Regular Paradise 10 winter 4ai
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Regular Paradise 10 winter 4ai
Paradise Saint Lucia 1 Summer 2012 Issue 1 what's inside... Welcome Messages Information Directory Car Hire Around the Island Property Investment Weddings in Paradise Island Dining Shopping Responsible Tourism The Versatility of Madras Fabric Beaches Baths & Waterfalls: Natural Spas Fond Latisab Green Globe Resorts Twitter Flowers of St. Lucia Island History Festivals & Events Events Calendar Hotel Directory Paradise Saint Lucia 2 6 10 12 14 38 42 52 58 64 66 68 70 74 76 78 79 80 82 90 92 Publisher • Lokesh Singh Editor - Alex Foster Design & Production • Cecil Sylvester Sales & Advertising • Hudson Myers Photography • Danielle Devaux • Alex Foster James Crockett • Saint Lucia Tourist Board Kirk Elliott • Bernd Rac IGY Rodney Bay Marina • St. Lucia National Trust Paradise St. Lucia Magazine is published twice a year as Summer & Winter issues by Advertising & Marketing Services Ltd. (AMS) St. Lucia Reproduction of any material contained herein without written approval, constitutes a violation of copyright. Though every effort has been made to present the information contained in this magazine accurately, all opinions however constitute the author’s judgement. Advertising & Marketing Services (AMS) accepts no liability for any inadvertent inclusions or omissions from this publication. FREE distribution throughout St. Lucia. Overseas orders by subscription: US$50 for two issues, postage included. Editorial, Advertising, Subscriptions and Correspondence to: P.O. Box 2003, Castries, St. Lucia Tel: (758) 453-1149 Fax: (758) 453-1290 Website: www.paradisestlucia.com Email:[email protected] Paradise Saint Lucia Summer 2012 Issue 1 RODNEY BAY MARINA © 2011 Island Global Yachting ST. LUCIA MEGA UPGRADE. IGY HOSPITALITY. Marina Village with shopping, dining, ships’ chandlery, recreation and guest services 32 fixed megayacht berths for yachts up to 280 feet High-speed fueling Full-service boatyard on site featuring 75-ton Marine Travelift, 40-ton self-propelled boat trailer and 6,100 square feet of paint/refit shelters Telephone and cable, Wi-Fi throughout 253 total berths with a 15ft max draft On-site customs & immigration 50 & 60htz, singleand 3-phase power up to 400 amps 14°04’32.72”N T: +1 758 452 0324 P.O. Box 1538, Castries 60°56’55.63”W F: +1 758 458 0040 St. Lucia, West Indies [email protected] www.igy-rodneybay.com ISLAND GLOBAL YACHTING AMERICAS | CARIBBEAN For information or reservations 1.888.IGY.MARINAS WWW.IGYMARINAS.COM Paradise Saint Lucia 3 Paradise Saint Lucia 4 RODNEY BAY MARINA ST. LUCIA PLAY EAT DRINK SHOP SAIL ENJOY EXCELLENT DINING. IGY HOSPITALITY. With 7 unique waterfront dining experiences, regular entertainment and 24-hour security on site, you can rest assured of a great time, day or night. The marina village also hosts the following amenities: Optical Centre Bank Pleasure cruises Car Hire and Provisioning Business Centre Sail Maker Florist Ships Chandlery Gift Shops Spa Graphic Designer Liquor Store Supermarket Laundry Swimming Pool Marine Electronics Yacht charter IGY RODNEY BAY MARINA Tel: +1 758 452 0324 Fax: +1 758 458 0040 Email: [email protected] Web: www.igy-rodneybay.com Paradise Saint Lucia 5 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Dear Visitor, Thanks for choosing St. Lucia. I’m sure you’ve already confirmed you made the right choice from the many, many possibilities on offer these days. You chose St. Lucia because there’s so much to see and do here – whether you came for a vacation, to get married, for a honeymoon, or to attend one of our annual events. You may be visiting for our St. Lucia Jazz Festival, or our unique and fun-filled Carnival, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), or our Food & Rum Festival. People come to see our majestic twin-mountain World Heritage Site at the Pitons, to wheel into our drive-in volcano at the Sulphur Springs, to stay at any of our internationally renowned award-winning hotels, resorts, villas, boutique hotels and intimate inns, or even for business meetings and conferences. Our people have developed a worldwide reputation for hospitality, which is why ours continues to be an island that attracts you first - and then encourages you to return, again and again. Our tourism product has continuously improved over time to cater for you and we will always ensure our heritage and creative industries blend in with your holiday needs – to please you to ensure you’ll tell others about your stay and entice them to also come and experience your experience. As you’ve found out, it’s easy to get here – by air or by sea, with two airports and two major seaports to choose from in our bi-lingual island of twin-mountains and double Nobel Laureates. No matter what your reason for coming to St. Lucia, we have the places and the means to make your stay the best you’ll ever remember having. We’ve learned to pamper you from arrival to departure, so if you feel like St. Lucia has become your ‘home away from home’, don’t worry, it’s because we planned to spoil you long before you arrived! So feel free. Be at home. Enjoy every minute. And come back again… because the big secret is that each time is better than the last! Lorne Theophilus Hon. Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries Paradise Saint Lucia 6 Paradise Saint Lucia 7 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Dear Visitor, Welcome to our piece of paradise, St. Lucia! I am delighted that you have chosen to spend some time with us on our beautiful shores. Your personal copy of “Paradise St. Lucia” will serve as a treasured repository of information, showcasing much of what we offer to ensure your stay is the most memorable, ever. Whatever your interest or curiosity, I am sure you will find many experiences to share with friends and family. Sail our beautiful west coast to behold an ocean view of our world heritage site, the majestic Pitons; visit our Sulphur Springs, go horseback riding, or whale and dolphin watching when the season permits, unforgettable experiences for the entire family. Try zip lining in our lush forests or just take a nature walk and enjoy bird watching. Take an invigorating dip in one of our many beaches washed by the gentle Caribbean Sea; watch inspiring sunrises and heart-stopping sunsets! Or, do nothing at all, simply soaking in the simple beauty that is our island. Amidst the splendor, don’t forget to eat! Our culinary delights will appease your every whim and fancy. With a huge variety of world-class restaurants to choose from, you can tempt your pallet with savory samplings of our very own, internationally acclaimed, Creole cuisine. Make sure to keep a watchful eye for village festivals and cultural activities where you can celebrate with our people and share in some much deserved fun and revelry. Whatever you choose to do, I am sure you will take the memories home with you, memories that will make your heart warm, keep your smile bright and leave you longing for more of our paradise, St. Lucia. And, remember to tell all of your friends! Do Enjoy! Karolin Troubetzkoy President St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association Paradise Saint Lucia 8 Dear Reader, As Saint Lucia's Director of Tourism it is my distinct pleasure to extend to you the warmest of greetings as you explore Saint Lucia through the pages of this unique publication. As you journey through you will undoubtedly fall in love with this gem nestled in the heart of the eastern Caribbean, if in fact that has not already happened! As you take in the sights and sounds of Saint Lucia, remember we are a destination internationally acclaimed for legendary romance, signature weddings and once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon experiences coupled with family oriented fun. So immerse yourself in our way of life. View and actively participate in our many festivals - be it the renowned Saint Lucia Jazz, Carnival or cultural celebrations like Jounen Kweyol, or just sample our fusion of African, European and American style cuisine that have given rise to some of the best culinary delights anywhere in the world. Like those before you and those who will follow in your footsteps, feel free to acquaint yourself with our blissful white and black sand beaches; explore our lush greenery as exemplified via exhilarating tours through our rainforest; stay and play at award winning hotels and resorts, intimate inns or private secluded vistas scattered throughout the length and breadth of Saint Lucia; take in the majesty of our world acclaimed iconic twin peaks - the Pitons, or our drive-in volcano; or simply take one of the many boat cruises and experience the charming yet stunning rugged topography that makes our island so awe-inspiring. As the principal agency charged with promoting and marketing Saint Lucia's tourism industry, we are working tirelessly with our industry partners to enhance our product, ensuring that it meets the highest international standards. Much effort is also being expended at generating and increasing airlift capacity and ensuring that the visitor experience on island is unsurpassed by our competitors. Again, I say welcome to our paradise. Louis A. E. Lewis Director of Tourism Saint Lucia Tourist Board Paradise Saint Lucia 9 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Information Directory Before you tour St. Lucia here is some helpful information to assist you: Climate Dress Code The climate is tropical year-round with NE trade winds bringing a warm breeze. The temperature ranges between 22°C (72°F) and 34°C (93°F) with slightly higher averages and increased humidity between June and August. The rainy season runs from June to November. St. Lucia lies just inside the hurricane belt so can be affected by tropical cyclones. Casual clothes can be worn anytime but often people like to dress up in the evenings. Note that swimwear is inappropriate outside of the beaches and resorts. Nude or topless sunbathing is not permitted anywhere on the island. Country Dialing Code The International Dialing Code for St. Lucia is +1 758. Digicel and LIME are the two telecommunication providers on the island. Crime and Harassment With using common sense, you should have no problem. Use licensed operators and vendors, protect your valuables and do not venture far into isolated areas, day or night. Currency The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC) is the local currency, set at a fixed exchange rate of US$1=EC$2.7. Banks can exchange major currencies. Their opening times are Mon-Thurs 8am–2pm, Fri 8am–5pm. Some Rodney Bay banks are open on Saturday mornings. ATMs are found outside most branches. Major credit cards and US dollars are accepted in many shops and restaurants but it is advised to check first. Paradise Saint Lucia 10 Drinking Water Excessive rains or drought can impair the quality of tap water. Many people choose to drink tap water but bottled water is advised and is readily available. Electricity Mostly 220-volt, 50 cycles AC. Transformers will be required for 110-volt appliances. Sockets are usually UK standard 3-pin plugs. Adaptors may be available in hotels. Emergency Numbers Police – 999 Fire and Ambulance – 911 Rodney Bay Police Station: +1 758 452 8155 or +1 758 456 4061 Geography Located 60-61°W and 13-14°N, St. Lucia is one of the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. Martinique is 21 miles north, St. Vincent is 26 miles south and Barbados lies 108 miles south east. St. Lucia is 27 miles long by 14 miles wide with a total area of 238 square miles. The nearest mainland is Venezuela. Getting Around Immigration Taxis: Fully licensed operators have number plates beginning with “TX”. Rates for tourist destinations and tours around the island are regulated. It is strongly recommended you agree on the fare before departing. Public Buses: These mini-buses are distinguished by green number plates beginning with “M”. Mostly used by locals, they are inexpensive and go all over the island. Ask your hotel for assistance in using them. Car Rental: Many companies offer a variety of appropriate vehicles. A temporary driving permit is mandatory and costs US$20 (EC$54) valid for 3 months, or US$12 for a one-day permit. They are available from car hire companies, airport immigration and local police stations. Drive on the left and always be wary of other drivers… and plenty of potholes! TX- 091 TX- 091 H- 091 M- 091 Hospitals & Medical Centres Gros Islet Rodney Bay Medical Centre Gros Islet Polyclinic Kent Glace – Dentist Tapion Hospital Victoria Hospital Wellness Centre 453-6582 450-9661 458 0167 459-2000 452-2421 452-2289 Others Dennery Hospital Soufriere Hospital St Jude’s Hospital Vieux Fort 453-3310 459-7258 454-6041 Visitors must present a valid passport to enter St. Lucia. If you are a citizen of the US, Canada or the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, a birth certificate and photo ID is sufficient. All visitors must possess a return ticket. Commonwealth citizens do not require visas for short stays. Languages English is the official language but you will commonly hear locals speaking Patois which is a French-based Creole. Politics St. Lucia gained independence in 1979, has its own Prime Minister and is part of the British Commonwealth. The queen’s representative is the Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy. Population The 2010 census estimated 173,720 people with the majority living in the capital of Castries and the north of the island. Time Zone London -4hrs GMT (-5hrs during BST) New York – the same (+1 hr during DST) Tipping A 10% service charge and 8% government tax is added to your bill at most establishments. Additional gratuities are welcomed. St. Lucia Tourist Board for further info: www.stlucia.org Paradise Saint Lucia 11 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Car Hire: Drive to Discover! If you want the freedom of exploring at your own pace, deciding where you want to go and when, then hiring a car is a fantastic option. There are some excellent car rental agencies in St. Lucia offering a variety of small or luxury cars, jeeps or mini-vans, catering for both leisure and corporate clients alike. As you may have discovered, with so many things to see and do in St. Lucia that if you intend to relax at all, it’s impossible to do everything, so choose a few attractions that are high on your ‘to-do’ list, grab a ‘Paradise’ island map from the hotel desk or car rental centre… and off you go! In addition to your home country driver’s license, it is a requirement