St Lucia holidays: a guide to the island
Two green peaks rising straight out of the sea, rainforest, hot springs and hotel rooms with no fourth wall. St Lucia is the most dramatic island in the Caribbean.
The Pitons, St Lucia
Photo: Faith Panciello / Unsplash
St Lucia: the volcanic island of the Pitons
St Lucia is a volcanic island in the eastern Caribbean, between Martinique and St Vincent. It is only just over 40 kilometres long, yet it has rainforest, waterfalls, hot sulphur springs and the famous twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, which together with the surrounding sea are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The island switched between French and British rule many times. English is the official language today, but many people speak a French-based Creole and the place names are full of French. St Lucia is a classic honeymoon destination, and many hotels are built for the view rather than the beach. There are direct flights from London.
North or south in St Lucia?
The south: Soufrière and the Pitons
This is where the scenery is most dramatic and the hotels most spectacular. Stay here if the view of the Pitons, the rainforest and the quiet are why you are going. The roads are winding, so the north is a long drive away.
The north: Rodney Bay and Gros Islet
Flatter, with more restaurants, bars, a marina and larger resorts. Reduit Beach is one of the island's best swimming beaches and Pigeon Island National Park is next door.
In between: Marigot Bay
A small, sheltered bay full of yachts and palm trees, and a good compromise between north and south.
Most international flights land at Hewanorra in the far south. From the airport it is around an hour to Soufrière and longer to Rodney Bay.
Soufrière
Photo: Karl Moore / Unsplash
Things to do in St Lucia
Hike Gros Piton with a local guide for views over the whole south coast.
Soak in the warm mud baths at Sulphur Springs, a volcanic crater you can drive into.
See Diamond Falls and the botanical gardens near Soufrière.
Snorkel at Anse Chastanet or right below the Pitons.
Walk around the fort on Pigeon Island and swim at Reduit Beach.
Join the Friday night street party in Gros Islet.
Visit a cocoa estate and learn how chocolate is made.
The hotels we would book in St Lucia
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Jade Mountain, Soufrière
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Jade Mountain: rooms with no fourth wall
Jade Mountain is famous for rooms where one wall is simply missing, so you look straight out at the Pitons from your bed and your own pool. Hotels.com mentions a hot tub and terrace in every unit, four restaurants and Anse Chastanet beach just below.
Book your stay: See rooms at Jade Mountain
Sugar Beach, Val des Pitons
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Sugar Beach: the beach between the peaks
The resort sits in the valley between Gros Piton and Petit Piton, with villas on the hillside and a white sand beach. Guests are especially happy with the staff, and there are three restaurants on site.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
Sandals Grande St Lucian: all inclusive for couples in the north
A large couples-only all-inclusive resort on a peninsula by Rodney Bay, with beach on both sides. Practical if you want everything in one place and easy access to the restaurants in the north.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sandals Grande St Lucian
When is the best time to visit St Lucia?
December to April is driest and most popular. June to November is the rainy and hurricane season. It is warm all year, and the rainforest means a shower can come at any time. Check the current entry requirements before you travel.
St Lucia is one of our favourite honeymoon destinations. See also our Caribbean holidays guide.
St Lucia holidays: frequently asked questions
What are the Pitons?
Two steep volcanic peaks, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, near Soufrière on the south west coast. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Should you stay in the north or south of St Lucia?
The south for scenery, views and special hotels. The north for beaches, restaurants and nightlife. Many people combine both.
When is the best time to go to St Lucia?
December to April is the driest period. June to November is the rainy and hurricane season.
How long is the flight to St Lucia from the UK?
Direct flights from London take around nine hours.
Is St Lucia good for a honeymoon?
Yes, it is one of the most popular honeymoon islands in the Caribbean, with many romantic hotels built around the view.