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Paradise Saint Lucia 1
Summer 2012 Issue 1
what's inside...
Welcome Messages
Information Directory
Car Hire
Around the Island
Property Investment
Weddings in Paradise
Island Dining
Shopping
Responsible Tourism
The Versatility of Madras Fabric
Beaches
Baths & Waterfalls: Natural Spas
Fond Latisab Green Globe Resorts
Twitter
Flowers of St. Lucia
Island History
Festivals & Events Events Calendar
Hotel Directory
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Publisher • Lokesh Singh
Editor - Alex Foster
Design & Production • Cecil Sylvester
Sales & Advertising • Hudson Myers
Photography • Danielle Devaux • Alex Foster
James Crockett • Saint Lucia Tourist Board
Kirk Elliott • Bernd Rac
IGY Rodney Bay Marina • St. Lucia National Trust
Paradise St. Lucia Magazine is published
twice a year as Summer & Winter issues
by Advertising & Marketing Services Ltd. (AMS) St.
Lucia
Reproduction of any material contained herein without
written approval, constitutes a violation of copyright.
Though every effort has been made to present the
information contained in this magazine accurately, all
opinions however constitute the author’s judgement.
Advertising & Marketing Services (AMS) accepts no liability
for any inadvertent inclusions or omissions from this
publication.
FREE distribution throughout St. Lucia. Overseas orders by
subscription: US$50 for two issues, postage included.
Editorial, Advertising, Subscriptions and Correspondence
to:
P.O. Box 2003, Castries, St. Lucia
Tel: (758) 453-1149 Fax: (758) 453-1290
Website: www.paradisestlucia.com
Email:info@paradisestlucia.com
Paradise Saint Lucia
Summer 2012 Issue 1
RODNEY BAY MARINA
© 2011 Island Global Yachting
ST. LUCIA
MEGA UPGRADE. IGY HOSPITALITY.
Marina Village with
shopping, dining, ships’
chandlery, recreation and
guest services
32 fixed megayacht berths
for yachts up to 280 feet
High-speed fueling
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on site featuring 75-ton
Marine Travelift, 40-ton
self-propelled boat trailer
and 6,100 square feet of
paint/refit shelters
Telephone and cable,
Wi-Fi throughout
253 total berths with a 15ft
max draft
On-site customs &
immigration
50 & 60htz, singleand 3-phase power
up to 400 amps
14°04’32.72”N
T: +1 758 452 0324
P.O. Box 1538, Castries
60°56’55.63”W
F: +1 758 458 0040
St. Lucia, West Indies
rbm@igymarinas.com www.igy-rodneybay.com
ISLAND GLOBAL YACHTING
AMERICAS | CARIBBEAN
For information or reservations
1.888.IGY.MARINAS
WWW.IGYMARINAS.COM
RODNEY BAY MARINA
ST. LUCIA
PLAY EAT DRINK SHOP SAIL ENJOY
EXCELLENT DINING. IGY HOSPITALITY.
With 7 unique waterfront dining experiences,
regular entertainment and 24-hour security
on site, you can rest assured of a great time,
day or night.
The marina village also hosts the following
amenities:
Optical Centre
Bank
Pleasure cruises
Car Hire and
Provisioning
Business Centre
Sail Maker
Florist
Ships Chandlery
Gift Shops
Spa
Graphic Designer
Liquor Store
Supermarket
Laundry
Swimming Pool
Marine Electronics
Yacht charter
IGY RODNEY BAY MARINA
Tel: +1 758 452 0324
Fax: +1 758 458 0040
Email: rbm@igymarinas.com
Web: www.igy-rodneybay.com
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Dear Visitor,
Thanks for choosing St. Lucia.
I’m sure you’ve already confirmed you made the right choice from the many, many possibilities on offer these days. You chose St. Lucia because there’s so much to see and
do here – whether you came for a vacation, to get married, for a honeymoon, or to attend
one of our annual events. You may be visiting for our St. Lucia Jazz Festival, or our unique
and fun-filled Carnival, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), or our Food & Rum Festival.
People come to see our majestic twin-mountain World Heritage Site at the Pitons, to
wheel into our drive-in volcano at the Sulphur Springs, to stay at any of our internationally renowned award-winning hotels, resorts, villas, boutique hotels and intimate inns, or
even for business meetings and conferences.
Our people have developed a worldwide reputation for hospitality, which is why ours
continues to be an island that attracts you first - and then encourages you to return, again
and again.
Our tourism product has continuously improved over time to cater for you and we will
always ensure our heritage and creative industries blend in with your holiday needs – to
please you to ensure you’ll tell others about your stay and entice them to also come and
experience your experience.
As you’ve found out, it’s easy to get here – by air or by sea, with two airports and two
major seaports to choose from in our bi-lingual island of twin-mountains and double Nobel Laureates.
No matter what your reason for coming to St. Lucia, we have the places and the means
to make your stay the best you’ll ever remember having. We’ve learned to pamper you
from arrival to departure, so if you feel like St. Lucia has become your ‘home away from
home’, don’t worry, it’s because we planned to spoil you long before you arrived!
So feel free. Be at home. Enjoy every minute. And come back again… because the big
secret is that each time is better than the last!
Lorne Theophilus
Hon. Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Dear Visitor,
Welcome to our piece of paradise, St. Lucia! I am delighted that you have chosen to spend
some time with us on our beautiful shores. Your personal copy of “Paradise St. Lucia”
will serve as a treasured repository of information, showcasing much of what we offer
to ensure your stay is the most memorable, ever. Whatever your interest or curiosity, I
am sure you will find many experiences to share with friends and family. Sail our beautiful west coast to behold an ocean view of our world heritage site, the majestic Pitons;
visit our Sulphur Springs, go horseback riding, or whale and dolphin watching when the
season permits, unforgettable experiences for the entire family. Try zip lining in our lush
forests or just take a nature walk and enjoy bird watching. Take an invigorating dip in one
of our many beaches washed by the gentle Caribbean Sea; watch inspiring sunrises and
heart-stopping sunsets! Or, do nothing at all, simply soaking in the simple beauty that is
our island.
Amidst the splendor, don’t forget to eat! Our culinary delights will appease your every whim and fancy. With a huge variety of world-class restaurants to choose from, you
can tempt your pallet with savory samplings of our very own, internationally acclaimed,
Creole cuisine. Make sure to keep a watchful eye for village festivals and cultural activities where you can celebrate with our people and share in some much deserved fun and
revelry. Whatever you choose to do, I am sure you will take the memories home with you,
memories that will make your heart warm, keep your smile bright and leave you longing
for more of our paradise, St. Lucia.
And, remember to tell all of your friends!
Do Enjoy!
Karolin Troubetzkoy
President
St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association
Dear Reader,
As Saint Lucia's Director of Tourism it is my distinct pleasure to extend to you the warmest
of greetings as you explore Saint Lucia through the pages of this unique publication. As
you journey through you will undoubtedly fall in love with this gem nestled in the heart of
the eastern Caribbean, if in fact that has not already happened!
As you take in the sights and sounds of Saint Lucia, remember we are a destination
internationally acclaimed for legendary romance, signature weddings and once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon experiences coupled with family oriented fun. So immerse yourself in
our way of life. View and actively participate in our many festivals - be it the renowned
Saint Lucia Jazz, Carnival or cultural celebrations like Jounen Kweyol, or just sample our
fusion of African, European and American style cuisine that have given rise to some of the
best culinary delights anywhere in the world.
Like those before you and those who will follow in your footsteps, feel free to
acquaint yourself with our blissful white and black sand beaches; explore our lush greenery as exemplified via exhilarating tours through our rainforest; stay and play at award
winning hotels and resorts, intimate inns or private secluded vistas scattered throughout
the length and breadth of Saint Lucia; take in the majesty of our world acclaimed iconic
twin peaks - the Pitons, or our drive-in volcano; or simply take one of the many boat
cruises and experience the charming yet stunning rugged topography that makes our island so awe-inspiring.
As the principal agency charged with promoting and marketing Saint Lucia's tourism
industry, we are working tirelessly with our industry partners to enhance our product,
ensuring that it meets the highest international standards. Much effort is also being
expended at generating and increasing airlift capacity and ensuring that the visitor experience on island is unsurpassed by our competitors.
Again, I say welcome to our paradise.
Louis A. E. Lewis
Director of Tourism
Saint Lucia Tourist Board
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Information Directory
Before you tour St. Lucia here is some helpful information to assist you:
Climate
Dress Code
The climate is tropical year-round with NE
trade winds bringing a warm breeze. The
temperature ranges between 22°C (72°F)
and 34°C (93°F) with slightly higher averages and increased humidity between June
and August. The rainy season runs from
June to November. St. Lucia lies just inside
the hurricane belt so can be affected by
tropical cyclones.
Casual clothes can be worn anytime
but often people like to dress up in the
evenings. Note that swimwear is inappropriate outside of the beaches and resorts.
Nude or topless sunbathing is not permitted anywhere on the island.
Country Dialing Code
The International Dialing Code for St.
Lucia is +1 758. Digicel and LIME are the
two telecommunication providers on the
island.
Crime and Harassment
With using common sense, you should
have no problem. Use licensed operators
and vendors, protect your valuables and
do not venture far into isolated areas, day
or night.
Currency
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC) is the
local currency, set at a fixed exchange
rate of US$1=EC$2.7. Banks can exchange
major currencies. Their opening times are
Mon-Thurs 8am–2pm, Fri 8am–5pm. Some
Rodney Bay banks are open on Saturday
mornings. ATMs are found outside most
branches. Major credit cards and US
dollars are accepted in many shops and
restaurants but it is advised to check first.
Drinking Water
Excessive rains or drought can impair the
quality of tap water. Many people choose
to drink tap water but bottled water is
advised and is readily available.
Electricity
Mostly 220-volt, 50 cycles AC. Transformers will be required for 110-volt appliances. Sockets are usually UK standard 3-pin
plugs. Adaptors may be available in hotels.
Emergency Numbers
Police – 999
Fire and Ambulance – 911
Rodney Bay Police Station:
+1 758 452 8155 or +1 758 456 4061
Geography
Located 60-61°W and 13-14°N, St. Lucia is
one of the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. Martinique is 21 miles north, St. Vincent is 26 miles south and Barbados lies
108 miles south east. St. Lucia is 27 miles
long by 14 miles wide with a total area of
238 square miles. The nearest mainland is
Venezuela.
Getting Around
Immigration
Taxis: Fully licensed operators have number plates beginning with “TX”. Rates for
tourist destinations and tours around the
island are regulated. It is strongly recommended you agree on the fare before
departing.
Public Buses: These mini-buses are distinguished by green number plates beginning
with “M”. Mostly used by locals, they are
inexpensive and go all over the island. Ask
your hotel for assistance in using them.
Car Rental: Many companies offer a
variety of appropriate vehicles. A temporary driving permit is mandatory and
costs US$20 (EC$54) valid for 3 months,
or US$12 for a one-day permit. They are
available from car hire companies, airport
immigration and local police stations.
Drive on the left and always be wary of
other drivers… and plenty of potholes!
TX- 091 TX- 091 H- 091 M- 091
Hospitals & Medical Centres
Gros Islet
Rodney Bay Medical Centre
Gros Islet Polyclinic
Kent Glace – Dentist
Tapion Hospital
Victoria Hospital
Wellness Centre
453-6582
450-9661
458 0167
459-2000
452-2421
452-2289
Others
Dennery Hospital
Soufriere Hospital
St Jude’s Hospital
Vieux Fort
453-3310
459-7258
454-6041
Visitors must present a valid passport to
enter St. Lucia. If you are a citizen of the
US, Canada or the Organization of Eastern
Caribbean States, a birth certificate and
photo ID is sufficient. All visitors must possess a return ticket. Commonwealth citizens do not require visas for short stays.
Languages
English is the official language but you
will commonly hear locals speaking Patois
which is a French-based Creole.
Politics
St. Lucia gained independence in 1979,
has its own Prime Minister and is part of
the British Commonwealth. The queen’s
representative is the Governor General,
Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy.
Population
The 2010 census estimated 173,720 people with the majority living in the capital of
Castries and the north of the island.
Time Zone
London -4hrs GMT (-5hrs during BST)
New York – the same (+1 hr during DST)
Tipping
A 10% service charge and 8% government tax is added to your bill at most
establishments. Additional gratuities are
welcomed.
St. Lucia Tourist Board for further info:
www.stlucia.org
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Car Hire:
Drive to Discover!
If you want the freedom of exploring at your
own pace, deciding where you want to go
and when, then hiring a car is a fantastic option.
There are some excellent car rental agencies in St. Lucia offering a variety of small or
luxury cars, jeeps or mini-vans, catering for
both leisure and corporate clients alike.
As you may have discovered, with so
many things to see and do in St. Lucia that
if you intend to relax at all, it’s impossible to
do everything, so choose a few attractions
that are high on your ‘to-do’ list, grab a ‘Paradise’ island map from the hotel desk or car
rental centre… and off you go!
In addition to your home country driver’s
license, it is a requirement that you also purchase a St. Lucian driving permit. They cost
US$20 (or EC$54) and are valid for up to
three months. They can be obtained from
the car rental companies at the time of hire,
and also at airports or police stations. Don’t
forget to bring your license with you too!
24 Hour Car Rental Budget Rent-a-Car Cool Breeze Rentals Cost Less Rent-a-Car Courtesy Car Drive-a-Matic Economy Car Rental Guy’s Car Rental Hertz Holiday and Business Car Rental
Lambee’s Auto Rentals Luxury Car Rental
Rent-a-Ride St. Lucia National Car Rentals
Tips for driving in St. Lucia:
1.
Drive on the left! Be aware of
unmarked sharp bends, potholes and the
occasional bad drivers! Take your time and
take it easy.
2.
Due to the winding roads you
should note that distances sometimes take
a lot longer than you might imagine. These
drive times are approximate:
Rodney Bay to Dennery = 45 minutes
Rodney Bay to Marigot Bay = 40 minutes
Rodney Bay to Soufriere = 2 hours
Rodney Bay to Vieux Fort
(using east coast) = 1.5 hours
Soufriere to Vieux Fort = 40 minutes
For reservations and further enquiries,
please contact one of these recommended
car hire services:
452 1330
452 9887
459 7729
450 3416
450 8140
452 0544
450 0293
451 7885
452 0679
452 0872
453 0985
450 4192
452 9404 450 8721
www.bestratescarrental.com
www.budget.com
www.coolbreezecarrental.com
www.costless-rentacar.com
www.courtesycarrentals.com
www.drivestlucia.com
www.economycarrentals.com
www.guyscarrental.com
www.hertz.com
www.handbcarrental.com
www.lambeesrentals.weebly.com
www.stlucialuxurycars.com
www.vcrentals.com
www.stlucianationalcarental.info
RENT A CAR
Explore, Relax, Enjoy
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Locations:
GFL Charles Airport (Castries) and Hewanaorra Airports (Vieux Fort)
Tel: 758 452 9887 / 758 485 1528 Fax: 758 452 8160
E-mail: budgetcars@candw.lc Website: www.budget-stlucia.com
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Tel: 758 450-8721 / 450-8670
Fax: 758 450-8577
Email: carental@candw.lc or slncr@candw.lc
Visit us on our website:
www.stlucianationalcarental.info
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Around the
Island
First impressions of St. Lucia reveal lush
rainforests, gorgeous beaches and volcanic mountains that literally drop into the
sea. Now it’s time to dive in and become
closer acquainted with our little island. We
hope you’ll enjoy exploring and finding the
hidden gems, learning the island history,
culture, and really get to know the unique
personality of St. Lucia.
English, French, Amerindian and African
heritages have shaped an interesting and
colourful past which is still evidenced today
not only at historical sites and cultural centres but also in everyday life, in the cuisine,
language, music and traditions.
Then of course, there’s the natural beauty of the island that you won’t forget. Much
of St. Lucia is still undeveloped, and it is
this natural tropical environment that is so
alluring. Just around the corner are magical waterfalls, bright flowers, birds, plantations, beautiful botanical gardens, beaches
and of course, breathtaking scenery.
With tourism being St. Lucia’s main economy, adventure activities have also become
extremely popular, including horseback riding, kayaking, zip lining, ATV tours, sailing,
snorkeling and diving, all of which allow
you to explore in exciting ways to suit you.