that you also purchase a St. Lucian driving permit. They cost US$20 (or EC$54) and are valid for up to three months. They can be obtained from the car rental companies at the time of hire, and also at airports or police stations. Don’t forget to bring your license with you too! 24 Hour Car Rental Budget Rent-a-Car Cool Breeze Rentals Cost Less Rent-a-Car Courtesy Car Drive-a-Matic Economy Car Rental Guy’s Car Rental Hertz Holiday and Business Car Rental Lambee’s Auto Rentals Luxury Car Rental Rent-a-Ride St. Lucia National Car Rentals Paradise Saint Lucia 12 Tips for driving in St. Lucia: 1. Drive on the left! Be aware of unmarked sharp bends, potholes and the occasional bad drivers! Take your time and take it easy. 2. Due to the winding roads you should note that distances sometimes take a lot longer than you might imagine. These drive times are approximate: Rodney Bay to Dennery = 45 minutes Rodney Bay to Marigot Bay = 40 minutes Rodney Bay to Soufriere = 2 hours Rodney Bay to Vieux Fort (using east coast) = 1.5 hours Soufriere to Vieux Fort = 40 minutes For reservations and further enquiries, please contact one of these recommended car hire services: 452 1330 452 9887 459 7729 450 3416 450 8140 452 0544 450 0293 451 7885 452 0679 452 0872 453 0985 450 4192 452 9404 450 8721 www.bestratescarrental.com www.budget.com www.coolbreezecarrental.com www.costless-rentacar.com www.courtesycarrentals.com www.drivestlucia.com www.economycarrentals.com www.guyscarrental.com www.hertz.com www.handbcarrental.com www.lambeesrentals.weebly.com www.stlucialuxurycars.com www.vcrentals.com www.stlucianationalcarental.info RENT A CAR Explore, Relax, Enjoy Best Cars Great rates Superior Service We care about your comfort and safety Locations: GFL Charles Airport (Castries) and Hewanaorra Airports (Vieux Fort) Tel: 758 452 9887 / 758 485 1528 Fax: 758 452 8160 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.budget-stlucia.com FREE PICK -UP AT OUR THREE LOCATIONS Get 10 % OFF w ith this ad The Leading Car Rental Experience, Our Offer is Matched by No Other. Come Drive With Us For Reservations, Call or Just Walk In Gros Islet, Vieux-Fort & Pointe Seraphine Tel: 758 450-8721 / 450-8670 Fax: 758 450-8577 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Visit us on our website: www.stlucianationalcarental.info Paradise Saint Lucia 13 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Around the Island First impressions of St. Lucia reveal lush rainforests, gorgeous beaches and volcanic mountains that literally drop into the sea. Now it’s time to dive in and become closer acquainted with our little island. We hope you’ll enjoy exploring and finding the hidden gems, learning the island history, culture, and really get to know the unique personality of St. Lucia. English, French, Amerindian and African heritages have shaped an interesting and colourful past which is still evidenced today not only at historical sites and cultural centres but also in everyday life, in the cuisine, language, music and traditions. Then of course, there’s the natural beauty of the island that you won’t forget. Much of St. Lucia is still undeveloped, and it is this natural tropical environment that is so alluring. Just around the corner are magical waterfalls, bright flowers, birds, plantations, beautiful botanical gardens, beaches Paradise Saint Lucia 14 and of course, breathtaking scenery. With tourism being St. Lucia’s main economy, adventure activities have also become extremely popular, including horseback riding, kayaking, zip lining, ATV tours, sailing, snorkeling and diving, all of which allow you to explore in exciting ways to suit you. Whilst the vast majority of hotels are located in the north of the island, the scenic, cultural and adventure attractions are located all over, so however you choose to explore - join a tour, get on a boat, hire a car etc… just go and see St. Lucia and take home the most special treasures of all… your tales to tell and long lasting memories! There is so much more to St. Lucia than first meets the eye, but decide for yourself, and take a look as you travel around the island. Map of Mount du Cap Cap Maison The Body Holiday St. Lucia Golf & Country Club Saint Lucia Pigeon Point Snuba Gros Islet Rodney Bay North to Martinique & Antigua Cas-en-bas Cotton Bay See Street Plan Windjammer Landing St. Lucia Helicopters George Charles Airport Pointe Seraphine Harry Edwards Jewelers La Place Carenage La Toc Battery Captain Mike's Hackshaw's Boat Charters Castries Grande Anse Rainforest Sky Rides Rainforest Hideaway Marigot Bay Banana Plantations Château Mygo Anse La Raye La Sikwi Sugar Mill Anse La Raye Waterfall Ti Kaye Village Fond d'or Bay Barre de l’Isle Dennery Canaries Tree Top Adventures Praslin Mon Repos Mamiku Gardens & Latille Falls Soufrière Cool Breeze Rentals Malgretout Petit Piton Rain Forest Mount Gimie Zenon River Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens Morne Coubaril Sulphur Springs Descartier Rain Forest Trail Micoud Jalousie Plantation Gros Piton Praslin Island Ladera Resort & Dasheene Restaurant Anse L’Ivrogne Choiseul Savannes Bay Hewanorra Airport Laborie Vieux Fort Coconut Bay Resort & Spa Maria Islands Nature Reserve South to St. Vencint & the Grenadines Paradise Saint Lucia 15 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Cap Estate Located at the northern tip of the island, the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea with the prevailing northeasterly breeze feeling fresh on the skin. On the Atlantic (east) side, the land is open and wild and so are the beaches. It is very easy to find yourself feeling like you’re “in the middle of nowhere”! The Caribbean coast (west) contrasts with the Atlantic as it is generally always more protected. Cap Estate is an affluent neighbourhood that is sparsely scattered with opulent villas, luxury hotels and restaurants. The absolutely stunning 360-degree views make it easy to Paradise Paradise Saint Saint Lucia Lucia 16 16 understand why people choose to buy here. There is a large ex-pat population as well as many second homeowners. Indeed, Cap Estate is still ‘hot property’ for investors and there are development plans for further resorts and villas in the future. From the hilltops you can see down into Rodney Bay and as far as the tips of the Pitons in the south. Looking north, the outline of Martinique is easily visible on a clear day, and it’s especially pretty at night gazing towards the twinkling lights in the distance, and even more beautiful over a romantic dinner! Attractions: • St. Lucia has some excellent fine dining choices, one of which is the Cliff at Cap Restaurant, which offers delicious cuisine in a romantic open-air setting. As the name suggests, it is located right on the cliff top so you can dine exquisitely, whilst listening to the sound of waves crashing on the rocks below. • Atlantic beaches: Cas-en-Bas is an easy escape for a peaceful walk along the beach and if you’re lucky, you’ll see some kitesurfing action and horse riding along the beach. Five Dollar beach is trickier to get to (see page 68) but worth it for the adventure. Explore in a 4WD and you might come across Secret Beach, Donkey Beach and others that really take you off the beaten track. • If you fancy a round of golf, the fairways of the St. Lucia Golf Resort & Country Club have some spectacular views on their 18hole course. The Cliff at Cap offers contemporary French-Caribbean cooking with creative flair from Executive Chef Craig Jones. A cliff side location with fantastic views out to sea, an ideal location to get away and have a private lunch or dinner. Also enjoy The Cliff Bar - specialising in 28 island rums and Tapas evenings and The Wine Cellar - a private room for exclusive dining and tasting experiences. • Horse riding: Both Trims Riding Academy and the International Pony Club offer tours through the countryside and along the beach, with the option to ride your horse into the sea, “swimming” on horseback! • Pamper yourself with a spa session at one of the resorts: Try Spa Maison (Cap Maison), Heaven (Cotton Bay Village), or the Wellness Centre (Le Sport - Body Holiday). • For cricket fans, Cap Estate is home to the Beausejour Cricket ground, which regularly hosts many international matches. West Indians certainly know how to cheer on their team as cricket comes alive in St. Lucia! • On for a spot of tennis? Try the newly built National Tennis Centre opposite the cricket stadium. It is fully equipped with some professional level courts and racquets are available to hire. For more information or reservations: The Cliff Cap Restaurant (758) 457 8681 Email: [email protected] www.capmaison.com Paradise Saint Lucia 17 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Pigeon Island If you’re confused about the name, don’t be. Pigeon Island was in fact, once an island until the 1970s. Then the lagoon in Rodney Bay was dredged to establish the marina and the material was deposited between the mainland and the island to create a causeway and connect the two landmasses. Today, two of St. Lucia’s luxury hotel resorts, Sandals Grande and The Landings are located on the site and the causeway has also provided a gorgeous long stretch of white sand all the way from Pigeon Island to Gros Islet village. Pigeon Island is an island landmark and now a St. Lucia National Park. Strolling up to Fort Rodney is a must, not only for the exercise, but it is interesting to learn about the British battles with the French over ownership of St. Lucia. There are several cannons still remaining up there as well as fort ruins. Hike it up to the highest peak, known as Signal Hill, and the 360-degree birds-eye view will make you feel like you’re on top of the world. After this, you’ll likely be in need of a refreshing dip at one of the beaches below. Bring a mask and snorkel and absorb yourself in the underwater world, heading along the rocks where you’ll see plenty of colourful fish. All of this is thirsty work, so an icy cold drink or bite of lunch will be well deserved. The rustic restaurant, Jambe de Bois is a lovely, authentic Paradise Saint Lucia 18 little place right on the water’s edge overlooking the whole of Rodney Bay – an ideal spot to just sit and take in the charming surroundings. Pigeon Island is also well known for hosting the main stage for the annual Jazz Festival in May. St. Lucia Jazz is a heavily anticipated international event on the island’s calendar, so if you’re here during that time, be sure to get a sought after ticket and join the crowd. For the rest of the year, Pigeon Island is a very peaceful place to relax and learn about some of St. Lucia’s history whilst wandering through the military ruins and the museum there. Or you can just enjoy a swim at one of the little beaches. The national park is close enough to the hotels in Rodney Bay, but far enough away to still feel like you’ve done some exploring. As a popular wedding location, you may see one going on at the weekend! There is a small entry fee to the National Park but it’s well worth spending at least half a day here. Attractions: • • • • Fort Rodney and other military ruins Jambe de Bois St. Lucia Jazz Festival (May) Beaches Paradise Saint Lucia 19 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Gros Islet Gros Islet is the most northerly of the many fishing villages in St. Lucia and it is located between Pigeon Island and Rodney Bay. In the daytime, you can go past the small wooden and often makeshift, colourful Caribbean homes. The first priests to arrive on the island settled in Gros Islet in 1749, so the community has a long history of being a Roman Catholic parish. The large Catholic Church has a large congregation and is interesting for its Caribbean style interior. Today, Gros Islet is a flourishing fishing village, and every Friday evening, the quiet town turns into a huge street party for anyone and everyone to join in. This weekly fish fry is known as ‘Jump-Up’ and there are BBQs and drink stalls set up in the main street where you can get a cheap meal of steamed fish, BBQ chicken, pork or lambi (conch) with all the trimmings. Be daring and sample the homemade Spiced Rum from the ominous looking bottles filled with herbs, spices, leaves and sticks! We warn you though, it’s flavoursome but potent - a nip with ice is enough to tickle the taste buds and feel the kick! Jump-Up is one of the few occasions where locals and tourists mix properly. The local atmosphere is great fun and the expeParadise Saint Lucia 20 rience is as authentic as it gets. This truly is an excellent way to see the St. Lucian lifestyle and modern culture. The loud music, partying and dancing goes on into the early hours. You’ll need to get there early for a table but the evening always brings great entertainment. A few words of advice for heading there in the evening: It is important to stay in the main areas, and recommended not to stay too late. Just take the cash you’re willing to spend and leave your valuables behind. EC dollars are better to have with you than US currency and when you are dropped off, it’s also a good idea to arrange with your taxi driver to meet at a designated place and time for the return journey. Rodney Bay Marina The marina village has proven to be a favourite hangout both day and night, with a mixture of popular bars, cafes and restaurants all on the water’s edge. Indeed the vibrant and friendly atmosphere makes it a fun place to be for a latte or smoothie in the morning, a lunchtime salad or sandwich, right through to having a few sundowners on a Friday night (or any night for that matter). Dining by the water gazing at the marina lights is pretty hard to beat, and throughout the year the various bars host regular live entertainment so keep an eye out for what’s happening. There is also a bank, florist, gift shop, liquor store, swimming pool, beauty spa, taxi stand and a supermarket as well as having all the boating amenities such as a sail makers, chandlery and large boatyard. By road, the marina entrance is located on the main highway behind the lagoon, just a short taxi ride from most hotels in the north. If driving yourself, there is a large car park and 24-hour security on site. The marina is owned by Island Global Yachting (IGY), an American company with several marinas throughout the Caribbean, and caters for all types of vessel, from small open boats to the mega yachts of the rich and famous. It is a safe and secure environment for boat owners either cruising the Caribbean, or staying here permanently. Every December, Rodney Bay is the finish line