Saint Lucia: Be Blown Away-By Ope L. Akinyemi
The island of Saint Lucia is a paradise made for relaxation and fun.
Nature has been kind to Saint Lucia. The gorgeous Atlantic Ocean and the incredible rainforest with natural waterfalls beautify this Caribbean jewel, while terrific gardens and wildlife promise something for everyone. It is a perfect holiday spot for hiking, swimming, boating, diving, lounging and countless other activities. The island is a paradise made for relaxation and fun. Located north/northeast of the Island of Saint Vincent, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique, it covers a land area of 617 km2 (238.23 sq. mi) and has a population of 174,000 (2010).
WHAT TO SEE
Sitting atop an active geothermal field, The Pitons are the most recognizable landmarks in Saint Lucia. They are precipitous and transformed by the sun’s changing rays. At night, the sparkling multitude of stars cast across an indigo velvet tapestry. The Pitons can be admired from below due to the intense nature of the climb to the very top. They also make a stunning backdrop to a day at the beach. They are inarguably the Island’s crown jewels and cannot be missed for anyone thinking about traveling to the Caribbean. Other fun things include reclining in your infinity pool at Jade Mountain where every room has its own pool and panoramic view as well as have a massage for two at Rendezvous.
WHERE TO EAT:
The island boasts an assortment of renowned specialty restaurants such as French, Italian, Chinese, Thai, Indian and Steakhouses to name a few. And of course, almost every restaurant offers fresh fish and seafood dishes. Notably, Ladera’s Dasheen restaurant has the perfect views of the Pitons and Chef Orlando Satchell’s seafood at the restaurant is one of the best. Many restaurants and lounges also offer fresh fruit juices and alcoholic drinks, such as beer and rum, which are brewed locally.
WHERE TO BOOGIE
Tourists can have an exciting evening if they choose an appropriate bar or club to cater to their nightlife desires. If you are in the mood to dance after dinner, head to
- Gros Islet or Anse la raye for a jump-up to the tunes of soca, calypso and reggae music, these street festivities attract tons of tourists and locals alike. Visitors can get a true taste of authentic St. Lucian flavor while enjoying a night out in paradise. The streets are usually lined with tantalizing food vendors as the live music flows throughout the evening.
- The Lime on the Bay is a local favourite that features a fusion of festive nightlife and intimate dining. It offers a rotating selection of live music, disc jockeys and karaoke nights
WHERE TO SHOP
From handicrafts to clothing, shoppers can find pretty much everything in St. Lucia at fantastic duty-free prices. Though smaller than the average malls one might be accustomed to, the shops offer exquisite items that you just won’t find elsewhere. Castries – the capital of Saint Lucia – has countless opportunities to satisfy everyone. Shoppers will find gorgeous handmade clothing, paintings, wood carvings and other local arts and crafts. The plaza at Pointe Saraphine is a beehive of activity and shopping, where duty-free designer perfumes, crystal, jewelry, and cigars can be purchased. Most shops are open Saturdays regularly from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
HOW TO GET THERE
Delta Air Lines offers flights to Saint Lucia on weekdays and weekends with one or two stops at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Atlanta. Visitors must carry a valid passport. Nigerians citizens must obtain visas prior to arrival in Saint Lucia. Please check with your travel agent for more information.
……….. Culled from tw March 2013 edition