Whilst the vast majority of hotels are
located in the north of the island, the scenic, cultural and adventure attractions are
located all over, so however you choose to
explore - join a tour, get on a boat, hire a
car etc… just go and see St. Lucia and take
home the most special treasures of all…
your tales to tell and long lasting memories!
There is so much more to St. Lucia than
first meets the eye, but decide for yourself,
and take a look as you travel around the
island.
Map of
Mount du Cap
Cap Maison
The Body Holiday
St. Lucia Golf &
Country Club
Saint Lucia
Pigeon Point
Snuba
Gros Islet
Rodney Bay
North to Martinique
& Antigua
Cas-en-bas
Cotton Bay
See Street Plan
Windjammer Landing
St. Lucia Helicopters
George Charles Airport
Pointe Seraphine
Harry Edwards Jewelers
La Place Carenage
La Toc Battery
Captain Mike's
Hackshaw's Boat Charters
Castries
Grande Anse
Rainforest Sky Rides
Rainforest Hideaway
Marigot Bay
Banana
Plantations
Château Mygo
Anse La Raye
La Sikwi Sugar Mill
Anse La Raye Waterfall
Ti Kaye Village
Fond d'or Bay
Barre de l’Isle
Dennery
Canaries
Tree Top Adventures
Praslin
Mon Repos
Mamiku Gardens
& Latille Falls
Soufrière
Cool Breeze Rentals
Malgretout
Petit Piton
Rain Forest
Mount Gimie
Zenon River
Diamond Falls
Botanical Gardens
Morne Coubaril
Sulphur
Springs
Descartier Rain
Forest Trail
Micoud
Jalousie Plantation
Gros Piton
Praslin Island
Ladera Resort &
Dasheene Restaurant
Anse
L’Ivrogne
Choiseul
Savannes Bay
Hewanorra
Airport
Laborie
Vieux Fort
Coconut Bay Resort & Spa
Maria Islands Nature Reserve
South to St. Vencint &
the Grenadines
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Cap
Estate
Located at the northern tip of the island,
the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea
with the prevailing northeasterly breeze feeling fresh on the skin. On the Atlantic (east)
side, the land is open and wild and so are the
beaches. It is very easy to find yourself feeling
like you’re “in the middle of nowhere”! The
Caribbean coast (west) contrasts with the Atlantic as it is generally always more protected.
Cap Estate is an affluent neighbourhood
that is sparsely scattered with opulent villas,
luxury hotels and restaurants. The absolutely
stunning 360-degree views make it easy to
Paradise
Paradise Saint
Saint Lucia
Lucia 16
16
understand why people choose to buy here.
There is a large ex-pat population as well as
many second homeowners. Indeed, Cap Estate is still ‘hot property’ for investors and
there are development plans for further resorts and villas in the future.
From the hilltops you can see down into
Rodney Bay and as far as the tips of the Pitons
in the south. Looking north, the outline of
Martinique is easily visible on a clear day, and
it’s especially pretty at night gazing towards
the twinkling lights in the distance, and even
more beautiful over a romantic dinner!
Attractions:
• St. Lucia has some excellent fine dining
choices, one of which is the Cliff at Cap
Restaurant, which offers delicious cuisine
in a romantic open-air setting. As the name
suggests, it is located right on the cliff top
so you can dine exquisitely, whilst listening
to the sound of waves crashing on the rocks
below.
• Atlantic beaches: Cas-en-Bas is an easy
escape for a peaceful walk along the beach
and if you’re lucky, you’ll see some kitesurfing action and horse riding along the beach.
Five Dollar beach is trickier to get to (see
page 68) but worth it for the adventure. Explore in a 4WD and you might come across
Secret Beach, Donkey Beach and others
that really take you off the beaten track.
• If you fancy a round of golf, the fairways
of the St. Lucia Golf Resort & Country Club
have some spectacular views on their 18hole course.
The Cliff at Cap offers contemporary
French-Caribbean cooking with creative
flair from Executive Chef Craig Jones.
A cliff side location with fantastic views
out to sea, an ideal location to get away
and have a private lunch or dinner.
Also enjoy The Cliff Bar - specialising in
28 island rums and Tapas evenings and
The Wine Cellar - a private room for
exclusive dining and tasting experiences.
• Horse riding: Both Trims Riding Academy
and the International Pony Club offer tours
through the countryside and along the
beach, with the option to ride your horse
into the sea, “swimming” on horseback!
• Pamper yourself with a spa session at one
of the resorts: Try Spa Maison (Cap Maison), Heaven (Cotton Bay Village), or the
Wellness Centre (Le Sport - Body Holiday).
• For cricket fans, Cap Estate is home to the
Beausejour Cricket ground, which regularly
hosts many international matches. West Indians certainly know how to cheer on their
team as cricket comes alive in St. Lucia!
• On for a spot of tennis? Try the newly
built National Tennis Centre opposite the
cricket stadium. It is fully equipped with
some professional level courts and racquets are available to hire.
For more information
or reservations:
The Cliff Cap Restaurant
(758) 457 8681
Email: book@thecliffatcap.com
www.capmaison.com
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Pigeon Island
If you’re confused about the name, don’t be.
Pigeon Island was in fact, once an island until
the 1970s. Then the lagoon in Rodney Bay was
dredged to establish the marina and the material was deposited between the mainland and
the island to create a causeway and connect
the two landmasses. Today, two of St. Lucia’s
luxury hotel resorts, Sandals Grande and The
Landings are located on the site and the causeway has also provided a gorgeous long stretch
of white sand all the way from Pigeon Island to
Gros Islet village.
Pigeon Island is an island landmark and now
a St. Lucia National Park. Strolling up to Fort
Rodney is a must, not only for the exercise,
but it is interesting to learn about the British
battles with the French over ownership of St.
Lucia. There are several cannons still remaining up there as well as fort ruins. Hike it up to
the highest peak, known as Signal Hill, and the
360-degree birds-eye view will make you feel
like you’re on top of the world.
After this, you’ll likely be in need of a refreshing dip at one of the beaches below. Bring
a mask and snorkel and absorb yourself in the
underwater world, heading along the rocks
where you’ll see plenty of colourful fish.
All of this is thirsty work, so an icy cold drink
or bite of lunch will be well deserved. The rustic
restaurant, Jambe de Bois is a lovely, authentic
little place right on the water’s edge overlooking the whole of Rodney Bay – an ideal spot
to just sit and take in the charming surroundings.
Pigeon Island is also well known for hosting the main stage for the annual Jazz Festival
in May. St. Lucia Jazz is a heavily anticipated international event on the island’s calendar,
so if you’re here during that time, be sure to get a sought after ticket and join the crowd.
For the rest of the year, Pigeon Island is a very peaceful place to relax and learn about
some of St. Lucia’s history whilst wandering through the military ruins and the museum
there. Or you can just enjoy a swim at one of the little beaches. The national park is close
enough to the hotels in Rodney Bay, but far enough away to still feel like you’ve done
some exploring. As a popular wedding location, you may
see one going on at the weekend! There is a small entry
fee to the National Park but it’s well worth spending at
least half a day here.
Attractions:
•
•
•
•
Fort Rodney and other military ruins
Jambe de Bois
St. Lucia Jazz Festival (May)
Beaches
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Gros Islet
Gros Islet is the most northerly of the many
fishing villages in St. Lucia and it is located
between Pigeon Island and Rodney Bay.
In the daytime, you can go past the small
wooden and often makeshift, colourful Caribbean homes. The first priests to arrive on
the island settled in Gros Islet in 1749, so
the community has a long history of being
a Roman Catholic parish. The large Catholic Church has a large congregation and is
interesting for its Caribbean style interior.
Today, Gros Islet is a flourishing fishing
village, and every Friday evening, the quiet
town turns into a huge street party for anyone and everyone to join in. This weekly
fish fry is known as ‘Jump-Up’ and there
are BBQs and drink stalls set up in the main
street where you can get a cheap meal of
steamed fish, BBQ chicken, pork or lambi
(conch) with all the trimmings. Be daring
and sample the homemade Spiced Rum
from the ominous looking bottles filled
with herbs, spices, leaves and sticks! We
warn you though, it’s flavoursome but potent - a nip with ice is enough to tickle the
taste buds and feel the kick!
Jump-Up is one of the few occasions
where locals and tourists mix properly. The
local atmosphere is great fun and the expeParadise Saint Lucia 20
rience is as authentic as it gets. This truly is
an excellent way to see the St. Lucian lifestyle and modern culture. The loud music,
partying and dancing goes on into the early
hours. You’ll need to get there early for a
table but the evening always brings great
entertainment.
A few words of advice for heading there
in the evening: It is important to stay in the
main areas, and recommended not to stay
too late. Just take the cash you’re willing to
spend and leave your valuables behind. EC
dollars are better to have with you than US
currency and when you are dropped off, it’s
also a good idea to arrange with your taxi
driver to meet at a designated place and
time for the return journey.
Rodney Bay Marina
The marina village has proven to be a
favourite hangout both day and night,
with a mixture of popular bars, cafes and restaurants all on the water’s
edge. Indeed the vibrant and friendly
atmosphere makes it a fun place to be
for a latte or smoothie in the morning,
a lunchtime salad or sandwich, right
through to having a few sundowners on
a Friday night (or any night for that matter). Dining by the water gazing at the
marina lights is pretty hard to beat, and
throughout the year the various bars
host regular live entertainment so keep
an eye out for what’s happening.
There is also a bank, florist, gift shop,
liquor store, swimming pool, beauty
spa, taxi stand and a supermarket as
well as having all the boating amenities
such as a sail makers, chandlery and
large boatyard. By road, the marina entrance is located on the main highway
behind the lagoon, just a short taxi ride
from most hotels in the north. If driving
yourself, there is a large car park and
24-hour security on site.
The marina is owned by Island Global Yachting (IGY), an American company with several
marinas throughout the Caribbean, and caters
for all types of vessel, from small open boats
to the mega yachts of the rich and famous. It is
a safe and secure environment for boat owners either cruising the Caribbean, or staying
here permanently.
Every December, Rodney Bay is the finish
line for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC),
when around 250 yachts arrive from racing
or cruising-in-company across the ocean from
Las Palmas. It is the busiest time of year and
the vibe is constantly buzzing as the yachts arrive into Rodney Bay Marina for several days
or even weeks to celebrate their achievement.
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Rodney Bay
The hub of tourist activity on the island runs all they way along Reduit Drive, starting off
with two large shopping malls on either side of the road, going past a strip of restaurants,
bars and hotels all leading up to the gorgeous Reduit Beach.
Reduit Beach is the most popular in St. Lucia with its long stretch of golden sand fronted by hotel resorts, beach lounges, water sports and vendors. Spinnakers on the beach is
a fantastic spot for lunch or dinner and has a daily happy hour from 5pm–6pm bringing
you 2 for 1 cocktails – the ideal tropical sundowner!
Indeed Rodney Bay will spoil you for choice with its array of cafes, bars and restaurants
catering to all tastes including Caribbean, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, French, Thai, Italian,
Mexican or American.
For nightlife, there are plenty of fun bars with several of the restaurants turning into
hotspots after dinner such as Delirius, Fire Grill and Tequila Joe. A fun night out would also
be to try St. Lucia’s only casino, Treasure Bay, located inside the Baywalk Shopping Mall.
In terms of shopping, if you’re self-catered, there are three supermarkets in Rodney
Bay - one in each of the malls and another on the main road towards the marina. The two
large malls are duty free shopping centres featuring international brand name stores for
clothing and jewellery and gifts. You’ll also easily be able to find all the amenities you need
such as a pharmacy, post office or bank.
Gros Islet
Rodney Bay
Pigeon Island
Golf Club
Le Sport
International
Pony Club &
Beausejour
Cricket Ground
Capt. Mike’s
Pub & Grill
Bay Gardens Beach Resort
RODNEY BAY
MARINA
St. Lucia Yacht Club
Red
u
it B
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h
Spinnakers
Police
Royal by Rex Resorts
& Chic
Buzz Seafood
Bread Basket
Boardwalk Bar & Cafe Ole
Starfish
Elena’s Italian Corner
Memories of Hong Hong
Fire Grill
Razmataz
Tequila Joe’s
Endless Summer
Cruises
Rex Resorts
The Edge /Sushi Bar
The Lime
Charthouse
Red Snapper, Pizza Pizza
& Elena’s Ice Cream
Rituals
La Terrasse
Delirius
Ti Banane
Dominos Pizza
Coco Palm
Big Chef Steakhouse
Ku De Ta
Spice of India
Supermarket
Taxi Stand
Feature attractions
Baywalk
Mall
Key Largo Pizza
& Sportivo Gym
Aquatic Centre
(Public Pool)
Castries-Gros Islet Highway
Red S napper, P izza! Pizza!
& E lena's Ice Cream
Paradise
ParadiseSaint
SaintLucia
Lucia23
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Summer 2012 Issue 1
Castries
Castries is the nation’s capital and is both
the commercial and governmental centre
for the island. It is the largest town in St. Lucia and always a hive of activity with over a
third of the population living here. In 1948
a huge fire destroyed much of the town
but Castries still has several landmarks for
visitors to enjoy, in particular the very large
and elaborately decorated Cathedral of the
Immaculate Conception with it’s brightly
coloured frescos. As you stroll through the
town centre, you will also come across the
Derek Walcott Square, which is proudly
dedicated to one of St. Lucia’s Nobel Laureates, the Hon. Derek Walcott who was
awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in
1992.
Visitors to Castries can also enjoy the
huge market that sells arts and crafts, fruit
and vegetables, spices and much more. The
best time to go to the market is on a Saturday morning as this is when it’s always
bustling with activity. With boutique shops
throughout the town as well, you can easily
find your souvenirs in Castries.
The harbour is also a port of call for
hundreds of cruise ships every year, and
is capable of docking up to four ships at a
time. To cater for this, there are two duty
Castries Cathedral
Castries Market
free shopping malls on either side next to
the docks. Pointe Seraphine is the largest
on the northern side, and La Place Carenage is located on the southern dock.
The new Our Planet Centre is a fantastic educational attraction at La Place Carenage, ideal for families on a rainy day. Some
of the interesting special effects include
holograms, a ‘mirrorsphere’ and a NASA
installed sphere which shows you a view of
the earth from space and illustrates some
amazing facts such as all flight paths travelling around the world at any given time.
It is a very interactive way to learn about
climate change and the environment we
live in.
Atractions:
Carnival Cruises
Castries Market
Castries Cathedral
Our Planet Centre
Eudovic Art Studio
Caribelle Batik
Helicopter Tours
Folk Research Centre
Lushan Country Life
Morne Fortune
La Toc Battery
Castries
Point Seraphine (1 km)
Gros Islet (10km)
La Place Carenage
Duty Free Shops
Vendor’s Arcade
Police
Bank
Market
Fire Station
Jeremie Street
Tourist Information
Micoud Street
see
R
Cathedral
Brazil Street
to Soufriére
(37 km)
to Vieux Fort
(44 km)
oad
High Street
Coral Street
St Louis Street
Cha
us
Derek
Walcott
Square
Laborie Street
Blue Coral
Bank
Library
Bank
Peynier Street
Victoria Street
Bank
Wlm Ptr Blvd
Bourbon St.
Monigiraud Street
Bank
Bridge Street
Post Office
Chisel Street
Cruise Ship Anchorage
Manoel Street
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mary Ann Street
Grass Stre
et
Taxi Stands
Feature attractions
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Marigot Bay
South of Castries, on the west coast, is the
delightful gem of Marigot Bay, nestled in a
natural hurricane hole. It is often quoted as
“the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean”
- so do come and decide for yourself! In
1967, it caught the attention of the Doctor
Dolittle filmmakers and has also been featured in a couple of other movies, so if you
think it looks familiar, this might be why!
There are two ways you might enter
Marigot Bay – by sea or by road. If you’re
cruising in on the water, you’ll get quite
close before realising there’s a harbour entrance, and as you creep in, the bay
slowly opens up as you pass the moorings
on either side. The beach ahead is covered
in tall palm trees and as it comes in to view,
it’s definitely a photographic moment!
Venturing round the spit of sand, the water
becomes an emerald green from the mangroves. It’s easy to see why Marigot Bay is
a popular yachting destination for those
wanting to “get away from it all”.
Alternatively, if you’re driving to Marigot
Bay, stopping to take in the wonderful aerial view from the top of the hill is a must.