for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), when around 250 yachts arrive from racing or cruising-in-company across the ocean from Las Palmas. It is the busiest time of year and the vibe is constantly buzzing as the yachts arrive into Rodney Bay Marina for several days or even weeks to celebrate their achievement. Paradise Saint Lucia 21 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Rodney Bay The hub of tourist activity on the island runs all they way along Reduit Drive, starting off with two large shopping malls on either side of the road, going past a strip of restaurants, bars and hotels all leading up to the gorgeous Reduit Beach. Reduit Beach is the most popular in St. Lucia with its long stretch of golden sand fronted by hotel resorts, beach lounges, water sports and vendors. Spinnakers on the beach is a fantastic spot for lunch or dinner and has a daily happy hour from 5pm–6pm bringing you 2 for 1 cocktails – the ideal tropical sundowner! Indeed Rodney Bay will spoil you for choice with its array of cafes, bars and restaurants catering to all tastes including Caribbean, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, French, Thai, Italian, Mexican or American. For nightlife, there are plenty of fun bars with several of the restaurants turning into hotspots after dinner such as Delirius, Fire Grill and Tequila Joe. A fun night out would also be to try St. Lucia’s only casino, Treasure Bay, located inside the Baywalk Shopping Mall. In terms of shopping, if you’re self-catered, there are three supermarkets in Rodney Bay - one in each of the malls and another on the main road towards the marina. The two large malls are duty free shopping centres featuring international brand name stores for clothing and jewellery and gifts. You’ll also easily be able to find all the amenities you need such as a pharmacy, post office or bank. Paradise Saint Lucia 22 Gros Islet Rodney Bay Pigeon Island Golf Club Le Sport International Pony Club & Beausejour Cricket Ground Capt. Mike’s Pub & Grill Bay Gardens Beach Resort RODNEY BAY MARINA St. Lucia Yacht Club Red u it B eac h Spinnakers Police Royal by Rex Resorts & Chic Buzz Seafood Bread Basket Boardwalk Bar & Cafe Ole Starfish Elena’s Italian Corner Memories of Hong Hong Fire Grill Razmataz Tequila Joe’s Endless Summer Cruises Rex Resorts The Edge /Sushi Bar The Lime Charthouse Red Snapper, Pizza Pizza & Elena’s Ice Cream Rituals La Terrasse Delirius Ti Banane Dominos Pizza Coco Palm Big Chef Steakhouse Ku De Ta Spice of India Supermarket Taxi Stand Feature attractions Baywalk Mall Key Largo Pizza & Sportivo Gym Aquatic Centre (Public Pool) Castries-Gros Islet Highway Red S napper, P izza! Pizza! & E lena's Ice Cream Paradise ParadiseSaint SaintLucia Lucia23 23 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Castries Castries is the nation’s capital and is both the commercial and governmental centre for the island. It is the largest town in St. Lucia and always a hive of activity with over a third of the population living here. In 1948 a huge fire destroyed much of the town but Castries still has several landmarks for visitors to enjoy, in particular the very large and elaborately decorated Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with it’s brightly coloured frescos. As you stroll through the town centre, you will also come across the Derek Walcott Square, which is proudly dedicated to one of St. Lucia’s Nobel Laureates, the Hon. Derek Walcott who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992. Visitors to Castries can also enjoy the huge market that sells arts and crafts, fruit and vegetables, spices and much more. The best time to go to the market is on a Saturday morning as this is when it’s always bustling with activity. With boutique shops throughout the town as well, you can easily find your souvenirs in Castries. The harbour is also a port of call for hundreds of cruise ships every year, and is capable of docking up to four ships at a time. To cater for this, there are two duty Paradise Saint Lucia 24 Castries Cathedral Castries Market free shopping malls on either side next to the docks. Pointe Seraphine is the largest on the northern side, and La Place Carenage is located on the southern dock. The new Our Planet Centre is a fantastic educational attraction at La Place Carenage, ideal for families on a rainy day. Some of the interesting special effects include holograms, a ‘mirrorsphere’ and a NASA installed sphere which shows you a view of the earth from space and illustrates some amazing facts such as all flight paths travelling around the world at any given time. It is a very interactive way to learn about climate change and the environment we live in. Atractions: Carnival Cruises Castries Market Castries Cathedral Our Planet Centre Eudovic Art Studio Caribelle Batik Helicopter Tours Folk Research Centre Lushan Country Life Morne Fortune La Toc Battery Castries Point Seraphine (1 km) Gros Islet (10km) La Place Carenage Duty Free Shops Vendor’s Arcade Police Bank Market Fire Station Jeremie Street Tourist Information Micoud Street see R Cathedral Brazil Street to Soufriére (37 km) to Vieux Fort (44 km) oad High Street Coral Street St Louis Street Cha us Derek Walcott Square Laborie Street Blue Coral Bank Library Bank Peynier Street Victoria Street Bank Wlm Ptr Blvd Bourbon St. Monigiraud Street Bank Bridge Street Post Office Chisel Street Cruise Ship Anchorage Manoel Street • • • • • • • • • • • Mary Ann Street Grass Stre et Taxi Stands Feature attractions Paradise Saint Lucia 25 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Marigot Bay South of Castries, on the west coast, is the delightful gem of Marigot Bay, nestled in a natural hurricane hole. It is often quoted as “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean” - so do come and decide for yourself! In 1967, it caught the attention of the Doctor Dolittle filmmakers and has also been featured in a couple of other movies, so if you think it looks familiar, this might be why! There are two ways you might enter Marigot Bay – by sea or by road. If you’re cruising in on the water, you’ll get quite close before realising there’s a harbour entrance, and as you creep in, the bay slowly opens up as you pass the moorings on either side. The beach ahead is covered in tall palm trees and as it comes in to view, it’s definitely a photographic moment! Venturing round the spit of sand, the water becomes an emerald green from the mangroves. It’s easy to see why Marigot Bay is a popular yachting destination for those wanting to “get away from it all”. Alternatively, if you’re driving to Marigot Bay, stopping to take in the wonderful aerial view from the top of the hill is a must. It will take your breath away with the gorgeous colours, especially during summer when bright pink flowers are in bloom on the hillside… Again, another photographic moment! Paradise Saint Lucia 26 Marigot Bay hosts a small marina with plenty of moorings, a waterfront hotel, a spa, café and several boutique gift stores selling clothing, pottery and souvenirs. Enjoy a coffee or an ice cream at the cafe before taking the short ferry ride across the harbour to the beach and relax with a good book. You can rent a kayak or Hobie cat from the beach if you want to explore the bay further. There are three restaurants to choose from in Marigot Bay. For lunch, you can either try Chateau Mygo on the marina side, or Dolittles on the beach side. In the evening, treat yourself to an exquisite meal at Rainforest Hideaway, one of the most romantic restaurants on the island. Anse La Raye Situated on the west coast, just south of Marigot Bay, is the quaint fishing community of Anse La Raye. As you drive along the main road of the town, the houses are the typical colourful wooden huts of the Caribbean you might imagine, and there’s always something going on – people going about their day to day lives, selling fruit and vegetables from road side stalls, catching up on gossip or sitting outside their house watching the day go by. This all adds such wonderful character to the place. For visitors, the best way to experience Anse La Raye is to go to a weekly Seafood Friday. Tables and a dozen food vendors are set up on the seafront cooking on their BBQs. You can have a sumptuous feast of freshly caught seafood such as grilled mahi mahi, snapper, shrimps, lobster (seasonal) or stuffed crab backs. This comes with all the local trimmings such as accras, bakes, dasheene, plantain, macaroni and rice. St. Lucian music is playing, people are dancing and it’s a fun, festive evening. The local police provide security so it is a relatively safe place to join in on the festivities. Nearby attractions to Anse La Raye are La Sikwi Sugar Mill, Anse La Raye Falls and River Rock Falls. Canaries Continuing along the winding road of the west coast, on towards Canaries is some beautiful scenery so take your time and enjoy it. Half way between Anse La Raye and Canaries is Anse Cochon, an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. Most people access it from the water as it is a regular swimming stop for boat tours, but if you’re driving, then a steep road access is provided down to the beach via Ti Kaye Resort – you’ll see the sign on the main road. If you’re feeling peckish on the way to Canaries, stop at the little bakery - Plas Kassav in Anse La Verdure, where they make and sell cassava bread with a variety of different flavours from coconut (which is the original), to chocolate, banana, cinnamon, saltfish and smoked herring. Canaries itself is another pretty little fishing town, similar to Anse La Raye but smaller. It is interesting to drive through, but there’s little in the way of tourism on offer. The town has a steep road both into and out of it, with great views from the north and south. There is a viewing point half way up the hill on the southern side which provides a great photo opportunity. Paradise Saint Lucia 27 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Soufriere Soufriere is most famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pitons, and seeing them is an absolute must for all visitors to St. Lucia. The awe-inspiring scene of these twin peaks, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, is the most impressive landmark on the whole island. The volcanic mountains rise sharply out of the sea together with a majestic presence that you can’t take your eyes off. If you’re feeling adventurous and are fairly fit, then it is also possible to climb them. Soufriere, the capital of the south, was St. Lucia’s first town, established by the French in 1746. There is a central square and large church. The French presence is still very evident today especially in the Creole language spoken by most locals and the distinguishing colonial architecture. Today it is a hub of agriculture and tourism. Literally translated, “sulphur in the air,” Soufriere is at the heart of the tourist attractions in the south, the Sulphur Springs being one of them. True to its name, the pungent smell emanates from the drive-in Paradise Saint Lucia 28 volcano which bubbles and lets off steams all day long. It leads immediately down to the mud baths where you can slather yourself in mud before rinsing off in the hot dark pool. Immediately behind the main town of Soufriere is the Diamond Falls and Botanical Gardens. This should be high on the “todo” list for anyone interested in St. Lucia’s flora. It is a wonderful oasis of flowers, fruit trees and foliage, all labeled along a path leading to the spectacular sight of Diamond Falls. Although you can’t swim under these falls, the amazing colours of the mineral stained rock face make an excellent photograph. There are several other unique baths and waterfalls which you can swim in – see page 70. The region is also home to several plantation estates. Fond Doux is a cocoa plantation visited by Prince Charles and Camilla Diamond Falls during their stay in 2008. You can take a tour to see how cocoa is processed, seeing the pods grow on the trees, the beans laid out on drying trays in the sun, a cocoa dancing demonstration, and even taste the chocolate. Rabot Estate is home to Hotel Chocolat, where a luxurious, high cocoa content dark chocolate is made and exported. Chocolate is incorporated into every dish at their restaurant so is a haven for chocoholics! Also on the Rabot Estate is Ladera Resort, a stunning location for a delicious meal or refreshing cocktail whilst gazing out between the Pitons. Morne Coubaril Estate is a popular tour stop offering a variety of things to see and do from cassava bread making, cocoa tasting and dancing demonstrations to the mule-driven sugar cane mill, and even zip lining and tree climbing. Also in the vicinity of Soufriere are some gorgeous beaches with stunning snorkel and dive sites such as at Anse Chastanet or Jalousie. The water is lovely and clear and the fish are bright and plentiful. Swimming or snorkeling in the south is so refreshing, especially after all the hard work of sightseeing you’re doing! However you want to enjoy the island, a trip to Soufriere has so much to offer and will allow you see the true heart of St. Lucia. Anse Chastanet Mago Estate r Desmond Avenue ive it Sm eR riér et e Str Stre et lieu Stre De ne et t e Stre La Toraille Waterfall e Stre ia tor ard lev Vic t e Stre ge Brid t t. nS aso et Stre eM uric Ma Police rch Chu Da Sir n Etie Bou t. er S and lex yA rnle hs f Sou Be nry He t ree r St lma Bank Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens wis e ur L h Art Sir Bank St rk e Cla k c i r d Fre Bank rch Chu Bank t e Stre Soufrière rive at Gablewoods South 454-7264 Baron D RBTT t tree hS Hig Dasheen Restaurant Ladera Resort Fond Doux Estate STONEFIELD Estate Independence Paradise Square 459-7037 Saint Lucia 29 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Choiseul & Laborie Relatively unexplored by tourists, these two villages are much less developed than the northern towns of the island where infrastructure is gathering pace. This is what makes the south so interesting and charming – it is the ‘authentic’ St. Lucia and the region holds a significant amount of island history. It’s not hard to imagine what it would have been like living there 250 years ago. Choiseul and Laborie are very picturesque and the Creole heritage is still apparent in the local culture with the Kweyol language widely spoken. The Choiseul community was established in about 1765 when cocoa, coffee and sugar plantations were the main industries. Today, it is also known for local arts and crafts such as grass place mats, bamboo, woodcarvings, chairs, coal pots and woven