{"id":19469,"date":"2017-07-05T09:00:43","date_gmt":"2017-07-05T09:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/?p=19469"},"modified":"2021-11-19T20:44:30","modified_gmt":"2021-11-19T20:44:30","slug":"incredible-ways-to-spend-days-saint-lucia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/incredible-ways-to-spend-days-saint-lucia\/","title":{"rendered":"7 incredible ways to spend your days in Saint Lucia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Note:<\/strong> All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions\u2014please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips. This article was last updated November 2021.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

In case you hadn’t heard, Saint Lucia<\/a>, an island nation in the Eastern Caribbean, is a paradise for people in love. If you visit as part of a couple, you may find drivers, guides and concierges asking, \u201cDid you just get married?\u201d But it’s also a nature lover’s paradise, with verdant hillsides and mountain peaks. In fact, the real star couple in this romantic destination are Gros Piton and Petit Piton, two dramatic mountains situated on the island\u2019s west coast. Add to the allure volcanic beaches, rainforests, excellent snorkeling and diving, and some of the top resorts in the world and you get an island that deserves much more than a cruise ship stop.<\/p>\n

Hike the Pitons…<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

The Pitons<\/p><\/div>\n

This was probably the least romantic activity of our trip to Saint Lucia, but only because I decided to stay behind and get a deep tissue massage instead of tackling Gros Piton with my husband. Sneaky, aren\u2019t I? While he ascended the mountain with a guide, I enjoyed some \u201cme\u201d time and cheered him on from our private plunge pool at Ladera. If you\u2019re in shape and ready to tackle the mountain together, it takes anywhere from 3-6 hours for most people. Bring good shoes and plenty of water and snacks.<\/p>\n

…and snorkel at the base of them
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You can\u2019t come all the way to the Caribbean and not go snorkeling! We snorkeled three times and loved the sites at the foot of the Pitons the most. It\u2019s a protected marine area, so there are more fish than you can count and some colorful coral near the surface.<\/p>\n

Explore the world’s only drive-in volcano…<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Volcanic activity on St. Lucia<\/p><\/div>\n

Saint Lucia\u2019s smoking, sulfurous caldera is a source of pride \u2014 it\u2019s known as the world\u2019s only drive-in volcano, after all.<\/p>\n

… then take a mud bath at Sulphur Springs Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Just below the smoking, bubbling caldera is the chance to cover your traveling companion in mineral-rich mud from head-to-toe. Head to Sulphur Springs Park for the perfect dose of detox.<\/p>\n

Enjoy a private moment at Toraille Waterfall<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Most guides will take you to the volcano and mud bath first so you can wash off in Toraille\u2019s refreshing falls, but if you want it all to yourself, reverse that and head to the falls before cruise passengers get there.<\/p>\n

Explore Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Diamond Waterfall<\/p><\/div>\n

If you’re at all interested in flora and fauna, definitely take some time to explore the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens<\/a>. Home to countless hummingbirds, you\u2019ll find some of the most colorful flowers and trees you\u2019ve ever seen on this short nature walk. I loved the Flamboyant Tree the most, with its bright orange blooms reaching skyward. You can also pay a bit extra to soak in the mineral baths pumped in from underground, which are said to have healing properties.<\/p>\n

Take a sunset cruise<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It was cloudy for most of our visit to Saint Lucia, so I worried our sunset cruise would be underwhelming. Glad I was wrong! The moment the sun melted into the horizon, the sky caught fire and we were in awe of the colors. And there\u2019s nothing like seeing how the Pitons change hues as the sun moves through the sky, from green to gold to purple to silver.<\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"

Jade Mountain Resort<\/p><\/div>\n

Saint Lucia is spoiled with natural beauty, and the hotels near the Pitons take full advantage of the drop dead gorgeous views. We opted for Jade Mountain Resort<\/a>. Jade Mountain\u2019s sanctuaries don\u2019t have a 4th wall so you can stare at the Pitons in many of the rooms from the comfort of your bed. There are private infinity pools with handmade glass tiles in most rooms and bridges connecting the sanctuaries to staircases and lush hanging gardens, not to mention the terrace on the very top level which is one of the best spots to catch a sunset on the entire island.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n