It will take your breath away with the gorgeous colours, especially during summer
when bright pink flowers are in bloom on
the hillside… Again, another photographic
moment!
Marigot Bay hosts a small marina with
plenty of moorings, a waterfront hotel, a
spa, café and several boutique gift stores
selling clothing, pottery and souvenirs.
Enjoy a coffee or an ice cream at the cafe
before taking the short ferry ride across
the harbour to the beach and relax with a
good book. You can rent a kayak or Hobie
cat from the beach if you want to explore
the bay further.
There are three restaurants to choose
from in Marigot Bay. For lunch, you can either try Chateau Mygo on the marina
side, or Dolittles on the beach side. In the evening, treat yourself to an exquisite meal
at Rainforest Hideaway, one of the most romantic restaurants on the island.
Anse
La Raye
Situated on the west coast, just south of
Marigot Bay, is the quaint fishing community of Anse La Raye. As you drive along
the main road of the town, the houses are
the typical colourful wooden huts of the
Caribbean you might imagine, and there’s
always something going on – people going
about their day to day lives, selling fruit and
vegetables from road side stalls, catching
up on gossip or sitting outside their house
watching the day go by. This all adds such
wonderful character to the place.
For visitors, the best way to experience
Anse La Raye is to go to a weekly Seafood
Friday. Tables and a dozen food vendors
are set up on the seafront cooking on their
BBQs. You can have a sumptuous feast of
freshly caught seafood such as grilled mahi
mahi, snapper, shrimps, lobster (seasonal)
or stuffed crab backs. This comes with all
the local trimmings such as accras, bakes,
dasheene, plantain, macaroni and rice. St.
Lucian music is playing, people are dancing and it’s a fun, festive evening. The local
police provide security so it is a relatively
safe place to join in on the festivities.
Nearby attractions to Anse La Raye are
La Sikwi Sugar Mill, Anse La Raye Falls
and River Rock Falls.
Canaries
Continuing along the winding road of the west coast, on towards Canaries is some beautiful scenery so take your time and enjoy it. Half way between Anse La Raye and Canaries is
Anse Cochon, an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. Most people access it from the
water as it is a regular swimming stop for boat tours, but if you’re driving, then a steep
road access is provided down to the beach via Ti Kaye Resort – you’ll see the sign on the
main road.
If you’re feeling peckish on the way to Canaries, stop at the little bakery - Plas Kassav
in Anse La Verdure, where they make and sell cassava bread with a variety of different
flavours from coconut (which is the original), to chocolate, banana, cinnamon, saltfish and
smoked herring.
Canaries itself is another pretty little fishing town, similar to Anse La Raye but smaller.
It is interesting to drive through, but there’s little in the way of tourism on offer. The town
has a steep road both into and out of it, with great views from the north and south. There
is a viewing point half way up the hill on the southern side which provides a great photo
opportunity.
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Soufriere
Soufriere is most famous for its UNESCO
World Heritage Site, the Pitons, and seeing them is an absolute must for all visitors to St. Lucia. The awe-inspiring scene
of these twin peaks, Gros Piton and Petit
Piton, is the most impressive landmark on
the whole island. The volcanic mountains
rise sharply out of the sea together with a
majestic presence that you can’t take your
eyes off. If you’re feeling adventurous and
are fairly fit, then it is also possible to climb
them.
Soufriere, the capital of the south, was
St. Lucia’s first town, established by the
French in 1746. There is a central square
and large church. The French presence is
still very evident today especially in the
Creole language spoken by most locals and
the distinguishing colonial architecture. Today it is a hub of agriculture and tourism.
Literally translated, “sulphur in the air,”
Soufriere is at the heart of the tourist attractions in the south, the Sulphur Springs
being one of them. True to its name, the
pungent smell emanates from the drive-in
volcano which bubbles and lets off steams
all day long. It leads immediately down to
the mud baths where you can slather yourself in mud before rinsing off in the hot
dark pool.
Immediately behind the main town of
Soufriere is the Diamond Falls and Botanical Gardens. This should be high on the “todo” list for anyone interested in St. Lucia’s
flora. It is a wonderful oasis of flowers, fruit
trees and foliage, all labeled along a path
leading to the spectacular sight of Diamond
Falls. Although you can’t swim under these
falls, the amazing colours of the mineral
stained rock face make an excellent photograph. There are several other unique
baths and waterfalls which you can swim
in – see page 70.
The region is also home to several plantation estates. Fond Doux is a cocoa plantation visited by Prince Charles and Camilla
Diamond Falls
during their stay in 2008. You can take a
tour to see how cocoa is processed, seeing the pods grow on the trees, the beans
laid out on drying trays in the sun, a cocoa
dancing demonstration, and even taste the
chocolate.
Rabot Estate is home to Hotel Chocolat,
where a luxurious, high cocoa content dark
chocolate is made and exported. Chocolate is incorporated into every dish at their
restaurant so is a haven for chocoholics!
Also on the Rabot Estate is Ladera Resort, a
stunning location for a delicious meal or refreshing cocktail whilst gazing out between
the Pitons.
Morne Coubaril Estate is a popular tour
stop offering a variety of things to see and
do from cassava bread making, cocoa tasting and dancing demonstrations to the
mule-driven sugar cane mill, and even zip
lining and tree climbing.
Also in the vicinity of Soufriere are some
gorgeous beaches with stunning snorkel
and dive sites such as at Anse Chastanet or
Jalousie. The water is lovely and clear and
the fish are bright and plentiful. Swimming
or snorkeling in the south is so refreshing,
especially after all the hard work of sightseeing you’re doing!
However you want to enjoy the island,
a trip to Soufriere has so much to offer
and will allow you see the true heart of St. Lucia.
Anse Chastanet
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STONEFIELD
Estate
Independence Paradise
Square
459-7037
Saint Lucia 29
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Choiseul &
Laborie
Relatively unexplored by tourists, these
two villages are much less developed than
the northern towns of the island where infrastructure is gathering pace. This is what
makes the south so interesting and charming – it is the ‘authentic’ St. Lucia and the
region holds a significant amount of island
history. It’s not hard to imagine what it
would have been like living there 250 years
ago.
Choiseul and Laborie are very picturesque and the Creole heritage is still apparent in the local culture with the Kweyol
language widely spoken. The Choiseul
community was established in about 1765
when cocoa, coffee and sugar plantations
were the main industries. Today, it is also
known for local arts and crafts such as
grass place mats, bamboo, woodcarvings,
chairs, coal pots and woven baskets. The
Choiseul Arts and Crafts shop located on
the main road sells hand-made items for
souvenirs, which helps the local economy.
Laborie is named after the French governor of St. Lucia in the 1780s and the first
settlers of this quaint village were French
colonists. Traditionally, a fishing village,
Laborie Beach
30
River Doree Church
reefs protect the pretty beach and the bay
is a calm anchorage for visiting yachtsmen
looking for a peaceful spot.
Grace Church at River Doree, between
the two villages, is the oldest Anglican
church in St. Lucia. The Alexander family
from Scotland built it in 1846 at the time
when there was a thriving trade and the
English estate owners wanted a place to
worship. It is probably the prettiest littlest
church in St. Lucia, so stop to have a look
when passing.
Another stopping place in the area is
Balenbouche Estate - a charming, rustic,
family-run heritage site on 75 acres. It
hosts an 18th century sugar mill, plantation house and guest cottages set amongst
the natural and historical surroundings.
There is also a walking trail down to the
beach, which is fun to seek out.
My name is Horatio.
horatio
TM
I’m Here to paint the world yellow.
Join me.
The people that make better journeys
Head Office - 57 John Compton Highway,
Sans Soucis, Castries
Tel : 452-0680/452-0679
Fax: 452-8980
Hewanorra International Airport, Vieux
Fort: 454-9636 After Hours: 451-7351
Email: hertz@candw.lc
Website: www.hertz.com
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Vieux Fort & the
Maria
Islands
During World War II, the low-lying land at the foot
of the island presented the ideal location for the
American military airfield. Since then, it has been
renovated into what is now Hewanorra International Airport, bringing in thousands of tourists each
year, making St. Lucia more accessible to the world.
Vieux Fort itself, although has a long history, is now
a commercial centre and the second largest port in
St. Lucia. There is not much in the way of tourism in
the town centre, but the surrounding scenic attractions are certainly worth a visit.
Moule à Chique Lighthouse is set on St. Lucia’s
most southerly point and has one of the finest panoramic views of the island. A funny anecdote is that
the lighthouse was actually intended for Saint Lucia
Cape in South Africa, but was brought to the island
by mistake and ended up staying! It is a small lighthouse, set up high, so the visit is all about the 360°
view. To the north, you can see far up both the east
and west coastlines of St. Lucia. To the south, the
scene extends across the deep blue Caribbean Sea
Moule a chique Light House
to the volcanic outline of St. Vincent.
Paradise
Paradise Saint
Saint Lucia
Lucia 32
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Across the bay, and declared a nature
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Down at the bottom, Anse des Sables
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back riding along the beach and
wind in your hair, and the constant steady
breeze also makes it a popular spot for
windsurfing
and kitesurfing. There is an
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Fiesta held in March, atat Gablewoods
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as well as spectators.
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Anse des Sables, also known as “Sandy
Beach” has not yet been affected by development, so the impressive long stretch of
white sand and turquoise water shows off
the wild and natural beauty with a lovely
view out to the Maria Islands. If nothing
else, you can at least make this a stopping
point before departing St. Lucia – one minute from the international airport, it is a
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Summer 2012 Issue 1
Dennery & the
East Coast
If you landed in Hewanorra Airport and are
staying in the north, it’s most likely that
you drove up the east coast of St. Lucia and
took in the magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Possibly your first stopping point
may have been the little bar on the top of
the hill to the south of Dennery, overlooking the village and island below. This is a
perfect introduction to St. Lucia and a great
place to sample your first icy cold Piton
beer taking in the breeze and the view. If
you didn’t stop here, make sure you do on
the way back to the airport or when touring
the island.
Heading north after Dennery, the road
then turns inland, winding and traversing
the island up and over the mountainous
Barre de L’Isle ridge. You will encounter
much of rural St. Lucia including several local villages and rivers, banana plantations
and tropical rainforests.
Just north of Dennery is the interesting
Heritage Tourism Site of Fond d’Or. A guide
will show you around the old sugar plantation, and walk among the ruins telling
you about local fruits, herbs and their traditional medicinal properties. The natural
setting leaves you imagining what life was
like when the sugar mill was working. There
are also spectacular views of the coast but
the strong rips and currents make it unadvisable to swim. From above, see if you can
make out the profile of an old man and a
lion in the rocks!
Dennery
Dennery is a relaxed fishing village with a
large church and a specially built harbour
to protect the fishing boats from the Atlantic swell. Their weekly fish fry known as the
Seafood Fiesta is held every Saturday night
and you can get a variety of fresh and inexpensive seafood, meats and vegetables
all cooked up on street BBQs. It seems the
whole community comes out to meet up
with friends and have fun in a relaxed environment. There are about a dozen stalls
set up selling food and drinks and the loud
music sets the scene for partying into the
early hours. It is recommended to take a
taxi and make arrangements for a pick up
time before the night gets away from you!
Again, as with all island fish-frys, stay in the
main areas, leave valuables behind and
don’t stay too late.
Dennery is also home to the Treetop
Adventure Park where you can go ziplining,
cycling and hiking. Take the road next to
the river off the main road and you’ll find
it after a few minutes. Continue driving a
little way further and you’ll find Dennery
Waterfall - just a short hike from where you
park.
Further South
This region of the island has quite a few attractions that show off St. Lucia’s natural
environment. For a beautiful and rustic display of both nature and Caribbean history,
try the Mamiku Botanical Gardens. Here
you will find some 18th century ruins set
amid tropical woodland trails and gardens.
There are hundreds of different types of
flora for you to enjoy in your own time so
it’s a plant lover’s delight.
However, if it’s adventure you’re looking for, then try ATV Paradise – signed on
the main road, take the sharp right hand
driveway (if heading south, it’s before you
reach Micoud). Bookings must be made
in advance, and here, you can ride quad
bikes through the rainforest and plantation of the Fond Estate, stopping to taste
local fruits on the way – it is certainly a fun
way to explore. If you’d prefer to walk, then
there are several different options for guided hikes, including the Parrot Trail, where
you can enjoy walking to natural waterfalls
for a refreshing dip whilst keeping your
eyes peeled for the brightly coloured St.
Lucian Parrots that live in the Fond Estate.
If you’re in search of secluded but safe
waterfalls, then head to Latille Falls. Look
out for the signpost on the main road near
Micoud, and it’s not too far. The area is
maintained so there is a small entrance
fee. It is just a short walk, and when you get
down to the water there is a large natural
pool at the base of the falls making it a relaxing place to spend a bit of time and have
a refreshing shower under the cool water.
Fond d'Or Mill
Praslin
“Views of a lifetime, forever”
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16
For an exclusive viewing or more information call Mount du Cap
in St Lucia on: +1 758 452 7646
or in the UK on: +44(0)7971 798039
www.mountducap.com
Property
Investment
Your Slice of the Good Life
With ever increasing access to St. Lucia
from Europe and the United States, the island has become a popular choice for second homebuyers. St. Lucia is one of those
tropical escapes that visitors fall in love
with and can’t help but keep going back
to. It is therefore an excellent location for
real estate investment, especially for those
seeking rental yields because you get the
best of both worlds – a luxurious haven to
indulge in to when you want, and the rental
return when you can’t be there.
Purchasing a home in the Caribbean
should be fun and exciting… just think, in
a matter of months, you could have your
very own tropical paradise to escape to
when the weather gets you down at home!
Knowing the important details means you
can get on with the adventure and actually
start looking…
The buying process is relatively straightforward for non-residents if you follow the
correct procedures. Here are a few of the
basic need-to-know facts and advice:
• Firstly, and obviously, choose a reputable estate agent who is both accustomed
to dealing with international property and
familiar with the one you want to buy.
• Once you have discovered your future
home, congratulations! Now you need to
obtain an “Alien’s Land Holding” license.
Note that this is specific to the property
and is non-transferable. There is an application fee as well as the cost of the license
which depends on the size of the property.
The application process usually takes 6 – 8
weeks.
• You must employ a local solicitor to register the Alien’s Land Holding licence and
take care of the legal obligations.
• For general guidance, the closing costs
including legal fees, 2% stamp duty and
the application and licence fees are around
5.5% of the purchase price of the property.
• The deposit for the property is usually
10% of the value.
With many up and coming opportunities for real estate investors, here are just a few
properties you may wish to consider:
Cotton Bay Resort
The Landings:
Mount du Cap: Jalousie Plantation:
Windjammer Landing:
www.cottonbayresorts.com
www.thelandingsstlucia.com
www.mountducap.com
www.sugarbeachvillas.com
www.windjammer-landing.com
Phone: +1 758 450 8199
Phone +1 758 452 0422
Phone: +1 758 452 7676
Phone: +1 758 456 8091
Phone: +1 758 456 9000
Happy House Hunting!
t h e best i n v est m en t is a vac at ion
e x per i ence t h at h a ppens e v ery y e a r .
For the finest vacation opportunities in St. Lucia, call 758-456-9000, ext. 574. Or, if you’re in the U.S.,
call toll-free 1-800-958-7376. windjammer-landing.com
a l l you n e e d is som e t h i ng ol d,
n e w a n d bor row e d. w e ’ l l su r rou n d you
w i t h som e t h i ng blu e .
You bring the love. We’ll take care of the rest, including wedding packages and settings
that take your breath away. Call 1-877-308-9001 or 758-456-9000. windjammer-landing.com
Weddings
in
Paradise
Coconut Bay Beach Resort
Windjammer Landing
Ladera Resort
The astounding beauty of St. Lucia makes this island a popular wedding and honeymoon destination. It’s really not hard to see why – there is an
endless choice of intimate locations, and whatever
your idea of the perfect spot might be - a romantic beach, a cascading waterfall, a botanical garden
immersed in the lush green rainforest, a luxury
yacht or even in the mountains, St. Lucia has a variety of fairytale settings to get you excited about a
getaway wedding.
It is of course, a huge decision to undertake,
whether to stay at home or ‘elope’ to get married.
