Need a relaxing tropical vacation? Look no farther than this tiny island, set among coral reefs and gorgeous blue waters.
St. Lucia is one of the easiest Caribbean islands to fly to, thanks to several departures from Miami. Stepping off the plane, you’ll feel the warm air hit your face and your hair start to curl. You are officially on vacation!
We stayed at the stunning boutique Anse Chastanet Resort, on the southwest side of the island. It has its own private beach and dive shop.
Our little cabana was set on a steep slope and surrounded by tropical jungle, with a view out to the famous pitons, St. Lucia’s iconic twin peaks.
The resort has a huge number of on-site activities. Here is my papa getting ready for a bit of windsurfing.
Sitting on the beach and reading is good too. In fact, this was how I spent the majority of my time.
There is also a neighboring plantation that is a short (free) boat-ride away. They have another private beach and several miles of hiking and biking trails.
Prepare to get muddy. Fortunately the ocean is near at hand for a quick dip.
Same goes for the hiking trails: muddy, tropical, and with killer views at the top.There are portions of the old plantation that are still visible although the jungle has reclaimed most of it after years of neglect and inactivity.
Snack on the go.
Did we make it to the top? Heck ya. And we let everyone know about it by ringing the bell.
Tropical islands...tropical fauna. In the shower.
The real reason we went to St. Lucia was for the diving. Dive sites are located about five minutes away via boat. The corals are pretty, the fish are plentiful, and the water is warm. We did a 10 dive package which was a good number for us as we like to pepper in significant beach time along with our diving activities.
The snorkeling from the beach isn’t half bad either. I found that I was most comfortable in a short wetsuit, especially during the longer dives.
It’s all good.
This was a cheap-o disposable underwater camera. I have a hard time making my underwater pictures reflect the gorgeous scenery and sights below the waves.
There are several off-resort activities that are located nearby, including a foul-smelling hot zone.
Do the sulphur springs first and then follow up with a trip to the botanic gardens as it’s definitely sweeter smelling than the first activity. And it’s chock full of exotic tropical specimens.
And they have crazy, iron-rich waterfalls.
Interested in playing Tarzan for a day and swinging from vines? All is possible in St. Lucia.
It’s also worth taking a jaunt through Soufriere, the town located next to Anse Chastanet. Watching the fishermen come home with their catch is also entertaining, especially as it’ll probably end up on your plate for dinner.
xo,
Sonja
If You Go To St. Lucia
Stay:
Anse Chastanet Resort. $$$$. A stunning boutique eco-resort set within view of the pitons. Many activities available on-site. Be sure to get the meal plan that includes breakfast and dinner. Lunch items can be purchased a la carte from the beachside restaurant. Also check out the numerous homes that are available for rent via Home Away or AirBnB.
Activities:
At Anse Chastanet Resort:
- Jungle Mountain Biking. Twelve miles of tricky riding. Be sure to ring the bell when you reach the top! You can also hike the trails.
- Scuba Diving. We had great guides. Most dive sites are within 10 minutes of the restore via boat. The coral is in decent shape and there are a wide variety of Caribbean fishes on hand. Shore and night diving is also available.
- The resort also has a small collection of sail boats, kayaks, wind surfers....and plenty of beach loungers for those that prefer to do nothing at all.
- EAT! We adored the food and loved the pomp of dressing up for dinner each night. It was fun.
Nearby:
- Climb Gros Piton. Not for the out-of-shape folks! Wear shoes with good ankle protection and prepare to get wet and muddy. Any of the hotels can hook you up with a guide.
- Volcano and Sulphur Springs. Prepare yourself for that rotten egg smell! Have a nice jaunt through the billowing stinky steam before heading off to the relatively sedate (and better smelling) botanic gardens. (below)
- Diamond Waterfalls. Explore the twisty tropical paths and waterfalls in this small but lovely botanic garden.
- Tour the nearby town of Soufriere. Don’t miss the impromptu fish and vegetable market that springs up around the warf.
- Windsurfing in Vieux Fort. Not for beginners but plenty of wind for the experienced windsurfers and kite boarders in your group.
