Colourful, cruise-friendly capital
Holidays in Castries take you to St Lucia’s charming capital, where you’ll find yourself immersed in a laid back city surrounded by green mountains and volcanic terrain. Castries’ main attraction is its harbour; incredibly picturesque and dotted with cruise ships year round, it’s home to a range of luxury shops, restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy fine dining and Caribbean rum, or indulge in some excellent duty free shopping.
It’s easy to see why Castries is the most popular spot in St Lucia – it has its fair share of architectural delights, from the grand library and cathedral at Derek Walcott Square to the pastel coloured buildings that line the streets. Don’t forget to visit the open air market, where fresh fruits such as mango and papaya are waiting to be savoured, and the plethora of handcrafted goods will make perfect souvenirs.
It wouldn’t be a Caribbean holiday without some relaxation, so take a trip to Vigie Beach. It’s protected, meaning there are no sun loungers to spoil the view, making it the perfect place for an afternoon dip. There are a few stalls here too, waiting to serve you snacks or a rum cocktail as you soak up the rays.
Luxury holidays in Castries promise a truly glamorous escape – from stylish harbourside restaurants to duty free shopping, this charming city is packed with upmarket amenities accompanied by Caribbean relaxation. Spend your days by the harbour with a refreshing cocktail as you watch the cruise shops come in, or choose to explore the colonial architecture of the city, where there are many magnificent buildings to wonder at. Don’t forget to enjoy the beach too – it’s what the Caribbean is famous for.
The Caribbean is known for its world class hotels, and at Sovereign we recommend The BodyHoliday for a luxurious stay in Castries. It offers an excellent health and well being programme, with daily complimentary treatments meaning guests will leave feeling completely relaxed and recharged. Rooms are furnished in calm, pastel tones and provide sensational views from the balcony. There is even a range of activities on offer, such as fencing, tai chi and stress management.
Flight time from the UK to St Lucia is around 8 hours 30 minutes.
Transfer time from St Lucia airport to Castries is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
St Lucia is hot all year round, although the summer months coincide with hurricane season, and the heaviest rainfall is between June and November. Good news if you fancy some winter sun – the driest months are between December and March, when the average temperature is a balmy 28°C.
Currently visas are not required for UK citizens travelling to St Lucia.
A 10% gratuity charge will typically be added to your hotel and restaurant bills in St Lucia, so check carefully. Any additional tipping is at your discretion, although 10% is a good guide. A dollar or two would be appreciated by maids, porters and drivers.
The official language of St Lucia is English.