It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons and
think about what’s important to you as a couple such as the number of guests you want to be at
your wedding and if they would be able to make
the trip. If the idea of organising lots of people,
the flowers, catering, drinks, decorations, the cake,
seating plans and music, let alone finding the right
venue is all a bit too daunting, then opting for a
Caribbean wedding might just be the answer.
There are many benefits to getting married in
St. Lucia. Even with a wedding planner catering for
your every need, it can be a much cheaper option
than doing it alone at home. We do advise using a
wedding coordinator, as they will have area knowledge, some great location suggestions and the ex-
perience to take care of all the logistical
components ensuring that nothing gets
missed - such as the marriage licence, the
registrar and the marriage certificate. Wedding planners take the stress out of a destination wedding and will also concentrate
on the intricate details that make your day
so special.
Simplicity is often the key for a beautiful, relaxed St. Lucian wedding. A flower
arch or a gazebo might be all you need
when you already have a naturally stunning backdrop - no timely decorations required! You’ll end up with gorgeous photographs and being the envy of everyone you
show them to. As an extra bonus, there’s
no need to pay for additional flights and
honeymoon costs because you’re already
here! There is so much for couples to see
and do in St. Lucia, whether you want romantic dinners at sunset, pampering at the
spa, adventure and adrenaline, to explore
and make new discoveries, or just to relax
with a few cocktails on the beach.
Your hotel may be able to do most of
the arrangements for you but if you're not
Don't forget:
• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• To arrive at least 2 days prior to ceremony
• Deed Poll (if you have changed your name)
• Decree Absolute (if either party is divorced)
• Death Certificate (if either party is widowed)
• Sworn affidavit for parental consent
(if either party is under 18)
Documents must be original or certified
and in English.
sure of the exact spot you want to get married then contact a good wedding planner
and start liaising with them from home.
To plan your special day, we can recommend Awesome Caribbean Weddings - see
www.awesomecaribbeanweddings.com,
and Danielle Devaux to capture beautiful
photographs - see www.danidevaux.com.
So if you know someone considering
saying their vows in a tropical paradise,
suggest St. Lucia and you never know, you
could be coming back here soon for a magical wedding!
Paradise
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Summer 2012 Issue 1
Maranatha Botanical Garden
A Beacon of Peace and Serenity
Within our island paradise is a plethora of
natural, cultural, culinary, physical, colourful and personal phenomenon that when
added together is simply described as, "The
Helen of the West."
A true "Helen of the West" vacation will
wrap you up in sights, sounds, tastes and
feelings that are hard to describe, yet so
much harder to forget. One such memorable experience is that of a walk through the
Maranatha Botanical Gardens, a private
gem and sanctuary for prayer.
The brainchild of owners Hilary and
Laura Charlemagne, Maranatha represents
the serene side of life. Nestled quietly off
the Colombette main road below the popular Beacon restaurant in Soufriere which
the Charlemagnes also own, this sanctuary will calm the senses of the most active
soul. Serenity Vacations and Tours spoke
to Hilary Charlemagne who describes the
concept as a peaceful sanctuary and spiritual retreat, a place for one to connect with
nature, themselves and God, an escape for
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promoting a place for inner reflection. One
visitor reflected that they "feel the sounds
of bird melody while hearing your heart go
into relaxation."
The creation of Maranatha Botanical
Gardens has been six years of hard labour,
yet one of love and devotion. "It is where
we come to pray and find absolute peace,"
says Hilary. "This sanctuary has allowed me
to be at peace when making hard decisions
and I want to share it with St. Lucia and the
world," he continued.
For a truly magical experience, you can
have the Maranatha Botanical Gardens as
part of your Serenity Couples Island Special
and you are guaranteed magic memories.
With your private Beacon Creole lunch
overlooking the Pitons, followed by a quiet
dose of Maranatha, nothing is more rewarding. You can even secure it as your
perfect wedding site.
So call your Serenity Vacations Ambassadors, take this vacation experience... and
never, ever give it back.
Serenity Ad
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Endless Fun Aboard the
St. Lucia is a beautiful and intriguing island
and one of the best ways to enjoy all that
she has to offer is by joining a tour aboard
the Endless Summer. The catamarans,
operated by Endless Summer Cruises, are
spacious and comfortable, just suited for a
relaxing day on the water.
The sail from the north of the island to
the historical town of Soufriere passes
many interesting sites. The two fishing
villages of Anse La Raye and Canaries are
tucked into quiet little bays of river valleys.
The stone churches can easily be seen from
the sea as a stoic symbol of the island’s
early colonisation. The brightly painted
boats placidly lolling upon the sands are
evidence of St. Lucia’s diverse culture. In
between the settlements are lovely coastal
views; the island’s verdant foliage dotted
with bright blossoms and impressive cliff
faces. Then the first glimpse of the Pitons
is truly awe-inspiring as these two peaks
rise sharply and dramatically from the sea’s
surface.
Upon arriving in Soufriere, buses are
ready to take you on a tour of the town and
surrounding attractions. The waterfalls are
beautiful and contain an amalgamation of
minerals that is great for feeling younger
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and relieving the aches of arthritis. The
path to the falls is lined with a variety of
tropical flora, labeled for easy identification.
The Sulphur Springs at the drive-in volcano site has mystic pools of dark, boiling
waters, a vent for what lies beneath. The
steam escaping from this caldera prevents
the build up of pressure needed for more
violent volcanic activity. Thus, St. Lucia has
not had a major eruption for over forty
thousand years.
Nearby an old estate holds a lesson in
history and the production of cocoa. After
a brief tour, the luncheon buffet of local
Creole cuisine beckons.
During the return trip to the north, the
music aboard plays lively reggae and spurs
on the party atmosphere. A stop at Anse
Cochon for swimming and snorkeling only
adds more fun to the day! Afterwards, a
quick look into the beautiful picture perfect
Marigot Bay, the location of several films,
leaves you with many enthralling images of
this beautiful island.
For more information:
Call 1-758-450-8651 or
email catsltd@candw.lc
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Jus’ Relax with
Jus’ Sail
Have you ever wanted to truly feel the
wind in your hair, the salt on your skin
and the adrenalin rush as your boat
glides through the water and starts to
heel? Sailing can bring excitement and
pure joy, and the opportunity to do so
on a classic yacht is not one that comes
along often.
“Good Expectation” is a traditional
wooden Carriacou sloop, built in 1984
true to its origins by master shipwright,
Zepharin McKlaren. Passionate about
sailing, the husband and wife team of
Jus’ Sail, Pepsi and James Crockett, have
now lovingly restored her to preserve
the legacy of these old fashioned but
elegant sloops.
Jus’ Sail provide intimate and private sailing charters for people wanting an authentic experience with the
choice to get involved with the sailing,
or to sit back, relax and soak it all in.
They also offer half-day sailing lessons on the beautiful playground of the
Caribbean Sea. An introductory lesson
will cover putting basic sailing theories
into practice aboard Good Expectation.
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Learn to hoist and trim the sails as well as how
to anchor and tie some useful knots. By the
end of it you’ll be steering with the tiller, getting a real feel for the wind, knowing what to
do with the gusts and how to see them coming… just like a seasoned sailor!
Or if learning to sail sounds too much like
hard work, and your perfect day would be to
laze away on some comfy beanbags and enjoy
the warm tropical breeze, then that’s no problem. The wooden deck with traditional rigging
has a rustic beauty and the way she gracefully
sails through the water will let you daydream
away. Jus’ Sail can take you into a quiet bay
where you can stop to enjoy a swim and a delicious lunch whilst listening to the lapping of
the water gently against the hull.
This is laid back Caribbean sailing at its very best and likely to be the
most memorable day of your St. Lucian holiday.
Information:
Duration: 2 hrs, half day (4 hrs), full day (8 hrs) or 2 hr sunset sails
No. of People: Min. 4 – max. 8 guests
Departure location: Rodney Bay / Marigot Bay / Soufriere
Private charters or lessons available
“Truly the highlight of
our trip to St. Lucia.”
“Jus’ Perfect. This is a really rare opportunity to enjoy a boat as if it was your own
- James and Pepsi (the owners) make you
feel completely at home from the moment you step aboard. Excellent value for
money considering how exclusive it is to
be sailed around Caribbean waters in your
own yacht, choosing where you swim and
BBQ your lunch! A real gem of the island
and worth seeking out.”
“A real treat… just so
thoughtful in every possible way, from the wonderful Caribbean food
to the great experience
of helping sail the boat.
It was one of the most
relaxing sailing trips we
have ever enjoyed and we
would do it again.”
“We felt we had been taken
back in history to another
world.”
“The whole sail was perfect - so welcoming for our party of seven where everyone
had a place to relax. The owners, James
and Pepsi and their shipmate, Herbert
made us feel so relaxed and in such capable hands. Pepsi's amazing Caribbean
BBQ lunch was easily the best meal we
had while in the Caribbean. So go, relax
and Jus Sail!”
LAid bAck CAribbeAn SAiling
Check us out~www.JusSail.com
Drop us A line~sail @JusSail.com
Give us A call~(758) 452 8422
or (758) 287 1071
Summer 2012 Issue 1
La représentation
INTE LUCIE
e SA24/7
dAssistance
R
U
O
NJ La location de voitures et autocars
BO
Shore excursion
Un service spécialisé pour groupes, incentives, congrès et séminaire
Mise en place de l’accueil et transferts de tout lieux jusqu’aux hôtels
Organisateur des voyages etudes et séjour linguistique (anglais)
Excursion guidée en français, espagnol, italien, allemand, anglais
Excursion à thème, chasse au trésor, course contre la montre, animation variée…
La réservation de l’hébergement en hôtel, guest house, villa avec piscine…
Voyages du troisième âges/voyages culturels/voyages scolaires
Organisation de mariage, lune de miel, noces…
Organisation de cocktails, banquets, soirées de gala, dine around…
Visitez La Soufrière (4 aux choix)
Le Tour de L’ile
Shopping Tour
La visite du Nord
Une Journée aux Iles Grenadines
Une Journée à la Martinique
Aventure: en quad
Visitez Marigot Bay
Pitons Travel Agency réceptif touristique
français
à
Randonnée
Equestre
Pédestre (4 aux choix)
Ste Lucie depuis plusRandonnée
de 20 ans.
Randonée
VTT
Organisateur de transport et de circuits
touristiques
Ballade en 4 x 4
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AINTE
lesLU
individuels
et les groupes,
de Spour
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Pitons Travel & Tours vous accueillePlongée
sur l’île
demarine
Ste
B
sous
Lucie et met à votre disposition son expérience
Pêche au groset
Observation des Baleines et Dauphin
son professionnalisme.
Sortie en Catamaran
Nous Contacter
Pitons Travel & Tours LTD, Mongiraud Gros Islet
Tel :758 450 1487 Cell:758 461 6837
Email: pta@candw.lc
Pitons Travel Agency réceptif touristique français à
Ste Lucie depuis plus de 20 ans.
Organisateur de transport et de circuits touristiques
pour les individuels et les groupes,
Pitons Travel & Tours vous accueille sur l’île de Ste
Lucie et met à votre disposition son expérience et
son professionnalisme.
Nous Contacter
Pitons Travel & Tours LTD, Mongiraud Gros Islet
Tel :758 450 1487 Cell:758 461 6837
Email: pta@candw.lc
Paradise
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Jardin Cocao Restaurnat & Bar
Open Daily from 11am - 10pm
P.O. Box 250 Soufriere, St. Lucia
Tel: 1(758) 459-7545/48
Fax: 1(758) 459-7790
Web: www.fonddouxestate.com
Email: info@fonddouxestate.com
A colonial estate set against the backdrop of a St. Lucia World Heritage Site
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Visit: www.tripadvisor.com using
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www.theocstlucia.com
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to book now to reserve a table or call to learn about our events
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Call: (758) 452 0351
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Q u ay s i d e d i n i n g • W e d d i n g s • B r e a k fa s t ‘ t i l l ate • large sWimming Pool
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Island Dining
When can you treat yourself if not on holiday?!
No more slaving away in the kitchen! You
are no longer the chef, server and dishwasher for your family… Well, for at a week
at least! The gloves are off, so enjoy it while
you can!
This little island is blessed with a huge
variety of excellent cafés, bars and restaurants offering local and international culinary delights, from cheap eats to fine dining and everything inbetween.
St. Lucia also has the luxury of warm
tropical breezes, making for romantic dining settings, perfect for enjoying great company, fine wine and a special occasion…
perhaps even a proposal?
Dining in St. Lucia can be a wonderful
experience. Many chefs are experts at designing inventive menus – often combining
European dishes with a Caribbean flair to
create exquisite flavours, unlike anything
you would have tasted at home. Smaller St.
Lucian establishments will cook up sumpParadise Saint Lucia 52
tuous, authentic, homemade Creole meals
of pork, chicken or fish with vegetables
that will fill any appetite.
Experts in cuisine from across the globe
have also seen the light in St. Lucia. Every
taste is catered for - American, Chinese,
French, Indian, Japanese and Mediterranean etc. But of course, a trip to St. Lucia
is not complete without tasting Caribbean
food at its very best, and there is plenty of
opportunity to do that.
So make sure you explore St. Lucia and
not only feast your eyes, but your stomach
too. Whatever you fancy, with so much
choice, you’re sure to find what you’re
looking for. To help, we have put together a
small selection of fabulous restaurants, so
see which grabs your attention. As always,
we suggest making a reservation to avoid
disappointment.
Bon appetite!
The Cliff at Cap restaurant at Cap Maison is
one of the most beautiful and romantic fine
dining venues on the island. If you want to
impress, then this is the place to go. In a
dramatic cliff top setting above the Caribbean Sea, you can sit at a candle lit table
and listen to the crash of the waves on the
rocks below whilst gazing out to the glow
of Martinique. The restaurant is under the
direction of Executive Chef Craig Jones
whose nouveau French West Indian menu
elegantly presents the bounty of St. Lucia's
fresh local produce and seafood, sourced in
St Lucia.
Jardin Cacao Restaurant and Bar is one of
two restaurants at Fond Doux Holiday Plantation. Jardin Cacao has a unique location,
as it actually spans across a small stream
in the heart of the plantation. Constructed
from bamboo and tropical hard woods with
an open air aspect, it blends in perfectly
with the surrounding flowers and vegetation. The chef draws upon Caribbean and
French influences to create local Creole
masterpieces using the freshest organic
fruits and vegetables harvested daily from
the surrounding estate.
Cuisine: Traditional French with a
Caribbean twist
Environment: Cliff front, open air
Serving: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Bar: Yes
Entertainment: Live entertainment
4 nights a week
Opening Hours: 7.30–10am,
12-2.30pm and 6.30-10pm
Credit cards accepted: Visa, M/C, AMEX
Dress: Smart Casual
Parking: Private car park
Address: Cap Maison Hotel,
Smugglers Drive, Cap Estate
Phone: (758) 457 8681
Email: thecliff@capmaison.com
Cuisine: Caribbean & International
Environment: Open air tropical garden
Serving: Lunch & dinner
Bar: Yes
Entertainment: Live musical band
(once a week)
Dining Hours: 11am – 10pm
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: Casual
Parking: Yes
Address: Fond Doux Estate,
Etangs, Soufriere
Phone: 758 459 7545/48
Email: info@fonddouxestate.com
Website: www.fonddouxestate.com
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Kimatrai
At the southern tip of the island, Kimatrai
Hotel is a five-minute drive from Hewanorra airport, making it a very convenient
place to stop for lunch either before travelling or whilst waiting for friends - you can
literally watch the planes land. The breathtaking view from the balcony overlooks the
fishing harbour and docks of Vieux Fort,
and on a clear day, you can see all the way
to St. Vincent. The food is delicious and excellent value. You can have a light bite, or
enjoy a hearty meal of local fish or meat
with vegetables, salad, pasta or rice. The
atmosphere on the dining patio is casual
and relaxed and the great view and great
value make it worth finding this popular
local hotspot. You will also get a fantastic
sunset if the weather permits.