baskets. The Choiseul Arts and Crafts shop located on the main road sells hand-made items for souvenirs, which helps the local economy. Laborie is named after the French governor of St. Lucia in the 1780s and the first settlers of this quaint village were French colonists. Traditionally, a fishing village, Laborie Beach Paradise Saint Lucia 30 30 River Doree Church reefs protect the pretty beach and the bay is a calm anchorage for visiting yachtsmen looking for a peaceful spot. Grace Church at River Doree, between the two villages, is the oldest Anglican church in St. Lucia. The Alexander family from Scotland built it in 1846 at the time when there was a thriving trade and the English estate owners wanted a place to worship. It is probably the prettiest littlest church in St. Lucia, so stop to have a look when passing. Another stopping place in the area is Balenbouche Estate - a charming, rustic, family-run heritage site on 75 acres. It hosts an 18th century sugar mill, plantation house and guest cottages set amongst the natural and historical surroundings. There is also a walking trail down to the beach, which is fun to seek out. My name is Horatio. horatio TM I’m Here to paint the world yellow. Join me. The people that make better journeys Head Office - 57 John Compton Highway, Sans Soucis, Castries Tel : 452-0680/452-0679 Fax: 452-8980 Hewanorra International Airport, Vieux Fort: 454-9636 After Hours: 451-7351 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hertz.com Paradise Saint Lucia 31 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Vieux Fort & the Maria Islands During World War II, the low-lying land at the foot of the island presented the ideal location for the American military airfield. Since then, it has been renovated into what is now Hewanorra International Airport, bringing in thousands of tourists each year, making St. Lucia more accessible to the world. Vieux Fort itself, although has a long history, is now a commercial centre and the second largest port in St. Lucia. There is not much in the way of tourism in the town centre, but the surrounding scenic attractions are certainly worth a visit. Moule à Chique Lighthouse is set on St. Lucia’s most southerly point and has one of the finest panoramic views of the island. A funny anecdote is that the lighthouse was actually intended for Saint Lucia Cape in South Africa, but was brought to the island by mistake and ended up staying! It is a small lighthouse, set up high, so the visit is all about the 360° view. To the north, you can see far up both the east and west coastlines of St. Lucia. To the south, the scene extends across the deep blue Caribbean Sea Moule a chique Light House to the volcanic outline of St. Vincent. Paradise Paradise Saint Saint Lucia Lucia 32 32 ge t tree ar S r Hen lm y Be Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens is ew ur L h Art to say goodbye to the island and lovely way Sir put your toes in the sand again before flying back to reality. Across the bay, and declared a nature reserve in 1982, the Maria Islands are unique for their wildlife habitatBank not found et Stre gh Hion mainland St. Lucia. The site is home to five endemic reptiles including the Bank world’s rarest snake called the Kouwés or Saint Lucia Racer. There are over eighty plant species and it is also a nesting site for Dasheen Restaurant migratory birds. Coral reefs surround the Ladera Resort islands so theFond snorkeling Doux Estate is also wonderful. As a fascinating excursion for all nature lovers, you can spend the day here by enquiring atIndependence your hotelSTONEFIELD Eor s t aby t e contact the Square St. Lucia National Trust459-7037 directly, which manages the area. St. Down at the bottom, Anse des Sables Bank has to be one of the most stunning beaches St rk e in the whole of St. Lucia. You can go Cla khorsec i r d Fre feel the back riding along the beach and wind in your hair, and the constant steady breeze also makes it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. There is an RBTT annual Kitesurfing Fiesta held in March, atat Gablewoods South tracting enthusiasts as well as spectators. 454-7264 Anse des Sables, also known as “Sandy Beach” has not yet been affected by development, so the impressive long stretch of white sand and turquoise water shows off the wild and natural beauty with a lovely view out to the Maria Islands. If nothing else, you can at least make this a stopping point before departing St. Lucia – one minute from the international airport, it is a Luther eet King Str Brid e St Martin ree t t e Stre rive rch Chu Baron D Soufrière Cla rk n aso et Stre Bank t ree et Stre et Stre rch B r id eM uric Ma Police Waterfall ge S tree e Hosp h Str eet Chur c e St Clar k dore ad Jess e Str eet Police Post Office Theo ad k Ro l Str eet l Ro D oc ercia ree t ry A ven u Hen Stree t dere Belve pita New Com m Hos ital S treet Gira udy Stree t Grav ey St re reet et s St as A venu Lew i Tho m Labo Cem eter y St reet Chris toph e Ro w Der ek W alco tt St reet e rie S tree t t Stre e t Vieux Fort Paradise Saint Lucia 33 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Dennery & the East Coast If you landed in Hewanorra Airport and are staying in the north, it’s most likely that you drove up the east coast of St. Lucia and took in the magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Possibly your first stopping point may have been the little bar on the top of the hill to the south of Dennery, overlooking the village and island below. This is a perfect introduction to St. Lucia and a great place to sample your first icy cold Piton beer taking in the breeze and the view. If you didn’t stop here, make sure you do on the way back to the airport or when touring the island. Heading north after Dennery, the road then turns inland, winding and traversing the island up and over the mountainous Barre de L’Isle ridge. You will encounter much of rural St. Lucia including several local villages and rivers, banana plantations and tropical rainforests. Just north of Dennery is the interesting Heritage Tourism Site of Fond d’Or. A guide will show you around the old sugar plantation, and walk among the ruins telling you about local fruits, herbs and their traditional medicinal properties. The natural setting leaves you imagining what life was Paradise Saint Lucia 34 like when the sugar mill was working. There are also spectacular views of the coast but the strong rips and currents make it unadvisable to swim. From above, see if you can make out the profile of an old man and a lion in the rocks! Dennery Dennery is a relaxed fishing village with a large church and a specially built harbour to protect the fishing boats from the Atlantic swell. Their weekly fish fry known as the Seafood Fiesta is held every Saturday night and you can get a variety of fresh and inexpensive seafood, meats and vegetables all cooked up on street BBQs. It seems the whole community comes out to meet up with friends and have fun in a relaxed environment. There are about a dozen stalls set up selling food and drinks and the loud music sets the scene for partying into the early hours. It is recommended to take a taxi and make arrangements for a pick up time before the night gets away from you! Again, as with all island fish-frys, stay in the main areas, leave valuables behind and don’t stay too late. Dennery is also home to the Treetop Adventure Park where you can go ziplining, cycling and hiking. Take the road next to the river off the main road and you’ll find it after a few minutes. Continue driving a little way further and you’ll find Dennery Waterfall - just a short hike from where you park. Further South This region of the island has quite a few attractions that show off St. Lucia’s natural environment. For a beautiful and rustic display of both nature and Caribbean history, try the Mamiku Botanical Gardens. Here you will find some 18th century ruins set amid tropical woodland trails and gardens. There are hundreds of different types of flora for you to enjoy in your own time so it’s a plant lover’s delight. However, if it’s adventure you’re looking for, then try ATV Paradise – signed on the main road, take the sharp right hand driveway (if heading south, it’s before you reach Micoud). Bookings must be made in advance, and here, you can ride quad bikes through the rainforest and plantation of the Fond Estate, stopping to taste local fruits on the way – it is certainly a fun way to explore. If you’d prefer to walk, then there are several different options for guided hikes, including the Parrot Trail, where you can enjoy walking to natural waterfalls for a refreshing dip whilst keeping your eyes peeled for the brightly coloured St. Lucian Parrots that live in the Fond Estate. If you’re in search of secluded but safe waterfalls, then head to Latille Falls. Look out for the signpost on the main road near Micoud, and it’s not too far. The area is maintained so there is a small entrance fee. It is just a short walk, and when you get down to the water there is a large natural pool at the base of the falls making it a relaxing place to spend a bit of time and have a refreshing shower under the cool water. Fond d'Or Mill Praslin Paradise Saint Lucia 35 “Views of a lifetime, forever” Paradise Saint Lucia 36 e g th in f in O a 5 eM ly r n s O Ot l 16 For an exclusive viewing or more information call Mount du Cap in St Lucia on: +1 758 452 7646 or in the UK on: +44(0)7971 798039 www.mountducap.com Paradise Saint Lucia 37 Paradise Saint Lucia 38 Paradise Saint Lucia 38 Property Investment Your Slice of the Good Life With ever increasing access to St. Lucia from Europe and the United States, the island has become a popular choice for second homebuyers. St. Lucia is one of those tropical escapes that visitors fall in love with and can’t help but keep going back to. It is therefore an excellent location for real estate investment, especially for those seeking rental yields because you get the best of both worlds – a luxurious haven to indulge in to when you want, and the rental return when you can’t be there. Purchasing a home in the Caribbean should be fun and exciting… just think, in a matter of months, you could have your very own tropical paradise to escape to when the weather gets you down at home! Knowing the important details means you can get on with the adventure and actually start looking… The buying process is relatively straightforward for non-residents if you follow the correct procedures. Here are a few of the basic need-to-know facts and advice: • Firstly, and obviously, choose a reputable estate agent who is both accustomed to dealing with international property and familiar with the one you want to buy. • Once you have discovered your future home, congratulations! Now you need to obtain an “Alien’s Land Holding” license. Note that this is specific to the property and is non-transferable. There is an application fee as well as the cost of the license which depends on the size of the property. The application process usually takes 6 – 8 weeks. • You must employ a local solicitor to register the Alien’s Land Holding licence and take care of the legal obligations. • For general guidance, the closing costs including legal fees, 2% stamp duty and the application and licence fees are around 5.5% of the purchase price of the property. • The deposit for the property is usually 10% of the value. With many up and coming opportunities for real estate investors, here are just a few properties you may wish to consider: Cotton Bay Resort The Landings: Mount du Cap: Jalousie Plantation: Windjammer Landing: www.cottonbayresorts.com www.thelandingsstlucia.com www.mountducap.com www.sugarbeachvillas.com www.windjammer-landing.com Phone: +1 758 450 8199 Phone +1 758 452 0422 Phone: +1 758 452 7676 Phone: +1 758 456 8091 Phone: +1 758 456 9000 Happy House Hunting! Paradise Saint Lucia 39 t h e best i n v est m en t is a vac at ion e x per i ence t h at h a ppens e v ery y e a r . For the finest vacation opportunities in St. Lucia, call 758-456-9000, ext. 574. Or, if you’re in the U.S., call toll-free 1-800-958-7376. windjammer-landing.com Paradise Saint Lucia 40 a l l you n e e d is som e t h i ng ol d, n e w a n d bor row e d. w e ’ l l su r rou n d you w i t h som e t h i ng blu e . You bring the love. We’ll take care of the rest, including wedding packages and settings that take your breath away. Call 1-877-308-9001 or 758-456-9000. windjammer-landing.com Paradise Saint Lucia 41 Weddings in Paradise Coconut Bay Beach Resort Windjammer Landing Ladera Resort Paradise Saint Lucia 42 The astounding beauty of St. Lucia makes this island a popular wedding and honeymoon destination. It’s really not hard to see why – there is an endless choice of intimate locations, and whatever your idea of the perfect spot might be - a romantic beach, a cascading waterfall, a botanical garden immersed in the lush green rainforest, a luxury yacht or even in the mountains, St. Lucia has a variety of fairytale settings to get you excited about a getaway wedding. It is of course, a huge decision to undertake, whether to stay at home or ‘elope’ to get married. It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons and think about what’s important to you as a couple such as the number of guests you want to be at your wedding and if they would be able to make the trip. If the idea of organising lots of people, the flowers, catering, drinks, decorations, the cake, seating plans and music, let alone finding the right venue is all a bit too daunting, then opting for a Caribbean wedding might just be the answer. There are many benefits to getting married in St. Lucia. Even with a wedding planner catering for your every need, it can be a much cheaper option than doing it alone at home. We do advise using a wedding coordinator, as they will have area knowledge, some great location suggestions and the ex- perience to take care of all the logistical components ensuring that nothing gets missed - such as the marriage licence, the registrar and the marriage certificate. Wedding planners take the stress out of a destination wedding and will also concentrate on the intricate details that make your day so special. Simplicity is often the key for a beautiful, relaxed St. Lucian wedding. A flower arch or a gazebo might be all you need when you already have a naturally stunning backdrop - no timely decorations required! You’ll end up with gorgeous photographs and being the envy of everyone you show them to. As an extra bonus, there’s no need to pay for additional flights and honeymoon costs because you’re already here! There is so