An Island Where Relaxation and Inspiration Come Naturally
St. Lucia's surroundings will inspire action, but also encourage relaxation. You don't have to choose one or the other, as your time on the island can be divided between exhilarating participation and quiet rejuvenation. The same resorts that offer morning yoga and meditation spaces also stock waterfronts with kayaks, windsurfers and snorkel gear, and provide tennis courts, fitness rooms and guided hikes. Join in on a group adventure, or make each day your own. Take a mid-afternoon break in a hammock slung between palm trees, then rally for an evening of music, dancing and mingling with local crowds at a nearby fishing village.
Highlights
- Best for: Everyone, experiences including watersports, yoga, spas and soft to rugged adventures
- Best season to visit: Year round
- Weather: Steady trade winds account for relatively minor differences in seasonal air temperatures, which range from the 70s into the mid 80s. Rain showers are less common from December to May
Saint Lucia Information
Mind and Spirit in Saint Lucia Overview
Saint Lucia's resorts tend towards the low-key and intimate, which is ideal for anyone who wants to intersperse active pursuits with periods of quiet relaxation. The island's natural surroundings and non-commercial vibe will be appreciated by anyone who is seeking an escape from the over-stimulation of modern life.
Mind and Spirit in Saint Lucia Tips
Don't settle for just a poolside routine. Expand your horizons with the full range of active and introspective activities that are an integral part of the Saint Lucia experience. Try morning yoga, swimming in a waterfall or exploring a coral reef, then end the day with sunset relaxation. A great time to put this all together is during the island's annual Wellness Month in November.
Best Places for Mind and Spirit in Saint Lucia
Start the day with yoga on the beach at Anse Chastanet. Add water sports to the mix with Ti Kaye's Wine, Water and Wellness plan. Set sail for a coastal cruise to Anse Cohon or venture into blue water to meet wild dolphins. Reward your hiking efforts with ocean views from the top of Gros Piton, or watch the sunset from the deck at Jade Mountain.
What to Pack for Mind and Spirit in Saint Lucia
Be ready for anything from snorkeling and sailing to hikes, workouts and savasana. This means a good pair of walking shoes or trainers, sandals, comfy shorts, yoga or workout wear, a bathing suit or two and a small backpack for day trips.
Packages
Saint Lucia
Anse Chastanet
Additional boat snorkeling available in shopping cart or learn to Scuba Dive and take a Beginners Discover Course!
Various Specials & Group Discounts throughout the year! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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Passport and/or Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens need a valid passport that must be valid 6 months beyond the date of entry into Saint Lucia, with available space for entry stamp. No visa is required with proof of onward or return ticket and accommodation confirmation. Check the entry/exit requirements here. A departure tax of $68EC, approx $25.30 should be included in your international airline ticket.
Immunizations
Vaccinations are not required for entering the Caribbean if you're coming from the United States. Before traveling check with the CDC here.
Culture and Customs
Saint Lucia is a land of vibrant greens set in a sapphire sea. Rainforests cover the island's interior, providing vacationers with a variety of eco-adventures that range from sedate birding hikes and relaxing rides on an aerial tram to off-road adventures and soaring zip line flights through forested canopies home to endemic birds such as the Saint Lucia parrot. The lush surroundings also set the stage for a number of unique resort properties that blend luxury and nature, and provide some of the best dining experiences in the Caribbean. The island's rich volcanic soil yields a cornucopia of tropical fruits and vegetables. This bounty is reflected in the savory dishes of traditional Creole cooking, and it has inspired a new wave of organic and fusion cuisines that have earned island chef's top honors in international culinary competitions. In addition to enlivening resort kitchens, Saint Lucia's farms and orchards support a thriving agricultural export sector that includes bananas and chocolate. One of the island's sweetest day trips involves a tour of historic cacao plantations, followed by a chance to create your own chocolate confections. Across the island English influences are obvious, but so too are the cultural contributions of France and Africa. The local version of relaxing is known as “going on the lime” or “liming,” which simply involves stopping by a favorite local pub or rum shop and spending time with friends.
Electricity, Phone and Internet Access
Saint Lucia runs on 220 to 230-volt AC (50 cycles), so bring an adapter if you plan to use U.S. appliances. Some hotels are wired for U.S. appliances.
Check with your local provider to see what plans are available, otherwise, you will be subject to roaming charges. The country/area code for Saint Lucia is 758.
Many hotels offer WiFi.
Water Quality
The local tap water is chlorinated and considered safe to drink. Alternatively, bottled water is available for purchase at restaurants, bars, hotels and local grocery stores.
Language & Currency
English is the official language, but islanders often speak a French-Creole patois or Kweyol similar to that heard on Martinique, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Grenada and Dominica.
The currency in Saint Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, (EC$). You can see the current exchange rate here. However, nearly all hotels, restaurants, and shops accept US dollars. Change may be given in EC Dollars. ATMs are available which dispense EC dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.
Time
Saint Lucia is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) and does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Saint Lucia is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT).
Location, Size and Population
Saint Lucia is a sovereign island country in the Eastern Caribbean that is part of the Lesser Antilles. Saint Lucia is a mountainous island of 238 sq. miles, located about 25 miles north of St. Vincent and 25 miles south of Martinique and northwest of Barbados.
The population of Saint Lucia is 185,868 (2016).