Saint Lucia is an absolutely stunning island country in the Caribbean. Saint Lucia had been on my radar for years and was even MORE than I dreamed it could be.

It is the only country that I have ever said, “I could live here,” again, and again, and again. The last time I said something similar was when I was just 16 years old travelling in Europe for the first time, I wrote in my journal that I would love to live somewhere in Europe. Look at me now! I’m married to a Dutch man and have been happily living here for nearly a decade. Don’t be afraid to dream big.

 “Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with a big dream is more powerful than one with all the facts” – Albert Einstein.

I cannot stress enough how much I loved Saint Lucia. Perhaps I’m biased because I had a dream wedding and honeymoon there, but I highly recommend it as the next destination on your wish list!

We spent half of our ten days in the countryside at Ladera Resort, in the southern part Soufriere. This is where the famous world famous Unesco site of the “Pitons” are. Time stood still when I finally laid eyes on them. You’ll be changed forever too. The second half we spent in a private Villa C’est La Vie in the more popular northern part of the country, near Castries and Rodney Bay.

Here are a few suggestions of how you could spend a week or two in unforgettable Saint Lucia.

If you crave luxury and a stress-free holiday, you can hire your services using “Premier Concierge”. That is the company that took care of our every need during our fabulous stay. They will arrange everything your heart desires including airport transfers, beach activities, horseback riding, buggy tours, diving, massages, fishing and even restaurant outings. They can do anything and you can be sure you won’t miss anything.

Soufriere Tour – We took this tour from Ladera Resort while we were staying in the area but it’s also possible to arrange these tours from the north with companies like “Spice Travel” or “Premier Concierge”. They take you to incredible botanical gardens and educate you about the different vegetation, you’ll dive into two different waterfalls (one of which you can actually stand under!), the world’s only drive-in bubbling volcano, tour through the multi-colored rooftop town of Soufriere. The biggest enjoyment was our final stop at the Soufriere Volcano hot springs, or locally known as Sulphur Spring where we covered each other in grey, nourishing mud and our skin was instantly supple and soft.

Coastal Tour – This one is an absolute must! We chartered a private boat with a wonderful, accommodating captain. It was memorably romantic with just the two of us as we explored along the coastline. The views from the water are so stunning and the towns are picturesque.  I realized at that moment my dreams were fulfilled when before me I saw that postcard perfect view of both velvet covered Piton peaks. It was one of those things I personally wanted to see for so long that I felt my mission was complete after this tour. Our captain gave us the option of snorkelling on his boat tour. If you prefer not to get wet, our boat had a glass bottom!

Tet Paul: This is a 45 minute guided hike to view points of the Pitons and Soufrierre landscape doesn’t disappoint. There is also the option to do a more intense 4-hour hike up the Piton, but we were recommended this trail instead, as I hiked it in a bridal gown and my husband was in his grey suit. We lugged our drone to the top where my husband took pictures of us from the air! The views on the short hike were breathtaking and we didn’t need to hike the entire day to get them.

What a gorgeous Island

A great day to go hiking

Castries: This is the capital city of St Lucia and it’s a mix of local, tourist and expat faces. Boats bob in the harbour and the houses are beautifully painted in bright and colourful Caribbean combinations. I was busy imagining which colours I would paint my own Caribbean home as we wiled away the hours on foot. 

Island Buggies: We loved this 3+ hour tour. You need to have a valid driver’s license in order to participate and most buggies have a fun stick shift. Takes you to gorgeous viewpoints, beaches and through hilly towns to get a better look at real local life.

Horseback Riding: If you’re a beginner rider or have never ridden before you don’t have to be afraid because this is a slow trail walk to the beach for beginners and masters. You can take your horse into the ocean with you on it for a swim, if you like. Quite a unique experience.  

Deep Sea Fishing with Captain Mike: Even if you don’t catch anything, this four-hour boat tour is a great way to see more of the island from the water! There’s no place like from the water  to get a real view of the island’s shape. The views are spectacular, the boat ride relaxing, refreshments and the thrill of waiting for a catch keeps you excited the entire time! 

Savannah