much for couples to see and do in St. Lucia, whether you want romantic dinners at sunset, pampering at the spa, adventure and adrenaline, to explore and make new discoveries, or just to relax with a few cocktails on the beach. Your hotel may be able to do most of the arrangements for you but if you're not Don't forget: • Passport • Birth Certificate • To arrive at least 2 days prior to ceremony • Deed Poll (if you have changed your name) • Decree Absolute (if either party is divorced) • Death Certificate (if either party is widowed) • Sworn affidavit for parental consent (if either party is under 18) Documents must be original or certified and in English. sure of the exact spot you want to get married then contact a good wedding planner and start liaising with them from home. To plan your special day, we can recommend Awesome Caribbean Weddings - see www.awesomecaribbeanweddings.com, and Danielle Devaux to capture beautiful photographs - see www.danidevaux.com. So if you know someone considering saying their vows in a tropical paradise, suggest St. Lucia and you never know, you could be coming back here soon for a magical wedding! Paradise Saint Paradise SaintLucia Lucia43 43 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Maranatha Botanical Garden A Beacon of Peace and Serenity Within our island paradise is a plethora of natural, cultural, culinary, physical, colourful and personal phenomenon that when added together is simply described as, "The Helen of the West." A true "Helen of the West" vacation will wrap you up in sights, sounds, tastes and feelings that are hard to describe, yet so much harder to forget. One such memorable experience is that of a walk through the Maranatha Botanical Gardens, a private gem and sanctuary for prayer. The brainchild of owners Hilary and Laura Charlemagne, Maranatha represents the serene side of life. Nestled quietly off the Colombette main road below the popular Beacon restaurant in Soufriere which the Charlemagnes also own, this sanctuary will calm the senses of the most active soul. Serenity Vacations and Tours spoke to Hilary Charlemagne who describes the concept as a peaceful sanctuary and spiritual retreat, a place for one to connect with nature, themselves and God, an escape for Paradise Paradise Saint Saint Lucia Lucia 44 44 promoting a place for inner reflection. One visitor reflected that they "feel the sounds of bird melody while hearing your heart go into relaxation." The creation of Maranatha Botanical Gardens has been six years of hard labour, yet one of love and devotion. "It is where we come to pray and find absolute peace," says Hilary. "This sanctuary has allowed me to be at peace when making hard decisions and I want to share it with St. Lucia and the world," he continued. For a truly magical experience, you can have the Maranatha Botanical Gardens as part of your Serenity Couples Island Special and you are guaranteed magic memories. With your private Beacon Creole lunch overlooking the Pitons, followed by a quiet dose of Maranatha, nothing is more rewarding. You can even secure it as your perfect wedding site. So call your Serenity Vacations Ambassadors, take this vacation experience... and never, ever give it back. Serenity Ad Paradise Saint Lucia 45 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Endless Fun Aboard the St. Lucia is a beautiful and intriguing island and one of the best ways to enjoy all that she has to offer is by joining a tour aboard the Endless Summer. The catamarans, operated by Endless Summer Cruises, are spacious and comfortable, just suited for a relaxing day on the water. The sail from the north of the island to the historical town of Soufriere passes many interesting sites. The two fishing villages of Anse La Raye and Canaries are tucked into quiet little bays of river valleys. The stone churches can easily be seen from the sea as a stoic symbol of the island’s early colonisation. The brightly painted boats placidly lolling upon the sands are evidence of St. Lucia’s diverse culture. In between the settlements are lovely coastal views; the island’s verdant foliage dotted with bright blossoms and impressive cliff faces. Then the first glimpse of the Pitons is truly awe-inspiring as these two peaks rise sharply and dramatically from the sea’s surface. Upon arriving in Soufriere, buses are ready to take you on a tour of the town and surrounding attractions. The waterfalls are beautiful and contain an amalgamation of minerals that is great for feeling younger Paradise ParadiseSaint Saint Lucia Lucia 46 46 and relieving the aches of arthritis. The path to the falls is lined with a variety of tropical flora, labeled for easy identification. The Sulphur Springs at the drive-in volcano site has mystic pools of dark, boiling waters, a vent for what lies beneath. The steam escaping from this caldera prevents the build up of pressure needed for more violent volcanic activity. Thus, St. Lucia has not had a major eruption for over forty thousand years. Nearby an old estate holds a lesson in history and the production of cocoa. After a brief tour, the luncheon buffet of local Creole cuisine beckons. During the return trip to the north, the music aboard plays lively reggae and spurs on the party atmosphere. A stop at Anse Cochon for swimming and snorkeling only adds more fun to the day! Afterwards, a quick look into the beautiful picture perfect Marigot Bay, the location of several films, leaves you with many enthralling images of this beautiful island. For more information: Call 1-758-450-8651 or email [email protected] Paradise Saint Lucia 47 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Jus’ Relax with Jus’ Sail Have you ever wanted to truly feel the wind in your hair, the salt on your skin and the adrenalin rush as your boat glides through the water and starts to heel? Sailing can bring excitement and pure joy, and the opportunity to do so on a classic yacht is not one that comes along often. “Good Expectation” is a traditional wooden Carriacou sloop, built in 1984 true to its origins by master shipwright, Zepharin McKlaren. Passionate about sailing, the husband and wife team of Jus’ Sail, Pepsi and James Crockett, have now lovingly restored her to preserve the legacy of these old fashioned but elegant sloops. Jus’ Sail provide intimate and private sailing charters for people wanting an authentic experience with the choice to get involved with the sailing, or to sit back, relax and soak it all in. They also offer half-day sailing lessons on the beautiful playground of the Caribbean Sea. An introductory lesson will cover putting basic sailing theories into practice aboard Good Expectation. Paradise Paradise Saint Saint Lucia Lucia 48 48 Learn to hoist and trim the sails as well as how to anchor and tie some useful knots. By the end of it you’ll be steering with the tiller, getting a real feel for the wind, knowing what to do with the gusts and how to see them coming… just like a seasoned sailor! Or if learning to sail sounds too much like hard work, and your perfect day would be to laze away on some comfy beanbags and enjoy the warm tropical breeze, then that’s no problem. The wooden deck with traditional rigging has a rustic beauty and the way she gracefully sails through the water will let you daydream away. Jus’ Sail can take you into a quiet bay where you can stop to enjoy a swim and a delicious lunch whilst listening to the lapping of the water gently against the hull. This is laid back Caribbean sailing at its very best and likely to be the most memorable day of your St. Lucian holiday. Information: Duration: 2 hrs, half day (4 hrs), full day (8 hrs) or 2 hr sunset sails No. of People: Min. 4 – max. 8 guests Departure location: Rodney Bay / Marigot Bay / Soufriere Private charters or lessons available “Truly the highlight of our trip to St. Lucia.” “Jus’ Perfect. This is a really rare opportunity to enjoy a boat as if it was your own - James and Pepsi (the owners) make you feel completely at home from the moment you step aboard. Excellent value for money considering how exclusive it is to be sailed around Caribbean waters in your own yacht, choosing where you swim and BBQ your lunch! A real gem of the island and worth seeking out.” “A real treat… just so thoughtful in every possible way, from the wonderful Caribbean food to the great experience of helping sail the boat. It was one of the most relaxing sailing trips we have ever enjoyed and we would do it again.” “We felt we had been taken back in history to another world.” “The whole sail was perfect - so welcoming for our party of seven where everyone had a place to relax. The owners, James and Pepsi and their shipmate, Herbert made us feel so relaxed and in such capable hands. Pepsi's amazing Caribbean BBQ lunch was easily the best meal we had while in the Caribbean. So go, relax and Jus Sail!” LAid bAck CAribbeAn SAiling Check us out~www.JusSail.com Drop us A line~sail @JusSail.com Give us A call~(758) 452 8422 or (758) 287 1071 Paradise Saint Lucia 49 Summer 2012 Issue 1 La représentation INTE LUCIE e SA24/7 dAssistance R U O NJ La location de voitures et autocars BO Shore excursion Un service spécialisé pour groupes, incentives, congrès et séminaire Mise en place de l’accueil et transferts de tout lieux jusqu’aux hôtels Organisateur des voyages etudes et séjour linguistique (anglais) Excursion guidée en français, espagnol, italien, allemand, anglais Excursion à thème, chasse au trésor, course contre la montre, animation variée… La réservation de l’hébergement en hôtel, guest house, villa avec piscine… Voyages du troisième âges/voyages culturels/voyages scolaires Organisation de mariage, lune de miel, noces… Organisation de cocktails, banquets, soirées de gala, dine around… Visitez La Soufrière (4 aux choix) Le Tour de L’ile Shopping Tour La visite du Nord Une Journée aux Iles Grenadines Une Journée à la Martinique Aventure: en quad Visitez Marigot Bay Pitons Travel Agency réceptif touristique français à Randonnée Equestre Pédestre (4 aux choix) Ste Lucie depuis plusRandonnée de 20 ans. Randonée VTT Organisateur de transport et de circuits touristiques Ballade en 4 x 4 CIE AINTE lesLU individuels et les groupes, de Spour OUR NJ O Pitons Travel & Tours vous accueillePlongée sur l’île demarine Ste B sous Lucie et met à votre disposition son expérience Pêche au groset Observation des Baleines et Dauphin son professionnalisme. Sortie en Catamaran Nous Contacter Pitons Travel & Tours LTD, Mongiraud Gros Islet Tel :758 450 1487 Cell:758 461 6837 Email: [email protected] Pitons Travel Agency réceptif touristique français à Ste Lucie depuis plus de 20 ans. Organisateur de transport et de circuits touristiques pour les individuels et les groupes, Pitons Travel & Tours vous accueille sur l’île de Ste Lucie et met à votre disposition son expérience et son professionnalisme. Nous Contacter Pitons Travel & Tours LTD, Mongiraud Gros Islet Tel :758 450 1487 Cell:758 461 6837 Email: [email protected] Paradise Paradise Saint Saint Lucia Lucia 50 50 Jardin Cocao Restaurnat & Bar Open Daily from 11am - 10pm P.O. Box 250 Soufriere, St. Lucia Tel: 1(758) 459-7545/48 Fax: 1(758) 459-7790 Web: www.fonddouxestate.com Email: [email protected] A colonial estate set against the backdrop of a St. Lucia World Heritage Site ys 7 Daeek t kfas aW Brea e m fro till lat R e s ta u R a n t & B a R Visit: www.tripadvisor.com using ‘ocean club st lucia’ and feel free to comment. www.theocstlucia.com ke to book now to reserve a table or call to learn about our events ci a Call: (758) 452 0351 ep en up t th erta with eo in o ce me ur th an nt reg eo cl & e ula ce ub ve r an st nts live cl lu ub ci st a lu Q u ay s i d e d i n i n g • W e d d i n g s • B r e a k fa s t ‘ t i l l ate • large sWimming Pool Paradise Saint Lucia 51 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Island Dining When can you treat yourself if not on holiday?! No more slaving away in the kitchen! You are no longer the chef, server and dishwasher for your family… Well, for at a week at least! The gloves are off, so enjoy it while you can! This little island is blessed with a huge variety of excellent cafés, bars and restaurants offering local and international culinary delights, from cheap eats to fine dining and everything inbetween. St. Lucia also has the luxury of warm tropical breezes, making for romantic dining settings, perfect for enjoying great company, fine wine and a special occasion… perhaps even a proposal? Dining in St. Lucia can be a wonderful experience. Many chefs are experts at designing inventive menus – often combining European dishes with a Caribbean flair to create exquisite flavours, unlike anything you would have tasted at home. Smaller St. Lucian establishments will cook up sumpParadise Saint Lucia 52 tuous, authentic, homemade Creole meals of pork, chicken or fish with vegetables that will fill any appetite. Experts in cuisine from across the globe have also seen the light in St. Lucia. Every taste is catered for - American, Chinese, French, Indian, Japanese and Mediterranean etc. But of course, a trip to St. Lucia is not complete without tasting Caribbean food at its very best, and there is plenty of opportunity to do that. So make sure you explore St. Lucia and not only feast your eyes, but your stomach too. Whatever you fancy, with so much choice, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. To help, we have put together a small selection of fabulous restaurants, so see which grabs your attention. As always, we suggest making a reservation to avoid disappointment. Bon appetite! The Cliff at Cap restaurant at Cap Maison is one of the most beautiful and romantic fine dining venues on the island. If you want to impress, then this is the place to go. In a dramatic cliff top setting above the Caribbean Sea, you can sit at a candle lit table and listen to the crash of the waves on the rocks below whilst gazing out to the glow of Martinique. The restaurant is under the direction of Executive Chef Craig Jones whose nouveau French West Indian menu elegantly presents the bounty of St. Lucia's fresh local produce and seafood, sourced in St Lucia. Jardin Cacao Restaurant and Bar is one of two restaurants at Fond Doux Holiday Plantation. Jardin Cacao has a unique location, as it actually spans across a small stream in the heart of the plantation. Constructed from bamboo and tropical hard woods with an open air aspect, it blends in perfectly with the surrounding flowers and vegetation. The chef draws upon Caribbean and French influences to create local Creole masterpieces using the freshest organic fruits and vegetables harvested