One of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Engaging locals. And, coming soon, what looks like one of the most spectacular golf courses on the planet.
There are so many great things to see and do on Saint Lucia, one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean.
Senior representatives of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority rolled into Toronto recently for a rooftop lunch at 1 Hotel Toronto to show off what’s great and new on the island, and I was given a one-on-one interview with Tourism Minister (and Deputy Prime Minister) Dr. Ernest Hilaire and tourism authority CEO Lorine Charles-St. Jules.
CANADIANS LOVE SAINT LUCIA
Hilaire said Canada is the fourth largest source of visitors to Saint Lucia, which he said is the only country in the world named for a woman.
“We have long historical links, and Canada has been a strong supporter of our development programs.”
Hilaire said he wishes the Canadian commitment was as strong as it used to be, but understands there may be other, more pressing issues for Canada – and other countries – to deal with these days.
Fort Rodney, Saint Lucia. JIM BYERS PHOTO
It took Canadians a while to get back to visiting after the pandemic officially ended, but he said April 2023 saw Canadian visitation hit 97% of 2019 levels.
MORE FLIGHTS FROM CANADA
Hilaire said Air Canada has bumped it summer service from Toronto from one day a week to three, and will fly to the island daily from December to April.
“We’ve never had that before,” he said.
WestJet has one flight per week now, but will go to three a week in winter.
Resorts will always be part of the package for an island that’s very popular for weddings, honeymoon and romantic getaways. But Hilaire said they’re trying to move to a more sustainable tourism model.
“Since COVID we’ve put a greater emphasis on promoting new, authentic experiences,” he said. “We want people to get out and mix with the locals, maybe go the rum bars and play dominoes or cards, argue about sports or politics, and have some local food and a local drink.”
(On a side note, Hilaire later told the lunch group to always ask your rum bar owner or server for a hit from the special bottle they keep under the counter. “You will enter a different realm of existence,” he said with a smile.)
Cabot Saint Lucia golf.
Joining the “jump-up party” in Gros Islet on a Friday night or attending one of the island’s many festivals are great ways to mix with locals. Hilaire also said there are new experiences where visitors can make their own chocolate, new ATV tours for adrenaline junkies to try, and a new bamboo rafting experience through forests of mangroves.
TOP FESTIVALS IN SAINT LUCIA
Top festivals include The Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, Creole Heritage Month, The Festival of Lights, The Roots and Soul Festival and The Saint Lucia Food and Rum Festival.
Saint Lucia is home to tumbling waterfalls and beautiful rivers, and also offers world-class hiking, diving, birdwatching, bathing in sulphur springs, chocolate tours, and much more, Hilaire said.
The island was controlled seven times by the British and seven times by the French, he added.
“That’s why we live life the way we do.”
There’s also some American influences to be found, in particular in Saint Lucia residents’ fondness for old-time, American country and western music. It’s said that U.S. Army officers worked on the island years ago, and that locals got used to hearing the likes of Hank Williams and Patsy Cline and fell in love with the music. I once went to a country and western dance in the capital city of Castries, and had a great time.
As much as the island offers up remarkable activities, Hilaire said it all comes down to the people, who are naturally friendly and eager to show visitors a good time.
“We don’t teach anyone in Saint Lucia how to smile,” he said. “We don’t teach them to be nice.”
GREAT DEALS IN SUMMER
Hilaire said he understands why Canadians want to get away to his island in winter, but he said summer offers tremendous deals, with discounted hotels and experiences.
The new Cabot Saint Lucia golf course, a concept developed by the people behind Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs in Nova Scotia, is set to open June 20 on a dramatic slice of rugged coastline on the north shore of the island. If the photos are any indication, it will become a world sensation in no time.
Charles- St. Jules said many Saint Lucia hotels took time during COVID to make major renovations. New properties include Sol Sanctum Hotel and Wellness Studio in Rodney Bay. There’s also a Zoetry in Marigot and a new Dreams coming to the south end of the island, near the international airport.
A spokeswoman for Windjammer Landing said they’re currently offering up to 50% off rooms (through June 30), along with $250 in resort credits.
Serenity at Coconut Bay in Saint Lucia was recently the recipient of the 2023 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award. The resort has been honoured as the #1 ranked Best of the Best Luxury Caribbean Hotel and the #3 ranked Best of the Best Top Hotel in the Caribbean.
Serenity at Coconut Bay provides an intimate and tranquil haven for couples seeking a memorable, unlimited all-inclusive escape. A team of dedicated butlers anticipate guests’ needs with always un-intrusive pampering from the moment of arrival until departure.
In the past I’ve also stayed at Jade Mountain, where we had an open-air suite with a plunge pool overlooking the magnificent Pitons, and at nearby gorgeous Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, which has a wonderful spa and a great beach. I also recommend Cap Maison, a lovely boutique hotel on the north end of the island.
