ST. LUCIA
10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
1 Visit Sulphur Springs, a “drive-in” volcano, which last erupted two centuries ago.2 Make sure you check out Gros Piton and Petit Piton, rugged mountains located on the island’s southwest coast; they’re among the Caribbean’s most recognizable landmarks.3 You’ll need a guide to enter the island’s restricted4 If you rent a car, make sure you keep to the left side of the road (like you would in the UK). You can also make your way around via ferry, bus or cab.5 Visit the hopping Saturday market in Castries, the island’s capital. The vendors sell everything from fruits and local spices to crafts.6 The best place to start a scuba dive along the coral walls is the beach at Anse Chastanet, a hotel on the southwest coast.7 Some of the coral walls plunge 200 feet deep! Keep your eyes peeled for barrel sponges, angel fish, sea horses, spotted eels, stingrays, nurse sharks and sea turtles.8 Try local favorites like saltfish and green fig and Creole barbecue. While you’re in Castries, try Pink Plantation House, a can’t-miss Creole restaurant.9 Gros Islet, a small island on the northwest shore of St. Lucia, is known throughout the Caribbean for its Friday night jump-up. Street-side music blares as locals jam to the sounds of reggae, soca and calypso.10 If you or your groom loves jazz music, plan your trip around the three-day St. Lucia Jazz Festival, held every May.
