Known as Helen of the West Indies, St Lucia is an island which grew out of the volcanic rise of two major peaks: Petit and Gros, otherwise known as The Pitons. Almost the entire island is covered with rich, tropical vegetation including rainforests, coconut groves and banana plantations. It is an incredibly scenic place, which caters to honeymooners from Europe and the United States.
St Lucia is an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations. Over 85% of the population are pure African descendants with the other percentage being a mix of British, French, African, East Indian and European backgrounds. Locals speak using an island dialect called French Creole Patois, although English and French are spoken and understood here.
Creole infused island cuisine is a result of the French occupation prior to the British taking permanent possession in 1814. While the honeymooner who is missing home can find a pizza, the fresh seafood, spices, and tropical fruits make dining on local favorites, an experience that should not to be missed!
Sugarcane, coal, bananas and now tourism, are the primary industries that have built St Lucia. While on your honeymoon, you can tour a banana plantation, visit a factory that processes coconut oil from coconuts, or visit a stinky volcano named La Sonfriere. For a sweeter smelling option, consider hiring a helicopter tour guide to fly you around the flower-laden island.
For those honeymooners wishing to strike out on an adventure without a tour guide, you can rent a car and drive all the way around the island in about 3 hours. However, be prepared for hairpin turns, potholes in the roadway, sharing the highway with fast moving buses and sheer drop offs that might just astound you. You cannot get lost, but consider taking frequent breaks from driving to enjoy the landscape and give your nerves a rest!
All-inclusive resorts have taken up most of the beachfront real estate on St. Lucia in an attempt to lure tourists to the island. Before booking your accommodations, spend some time researching house rentals and the all-inclusive resorts. Well spent time both online and with your travel agent will payoff when you find the spot to lay your head that is just right for you.
Accommodations on the island are expensive, and the official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which depending upon when you decide to go, may or may not favor the US dollar in an exchange rate. Major credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted, but the exchange rate will determine how much you will be charged in US dollars. Consider this when making your honeymoon budget and read How to Plan a Honeymoon for more help with your St Lucia honeymoon plans.
You will need a valid passport or birth certificate, and a photo ID along with proof of a return ticket, to enter St Lucia. You can remain on the island for up to 28 days without needing a visa, giving you more than enough time to enjoy all the romance and relaxation this magical place has to offer.
Besides admiring miles of golden beaches and crystal blue Caribbean waters, St Lucia offers many opportunities for duty-free shopping and recreation. For relaxation, couples will enjoy the Diamond Mineral Baths and Botanical Gardens that once saw the likes of Josephine Bonaparte. The waters are fed by an underground sulfur springs and are said to have curative powers.
Pointe Seraphine by St Lucia harbor is home to duty-free shops and this is where the cruise ships dock. You can buy everything from fine china to rum, and with your passport and return ticket in hand to prove you are there to shop, you can receive the duty-free prices. If you travel to the capital city of Castries, the local marketplace on the main street is a treat for your senses. Local crafts and goods are all available there.
If your honeymoon plans include active fun in the sun, St Lucia's recreational opportunities include:
- Golf
- Deep-Sea Fishing
- Hiking
- Sailing
- Horseback Riding
- Parasailing
- Tennis
- Waterskiing
- Windsurfing
- Snorkeling
- Scuba Diving
- Squash
Two national pastimes, cricket and soccer are played at Mindoo Philip Park in Marchand. If you would enjoy watching a match, check with the St Lucia Tourist Board for specific team information.
For a honeymoon with boundless opportunities for extraordinary tropical delights, amid a lazy pace of life, consider a St Lucia honeymoon. This romantic, relaxing hideaway is just waiting to be discovered by you!
