Saint Lucia
January 6 - January 10, 2023 (5D4N): Having seen so many famous shots of couples overlooking the majestic Piton Mountains while sitting in a hot tub, we could not resist the thoughts of leaving NYC in the middle of winter on a nonstop flight to St. Lucia. While we didn’t get to stay at Jade Mountain Resort for the famous view, we had so much fun getting a mud bath at the only drive-in volcano in the world, snorkeling in many well-preserved beaches, enjoying some local meats at the Fish Fry, and burning off calories through some of the most spectacular hiking trails.
*Highly recommended
Day 1:
Afternoon arrival in UVF from JFK (via JetBlue)
Pick-up rental car from Hertz
Check-in @ Harbor Club St. Lucia, Curio Collection by Hilton
Friday night Fish Fry* (Every Friday night starting at sunset) @ Jump-Up in Gros Islet
Day 2 (Gros Islet/Castries/Anse La Raye)
Breakfast @ Hotel
Pigeon Island National Park* (9:30 AM - 5PM; $10 or EC$26.7)
Hiking (~ 1 hour RT for both peaks - Fort Rodney & Signal Peak)
Explore the forts
Pigeon Island Beach
Castries
Castries Central Market (go on a Saturday)
Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Meat pies @ Dr. Freezers
Anse Cochon Beach* (Amazing snorkeling; enter through Ti Kaye Resort and pay a $10/person gate entrance fee for credits at Ti Manje)
Lunch @ Ti Manje* (Get the fish sandwich)
Happy hour drinks @ Chateau Mygo
Day 3 (Soufriere):
View point @ Mirador Piton Santa Lucia*
Anse Des Pitons* (AKA Sugar Beach; access through Sugar Beach Resort)
Anse Piton Marine Reserve* (Great for snorkeling)
Lunch @ Bonte* (Tasty ceviche, expensive dishes)
Soufriere Drive-In Volcano/Sulphur Springs* (9 AM - 5 PM; EC$35 combo tix including mud bath):
Guided tour
Mud bath* (Wear a dark swimsuit)
Tet Paul Nature Trail* (8 AM-5 PM; $10 or EC$26; ~30-45 mins easy hike, amazing views of the Pitons)
Sunset drinks @ Anse Chastanet Beach/Anse Mamin Beach
Dinner @ Market Street Sushi* (Part of Harbor Club St. Lucia; Ask for Chef Alice - IG @aandm_eats)
Day 4 (Gros Islet):
Smugglers Cove* (Great for jumping waves; a cute secluded beach - look for a sign to The Naked Fishman)
Drinks @ The Naked Fishman* (Try the spicy mango martini)
Rodney Bay:
Lunch @ Spinnakers Resturant & Beach Bar
Reduit Beach (Very crowded local beach, okay to skip if short on time)
Chill @ Hotel pool
Dinner @ Market Street Sushi*
Day 5:
Chill @ Hotel pool
Afternoon flight back to JFK
Other points of interest & food:
Rodney Bay:
Dinner @ Buzz Resturant
Castries:
Lunch @ The Coal Pot Restaurant
Soufriere:
Tips:
Visa/Mastercard and USD are accepted on the island, but the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECB) gives you a more favorable rate.
Driving is doable but challenging as the roads are very windy along the western coast with potholes, especially in Soufriere. Also, driving is on the left side of the road.
Bring your international driver’s permit to avoid paying for a local driving permit.
Gros Islet/Rodney Bay has the best nightlife/restaurants, allowing you to explore if you aren’t staying at the resort.
The best snorkeling spots are in Soufriere.