daily from the surrounding estate. Cuisine: Traditional French with a Caribbean twist Environment: Cliff front, open air Serving: Breakfast, lunch & dinner Bar: Yes Entertainment: Live entertainment 4 nights a week Opening Hours: 7.30–10am, 12-2.30pm and 6.30-10pm Credit cards accepted: Visa, M/C, AMEX Dress: Smart Casual Parking: Private car park Address: Cap Maison Hotel, Smugglers Drive, Cap Estate Phone: (758) 457 8681 Email: [email protected] Cuisine: Caribbean & International Environment: Open air tropical garden Serving: Lunch & dinner Bar: Yes Entertainment: Live musical band (once a week) Dining Hours: 11am – 10pm Reservations: Recommended Credit cards accepted: Visa, M/C, AMEX Dress: Casual Parking: Yes Address: Fond Doux Estate, Etangs, Soufriere Phone: 758 459 7545/48 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fonddouxestate.com Paradise Saint Lucia 53 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Kimatrai At the southern tip of the island, Kimatrai Hotel is a five-minute drive from Hewanorra airport, making it a very convenient place to stop for lunch either before travelling or whilst waiting for friends - you can literally watch the planes land. The breathtaking view from the balcony overlooks the fishing harbour and docks of Vieux Fort, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to St. Vincent. The food is delicious and excellent value. You can have a light bite, or enjoy a hearty meal of local fish or meat with vegetables, salad, pasta or rice. The atmosphere on the dining patio is casual and relaxed and the great view and great value make it worth finding this popular local hotspot. You will also get a fantastic sunset if the weather permits. Cuisine: Caribbean and international Environment: Open air Serving: Breakfast, lunch & dinner Bar: Yes Opening hours: Daily from 7am Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard Dress: Casual Parking: Car park Address: New Dock Lane, Vieux Fort Phone: (758) 454 6328 or (758) 454 3899 Paradise Saint Lucia 54 The spectacular view alone at Dasheene, Ladera Resort in Soufriere will take your breath away. Set up high on a ridge between the two Pitons, this outstanding restaurant truly has a “wow” factor and the authentic hand carved wooden furnishings add to the St. Lucian feel. The Chef de Cuisine, Nigel Mitchel, has designed an award winning gourmet menu using fresh local produce from island farmers and nearby plantations, turning simple ingredients into something exquisite. For Sunday brunch, a delicious buffet is laid out so you can relax and take your time absorbing your surroundings. This restaurant will be the icing on the cake for your St. Lucian escape. Cuisine: Caribbean Gourmet Environment: Open air (covered) Serving: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tapas Bar: Yes, 8am – 11pm daily. Entertainment: Live music daily Dining Hours: 7am–10.30am, 11.30am–2.30pm, 6.30pm–9.30pm Reservations: Required for dinner Credit cards accepted: AMEX, Visa, M/C, Discover Dress: Elegantly Casual Parking: Yes Address: Rabot Estate, Soufriere Phone: (758) 459 6623 / 459 6600 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ladera.com This delightful family run local restaurant is situated on the outskirts of the town of Soufriere, on the way to Toraille Falls, making it a great lunch spot if you’re touring the island and need a meal that will boost your energy for the rest of the day. The delicious Creole dishes of fish, chicken and other meats and vegetables are served up with all the trimmings and friendly smiles. From Tuesday through to Friday, lunch is buffet style and on Saturday morning there is a Creole breakfast. The bar serves local juices and blended drinks and cocktails. This large poolside restaurant is located in Rodney Bay Marina overlooking the yachts. It is a very stylish place to hang out and serves excellent food at reasonable prices. You can eat inside, on the outer decking or even chill out on the poolside lounge chairs. Inside, the central bar is a great place to have a couple of drinks and watch the sports. Dedicated chefs are ready to cook you fresh delights – including mouthwatering burgers, grilled Caribbean fish, pastas and hearty salads. The light bites are perfect for sharing with friends. There is also a “2 for EC$55” meal option every night of the week. Cuisine: Gourmet Creole Environment: Open air (covered) Serving: Lunch & Dinner daily, Breakfast on Saturdays Bar: Yes Entertainment: No Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm Credit cards accepted: Visa, M/C, AMEX Dress: Casual Parking: Yes Address: La Perle, New Development, Soufriere Phone: 1 (758) 457 1418 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Cuisine: American & International Environment: Marina open-air Serving: Lunch, dinner and light bites Bar: Yes Entertainment: Live entertainment most evenings Opening Hours: 11am – late Credit cards accepted: Visa, M/C Dress: Casual Parking: Marina car park Address: Rodney Bay Marina, Gros Islet Phone: (758) 452 0351 Email: [email protected] Website: www.theocstlucia.com Paradise Saint Lucia 55 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Chef's Kitchen Corner From Dasheene Restaurant at Ladera Resort, we bring you: Home Style Creole Fish You will need: 2 triggerfish fillets ¼ white onion (diced) 1 spring onion (chopped) 1 spring of thyme (chopped) 1 seasoning pepper (diced) 1 garlic clove (minced) 1 large ripe tomato (diced) ½ green bell pepper 2 tsps flour ½ tsp curry ½ tbsp tomato paste 1 cup fish stock 1 tsp lime juice 1 cup vegetable oil Salt and Pepper Method: Season the fish with curry, salt and pepper. Heat some oil in a frying pan. Dust the fish with flour and pan-fry. Remove the fish from the oil and set it aside. In the same pan place the onion, pepper, thyme, seasoning pepper and sauté for a few minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir together. Add the fish stock and lime juice. Return the fish to the pan and add the diced tomato. Let boil for a few minutes and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve on a bed of rice. Makes two servings. Paradise Saint Lucia 56 Enjoy! See S t. Lucia from an even more intimate point of view. a view with a room. You already know that St. Lucia is impossibly beautiful. But once you see it from Ladera’s point of view, you will be even more astonished. Each villa and suite at Ladera is deliberately missing a fourth wall, inviting fragranceLaden tropical breezes and breathtaking views inside. So while you are soothed by fine linen, or luxuriating in your very own, very private plunge pool, St. Lucia itself becomes a part of your magical Ladera experience. Embrace it . You simply can’t get any closer. The ultimate open-air rainforest hideaway 758. 459.6600 | www.ladera.com | Toll Free 866.290.0978 Paradise Saint Lucia 57 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Shopping Paradise Saint Lucia 58 Island Shopping Shopping in St. Lucia is a fun experience and you’ll be so glad you picked up a few souvenirs to remember your time here, triggering wonderful memories for years to come. And of course, it’s not only about you but also your friends and family back home. Remember them? They’re the ones who are only feeling a twinge of jealousy that you’re out in the glorious sunshine whilst they’re at home slogging away! A nice gift will let them know they weren’t totally forgotten and selecting the right thing might just be the hardest decision you’ll have to make on holiday. Luckily St. Lucia has plenty to choose from, whether you want to get a few little St. Lucian made trinkets, or use the opportunity of duty free shopping for that bag or necklace you’ve always wanted. It’s always intriguing to see what a new place has to offer and to discover the unique arts and crafts or food and drink native to a region. Every country has it’s own personality, and history and culture is often reflected in what’s available to purchase as a souvenir. Indigenous arts and crafts are very representative of the people and locally made fabrics and clothing showcase island colours and styles. St. Lucia is no exception; you can really buy something unique. Malls, markets and boutiques are located island-wide to suit every price range. Arts & Crafts If you’re only here for a short visit, try Castries Market where you’ll find all sorts of handmade knickknacks such as bowls, mats & baskets, dolls and other souvenirs. The stalls selling local spices, fruits and vegetables will also hold your interest with some familiar and others less so. Open everyday, we suggest going on a Saturday morning for the full market experience, when it’s always bustling with activity. Whilst you may find everything you’re looking for in one place, it is also often worth searching a little Paradise Saint Lucia 59 deeper to find something extra special. If you would like to purchase some art for the wall, consider Caribelle Batik at Howelton House on the Morne in Castries. They make bright colourful wall hangings, paintings, clothing and accessories. Shopping here is an experience as you can learn and watch the process of creating batik, as well as enjoy the breathtaking view from the house! Just outside of Castries is the Eudovic Art Studio that has beautiful hand crafted wooden pieces of art on display, both for the wall and freestanding. You can watch the craftsmen at work and buy from the shop on site. As you travel around the island, you will see people selling their wares at all the hotspots. Jewellery makes a great gift and vendors will frequently try to catch your eye. Local fruits and vegetables are sold on the roadside, so don’t be afraid to stop and see what delicious fresh fruit you can pick up. You don’t have to go far outside of the main tourist areas to see the true St. Lucia and notice that tourism is the livelihood of many locals who rely your support. Duty Free Unlike some other Caribbean islands, the malls in St. Lucia also have a large selection of high-end duty-free international stores with popular brand name items for designer jewellery, sunglasses, cosmetics, clothing and perfumes. There’s no need to leave it to the last minute at the airport, you’ll find everything in the malls on the island. You will just need to show photo ID and your flight or cruise ship details. The capital of Castries has two duty-free shopping centres - Point Seraphine and La Place Carenage. They are both adjacent to the cruise ship docks but on opposite sides of the harbour. There are many stores and Paradise Saint Lucia 60 stalls to stroll through selling clothing, St. Lucia rum, jewellery and perfumes as well as local fabrics, pottery and textiles. Point Seraphine Rodney Bay has two duty-free malls. The BayWalk Mall in Rodney Bay is the newest shopping centre in St. Lucia. This large complex hosts many international brand names such as MAC, Hugo Boss, U.S. Polo, Converse, United Colors of Benetton and Diamonds International. There are also some great local boutiques, a jewellers, pharmacy, several café’s, a large new supermarket and St. Lucia’s first casino, Treasure Bay. On the opposite side of the road is the JQ Mall that has recently undergone significant renovations with new facades and stores opening up. Here you will find another large supermarket, a post office, bookstore, stationary and cards, a photo lab, clothing boutiques and several gift shops. The marina environments are also great places to shop as you can have a browse before stopping for lunch or a coffee on the water’s edge. The Rodney Bay Marina offers a selection of stores and services including gifts, clothing, a bank, supermarket and several restaurants all on the waterfront. Heading further south, you’ll find nautical and local fashions in Marigot Bay Marina, as well as beautiful hand-painted pottery, a couple of gorgeous gift shops, market stalls and even a ‘paint-your-own’ pottery which is great fun for the kids. Tourist attractions often have their own gift shops too, so if you are taking in a few activities or visiting somewhere such as Gros Piton, Diamond Falls, the rum distillery, the drive-in volcano etc, you may want to buy a souvenir from the shop or stall there so that you will always be reminded of your experience. We hope you have fun and enjoy shopping in St. Lucia! Paradise Saint Lucia 61 The brands you want at duty free prices St. Lucia’s premier duty-free store, Harry Edwards Jewelers (HEJ), is a market leader in exquisite timepieces, fine jewellery, crystal, china and accessories. Their state of the art stores can be found at Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage shopping malls in the city of Castries. There are also two more outlets inside International Hewanorra Airport, one is centrally located in the main departure lounge, and the other is exclusively in the executive lounge. Jewellery HEJ has a large range of elegant specialty jewellery brands such as John Hardy, Pandora, Marahlago, Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego, Charriol, Antica Murrina, Simon G and David Yurman among others. A variety of gold jewellery, precious and semi-precious gemstones including diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and tanzanite all enhance the fine collection. Watches Harry Edwards Jewelers is the only authorized Rolex retailer in St. Lucia. Also included in the range of watches are world renowned brands such as Omega, Breitling, Tag Heuer, Cartier, Chopard, Mont Blanc, Rado, Luminox, Raymond Weil, Gucci, Swiss Army, Tissot, Citizen, Seiko, Tudor and Guess. HEJ’s watch service centre in La Place Carenage shopping mall is a certified Rolex repair facility where a rush service is available upon request. Paradise Saint Lucia 62 Sunglasses The additional outlet, Shades, complements HEJ’s repertoire of luxury accessories. This designer eyewear store is located in the Pointe Seraphine duty free complex. The selection includes sunglasses by Oakley, Maui Jim, Ray Ban, Cartier, Christian Dior, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, D&G, Bvlgari, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Hugo Boss, Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani and more. Polarized, couture, sporty, classic or bejeweled, you’re sure to enjoy the collection. Crystal HEJ is the only retailer in St. Lucia that offers designer crystal and china from the world’s top brands such as Swarovski, Waterford, Kosta Boda, Lladró and Alexander Kalifano. Accessories HEJ offers a wide selection of writing instruments and leather goods by soughtafter brands including Mont Blanc, Gucci, Cartier and Victorinox. Harry Edwards Jewelers is a luxury retailer that backs up its products and services with valuable and experienced staff members who will endeavour to make your shopping expedition unforgettable… “We pride ourselves on the full service shopping experience that will without a doubt leave an indelible mark for all who walk through our doors!” Paradise Saint Lucia 63 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Responsible Tourism Produce & Souvenirs By James Crockett There is an old saying in ecotourism – “take only photos; leave only footprints”. This motto has honourable intentions and in areas of wilderness or fragile ecosystems where the leaving of litter or taking of endangered species is damaging, it still holds true. However, in small islands like St. Lucia where tourism is the mainstay of the economy, visitors need to leave more of an impact to make their visit sustainable, especially in terms of the local economy. There are a number of ways to do this, requiring varying levels of effort! 