Cuisine: Caribbean and international
Environment: Open air
Serving: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Bar: Yes
Opening hours: Daily from 7am
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Dress: Casual
Parking: Car park
Address: New Dock Lane,
Vieux Fort
Phone: (758) 454 6328 or (758) 454 3899
The spectacular view alone at Dasheene,
Ladera Resort in Soufriere will take your
breath away. Set up high on a ridge between the two Pitons, this outstanding restaurant truly has a “wow” factor and the
authentic hand carved wooden furnishings
add to the St. Lucian feel. The Chef de Cuisine, Nigel Mitchel, has designed an award
winning gourmet menu using fresh local
produce from island farmers and nearby
plantations, turning simple ingredients into
something exquisite. For Sunday brunch, a
delicious buffet is laid out so you can relax
and take your time absorbing your surroundings. This restaurant will be the icing
on the cake for your St. Lucian escape.
Cuisine: Caribbean Gourmet
Environment: Open air (covered)
Serving: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tapas
Bar: Yes, 8am – 11pm daily.
Entertainment: Live music daily
Dining Hours: 7am–10.30am,
11.30am–2.30pm, 6.30pm–9.30pm
Reservations: Required for dinner
Credit cards accepted: AMEX,
Visa, M/C, Discover
Dress: Elegantly Casual
Parking: Yes
Address: Rabot Estate, Soufriere
Phone: (758) 459 6623 / 459 6600
Email: dasheene@ladera.com
Website: www.ladera.com
This delightful family run local restaurant
is situated on the outskirts of the town of
Soufriere, on the way to Toraille Falls, making it a great lunch spot if you’re touring
the island and need a meal that will boost
your energy for the rest of the day. The delicious Creole dishes of fish, chicken and
other meats and vegetables are served up
with all the trimmings and friendly smiles.
From Tuesday through to Friday, lunch is
buffet style and on Saturday morning there
is a Creole breakfast. The bar serves local
juices and blended drinks and cocktails.
This large poolside restaurant is located in
Rodney Bay Marina overlooking the yachts.
It is a very stylish place to hang out and
serves excellent food at reasonable prices.
You can eat inside, on the outer decking
or even chill out on the poolside lounge
chairs. Inside, the central bar is a great
place to have a couple of drinks and watch
the sports. Dedicated chefs are ready to
cook you fresh delights – including mouthwatering burgers, grilled Caribbean fish,
pastas and hearty salads. The light bites
are perfect for sharing with friends. There
is also a “2 for EC$55” meal option every
night of the week.
Cuisine: Gourmet Creole
Environment: Open air (covered)
Serving: Lunch & Dinner daily,
Breakfast on Saturdays
Bar: Yes
Entertainment: No
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm
Dress: Casual
Parking: Yes
Address: La Perle, New
Development, Soufriere
Phone: 1 (758) 457 1418
Email: mekejemaximin@gmail.com / lechaudiere@hotmail.com
Cuisine: American & International
Environment: Marina open-air
Serving: Lunch, dinner and light bites
Bar: Yes
Entertainment: Live entertainment
most evenings
Opening Hours: 11am – late
Credit cards accepted: Visa, M/C
Dress: Casual
Parking: Marina car park
Address: Rodney Bay Marina, Gros Islet
Phone: (758) 452 0351
Email: info@theocstlucia.com
Website: www.theocstlucia.com
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Chef's Kitchen
Corner
From Dasheene Restaurant at Ladera Resort, we bring you:
Home Style
Creole Fish
You will need:
2 triggerfish fillets
¼ white onion (diced)
1 spring onion (chopped)
1 spring of thyme (chopped)
1 seasoning pepper (diced)
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 large ripe tomato (diced)
½ green bell pepper
2 tsps flour
½ tsp curry
½ tbsp tomato paste
1 cup fish stock
1 tsp lime juice
1 cup vegetable oil
Salt and Pepper
Method:
Season the fish with curry, salt and pepper. Heat some oil in a frying pan. Dust the fish
with flour and pan-fry. Remove the fish from the oil and set it aside. In the same pan place
the onion, pepper, thyme, seasoning pepper and sauté for a few minutes. Add the tomato
paste and stir together. Add the fish stock and lime juice. Return the fish to the pan and
add the diced tomato. Let boil for a few minutes and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve
on a bed of rice.
Makes two servings.
Enjoy!
See S t. Lucia from
an even more intimate
point of view.
a view with a room.
You already know that St. Lucia is impossibly beautiful.
But once you see it from Ladera’s point of view, you will
be even more astonished. Each villa and suite at Ladera
is deliberately missing a fourth wall, inviting fragranceLaden tropical breezes and breathtaking views inside.
So while you are soothed by fine linen, or luxuriating
in your very own, very private plunge pool, St. Lucia
itself becomes a part of your magical Ladera experience.
Embrace it . You simply can’t get any closer.
The ultimate open-air rainforest hideaway
758. 459.6600 | www.ladera.com | Toll Free 866.290.0978
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Shopping
Island Shopping
Shopping in St. Lucia is a fun experience and you’ll
be so glad you picked up a few souvenirs to remember your time here, triggering wonderful memories
for years to come. And of course, it’s not only about
you but also your friends and family back home. Remember them? They’re the ones who are only feeling a twinge of jealousy that you’re out in the glorious sunshine whilst they’re at home slogging away!
A nice gift will let them know they weren’t totally
forgotten and selecting the right thing might just be
the hardest decision you’ll have to make on holiday.
Luckily St. Lucia has plenty to choose from, whether
you want to get a few little St. Lucian made trinkets,
or use the opportunity of duty free shopping for that
bag or necklace you’ve always wanted.
It’s always intriguing to see what a new place has
to offer and to discover the unique arts and crafts
or food and drink native to a region. Every country
has it’s own personality, and history and culture is
often reflected in what’s available to purchase as
a souvenir. Indigenous arts and crafts are very representative of the people and locally made fabrics
and clothing showcase island colours and styles. St.
Lucia is no exception; you can really buy something
unique. Malls, markets and boutiques are located
island-wide to suit every price range.
Arts & Crafts
If you’re only here for a short visit, try Castries Market where you’ll find all sorts of handmade knickknacks such as bowls, mats & baskets, dolls and other souvenirs. The stalls selling local spices, fruits and
vegetables will also hold your interest with some
familiar and others less so. Open everyday, we suggest going on a Saturday morning for the full market
experience, when it’s always bustling with activity.
Whilst you may find everything you’re looking for
in one place, it is also often worth searching a little
deeper to find something extra special. If
you would like to purchase some art for the
wall, consider Caribelle Batik at Howelton
House on the Morne in Castries. They make
bright colourful wall hangings, paintings,
clothing and accessories. Shopping here is
an experience as you can learn and watch
the process of creating batik, as well as enjoy the breathtaking view from the house!
Just outside of Castries is the Eudovic
Art Studio that has beautiful hand crafted
wooden pieces of art on display, both for
the wall and freestanding. You can watch
the craftsmen at work and buy from the
shop on site.
As you travel around the island, you
will see people selling their wares at all the
hotspots. Jewellery makes a great gift and
vendors will frequently try to catch your
eye. Local fruits and vegetables are sold on
the roadside, so don’t be afraid to stop and
see what delicious fresh fruit you can pick
up. You don’t have to go far outside of the
main tourist areas to see the true St. Lucia
and notice that tourism is the livelihood of
many locals who rely your support.
Duty Free
Unlike some other Caribbean islands, the
malls in St. Lucia also have a large selection of high-end duty-free international
stores with popular brand name items for
designer jewellery, sunglasses, cosmetics,
clothing and perfumes. There’s no need to
leave it to the last minute at the airport,
you’ll find everything in the malls on the
island. You will just need to show photo ID
and your flight or cruise ship details.
The capital of Castries has two duty-free
shopping centres - Point Seraphine and La
Place Carenage. They are both adjacent to
the cruise ship docks but on opposite sides
of the harbour. There are many stores and
stalls to stroll through selling clothing, St.
Lucia rum, jewellery and perfumes as well
as local fabrics, pottery and textiles.
Point Seraphine
Rodney Bay has two duty-free malls.
The BayWalk Mall in Rodney Bay is the
newest shopping centre in St. Lucia. This
large complex hosts many international
brand names such as MAC, Hugo Boss, U.S.
Polo, Converse, United Colors of Benetton
and Diamonds International. There are also
some great local boutiques, a jewellers,
pharmacy, several café’s, a large new supermarket and St. Lucia’s first casino, Treasure Bay.
On the opposite side of the road is
the JQ Mall that has recently undergone
significant renovations with new facades
and stores opening up. Here you will find
another large supermarket, a post office,
bookstore, stationary and cards, a photo
lab, clothing boutiques and several gift
shops.
The marina environments are also great
places to shop as you can have a browse
before stopping for lunch or a coffee on the
water’s edge. The Rodney Bay Marina offers
a selection of stores and services including
gifts, clothing, a bank, supermarket and
several restaurants all on the waterfront.
Heading further south, you’ll find nautical
and local fashions in Marigot Bay Marina,
as well as beautiful hand-painted pottery, a
couple of gorgeous gift shops, market stalls
and even a ‘paint-your-own’ pottery which
is great fun for the kids.
Tourist attractions often have their own
gift shops too, so if you are taking in a few
activities or visiting somewhere such as
Gros Piton, Diamond Falls, the rum distillery, the drive-in volcano etc, you may want
to buy a souvenir from the shop or stall
there so that you will always be reminded
of your experience.
We hope you have fun
and enjoy shopping
in St. Lucia!
The brands you want at duty free prices
St. Lucia’s premier duty-free store, Harry
Edwards Jewelers (HEJ), is a market leader in exquisite timepieces, fine jewellery,
crystal, china and accessories. Their state
of the art stores can be found at Pointe
Seraphine and La Place Carenage shopping
malls in the city of Castries. There are also
two more outlets inside International Hewanorra Airport, one is centrally located in
the main departure lounge, and the other
is exclusively in the executive lounge.
Jewellery
HEJ has a large range of elegant specialty
jewellery brands such as John Hardy, Pandora, Marahlago, Roberto Coin, Marco
Bicego, Charriol, Antica Murrina, Simon G
and David Yurman among others. A variety
of gold jewellery, precious and semi-precious gemstones including diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and tanzanite all enhance
the fine collection.
Watches
Harry Edwards Jewelers is the only authorized Rolex retailer in St. Lucia. Also included in the range of watches are world
renowned brands such as Omega, Breitling, Tag Heuer, Cartier, Chopard, Mont
Blanc, Rado, Luminox, Raymond Weil, Gucci, Swiss Army, Tissot, Citizen, Seiko, Tudor
and Guess. HEJ’s watch service centre in La
Place Carenage shopping mall is a certified
Rolex repair facility where a rush service is
available upon request.
Sunglasses
The additional outlet, Shades, complements HEJ’s repertoire of luxury accessories. This designer eyewear store is located
in the Pointe Seraphine duty free complex.
The selection includes sunglasses by Oakley, Maui Jim, Ray Ban, Cartier, Christian
Dior, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, D&G, Bvlgari, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Marc by Marc
Jacobs, Hugo Boss, Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani and more. Polarized, couture,
sporty, classic or bejeweled, you’re sure to
enjoy the collection.
Crystal
HEJ is the only retailer in St. Lucia that offers designer crystal and china from the
world’s top brands such as Swarovski, Waterford, Kosta Boda, Lladró and Alexander
Kalifano.
Accessories
HEJ offers a wide selection of writing instruments and leather goods by soughtafter brands including Mont Blanc, Gucci,
Cartier and Victorinox.
Harry Edwards Jewelers is a luxury retailer
that backs up its products and services with
valuable and experienced staff members
who will endeavour to make your shopping expedition unforgettable… “We pride
ourselves on the full service shopping experience that will without a doubt leave an
indelible mark for all who walk through our
doors!”
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Responsible
Tourism
Produce &
Souvenirs
By James Crockett
There is an old saying in ecotourism – “take only photos; leave only footprints”. This motto
has honourable intentions and in areas of wilderness or fragile ecosystems where the
leaving of litter or taking of endangered species is damaging, it still holds true. However,
in small islands like St. Lucia where tourism is the mainstay of the economy, visitors need
to leave more of an impact to make their visit sustainable, especially in terms of the local
economy.
There are a number of ways to do this, requiring varying levels of effort!
1.
First of all before you even book
your vacation, do a little research on your
hotel choices. Make enquiries about their
menu items and purchasing policy, especially in terms of sourcing fresh local
produce. Let them know that you value
experiencing authentic tastes from locally
sourced produce turned into traditional
dishes. You can also ask what fixtures and
fittings have been sourced locally and
whether or not the hotel reflects the skills
of local artisans. For instance, in St. Lucia,
hotels such as Ladera and Anse Chastanet
have predominantly locally sourced furniture and art in their rooms. A great deal of
items can be sourced from the traditional
artisans in Choiseul - the craft hub of St Lucia in the island’s rural southwest region.
2.
Once on island, seek out local restaurants and experiences that showcase local produce, culture and crafts - especially
those that help to maintain heritage and
cultural skills. Carvers and artists are one
area this is particularly relevant. Good examples in St. Lucia include Eudovic’s Art
Studio in Goodlands, Castries, and Zaka’s
wooden mask and totem carvings in Malgretoute, Soufriere. Both studios employ
and train young local talent passing on important skills and knowledge to the younger generation.
3.
If visiting Castries Market, make a
beeline for the Choiseul produced baskets,
bags and hats. These are authentic, locally
made and sustainable as the raw material
grows readily and abundantly around the
island. Locally made soap is also another
good option, often medicinal in nature such
as neem or sulphur soap, plus these items
are easy to travel with and useful once you
get home with scents to remind you of your
time in St Lucia!
4.
Give feedback to shops, hotels,
vendors and market stall holders that you
are looking for high quality locally made
products as souvenirs. For instance, if it
says “St Lucia” on the front of a T-shirt,
Eudovic’s
does it say “Made in St Lucia” on the label?
There are garment manufacturers on the
island and it is possible for retailers to sell
T-shirts made in St Lucia. If they get enough
requests they will be encouraged to do so!
5.
Look for locally made goods from
recycled materials. St. Lucian boutique souvenir company, Naieli, for instance make
lovely bags from old sails - available from
Inside Out between Gros Islet and Cap Estate.
Through responsible tourism practices,
not only can you do your part for the environment, but also as a visitor, you can
really make a difference to the local island
economy.
Wooden Masterpieces
Vincent Joseph Eudovic has always had a
passion for sculpting, and has successfully
managed to turn it into his way of life. Indeed he has become a highly accomplished
artist winning several awards over the
years. St. Lucian born, Eudovic uses local
wood as his medium, such as Laurier Canel,
White and Red Cedar, Teak and Mahogany.
Every piece is unique as each sculpture is
hand carved with great workmanship and
skill.
At his studio at Goodlands in Castries,
he creates both traditional and contemporary abstract art for all to appreciate. Eudovic has trained many apprentices and
you can see work in progress in the workshop. There is also a wonderful art gallery
of superbly finished pieces, and after that
you’ll certainly want to have a browse
through the gift shop.
If you’re looking for a beautiful gift of
high quality, or a reminder of your time in
St. Lucia, then one of Eudovic’s sculptures
is an excellent choice.
Summer 2012 Issue 1
The Versatility of
Madras Fabric
By Josiane Bertin-Guest
As a first time visitor to the island in 2006,
not only was I fascinated by the luscious
landscape of St. Lucia, but I was also attracted to the bright colours of the Madras
fabric due to my 30-year involvement in
textiles, arts and crafts as a lecturer, teacher, writer and educator.
On every trip to St. Lucia, I set about
finding any local item that incorporated the
use of this Madras fabric. Though it is used
in making bags and other craft items, I discovered that the most prolific use of its application is on the hand made dolls and the
local traditional costume worn on Kweyol,
Carnival and all national celebration days.
The dolls sold by the roadside or
through any local markets from the local
makers and sellers come in a range of primary plain colours to match the Madras
colours. There are also two types of doll,
the single one (for unmarried girls) and
the double headed (upside down) for the
married lady, featuring the local story of La
Rose and La Marguerite.
Once I had bought my first doll by the
roadside, I went in search of Madras fabric at several fabric stores in Castries. The
quality of the fabric is dependent on price
but the range of colours and design is quite
extensive – from various reds, oranges,
greens, yellows, blues and turquoise.
Throughout my career in textiles, I have
been an avid recycler of paper, fabric and
natural fibres. Having been involved in
making paper beads and fabric beads for
jewellery and other craft items, it was only
natural that I considered Madras fabric to
create some bright pieces of jewellery.
