Captivating St Lucia and Charming Antigua Part 1

The Caribbean, 13 sovereign states and 17 dependant territories and who knew there were so many languages spoken here. Every island offers its own unique heritage and every island is as special as the next.

After a slightly delayed arrival at Hewanorra Airport in Southern St Lucia, there was no time to waste as we did not want to miss the much talked about Friday Night Jump Up Street Party at Gros Islet in the north of the island. After a beautiful and scenic drive, it was clear that we had almost arrived from the nearing sound of beating drums to the mouth-watering smell of freshly caught barbecued fish. It is renowned for its famous party spirit and local food. A fantastic atmosphere and not too crowded, it was a great start to our holiday. Plenty of rum on hand too!

We were staying at The Landings Resort and Spa, situated in the North West of the island, home to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. A two bed-roomed villa suite with jacuzzi overlooking the marina gave us plenty of space to relax. A lovely resort with three restaurants, two bars and spa facilities, what’s not to enjoy. Suitable for couples and families alike, the service here was excellent.

A busy few days ahead exploring the island, we don’t like to sit around too much as there is so much to experience. A Sunday visit to two very different properties, the elegant Calabash Cove and the vibrant Sandals Grande St Lucien, both not too far away from Rodney Bay. Calabash Cove is a beautiful bespoke boutique hotel set on the hillside with stunning views over the Bonaire Bay, a perfect choice for the discerning traveller wanting to experience first class traditional St Lucian hospitality; a perfecting setting for your wedding, honeymoon or for that romantic retreat. You won’t be disappointed.

Sandals is a 5* all-inclusive larger resort in a quiet location on its own peninsula, appealing to every type of client. It offers world class cuisine with a diverse range of luxury accommodation from beach view and swim up rooms to the spectacular over the water bungalows which really are impressive. What a contrast between two resorts, I could happily stay at either and not be disappointed.

A perfect ending to a busy day, a quiet dinner on the beach back at The Landings to savour the delights of wonderful Caribbean food.

The weather was a little temperamental the following day so a perfect excuse for a road trip. You drive on the left in St Lucia so it’s easy to navigate, the roads are not the best but this all adds to the authenticity of the Island. Do be tempted to drive off the beaten track to encounter the real culture of St Lucia. You will be captivated by the eclectic mix of colourful and extraordinary architecture and plantations.

Marigot Bay is one of the most picturesque bays in St Lucia and no wonder it is permanent feature on Instagram. It really was a bit of a hair-raising drive to get there as we experienced some of the heaviest tropical rain that we had ever seen. However, as quick as the rain had diminished the sun re-appeared and with it came the exceptional views of secluded Marigot Bay. Another luxury resort in a truly idyllic setting. This spa resort offers an abundance of activities and you will be spoilt for choice with the array of superb restaurants. oupled with its unrivalled setting, you really are in for a treat.

Further down the coast, don’t miss the delights of local towns and villages such as L’Anse La Raye and Canaries, two distinctive St Lucian areas that portray the real St Lucia and showcase several examples of French and English colonial architecture. Castries, the capital is also worth a visit for its busy market, take time to enjoy a cool drink whilst watching the cruise ships come and go.

Our 20th wedding anniversary and we had saved the best day until last! Soufriere, Boucan by Hotel Chocolat and the Pitons, what a wonderful day and it couldn’t have started off any better than having drinks at the Viceroy Sugar Beach Hotel which is situated within more than 100 acres of pristine rain-forest on the site of an 18th-century sugar plantation and within a short distance of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Pitons; Gros Piton and Petit Piton, the iconic landmarks of St Lucia. A truly extraordinary hotel offering the epitome of luxury with a glittering beach and offering stunning surroundings. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, Sugar Beach is the place to stay. The accommodation ranges from luxury guestrooms to three-bedroom beach residences, you are spoilt for choice.

Boucan by Hotel Chocolat is less than a 15-minute drive away, it is a working cocoa plantation and offers breath-taking views of the Pitons and surrounding area. A lovely relaxing lunch and more rain enhanced the views even further.

Highlights of St Lucia:

Friday Night Jump Up Street Party Gros Islet Hiking on Pigeon Island, it''s very close to The Landings and Sandals Grande St Lucian Trip to Soufriere and The Pitons Visit a plantation Lunch at Boucan by Hotel Chocolat Take a boat trip around the island If you hire car, make sure you escape off the main roads

Other hotels to consider are The Body Holiday, Cap Maison and Rendezvous amongst many others.