St Lucia Travel Guide: The Emerald Jewel of the Caribbean
- Martin Hesp
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
They say every cloud has a silver lining, but in the world of international cricket, England supporters are often pushed hard to find one. However, there is a particular silver lining that is better described as a dazzling jewel—an emerald and azure centerpiece dropped into the heart of the Caribbean.
It is called St Lucia, and it is a place where the soul finds its footing again.
You could take a beating on the pitch every day of the year on this wondrous isle and still never feel defeated. Just being here negates despair and instils heady wafts of optimism. So beautiful is this island that even the most travel-weary soul need have no fear of tears or strife.
From the Boundary to the Blue Horizon
A rum punch and a swim in Rodney Bay, just down the road from the state-of-the-art Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium (formerly Beau-se-jour), is enough to wash memories of fallen wickets into happy oblivion.
I remember roaring down the west coast on the flying bridge of a big marlin game-fishing launch, reflecting on a particularly abysmal run of form for the England squad. I couldn't help but chuckle. Others can keep their dry and dusty lands; the real victory is simply being lucky enough to step foot on St Lucian soil.
The Most Awesome Panorama in the Caribbean
Sailing down the mountainous west coast, there comes a moment that stays with you for a lifetime. Rounding the point at Anse Chastanet, you are presented with a view so impossibly dramatic that your eyes almost ache.
Across the bay beyond the town of Soufriere, two immense volcanic plugs—The Pitons—rise straight out of the ocean, nearly 3,000 feet into the clouds. Around their skirts, rainforest climbs abruptly into the hinterland. The brain struggles for similes; you end up relying on cinema for reference. It is James Bond-villain-hideaway meets Jurassic Park.
The Pitons: A UNESCO World Heritage site, these twin peaks (Gros Piton and Petit Piton) are the undisputed icons of the island.
Luxury Amidst History
Somewhere in that vertical jungle lies som
e of the most exclusive real estate on Earth. At places like Sugar Beach (the old Jalousie plantation), you see the "colonial chic" where world-class luxury now sits upon land with a complex, heavy history.
That is the dichotomy of the Caribbean: places that were once scenes of abject toil are now sanctuaries of pampered peace. While St Lucia hosts some of the world's wealthiest denizens, it remains an island that rewards anyone who has saved their pennies for a "holiday of a lifetime."
The Spirit of the "Jump-Up"
Unlike some Caribbean destinations where visitors might feel confined to their all-inclusive resorts, St Lucia is as friendly as it is beautiful. To truly feel the pulse of the island, you must head to the Gros Islet Street Party.
Every Friday night, the locals party in the streets. The main road closes, stalls sell everything from jerk chicken to ice-cold Piton beer, and speakers the size of houses boom with incredible music. It is a seething, joyful crowd where everyone—locals and tourists alike—has a fantastically good time.
Adventures in the Interior
While the beaches are world-class, the heart of the island offers a different kind of magic. I once took a trek into the virgin rainforest with a Rastafarian guide—a laid-back, Caribbean version of Ray Mears. He knew every tree, root, and leaf, expounding on their medicinal virtues.
Being alone under the dark canopy of a tropical rainforest is an exhilarating experience. The earthy scents and the sheer "noise" of the jungle make you feel intensely alive. My walk ended at one of the many tall waterfalls that punctuate the island's interior. Arriving during a hot, steamy rainstorm, I found it didn't matter a jot to stand under the falls fully clothed.
Why St Lucia Still Wins
Whether you are scuba-diving over the coral reefs or lazing on the beach at Anse Chastanet watching the palms drip their silhouetted leaves into the limpid waves, this island heals the soul. Even the most disappointed sports fan or stressed-out professional will find a smile here.
In St Lucia, the silver lining isn't just a cloud—it’s the whole horizon.