Set out below are some of the colours
showing what type of beads each fabric can
generate. Mix a variety of plain and printed
fabrics to have a selection of beads. As a
rule of thumb ¼ metre is enough to make a
beaded bracelet and a necklace.
To make the beads you will need the following materials:
•
•
•
•
•
¼ metre of madras or plain fabric (colour of your choice)
4 wooden toothpicks or cocktail sticks or some knitting needles (the size of
the hole of the finished bead is dependent on the size of the toothpick or
needle that the fabric is wrapped around)
Glue (I use a toothpick to apply glue to my fabric)
Scissors, Ruler & Pencil
Card templates for bead size
Instructions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Shape and cut long triangles from the fabric about ½ inch wide and 2 ½inches long.
Place the short side of the triangle on a toothpick or cocktail stick and wrap
it around once. Then glue the rest of the inside of the fabric and continue
rolling it around itself.
To make beads with different shapes, vary the size and shape of the triangles
that you cut.
Let your beads dry, then pull out the sticks and string the beads together on
your own thread or yarn, knotting at the end.
Great fun to make, either for yourself or with your children.
Wear your own St. Lucian jewellery to remind you of your time on the island!
About the author
Josiane Bertin-Guest holds an MA in Textiles from Goldsmiths University, London. She is a
Mastercraftman producing one-off designs including semi-precious and crystal jewellery
and a contributor to several craft and embroidery magazines in the UK & abroad.
Email: marijodesigns@hotmail.co.uk Cell: 1 758 719 2496
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Beaches
The warm sun, the sway of palms, the sand
between your toes and the crystal sparkles
dancing out on the blue horizon… How can
you resist the allure of the sea? The beach
is just begging to take away your stress and
let you unwind as you swim, read a book or
do whatever you do to relax.
The variety of sandy shores in St. Lucia ensure that even the most restless of
people will find their inner calm – even if
that means sailing a Hobie cat or zooming
around on a jetski! The point is, that at the
end of the day, your troubles won’t seem
like troubles, but more like little hindrances
that don’t need thinking about for the next
week or so! So grab a towel, hit the beach
and work on NOT working for a while!
The west coast, with the Caribbean Sea
•
is where you will find the most protected
bays and there are some excellent snorkel
and dive sites all along the coastline. In contrast, the shores on the east coast (Atlantic)
are wild and more ruggedly beautiful but
often more isolated and harder to reach.
All beaches in St. Lucia are public. There
are no private beaches despite some hotels appearing to own them. Beach access
is always provided and many all-inclusive
hotels offer day passes for you to use their
facilities too. It should also be noted that
topless or nude sunbathing is not permitted on any of beach.
Whether you’re looking for long white
expanses, small and sheltered or wild and
rugged, here’s a selection to get you started:
Anse des Pitons (at Jalousie Resort)
What makes it Paradise? Absolutely stunning surroundings.
Set right between the Piton peaks, the view looking up is as
spectacular as the one snorkeling below in the crystal clear
water alongside Petit Piton. Definitely not one to be missed.
Getting there: Take the road heading south from Soufriere
and not long after, take the turn off to Jalousie Resort and follow it to the hotel.
•
Anse Chastanet (at Jade Mountain)
What makes it paradise? This natural beach has some of the clearest
waters you’ll find in St. Lucia… beautiful to lie back in, do some snorkeling, or
laze the day reading in peace.
Getting there: Driving south towards Soufriere, turn right at the Hummingbird resort, just before you enter the town. This road leads up a very steep
and bumpy track so a jeep is preferable but not essential. Follow to the end.
•
Anse Lavoutte (Five Dollar Beach)
What makes it paradise? An ultimate escape, a gorgeous
wild beach where you’re sure to find a private spot (except
maybe on the weekend when it’s popular with the locals).
Take drinks and a picnic - you’re in the middle of nowhere
here!
Getting there: Can be tricky and requires a 4WD. Turn off
the Gros Islet main road towards the International Pony
Club, and when you get there turn right. Follow the track
heading east until the track narrows but you can turn right
(there’s a fenced house on the corner). Follow this track
to the end. There is an EC$5 entry fee as you cross the
owner’s land, and he maintains the access to the beach.
•
Reduit Beach
What makes it paradise? Reputedly the most beauti-
ful beach on the island, it’s certainly the most popular.
Central to all of Rodney Bay’s amenities, it lines the front
of several hotels. Beach lounges and umbrellas are plentiful as are beach vendors selling jewellery, coconuts,
water sports and more.
Getting there: The beach runs parallel to the main strip
of bars, hotels and restaurants in Rodney Bay village.
There is a large car park between the Royal St. Lucian
Hotel and Spinnakers restaurant.
•
Anse des Sables
What makes it paradise? The stunning long stretch of
white sand is simply beautiful and generates that feeling of pure escapism. It’s also a hot spot for kitesurfing,
windsurfing and horse riding – whether you’re watching or
participating. A great way to say goodbye to St. Lucia if you
need to kill some time before going to the airport!
Getting there: Located in the south of the island between
Hewanorra airport and the town of Vieux Fort, you can’t
miss it.
We hope you enjoy relaxing and having fun on St. Lucia’s beaches!
Please remember to keep them clean by taking everything with you so that
others can have as nice a time as you did!
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Jerusalem Falls
Baths &
Waterfalls
PitonFalls
Natural Spas of St.
Lucia
What is it about waterfalls that are just so irresistible? These natural wonders never cease
to amaze as we stand to appreciate their majestic beauty and admire the cascades before
us. The free fall of the water, the noise sounding through the forest and the exquisiteness
of it all against a lush backdrop as the water seemingly appears out of nowhere from
above is always so impressive.
The tropical environment and topography of St. Lucia, with its many rivers, hills and
rainforest regions provides plenty of these magical scenes, often hidden away, intriguing
you to follow the sound of running water until nature’s display comes into sight.
In addition to waterfalls, St. Lucia’s volcanic environment, in particular, the active volcano in Soufriere provides warm flowing streams and ideal settings for hot natural baths.
These high mineral content waters have rejuvenating qualities, and you can’t help but
relax and soak it all in.
Needless to say, your Saint Lucian experience is not complete without either a dip in a
hot mineral bath or a shower under a refreshing waterfall. Here are a few in the Soufriere
region you may like to try:
Toraille Falls:
Wonderfully invigorating
Set in an attractive botanical garden, Toraille Falls
has earned its place as a Heritage Tourism Site.
These awe-inspiring cascades fall approximately
50 feet making it a fantastic photo opportunity,
and indeed, is a popular scene for wedding photography, capturing those magic moments for all
time. Standing beneath the falls, the water pressure provides a pretty decent back, neck and
shoulder massage and the freshness of the cool
water will leave you feeling intensely clean, invigorated and truly alive again. So don’t just look at it,
get in – you won’t regret it!
Toraille Falls
How to get there: Easily accessible from Soufriere, leave the
church on your left on Sir Arthur
Lewis Street heading out of the
town, simply follow this road all the
way for approximately two miles.
You can’t miss the Heritage Tourism
sign on the left, and the car park is
just across the bridge.
Jerusalem Falls: Quiet Hideaway
This has to be the epitome of “hidden gem” – it is such a lovely discovery that I’m not even
sure I should be writing it down for all to read! It is not yet on the regular tourist trail, but
if you’re touring the island either on your own or with a personal guide, and want to bathe
in some clean, natural warm baths and relax for an hour, then this is a fantastic place to
go. Despite the name, it’s not actually a waterfall; the fresh hot water spring in the hillside
has been fed into three separate pools via bamboo waterspouts. The water is constantly
flowing and the pools of are of varying temperature – the uppermost the warmest.
How to get there: As though going to
Toraille Falls, look out for a signpost on the
right hand side before you get there. Park on
the roadside and it is a 5-10 minute hike to
these falls – down a path, across a shallow
river (either over stepping stones or by getting your feet wet!) and a short way up the
other side where there is a small entrance
fee.
Piton Falls: Two in One
If you’re pressed for time, but want to experience a waterfall and baths all in one, then
head to Piton Falls. The beautifully warm water falls from 30 feet above, cascading and
running down the rock face before falling from above in a refreshing natural hot shower.
Spend a few minutes under the water before stepping into the warm bath. Again, there
are three pools here, two from the waterfall, and another from a separate spring. It’s a
lovely area to spend a bit of time to relax and the short walk through the rainforest is also
quite pretty.
How to get there: Unsurprisingly, Piton Falls
is located very near to Petit Piton. Turn off the main
road south of Soufriere as though going
to Jalousie Plantation.
Follow the road down,
and half way up the
other side on the left,
is a sign and a car park.
Again, a small
entrance fee applies.
Sulphur Springs: Natural Mud Wrap
This is where nature gets dirty! The mud baths are directly below the bubbling mud and
steam from the volcano. The eggy smell of sulphur is not particularly alluring to say the
least, but you get over it. The dark muddy stream leads into a dark muddy pool, so the
best thing to do is get involved! Pick up a few handfuls of the warm sloppy, mud and cover
yourself in it - arms, legs, face, everywhere... The minerals are incredibly good for you - it
really is nature’s own day spa, so wait for the mud to dry a little before rinsing off in the
hot water pool and your skin will feel really soft and smooth afterwards. We’d recommend
an old or dark coloured swimsuit if you can, and there are showers here too – you’ll be
pleased to know!
How to get there: A few minutes
drive south of Soufriere, you can’t miss
the turn on the left. Follow this along the
bumpy road to the end and pay for entrance at the kiosk.
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Fond Latisab
The Heritage Tourism Association of St. Lucia (HERITAS) is a group committed to maintaining and improving the island’s natural heritage sites and attractions. Heritage Tour
locations are island wide and each aims to provide the visitor with a unique experience
based on the natural, cultural and historic heritage of St. Lucia for authentic “kweyol”
encounters.
Fond Latisab Creole Park is a charming family-run farm, open to the public to learn about
traditional St. Lucian culture and see the way
local farmers and families cultivate and live off
their land. Upon arrival you are welcomed and
introduced before strolling along the river to
where the family grow their many vegetables
such as celery, eggplant and lettuce, which are
sold in the local supermarkets. There are also
cassava shrubs and breadfruit, mango and
nutmeg trees that your guide will point out
and tell you all about.
After walking through the garden, you’ll be
shown how cassava bread is made. Cassava is
a staple carbohydrate in St. Lucia so it is fascinating to see the whole process from selecting the root itself to tasting the final “bread”
product. The root is peeled and then grated
into a pulp, and the juice is squeezed out. It is
then dried out and sifted. Coconut shavings,
salt, sugar and nutmeg are added and it is all
mixed together. A few spoonfuls are then placed onto a macambou leaf and shaped into a
disc before being placed on the hot cooking pot. Visitors are given the opportunity to take
turns in shaping their own cassava bread.
Moving on through the tour, attention is turned to learning the traditional method
of cutting logs into planks using an authentic two-handed saw. With one person up high
on a scaffold with the log and one person beneath, holding onto the handles, the saw is
moved up and down rhythmically to the beat of a third person playing and singing to a
drum. The idea is for the job not to be done in a hurry and tire out the workers, but to
maintain a slow regular pace. Again, visitors are able to participate by having a try at the
saw themselves.
The next part of the Fond Latisab tour is
to show you some traditional Creole dancing to a chak chak band. After a demonstration of a few different types of dances, you
are encouraged to get up and join in and
have fun with it.
The whole tour is about an hour and a
half, and freshly made local juices are offered at the end, along with tasting the
cassava bread you made earlier! Here at
Paradise magazine, we recommend this
interactive and interesting tour to families
and people looking to learn a little more
about St. Lucian ways of life.
Bookings must be made in advance.
Contact HERITAS on (758) 458 1454.
Fond Latisab is located in the Babonneau/Chassin area. To get there, turn off
towards Union at the Choc roundabout
(near Mega J and the Caribbean Cinemas),
and follow this road. Follow the signs to the
Rainforest Sky Rides, as Fond Latisab is located just before it. It is on the left hand
side and a Heritage Tourism sign marks the
turn. Allow half an hour if driving from Rodney Bay.
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Green Globe Resorts
Across the world there are 225 hotels and resorts with Green Globe certification and this
little island of St. Lucia is big enough to boast as many as five of them, showing that the
hotel industry here is really taking a step in the right direction towards becoming more
aware of the environmental importance of sustainable travel practices.
All Green Globe members have been rigorously certified against 40 criteria that have
been accepted globally as the definition of sustainable travel and tourism. Members have
undergone an independent on-site audit to ensure that their sustainability efforts have
been thoroughly inspected in four main areas: Sustainable Management, Social/Economic, Cultural Heritage and Environmental.
So for your next holiday, business trip, conference or even wedding, Paradise magazine
would like to promote Green Globe hotels by asking you to consider one of the five certified resorts in St. Lucia, and you can be content in the knowledge that these hotels are
actively contributing towards a better future for St. Lucia and its people.
East Winds Inn
“East Winds Inn is a true Caribbean paradise. One of the oldest and most established resorts, it is set amongst 12 acres of
lush tropical gardens bordered by the golden beachfront of a pristine bay. This traditional resort boasts an exclusive experience
to those who value simple luxury.”
Fond Doux Holiday Plantation
“Fond Doux Holiday Plantation in Soufriere
is a 19th century colonial plantation hotel. This rustic, ecological hotel effortlessly
marries old world colonial style with modern amenities in nature’s richest surroundings. Imbued with a magical ambiance,
Fond Doux Estate is ensconced in verdant
tropical gardens, and surrounded by one of
Soufriere’s most active agricultural plantations.”
Ladera
“A thousand feet below, an intensely blue
Caribbean Sea dashes against the volcanic
Piton Mountains. Faintly scented tropical
breezes cool your skin. Your private plunge
pool beckons. Each suite offers fine linens,
luxurious amenities and four-poster beds
made of polished tropical hardwood. And
each, deliberately without a fourth wall, invites the spectacular sunsets and astonishing views right inside, to be a part of your
very private, very special retreat.”
Mago Estate Hotel
“The hotel sits at the edge of the rainforest above the town of Soufriere providing a
magical location to enjoy nature, relaxation
and a great view of the Pitons, Soufriere
and the Caribbean from every room in this
intimate hotel. Sleep in a four-poster bed
with a symphony of tree frogs and birds;
relax in a hammock; sip a cocktail in the
‘Jungle’ Bar or get pampered with a spa
treatment.”
Windjammer Landing
“At Windjammer Landing, smiles of sheer
pleasure, relaxed contentment and unbridled wonder abound. The reasons are as
endless, as are the tropical flowers and the
sparkles dazzling the secluded beachfront
at sunset. For couples and families with
kids, the choice of activities will take your
breath away… but never your smile.”
Escape Ste Lisi
Day Spa
Put your hands in our hands
Experience the Difference
We offer an array of services including:
Body Treatments, massages,
Pedicures, Manicures & Facials.
You can purchase gift certificates for any occasion.
We look forward to welcoming you
Tel: (758) 452 8248 Web: www.thtssl.com
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Twitter Section
By Hans Mathurin
The Zenaida Dove
(Zenaida aurita)
The Zenaida is the most common of the six
species of doves/pigeons found in St. Lucia.
It is locally known as the Tourterelle.
Habitat: They can be found island
wide in a multitude of habitats including
open woodlands, scrub, gardens, coastal
and residential areas, either solely or in
pairs, and are usually not far away from
other single or paired birds. These doves
are very social with others of their species
and seem to prefer foraging in the comfort
of nearby company. Although they roost independently, they are usually not very far
away from others.
Spotting them: Areas in which you
will normally sight these birds are around
restaurants, on beaches with large trees
nearby and among the larger vegetation
areas of hotels.
Distinguishing Features: The adult
ranges from 25 to 28cm (10-11”) from wing
tip to wing tip. The dove is a fallow brown
colour, which graduates to a light rustic or
cinnamon brown around the neck area.
There is a somewhat iridescent purplish
patch between the upper back and lower
nape next to the throat area. It has grey
underparts that lightly graduate to the fallow brown of the upper parts. They can be
distinguished from the very similar but less
common Eared Dove, by the narrow white
band on the trailing edge of the secondaries; and longer, rounded tail with broad
white terminal band. The Eared Dove also
has darker underparts than the Zenaida.