1. First of all before you even book your vacation, do a little research on your hotel choices. Make enquiries about their menu items and purchasing policy, especially in terms of sourcing fresh local produce. Let them know that you value experiencing authentic tastes from locally sourced produce turned into traditional dishes. You can also ask what fixtures and fittings have been sourced locally and whether or not the hotel reflects the skills of local artisans. For instance, in St. Lucia, hotels such as Ladera and Anse Chastanet have predominantly locally sourced furniture and art in their rooms. A great deal of items can be sourced from the traditional Paradise Saint Lucia 64 artisans in Choiseul - the craft hub of St Lucia in the island’s rural southwest region. 2. Once on island, seek out local restaurants and experiences that showcase local produce, culture and crafts - especially those that help to maintain heritage and cultural skills. Carvers and artists are one area this is particularly relevant. Good examples in St. Lucia include Eudovic’s Art Studio in Goodlands, Castries, and Zaka’s wooden mask and totem carvings in Malgretoute, Soufriere. Both studios employ and train young local talent passing on important skills and knowledge to the younger generation. 3. If visiting Castries Market, make a beeline for the Choiseul produced baskets, bags and hats. These are authentic, locally made and sustainable as the raw material grows readily and abundantly around the island. Locally made soap is also another good option, often medicinal in nature such as neem or sulphur soap, plus these items are easy to travel with and useful once you get home with scents to remind you of your time in St Lucia! 4. Give feedback to shops, hotels, vendors and market stall holders that you are looking for high quality locally made products as souvenirs. For instance, if it says “St Lucia” on the front of a T-shirt, Eudovic’s does it say “Made in St Lucia” on the label? There are garment manufacturers on the island and it is possible for retailers to sell T-shirts made in St Lucia. If they get enough requests they will be encouraged to do so! 5. Look for locally made goods from recycled materials. St. Lucian boutique souvenir company, Naieli, for instance make lovely bags from old sails - available from Inside Out between Gros Islet and Cap Estate. Through responsible tourism practices, not only can you do your part for the environment, but also as a visitor, you can really make a difference to the local island economy. Wooden Masterpieces Vincent Joseph Eudovic has always had a passion for sculpting, and has successfully managed to turn it into his way of life. Indeed he has become a highly accomplished artist winning several awards over the years. St. Lucian born, Eudovic uses local wood as his medium, such as Laurier Canel, White and Red Cedar, Teak and Mahogany. Every piece is unique as each sculpture is hand carved with great workmanship and skill. At his studio at Goodlands in Castries, he creates both traditional and contemporary abstract art for all to appreciate. Eudovic has trained many apprentices and you can see work in progress in the workshop. There is also a wonderful art gallery of superbly finished pieces, and after that you’ll certainly want to have a browse through the gift shop. If you’re looking for a beautiful gift of high quality, or a reminder of your time in St. Lucia, then one of Eudovic’s sculptures is an excellent choice. Paradise Saint Lucia 65 Summer 2012 Issue 1 The Versatility of Madras Fabric By Josiane Bertin-Guest As a first time visitor to the island in 2006, not only was I fascinated by the luscious landscape of St. Lucia, but I was also attracted to the bright colours of the Madras fabric due to my 30-year involvement in textiles, arts and crafts as a lecturer, teacher, writer and educator. On every trip to St. Lucia, I set about finding any local item that incorporated the use of this Madras fabric. Though it is used in making bags and other craft items, I discovered that the most prolific use of its application is on the hand made dolls and the local traditional costume worn on Kweyol, Carnival and all national celebration days. The dolls sold by the roadside or through any local markets from the local makers and sellers come in a range of primary plain colours to match the Madras colours. There are also two types of doll, the single one (for unmarried girls) and the double headed (upside down) for the Paradise Saint Lucia 66 married lady, featuring the local story of La Rose and La Marguerite. Once I had bought my first doll by the roadside, I went in search of Madras fabric at several fabric stores in Castries. The quality of the fabric is dependent on price but the range of colours and design is quite extensive – from various reds, oranges, greens, yellows, blues and turquoise. Throughout my career in textiles, I have been an avid recycler of paper, fabric and natural fibres. Having been involved in making paper beads and fabric beads for jewellery and other craft items, it was only natural that I considered Madras fabric to create some bright pieces of jewellery. Set out below are some of the colours showing what type of beads each fabric can generate. Mix a variety of plain and printed fabrics to have a selection of beads. As a rule of thumb ¼ metre is enough to make a beaded bracelet and a necklace. To make the beads you will need the following materials: • • • • • ¼ metre of madras or plain fabric (colour of your choice) 4 wooden toothpicks or cocktail sticks or some knitting needles (the size of the hole of the finished bead is dependent on the size of the toothpick or needle that the fabric is wrapped around) Glue (I use a toothpick to apply glue to my fabric) Scissors, Ruler & Pencil Card templates for bead size Instructions: 1. 2. 3. 4. Shape and cut long triangles from the fabric about ½ inch wide and 2 ½inches long. Place the short side of the triangle on a toothpick or cocktail stick and wrap it around once. Then glue the rest of the inside of the fabric and continue rolling it around itself. To make beads with different shapes, vary the size and shape of the triangles that you cut. Let your beads dry, then pull out the sticks and string the beads together on your own thread or yarn, knotting at the end. Great fun to make, either for yourself or with your children. Wear your own St. Lucian jewellery to remind you of your time on the island! About the author Josiane Bertin-Guest holds an MA in Textiles from Goldsmiths University, London. She is a Mastercraftman producing one-off designs including semi-precious and crystal jewellery and a contributor to several craft and embroidery magazines in the UK & abroad. Email: [email protected] Cell: 1 758 719 2496 Paradise Saint Lucia 67 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Beaches The warm sun, the sway of palms, the sand between your toes and the crystal sparkles dancing out on the blue horizon… How can you resist the allure of the sea? The beach is just begging to take away your stress and let you unwind as you swim, read a book or do whatever you do to relax. The variety of sandy shores in St. Lucia ensure that even the most restless of people will find their inner calm – even if that means sailing a Hobie cat or zooming around on a jetski! The point is, that at the end of the day, your troubles won’t seem like troubles, but more like little hindrances that don’t need thinking about for the next week or so! So grab a towel, hit the beach and work on NOT working for a while! The west coast, with the Caribbean Sea • is where you will find the most protected bays and there are some excellent snorkel and dive sites all along the coastline. In contrast, the shores on the east coast (Atlantic) are wild and more ruggedly beautiful but often more isolated and harder to reach. All beaches in St. Lucia are public. There are no private beaches despite some hotels appearing to own them. Beach access is always provided and many all-inclusive hotels offer day passes for you to use their facilities too. It should also be noted that topless or nude sunbathing is not permitted on any of beach. Whether you’re looking for long white expanses, small and sheltered or wild and rugged, here’s a selection to get you started: Anse des Pitons (at Jalousie Resort) What makes it Paradise? Absolutely stunning surroundings. Set right between the Piton peaks, the view looking up is as spectacular as the one snorkeling below in the crystal clear water alongside Petit Piton. Definitely not one to be missed. Getting there: Take the road heading south from Soufriere and not long after, take the turn off to Jalousie Resort and follow it to the hotel. • Anse Chastanet (at Jade Mountain) What makes it paradise? This natural beach has some of the clearest waters you’ll find in St. Lucia… beautiful to lie back in, do some snorkeling, or laze the day reading in peace. Getting there: Driving south towards Soufriere, turn right at the Hummingbird resort, just before you enter the town. This road leads up a very steep and bumpy track so a jeep is preferable but not essential. Follow to the end. Paradise Saint Lucia 68 • Anse Lavoutte (Five Dollar Beach) What makes it paradise? An ultimate escape, a gorgeous wild beach where you’re sure to find a private spot (except maybe on the weekend when it’s popular with the locals). Take drinks and a picnic - you’re in the middle of nowhere here! Getting there: Can be tricky and requires a 4WD. Turn off the Gros Islet main road towards the International Pony Club, and when you get there turn right. Follow the track heading east until the track narrows but you can turn right (there’s a fenced house on the corner). Follow this track to the end. There is an EC$5 entry fee as you cross the owner’s land, and he maintains the access to the beach. • Reduit Beach What makes it paradise? Reputedly the most beauti- ful beach on the island, it’s certainly the most popular. Central to all of Rodney Bay’s amenities, it lines the front of several hotels. Beach lounges and umbrellas are plentiful as are beach vendors selling jewellery, coconuts, water sports and more. Getting there: The beach runs parallel to the main strip of bars, hotels and restaurants in Rodney Bay village. There is a large car park between the Royal St. Lucian Hotel and Spinnakers restaurant. • Anse des Sables What makes it paradise? The stunning long stretch of white sand is simply beautiful and generates that feeling of pure escapism. It’s also a hot spot for kitesurfing, windsurfing and horse riding – whether you’re watching or participating. A great way to say goodbye to St. Lucia if you need to kill some time before going to the airport! Getting there: Located in the south of the island between Hewanorra airport and the town of Vieux Fort, you can’t miss it. We hope you enjoy relaxing and having fun on St. Lucia’s beaches! Please remember to keep them clean by taking everything with you so that others can have as nice a time as you did! Paradise Saint Lucia 69 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Jerusalem Falls Baths & Waterfalls Paradise Saint Lucia 70 PitonFalls Natural Spas of St. Lucia What is it about waterfalls that are just so irresistible? These natural wonders never cease to amaze as we stand to appreciate their majestic beauty and admire the cascades before us. The free fall of the water, the noise sounding through the forest and the exquisiteness of it all against a lush backdrop as the water seemingly appears out of nowhere from above is always so impressive. The tropical environment and topography of St. Lucia, with its many rivers, hills and rainforest regions provides plenty of these magical scenes, often hidden away, intriguing you to follow the sound of running water until nature’s display comes into sight. In addition to waterfalls, St. Lucia’s volcanic environment, in particular, the active volcano in Soufriere provides warm flowing streams and ideal settings for hot natural baths. These high mineral content waters have rejuvenating qualities, and you can’t help but relax and soak it all in. Needless to say, your Saint Lucian experience is not complete without either a dip in a hot mineral bath or a shower under a refreshing waterfall. Here are a few in the Soufriere region you may like to try: Toraille Falls: Wonderfully invigorating Set in an attractive botanical garden, Toraille Falls has earned its place as a Heritage Tourism Site. These awe-inspiring cascades fall approximately 50 feet making it a fantastic photo opportunity, and indeed, is a popular scene for wedding photography, capturing those magic moments for all time. Standing beneath the falls, the water pressure provides a pretty decent back, neck and shoulder massage and the freshness of the cool water will leave you feeling intensely clean, invigorated and truly alive again. So don’t just look at it, get in – you won’t regret it! Toraille Falls How to get there: Easily accessible from Soufriere, leave the church on your left on Sir Arthur Lewis Street heading out of the town, simply follow this road all the way for approximately two miles. You can’t miss the Heritage Tourism sign on the left, and the car park is just across the bridge. Paradise Saint Lucia 71 Jerusalem Falls: Quiet Hideaway This has to be the epitome of “hidden gem” – it is such a lovely discovery that I’m not even sure I should be writing it down for all to read! It is not yet on the regular tourist trail, but if you’re touring the island either on your own or with a personal guide, and want to bathe in some clean, natural warm baths