserved defences testify to the many battles waged here.
• St Lucian Rainforest – A taste of the exotic.
• Marquis Estate – An old sugar estate home to a sugar factory and banana fields.
• Maria Islands Nature Reserve – Home to many rare birds and other wildlife.
Events
Regatta (Jan), Cricket World Cup (Mar/April), Festival (April/May), Turtles egg laying (April/Jun), Jazz Week (May), Fisherman’s Festival (Jun), Creole Day (Oct), Festival of Lights (Dec).Local Flavours
St Lucian food is a mix of Creole, with French and West Indian influences, and fresh seafood. Good duty free purchases include jewellery and clothing; some great souvenirs include t-shirts, dolls, local fabrics and wood carvings.History
Arawak settlements date back to between 1000 and 500 BC but these Arawak settlers were displaced by the Carib Indians during the 9th century. Columbus discovered the island in 1502 and Jambe de Bois, a French pirate, used the island as a base to launch his attacks on the Spanish Fleet in the early 1550s. Later the Dutch established a fortress at Vieux Fort, however the first attempt to colonise the island wasn’t until 1605 when British settlers arrived at the island. The Caribs still living on the island at the time slaughtered most of the British with only a few survivors escaping to Venezuela. In 1639 another attempt was made by Sir Thomas Warner and some 400 settlers but they too ended with the same fate and were killed by the Caribs. Shortly after, a French officer who was married to a Carib woman was successful in establishing a settlement on the island causing the British to rise with jealousy, and in 1659 they launched an attack on the French. The island was eventually ceded to the British in 1814. Although English was established as the official language it was difficult to eradicate the French influence and in 1979 St Lucia finally gained full independence.Size & Location
St Lucia is located 110 miles north-west of Barbados, 21 miles south of Martinique and 26 miles north of St Vincent. It’s the second largest of the Windward Islands, 27 miles in length and 14 miles in width. The highest point is at Mt Gimie which is 3,145 feet above sea level.