Sounds: Its call is a distinctive but
gentle cooing which can be sang in two
variations; “coo-oo, coo, coo, coo,” with the
second syllable rising sharply and the second from last word shorter than the others; or a “coo-oo-oo, coo, coo-oo-oo,” with
the second and third syllables sharply rising
and falling respectively. This call can easily
be mimicked with a human voice and will
usually result in a response from most or all
of the Zenaidas nearby. I have realized that
there is a connection between attracting
and accepting a mate in the general pitch
and variation of the call of this bird.
Breeding: Its breeding period is variable and generally year round in urban
areas. The nest is a thin platform built in
a bush or tree, in which two white-ish coloured eggs are laid.
Fun Fact: There is no difference between a dove and a pigeon. They are members of a bird family of about 289 species,
some of which are found in almost every
non-polar country of the world. The difference in name is a result of the difference
in the origin of the word. The word ‘Dove’
originated from Taube, which is German;
and ‘Pigeon’ originated from the word Pigeon (pronounced differently), ironically,
which is French.
Happy Spotting!
Ginger Lily
Heliconia
Flowers
of
One of St. Lucia’s greatest delights is the
display of natural flora around the island.
As you stroll through botanical gardens,
tour the rainforest or even walk through
hotel grounds, Mother Nature exhibits her
flamboyant colours amongst the lush green
foliage and enlivens the spirit. You are reminded that you are on holiday knowing
that you can only see and appreciate these
beauties in such tropical climes.
During the summer season, St. Lucia is
brimming with stunning flowers that catch
the attention of every eye. If you want to
surprise a loved one and light up a smile,
then a floral arrangement of some of these
exotic blooms will certainly brighten things
up. Heliconias, Ginger Lilies and Anthuriums are very long lasting in a vase – you
can bring the outside in for up to 3 or 4
weeks.
Heliconias
Heliconias come in many different varieties
and are in fact related to bananas. They are
a tall plant with very exotic looking flowers
in vivid reds, yellows and oranges. The large
paddle or oblong shaped waxy leaves are
pointed at the ends and inside the bracts
are tiny white flowers with blue fruit. They
are pollinated by hummingbirds, so keep
your eyes peeled for glimpses of fluttering
wings! The peak season for Heliconias is
from April to November and some of the
Anthurium
St. Lucia
common names you might hear them by
are Lobster Claw, Firebird, Macaw Flower
or Wild Plantain.
Ginger Lilies (Alpinia purpurata)
Only found in the tropics, these gorgeous
flowers come in vibrant pinks and reds that
stand out against the large and amazingly
lush green leaves of the plant. The bright
brush-like plume is not the actual flower
but the bracts covering small white flowers
hidden inside. They bloom throughout the
year.
Anthuriums (Anthurium andraeanum)
These simple yet attractive heart shaped
flowers are one of the most popular for
floral arrangements. The spathes can be
dark red, pink or white and they have a
long stem and a waxy texture that feel as
though they might be fake! In the centre of
the spathe is a spike shaped shaft (spadix),
at the bottom of which are some tiny flowers. Anthuriums can be found year round
and alternate names you might hear for
them are Painted Tongue, Flamingo Lily or
Tail Flower.
For more information or to purchase a
fresh floral bouquet for any special occasion, contact the Flower Shack www.flowershack.net located in Rodney Bay Marina
and Baywalk Shopping Mall.
Summer 2012 Issue 1
St. Lucia: Helen
of the West
Island History
What has been discovered of St. Lucia’s history
begins in 200 AD with the Arawak Indians who
inhabited ‘Iouanalao’ (or ‘Land of the Iguanas’),
as St. Lucia was known then. They were peaceful
settlers until the fierce Caribs overcame them in
c.800 AD. Their name for St. Lucia was Hewanarau, hence Hewanorra today.
It was not until about 1500 that there are
records of European explorers. Among the
first was Columbus’ navigator, Juan de la Cosa,
a Spaniard who arrived in St. Lucia but did not
attempt to colonise. It is assumed that Columbus himself must have sailed past at the time,
although there is no proof that he actually set
foot here. More European presence came later
in the century, including one of the most interesting characters – a pirate called Francois Le
Clerc. Also known as ‘Jambe de Bois’ (due to his
wooden leg), he based himself at Pigeon Island
where he and his 330 men attacked the passing Spanish ships for their treasure. Today, if you
visit Pigeon Island, there is a lovely, rustic restaurant on the water’s edge named after him.
The Dutch arrived c.1600 and built a fort in the
south, now called as Vieux Fort. The first British
attempt to land was in 1605 but a month later
they were forced to flee in canoes from the terrifying Caribs. They tried to settle again in 1639
but failed for the second time. Then the French
claimed ownership of St. Lucia although did not
try to colonise until 1651. By 1659, a rivalry had
risen between the French and the English and
they became extremely hostile towards each
other with both countries wanting St. Lucia for
their own. In 1660, the French signed a treaty
with the Caribs and named the island “Saint Lucia” after Saint Lucy of Syracuse. However, five
years later, Thomas Warner claimed St. Lucia for
England. This was the start of many battles between the feuding countries. The French had a
strong base in Martinique, whilst the British had
theirs in Barbados. Soufriere, in the south, was
the first town to be established by the French in
1746 and it was their island capital.
In December 1778, the Battle of Morne de
la Vierge took place. The British landed at Cul
de Sac and took control of Morne Fortune in
Castries. When the French troops arrived a few
days later, the British were ready, and despite
their smaller force easily defeated the French
who surrendered and retreated to Martinique.
Admiral George Rodney then used Pigeon Island, in the north, to keep an eye on the French.
He built Fort Rodney on the lower of the two
peaks and from the higher peak, Signal Hill,
could observe them coming from Martinique.
One of Admiral Rodney’s most memorable
successes was in 1782 when he defeated the
French Admiral de Grasse in the Battle of the
Saintes, destroying the French naval power.
Today, besides the fort itself, you can wander
around Pigeon Island National Park and see the
army barracks, a mess and a lime-kiln among
the military ruins.
The British finally won St. Lucia in 1814. St. Lucia had changed hands fourteen times over a
period of 150 years, thus establishing the nickname, ‘Helen of the West’ in reference to Helen
of Troy.
Slaves fled to remote parts of the island,
many becoming Brigands, guerrilla freedom
fighters. Emancipation came on 1st August
1838. Four years later, English was named as the
official language of the island, but the French
influence is still evident today, particularly in
the local Patois language that is widely spoken
amongst St. Lucians.
St. Lucia gained independence on 22nd
in to harvest the crops, and today, many St. Lucians are descendents of African slaves.
Castries became a major coaling station in
1863 and twenty years later Indian labourers arrived to help manage the struggling agricultural
industry. By 1906, the coal industry was beginning to decline and many of the labourers chose
to remain in St. Lucia.
In the 1920s, banana growing came to the
fore and by the mid-1900s they were the chief
export and main economic contributor for the
island with good access to the European market.
The banana industry was especially important
when the sugar industry declined in the 1960s,
February 1979 but remains within the British
Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II is the Head
of State, represented on the island by the Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette
Louisy. St. Lucia’s current Prime Minister is Dr.
Kenny Anthony who leads the St. Lucia Labour
Party (SLP).
As you tour St. Lucia, you will discover that
much of the history is still very evident today.
Places such as Pigeon Island National Park,
Morne Fortune and Fond Doux Estate are great
places to visit and learn more. The many battles,
characters, failures, successes and determination have all shaped St. Lucia into the multicultural island it is today.
and indeed, the banana trade was thriving right
up until Latin America became the low-cost
competition in the 1990s. Crops such as mangoes and avocados are still grown and bananas
are still the second biggest source of foreign
exchange. Small-scale manufacturing is also a
significant contributor to St. Lucia’s economy
and with infrastructure improvements to roads,
communications, water supply, sewerage & port
facilities, foreign investors are also attracted to
the island such as the Hess Oil petroleum storage & transshipment terminal.
However, tourism is currently the main
source of revenue for the island. The lush beauty of St. Lucia is the obvious attraction for visitors, and with ever increasing flight arrivals, the
tourism industry is doing very well with ongoing
future development plans and initiatives.
St. Lucia is a member of the Caribbean
Community and Common Market (CARICOM).
The country hosts the executive secretariat of
the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States
(OECS).
The Economy
St. Lucia’s economic trends have greatly evolved.
Sugar cane was first introduced in 1764 and the
European sugar industry was quick to develop
the first plantation in Vieux Fort in 1765. By
1789, there were 43 estates growing sugar on
the island. Thousands of slaves were brought
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Dennery
Fisherman’s Feast
With fishing being so crucial to the area’s economy and
lifestyle, the Fisherman’s Feast is an annual thanksgiving
celebration held by local fishermen in the east coast village of Dennery. Held on St. Peter’s Day, the last Sunday
in June (this year – it’s the 24th), the day starts with a
church service followed by a ceremonial blessing of the
boats and boat sheds which are colourfully decorated. After the formal rituals, the party then begins. Soca, reggae
and R&B music resonates throughout the village, competitive games are played such as tug-of-war and swimming,
sailing and rowing events. And of course, it wouldn’t be a
fish festival without plenty of seafood cooked up for everyone to enjoy. This is a waterfront extravaganza that
brings a lot of fun and excitement for all the family.
National
Flower
Festivals
No, we don’t literally mean a flower display, instead, they are annual celebrations held in
honour of St. Lucia’s two national flowers – the Rose and the Marguerite. The two societies are singing associations that have a hierarchal king and queen and other dignitaries
including princes, princesses, judges, policemen, soldiers and nurses.
The month of August is dedicated to the Rose Festival, culminating in the Feast of
Saint Rose de Lima on 30th August. People wear their best outfits and the celebrations
include a church service, singing, live music, partying and dancing.
Then, later in the year, the more unassuming flower, the purple daisy, rivals the Rose
Festival with its Feast of La Marguerite. This event is held on St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s Day, 17th October, with similar celebrations – a religious ceremony followed by a
street parade filled with colourful costumes, singing and folk dancing.
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Rodney Bay
Tel: (758) 450-7946
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Apartments
A Great Place To Come Home To
Poinsettia Holiday Apartments are fully furnished one
and two bedroom self-contained villa style apartments
with an abundance of amenities, catering to permanent
tenants, business travelers, family holidays, singles,
couples and all vacationers.
Poinsettia Apartments, Vigie Cove, Castries, St. Lucia
Tel: 1(758) 456-0469 Fax: 1(758) 452-0217
E-Mail: reservations@poinsettiaapartments.com
Website: www.poinsettiaapartments.com
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Carnival
It’s Carnival time again!
See Caribbean culture to come to life!
If you never like to miss a good party and
you’re lucky enough to be in St. Lucia in
July, then don’t miss this flamboyant event!
The Carnival season begins in June with
different events throughout July such as
Carnival Queen, Calypso & Soca Monarchs,
J’Ouvert, Panorama, Junior Carnival, Ole
Mas, King & Queen of Bands.
It all culminates with the most anticipated event at the end – the Parade of the
Bands. These street parades are a fantastic
sight to behold - Expect extravagant and
colourful costumes, loud music, dancing,
singing and people just having as much
fun as they can in the street. Make sure
you get there for a spot on the sidewalk to
watch the procession and revel in the atmosphere.
Where to go…
The parade starts at the Choc roundabout
and leads into Castries. The judges are
located outside Castries market. From
here, the procession goes around the
block, left along Jeremie Street, turning
right into Chisel St, then Micoud St, Bridge
St and back onto Jeremie St. (see Castries
map on page 25). The bands can parade
the city as many times as they like before
exiting via the John Compton Highway.
Top Tip:
Take plenty of water - it could be a hot
day in the sun!
Parade days:
10am - 6pm on Monday 16th 2012 &
10am - 6pm on Tuesday 17th July 2012
For more information see www.luciancarnival.com
Events Schedule:
Sun 3rd June: Official Launch at Point Seraphine, 3pm
Fri 6th July: National Carnival Queen Show at the National Cultural Centre, 8pm
Sat 18th July: Groovy Soca Monarch Finals at Pointe Seraphine, 8pm
Sat 14th July: Calypso Monarch Finals at Beausejour Cricket Ground, 8pm
Sun 15th July:
Power Soca Monarch Finals, 8pm
Mon 16th July: J’Ouvert, City Circuit at 4am
Mon 16th July: Carnival Pageant, Choc Roundabout to Castries from 10am
Tue 17th July:
Parade of the Bands, Choc Roundabout to Castries from 10am
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Creole
Heritage Month
St. Lucia has been embracing Creole Heritage
Month since 1984, the purpose of which is to
create awareness and maintain the longevity of the island’s culture. Organised by the
Folk Research Centre in Castries, the event
has developed into a very festive affair across
the whole island, instilling national pride
with community based celebrations of Creole
food, music and folk traditions.
The peak of festivities is held on International Creole Day, Sunday 28th October,
known as Jounen Kwéyòl. The main emphasis
is on food, national dress, folk dancing and
speaking the local patois dialect.
There are many fun activities held on
Jounen Kwéyòl and throughout the month,
one of which is walaba, or woulélaba. This is
an adaptation of cricket, similar but with different rules to make it more entertaining
for the crowd. It is played between towns and
villages and helps to build and strengthen the
sense of community.
For kids, they enjoy the tradition of making little wooden carts known as a caboway or kabowé which they push along and
have fun either racing downhill with their
friends, or keep for their handiwork to be admired. Another popular pastime on Jounen
Kwéyòl is bamboo bursting. This is where
bamboo is hollowed out and then with the
aid of kerosene, is used as a cannon!
When it comes to clothing, the national
dress is a very important tradition and is worn
with pride on all national days. It is also worn
when performing many of the folk dances
such as the Quadrille, a delight to watch. The
women’s national costume highlights the Creole fabric, madras. The outfit is called a jip,
and consists of five pieces – a white cotton
blouse and ankle length skirt trimmed with
lace and red ribbons. There is also an outer
skirt made of madras material and a matching headpiece, which, depending on number
of peaks, will tell you their marital status. The
fifth piece is a triangular satin scarf, pinned
in the middle to the left shoulder and then
tucked in at the waist at the front and back.
For men, they might wear either a madras
shirt and white trousers, or a white shirt,
black trousers with a madras sash or bow tie.
Then of course, there’s the local cuisine.
As you travel around the island on Jounen
Kwéyòl, you will come across all sorts of St.
Lucian home-made cooking including accras
(fishcakes), salted sardines with breadfruit,
crab callaloo, tamarind balls, farine and avocado, fish broth, cow heel soup, roasted
pork, bakes, buillion and of course the national dish – green fig and saltfish.
As a visitor to St. Lucia, a great way to
experience Creole Heritage Month and see
some of St. Lucian culture is to go to Oktoberfest En Kwéyòl at Saamans Park, which is a
very colourful event full of entertainment. Influenced by the European beer festival, it
has world beers on sale, but besides that,
there are plenty of local food stalls, with folk
dancing in national dress and live music on
stage.
Billfish
Tournament
St. Lucia is a world class game fishing location and the annual Billfish Tournament is
all about catching the big one. It is a highly
competitive four-day event where keen
fishermen from St. Lucia and other Caribbean islands put their local knowledge
and skills to the test and head out to trawl
as many lines as their boat can handle. A
briefing the night before for registered anglers has everyone clear on the rules, and
then an early bimini start the next morning
sets the boats off in all different directions
- north, south, east and west.
Typical fish that are caught are Yellowfin
and Blackfin Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Swordfish, Kingfish, Sail Fish, White Marlin and
the most desired Blue Marlin which really
brings in the points.
Coming back into the dock always
brings great excitement not only between
competitors, but also the general community and anyone who happens to be on the
marina at the time. In the late afternoon,
around 5pm, fish are brought to the weigh
station outside Ocean Club restaurant for
everyone to have a good gawk at some of
the day’s catch. Photos are taken and egos
are boosted! Fish that are brought to the
scale are kept by the St. Lucia Game Fishing
Association and donated to charities and
underprivileged organisations.
The after parties keep the merriment
going on til late, and the next morning the
fishermen are ready to get up and do it
again. The third day is a lay day with a BBQ
and festivities held on the marina. Then
on the last day, it’s off again for one last
chance.
The event is operated out of IGY Marina
in Rodney Bay and is scheduled to run over
10th – 14th October 2012. As a visitor, you
can see the day’s catch by coming down to
the marina in the afternoon, or if you want
to get involved with the action, you can
chance your luck by asking around. Another suggestion is to contact Captain Mikes
to either join a group or privately charter
a fishing boat.
