St. Lucia: Gem of the Caribbean

If there ever was a slice of paradise in the Caribbean, St. Lucia is it. The vistas of the majestic and lush twin Piton Mountain peaks rising from the sea are astounding. The people are friendly and always offer a smile or a hearty handshake. The deep oranges and reds of the setting sun are mesmerizing. If you want to explore the crystal blue water and reefs or the lush tropical land with its rain forests, mountains and spectacular views, St. Lucia is for you. Family trip or a romantic week for two—look no further.

The first time I visited St. Lucia was in 1976, when the island was a gem of the Caribbean that had yet to be discovered. I returned four times before starting a family, after which I brought my kids (now aged 16, 13 and 10) as soon as they were able to travel, knowing there is something for everyone on the island. After four family vacations (one on a cruise), I still hear, “Hey, Dad, when are we going back to St. Lucia?” It just does not get old—for any of us.

Over the past 30 years, it seems a lot more people have discovered what I learned so long ago.

Getting Your Bearings

St Lucia is a member of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, just north of Barbados and easily recognizable by its Gros Piton and Petit Piton peaks of lush greenery that shield the flourishing rainforest below. Soufriere, St. Lucia’s former capital, is the island’s oldest town and was established by the French in 1746. The island changed hands more than a dozen times as the British and the French fought over it for much of the 17th and 18th centuries. St. Lucia finally became an independent state in 1979. The capital today is Castries.

• Family fun on the beaches of St. Lucia
• Courtesy of St. Lucia Tourist Board

St. Lucia is tiny—only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide and shaped like an avocado. The island is served internationally by two airports and by most U.S. and international carriers. It is approximately three hours from Miami, and there are very few direct flights. Times could be changing, however, because in late 2007, American Airlines began nonstop service to St. Lucia from New York’s JFK airport on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Since the island is so small, I have found that utilizing a taxi and planning out your day trips in advance is more cost effective than renting a car. Besides, the locals drive on the wrong (left) side of the road, which usually is a challenge.

St. Lucia has a very pleasant climate year round, but the high season begins in late December and runs through mid April. Remember, some terrific deals are available in the summer (hurricane) months—just remember to purchase insurance.