The tournament record is a 707lb
Blue Marlin. Can YOU beat it?
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Celebrate Crossing the Atlantic in a sailing yacht is a
challenge that most of us would never even
consider undertaking. However, the Atlantic
Rally for Cruisers (ARC) has become the most
popular way to make this momentous voyage and has many repeat participants year on
year. Organised by the World Cruising Club,
2012 is set to be the biggest year yet, with
a whopping 270 boat entries (at the time of
printing) ranging in size from 28 feet to 80
feet long.
Nationalities from all across the world are
represented with sailors hailing from the UK,
Germany, Norway, Italy, USA, Australia, the
Netherlands, Sweden and France. This year
there are also vessels from Croatia, Estonia,
Greece, Hong Kong, Latvia, Luxembourg and
Turkey, broadening the global scale of the
event.
The yachts depart from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria on 25th November and sail across the
finish line in Rodney Bay, arriving 14-21 days
later depending on the wind.
Completion of this potentially treacherous
2,700 nautical mile passage is certainly cause
for much celebration. Friends and relatives fly
in to congratulate and lifelong friendships are
Paradise
Paradise Saint
Saint Lucia
Lucia 88
88
formed on the docks. The IGY Marina and St. Lucia Tourist Board have set up a full program of events throughout December and
the influx of so many people and boats creates a lively atmosphere, making Rodney
Bay marina a fun and vibrant place to be.
Some activities are provided solely for participants to attend, but there is plenty of
entertainment open to the public including
the following:
• ARC cultural village: Brightly coloured wooden Caribbean huts are set up along the marina waterfront to showcase
St. Lucian culture with vendors selling
a range of art, carvings, soaps, fruit,
herbs and souvenirs.
• Cultural demonstrations.
• Fire shows and dancers.
• Chef demonstrations from some of St. Lucia’s most renowned experts.
• Regular live bands, steel pan and
popular music.
Pick up an ARC programme from the marina
and join the buzz by coming to see what’s going on, congratulate the crews and hear their
inspiring stories. For more information about
the ARC go to www.worldcruisingclub.com
It’s well known that TripAdvisor has become one of the premier world travel review sites
where people can read unbiased opinions and experiences of destinations, activities, restaurants and attractions practically anywhere in the world.
The website is constantly updated with new posts, so just in case you gave your laptop
or smartphone a holiday too, here are the top ten restaurants and hotels, and the top five
attractions and tour experiences in St. Lucia… at the time we went to print. Please note,
these ratings are subject to change!
Restaurants:
Hotels:
1. Spice of India – Rodney Bay
2. La Terrasse – Rodney Bay
3. Boucan at the Hotel Chocolat – Soufriere
4. Flavours of the Grill – Gros Islet
5. Martha’s Tables – Soufriere
6. The Coal Pot – Castries
7. Big Chef Steak House – Rodney Bay
8. Jacques Waterfront Dining – Rodney Bay
9. Cliff at Cap Maison – Cap Estate
10. Rainforest Hideaway – Marigot Bay
1. The Inn on the Bay – Marigot Bay
2. East Winds Inn – Labrellotte Bay
3. Villa Beach Cottages – Choc Bay
4. Jade Mountain Resort – Soufriere
5. Cap Maison – Cap Estate
6. The BodyHoliday, Le Sport – Cap Estate
7. Ti Kaye Village Resort – Anse Cochon
8. Fond Doux Plantation – Soufriere
9. Bay Gardens Beach Resort – Rodney Bay
10. Boucan by Hotel Chocolat - Soufriere
Attractions:
Tours:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1. ATV Paradise Tours
2. Serenity Vacations & Tours
3. Cosol Tours
4. St. Lucia Segway Tours
5. Real St. Lucia Tours
Treetop Canopy Adventure
LucianStyle Experience Centre
Our Planet Centre, Castries
Anse Mamin, Soufriere
Tet Paul Nature Trail, Soufriere
Traveler’s Choice 2012 Awards
Top 25 in the Caribbean:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Destinations: Castries & Soufriere
Hotels: Cap Maison, Jade Mountain and Ti Kaye Village.
All Inclusive: East Winds Inn is #1 and #3 in the world.
Luxury Hotels: The Landings, Cap Maison, Jade Mountain and Jalousie.
For Families: Coconut Bay
Relaxation & Spa Hotels: Ti Kaye, Cap Maison and Jade Mountain
Best Service: Inn on the Bay and Villa Beach Cottages.
Romance: Jade Mountain is #6 hotel in the world
Let the world know about your experiences in St. Lucia at www.tripadvisor.com
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Events Calendar
January
New Year’s Day is best spent either at the beach with friends &
family or at Assou Square, a fair highlighting cultural activities
such as Masquerade and Papa Djab/Toes. There are also fun
games and rides for family entertainment.
February
Independence Day was on 22nd February 1979 and is celebrated with church services and parades throughout the island.
March
The Kitesurfing Fiesta is held on Anse des Sables in Vieux Fort.
This international event draws competitors from all over the
world and you can watch the action from this gorgeous beach.
May
30th April – 13th May: St. Lucia Jazz Festival is one of the most
anticipated events of the year. Entertainment is island wide but
it’s the main concert stage at Pigeon Island National Park that
draws the biggest crowd with international artists performing
from day into night. Not limited to jazz, a variety of genres are
represented including R&B, steel drums, Latin and reggae.
The Festival of Comedy is organized by the St Lucia National
Trust and showcases Caribbean comedy acts and theatre at the
Cultural Centre both in Castries and on Pigeon Island. June
Dennery Fish Festival is held on the last Sunday of the month
with sailing, swimming, rowing, tug-of-war competitions and
an abundance of Atlantic seafood.
Sunday 24th June: Fisherman’s Feast on St. Peter’s Day begins with a church service followed by blessing the decorated
boats and sheds before the party begins.
St. Lucia Squash Open has become a popular annual tournament for men and women. It is held at the St. Lucia Yacht
Club in Rodney Bay and attracts top regional squash players.
July
16th – 17th July: Carnival is perhaps the biggest annual celebration held on the island.
Expect extravagant costumes, street parades and plenty of music and dancing. Complete with a carnival queen and soca and calypso monarchs, this is a celebration not to
be missed. Reveling in colour and music, it’s fantastic to watch as bands strive to attain
the title, “Band of the Year”.
Kids Summer Safari runs through until September and brings local and visiting children together to learn about St. Lucia’s environment, culture, nature and history. Fun
activities such as canoeing, craft making, bird watching, photography and hiking are on
offer for ages 5-18.
August
Tuesday 30th August: The Rose Festival or Feast of St. Rose de Lima is a flower festival on
30th August rivaling La Marguerite. The fete is celebrated with a church service followed
by street parades with grand fashions. There is a “king” and a “queen” which must be
bowed to. The evening involves dinner and dancing.
October
Creole Heritage Month includes International Creole Day (Jounen Kweyol). Traditional
food, exhibitions and folklore are enjoyed. The entire month is packed with cultural
activities and excitement. To learn more, contact the folk Research Centre in Castries.
Rivaling the Rose Festival, La Marguerite is held on 17th and honours the purple daisylike flower. After a religious service, there are dances and songs sung in French Creole. It
similarly follows the format of a ‘king” and “queen” with dinner and dancing.
Sunday 28th October: Oktoberfest En Kweyol is a one-day event held at Samaans
Park with live music, traditional costumes, dancing, local cuisine and world beers on sale.
St. Lucia International Bill Fish Tournament is an extremely popular four day game
fishing tournament hosted by IGY Rodney Bay Marina with entries from all over the
Caribbean… all hoping to catch the big one.
November
The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) begins in Las Palmas in Grand Canaria, with the finish line being in Rodney Bay. Organised by the World Cruising Club, approximately 250
boats enter this exciting transatlantic passage. The yachts arrive in Rodney Bay up until
Christmas for many celebrations and tales of adventure. The marina village sets up a
cultural village with vendors and regular events.
December
Wednesday 12th December: Festival of Lights & Renewal. Activities include lantern-
making competitions and decorating the towns and villages with lights.
Hotel Directory
Hotels & Email
Telephone
Rms
Alize Inn Hotel *
pta@candw.lc
GROS ISLET
452-0960
12
Almond Morgan Bay *
457-3700
almondmorganbay@almondresorts.com
CASTRIES
340
Anse Chastanet Hotel *
ansechastanet@candw.lc
SOUFRIERE
459-7000
49
Auberge Seraphine *
auberge@candw.lc
CASTRIES
453-2073
28
Bay Gardens Beach Resort * 457-8500
baygardensbeachresort@candw.lc
RODNEY BAY
72
Bay Gardens Hotel *
baygardens@candw.lc
RODNEY BAY
452-8060
86
Bay Gardens Inn *
baygardeninn@candw.lc
RODNEY BAY
452-8200
32
Bel Jou Hotel *
info@stlucia.beljouhotel.com
LA PANSEE, CASTRIES
456-1800
64
Belle Kaye *
460-7049
enquires@bellekaye.com
CAPGATE, CAP ESTATE, GROS ISLET
8
Blue Skies *
452-8200
info@blueskiesapartments.com
RODNEY BAY
3
The Body Holiday @ LeSPORT *457-7800
lesport@thebodyholiday.com
CAP ESTATE
154
Cap Maison *
info@capmaison.com
CAP ESTATE
450-8517
49
Castles in Paradise Villa Resort454-8409
castleinparadise@candw.lc *
RODNEY BAY
19
Calabash Cove *
info@calabashcove.com
MARISULE, GROS ISLET
456-3500
26
Charlery’s Inn *
454-7420
info@chaleryinnslu.com
CLARK & LABORIE ST, VIEUX FORT
10
Gym / Spa
Internet Access
Weddings
Conference Room
Entertainment
Kids Activities
Self Catering
Watersports
Television
Room Phone
Tennis
Pool
Beach
All Inclusive
Summer 2012 Issue 1
* Denotes SLHTA Membership
Hotels & Email
Cleopatra Villas *
office@villasinstlucia.com
RODNEY BAY
Telephone
458-0703
Coco Palm *
456-2800
reservation@coco-resorts.com
RODNEY BAY
Gym / Spa
Internet Access
Weddings
Conference Room
Kids Activities
Entertainment
Self Catering
Watersports
Television
Room Phone
Tennis
Pool
Beach
All Inclusive
Hotel Directory
Rms
6
101
Country Cottage Motel *
reservations@cbayresort.com
LAFFEA, MONCHY
572-7775
9
Coconut Bay *
reservations@cbayresort.com
VIEUX FORT
459-6000
254
Cotton Bay Village *
info@cottonbay.com
CAS EN BAS
450-5700
74
Discovery @ Marigot Bay *
resa@discoverystlucia.com
MARIGOT BAY
458-5300
124
The Downtown Hotel *
downtownhotel@candw.lc
SOUFRIERE
459 7185
18
East Winds Inn *
info@eastwinds.com
GROS ISLET
452-8212
30
Fond Doux Plantation *
founddoux@candw.lc
SOUFRIERE
459-7545
10
Fox Grove Inn *
foxgroveinn@candw.lc
MON REPOS
455-3800
12
Ginger Lily *
info@thegingerlilly.com
RODNEY BAY
458-0300
11
Habitat Terrace *
452-0822
reservations@habitatterrace.com
CASTRIES
11
Harmony Suites
harmony@candw.lc
RODNEY BAY
452-8756
30
Hummingbird Beach Resort * 459-7232
hbr@candw.lc
SOUFRIERE
10
Jade Mountain *
459-4000
jademountain@ansechasntanet.com
SOUFRIERE
29
Hotel Directory
Hotels & Email
JJ’s Paradise Resort *
jjsparadise@hotmail.com
MARIGOT BAY
Telephone
451-4076
Rms
10
The Jalousie Plantation *
info@thejalousieplantation.com
SOUFRIERE
456-8000
112
Kabran Hotel *
kabran@candw.lc
VIEUX FORT
454-3331
14
Kimatrai Hotel
info@kimatrai.com
VIEUX FORT
454-6328
15
Ladera Resort *
reservations@ladera.com
SOUFRIERE
459-6600
32
La Haut Resort *
lahaut@candw.lc
SOUFRIERE
459-7008
13
La Terrasse Guest House
info@laterrassestlucia.com
RODNEY BAY
572-0389
4
The Landings St. Lucia *
458-7300
reservation@thelandingstlucia.com
RODNEY BAY
123
Leisure Inn *
info@leisurestlucia.com
SOUFRIERE
459-5616
6
Mago Estate *
info@magohotel.com
SOUFRIERE
459-5880
14
Marigot Beach Club *
mbc@candw.lc
MARIGOT BAY
451-4974
25
Marina Haven Villas *
info@marinahavenvillas.com
GROS ISLET
459-5457
4
Marisule Garden Inn
info@marisulegardeninn.com
GROS ISLET
451-8373
12
Palm Haven Hotel *
info@palmhaven.com
GROS ISLET
456-8500
35
454-8043
9
QR Quality Rooms *
qrqualityrooms@gmail.com
VIEUX FORT
Gym / Spa
Weddings
Internet Access
Conference Room
Entertainment
Kids Activities
Self Catering
Watersports
Room Phone
Television
Tennis
Pool
Beach
All Inclusive
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Hotels & Email
Poinsettia Apartments *
CASTRIES
Telephone
456-0469
The Reef Kite & Surf *
454-3418
kitesurf@slucia.com
VIEUX FORT
Rendezvous *
457-7900
rendezvous@theromanticholiday.com
CASTRIES
Rex Resort *
rexslu@candw.lc
RODNEY BAY
Weddings
Gym / Spa
Internet Access
Conference Room
Entertainment
Kids Activities
Self Catering
Watersports
Room Phone
Television
Tennis
Pool
Rms
7
4
100
452-8351
120
Royal St Lucian Resort & Spa * 452-9999
royal@candw.lc
RODNEY BAY
96
Sandals Grande *
sglmail@sgl.sandals.com
RODNEY BAY
455-2000
284
Sandals Halcyon *
schmail@shc.sandals.com
CASTRIES
453-0222
170
Sandals Regency *
slumail@slu.sandals.com
RODNEY BAY
452-3081
327
Seagrape Apartments *
seagrape@candw.lc
RODNEY BAY
452-2399
6
Smuggler’s Cove *
450-0551
reservations@smugglersrestort.com
CAP ESTATE
369
Stonefield Estate Villas *
459-7037
reservations@stonefieldvillas.com
SOUFRIERE
10
Sun West Villas *
520--4732
gskinner@tbaytel.net
RODNEY BAY
Sweet Shaves Apartments * 452-3559
CASTRIES
8
Ti Kaye Village *
tikaye@candw.lc
ANSE COCHON
33
456-8101
Beach
All Inclusive
Hotel Directory
4
Hotels & Email
Telephone
Rms
451-6621
7
Tropical Breeze Apartments * 450-0589
tropical_breeze_98@yahoo.com
10
Tropical Villas *
tropvil@candw.lc
ISLAND WIDE
450-8240
21
Tuxedo Villas *
tuxedovillas@candw.lc
RODNEY BAY
452-8553
10
Unique Vacations *
uniquevacations@candw.lc
ISLAND WIDE
450-8331
10
Villa Beach Cottages *
info@villabeachcottages@com
CASTRIES
450-2884
20
Villa Capri *
capristlucia@aol.com
CAP ESTATE
450-0009
9
Villas on the Green *
patrice@villasstlucia.com
CAP ESTATE
450-8684
-
Villa Serendipity *
451-6154
lisle.chase@villaseredipity.com
GROS ISLET
4
Tranquility Apartments *
palacs@candw.lc
GROS ISLET
Village Inn & Spa *
villageinn@candw.lc
RODNEY BAY
458-3300
76
Windjammer Landing *
456-9000
reservations@windjammer-landing.com
GROS ISLET
248
Zamaca Saint Lucia *
reservations@zamaca.com
MICOUD
454-1309
5
Zara Villas **
456-8101
rosemaryjenkins@zaravillas.com
CAP ESTATE
22
Gym/Spa
Internet Access
Weddings
Conference Room
Kids Activities
Entertainment
Self Catering
Watersports
Television
Room Phone
Tennis
Pool
Beach
All Inclusive
Summer 2012 Issue 1
Hotel Directory

Regular Paradise 10 winter 4ai

Transcription

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