and relax for an hour, then this is a fantastic place to go. Despite the name, it’s not actually a waterfall; the fresh hot water spring in the hillside has been fed into three separate pools via bamboo waterspouts. The water is constantly flowing and the pools of are of varying temperature – the uppermost the warmest. How to get there: As though going to Toraille Falls, look out for a signpost on the right hand side before you get there. Park on the roadside and it is a 5-10 minute hike to these falls – down a path, across a shallow river (either over stepping stones or by getting your feet wet!) and a short way up the other side where there is a small entrance fee. Piton Falls: Two in One If you’re pressed for time, but want to experience a waterfall and baths all in one, then head to Piton Falls. The beautifully warm water falls from 30 feet above, cascading and running down the rock face before falling from above in a refreshing natural hot shower. Spend a few minutes under the water before stepping into the warm bath. Again, there are three pools here, two from the waterfall, and another from a separate spring. It’s a lovely area to spend a bit of time to relax and the short walk through the rainforest is also quite pretty. How to get there: Unsurprisingly, Piton Falls is located very near to Petit Piton. Turn off the main road south of Soufriere as though going to Jalousie Plantation. Follow the road down, and half way up the other side on the left, is a sign and a car park. Again, a small entrance fee applies. Paradise Saint Lucia 72 Sulphur Springs: Natural Mud Wrap This is where nature gets dirty! The mud baths are directly below the bubbling mud and steam from the volcano. The eggy smell of sulphur is not particularly alluring to say the least, but you get over it. The dark muddy stream leads into a dark muddy pool, so the best thing to do is get involved! Pick up a few handfuls of the warm sloppy, mud and cover yourself in it - arms, legs, face, everywhere... The minerals are incredibly good for you - it really is nature’s own day spa, so wait for the mud to dry a little before rinsing off in the hot water pool and your skin will feel really soft and smooth afterwards. We’d recommend an old or dark coloured swimsuit if you can, and there are showers here too – you’ll be pleased to know! How to get there: A few minutes drive south of Soufriere, you can’t miss the turn on the left. Follow this along the bumpy road to the end and pay for entrance at the kiosk. Paradise Saint Lucia 73 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Fond Latisab The Heritage Tourism Association of St. Lucia (HERITAS) is a group committed to maintaining and improving the island’s natural heritage sites and attractions. Heritage Tour locations are island wide and each aims to provide the visitor with a unique experience based on the natural, cultural and historic heritage of St. Lucia for authentic “kweyol” encounters. Fond Latisab Creole Park is a charming family-run farm, open to the public to learn about traditional St. Lucian culture and see the way local farmers and families cultivate and live off their land. Upon arrival you are welcomed and introduced before strolling along the river to where the family grow their many vegetables such as celery, eggplant and lettuce, which are sold in the local supermarkets. There are also cassava shrubs and breadfruit, mango and nutmeg trees that your guide will point out and tell you all about. After walking through the garden, you’ll be shown how cassava bread is made. Cassava is a staple carbohydrate in St. Lucia so it is fascinating to see the whole process from selecting the root itself to tasting the final “bread” product. The root is peeled and then grated into a pulp, and the juice is squeezed out. It is then dried out and sifted. Coconut shavings, salt, sugar and nutmeg are added and it is all mixed together. A few spoonfuls are then placed onto a macambou leaf and shaped into a disc before being placed on the hot cooking pot. Visitors are given the opportunity to take turns in shaping their own cassava bread. Moving on through the tour, attention is turned to learning the traditional method of cutting logs into planks using an authentic two-handed saw. With one person up high on a scaffold with the log and one person beneath, holding onto the handles, the saw is moved up and down rhythmically to the beat of a third person playing and singing to a drum. The idea is for the job not to be done in a hurry and tire out the workers, but to maintain a slow regular pace. Again, visitors are able to participate by having a try at the saw themselves. Paradise Saint Lucia 74 The next part of the Fond Latisab tour is to show you some traditional Creole dancing to a chak chak band. After a demonstration of a few different types of dances, you are encouraged to get up and join in and have fun with it. The whole tour is about an hour and a half, and freshly made local juices are offered at the end, along with tasting the cassava bread you made earlier! Here at Paradise magazine, we recommend this interactive and interesting tour to families and people looking to learn a little more about St. Lucian ways of life. Bookings must be made in advance. Contact HERITAS on (758) 458 1454. Fond Latisab is located in the Babonneau/Chassin area. To get there, turn off towards Union at the Choc roundabout (near Mega J and the Caribbean Cinemas), and follow this road. Follow the signs to the Rainforest Sky Rides, as Fond Latisab is located just before it. It is on the left hand side and a Heritage Tourism sign marks the turn. Allow half an hour if driving from Rodney Bay. Paradise Saint Lucia 75 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Green Globe Resorts Across the world there are 225 hotels and resorts with Green Globe certification and this little island of St. Lucia is big enough to boast as many as five of them, showing that the hotel industry here is really taking a step in the right direction towards becoming more aware of the environmental importance of sustainable travel practices. All Green Globe members have been rigorously certified against 40 criteria that have been accepted globally as the definition of sustainable travel and tourism. Members have undergone an independent on-site audit to ensure that their sustainability efforts have been thoroughly inspected in four main areas: Sustainable Management, Social/Economic, Cultural Heritage and Environmental. So for your next holiday, business trip, conference or even wedding, Paradise magazine would like to promote Green Globe hotels by asking you to consider one of the five certified resorts in St. Lucia, and you can be content in the knowledge that these hotels are actively contributing towards a better future for St. Lucia and its people. East Winds Inn “East Winds Inn is a true Caribbean paradise. One of the oldest and most established resorts, it is set amongst 12 acres of lush tropical gardens bordered by the golden beachfront of a pristine bay. This traditional resort boasts an exclusive experience to those who value simple luxury.” Fond Doux Holiday Plantation “Fond Doux Holiday Plantation in Soufriere is a 19th century colonial plantation hotel. This rustic, ecological hotel effortlessly marries old world colonial style with modern amenities in nature’s richest surroundings. Imbued with a magical ambiance, Fond Doux Estate is ensconced in verdant tropical gardens, and surrounded by one of Soufriere’s most active agricultural plantations.” Paradise Saint Lucia 76 Ladera “A thousand feet below, an intensely blue Caribbean Sea dashes against the volcanic Piton Mountains. Faintly scented tropical breezes cool your skin. Your private plunge pool beckons. Each suite offers fine linens, luxurious amenities and four-poster beds made of polished tropical hardwood. And each, deliberately without a fourth wall, invites the spectacular sunsets and astonishing views right inside, to be a part of your very private, very special retreat.” Mago Estate Hotel “The hotel sits at the edge of the rainforest above the town of Soufriere providing a magical location to enjoy nature, relaxation and a great view of the Pitons, Soufriere and the Caribbean from every room in this intimate hotel. Sleep in a four-poster bed with a symphony of tree frogs and birds; relax in a hammock; sip a cocktail in the ‘Jungle’ Bar or get pampered with a spa treatment.” Windjammer Landing “At Windjammer Landing, smiles of sheer pleasure, relaxed contentment and unbridled wonder abound. The reasons are as endless, as are the tropical flowers and the sparkles dazzling the secluded beachfront at sunset. For couples and families with kids, the choice of activities will take your breath away… but never your smile.” Escape Ste Lisi Day Spa Put your hands in our hands Experience the Difference We offer an array of services including: Body Treatments, massages, Pedicures, Manicures & Facials. You can purchase gift certificates for any occasion. We look forward to welcoming you Tel: (758) 452 8248 Web: www.thtssl.com Paradise Saint Lucia 77 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Twitter Section By Hans Mathurin The Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita) The Zenaida is the most common of the six species of doves/pigeons found in St. Lucia. It is locally known as the Tourterelle. Habitat: They can be found island wide in a multitude of habitats including open woodlands, scrub, gardens, coastal and residential areas, either solely or in pairs, and are usually not far away from other single or paired birds. These doves are very social with others of their species and seem to prefer foraging in the comfort of nearby company. Although they roost independently, they are usually not very far away from others. Spotting them: Areas in which you will normally sight these birds are around restaurants, on beaches with large trees nearby and among the larger vegetation areas of hotels. Distinguishing Features: The adult ranges from 25 to 28cm (10-11”) from wing tip to wing tip. The dove is a fallow brown colour, which graduates to a light rustic or cinnamon brown around the neck area. There is a somewhat iridescent purplish patch between the upper back and lower nape next to the throat area. It has grey underparts that lightly graduate to the fallow brown of the upper parts. They can be distinguished from the very similar but less common Eared Dove, by the narrow white band on the trailing edge of the secondaries; and longer, rounded tail with broad white terminal band. The Eared Dove also has darker underparts than the Zenaida. Paradise Saint Lucia 78 Sounds: Its call is a distinctive but gentle cooing which can be sang in two variations; “coo-oo, coo, coo, coo,” with the second syllable rising sharply and the second from last word shorter than the others; or a “coo-oo-oo, coo, coo-oo-oo,” with the second and third syllables sharply rising and falling respectively. This call can easily be mimicked with a human voice and will usually result in a response from most or all of the Zenaidas nearby. I have realized that there is a connection between attracting and accepting a mate in the general pitch and variation of the call of this bird. Breeding: Its breeding period is variable and generally year round in urban areas. The nest is a thin platform built in a bush or tree, in which two white-ish coloured eggs are laid. Fun Fact: There is no difference between a dove and a pigeon. They are members of a bird family of about 289 species, some of which are found in almost every non-polar country of the world. The difference in name is a result of the difference in the origin of the word. The word ‘Dove’ originated from Taube, which is German; and ‘Pigeon’ originated from the word Pigeon (pronounced differently), ironically, which is French. Happy Spotting! Ginger Lily Heliconia Flowers of One of St. Lucia’s greatest delights is the display of natural flora around the island. As you stroll through botanical gardens, tour the rainforest or even walk through hotel grounds, Mother Nature exhibits her flamboyant colours amongst the lush green foliage and enlivens the spirit. You are reminded that you are on holiday knowing that you can only see and appreciate these beauties in such tropical climes. During the summer season, St. Lucia is brimming with stunning flowers that catch the attention of every eye. If you want to surprise a loved one and light up a smile, then a floral arrangement of some of these exotic blooms will certainly brighten things up. Heliconias, Ginger Lilies and Anthuriums are very long lasting in a vase – you can bring the outside in for up to 3 or 4 weeks. Heliconias Heliconias come in many different varieties and are in fact related to bananas. They are a tall plant with very exotic looking flowers in vivid reds, yellows and oranges. The large paddle or oblong shaped waxy leaves are pointed at the ends and inside the bracts are tiny white flowers with blue fruit. They are pollinated by hummingbirds, so keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of fluttering wings! The peak season for Heliconias is from April to November and some of the Anthurium St. Lucia common names you might hear them by are Lobster Claw, Firebird, Macaw Flower or Wild Plantain. Ginger Lilies (Alpinia purpurata) Only found in the tropics, these gorgeous flowers come in vibrant pinks and reds that stand out against the large and amazingly lush green leaves of the plant. The bright brush-like plume is not the actual flower but the bracts covering small white flowers hidden inside. They bloom throughout the year. Anthuriums (Anthurium andraeanum) These simple yet attractive heart shaped flowers are one of the most popular for floral arrangements. The spathes can be dark red, pink or white and they have a long stem and a waxy texture that feel as though they might be fake! In the centre of the spathe is a spike shaped shaft (spadix), at the bottom of which are some tiny flowers. Anthuriums can be found year round and alternate names you might hear for them are Painted Tongue, Flamingo Lily or Tail Flower. For more information or to purchase a fresh floral bouquet for any special occasion, contact the Flower Shack www.flowershack.net located in Rodney Bay Marina and Baywalk Shopping Mall. Paradise Saint Lucia 79 Summer 2012 Issue 1 St. Lucia: Helen of the West Island History What has been discovered of St. Lucia’s history begins in 200 AD with the Arawak Indians who inhabited ‘Iouanalao’ (or ‘Land of the Iguanas’), as St. Lucia was known then. They were peaceful settlers until the fierce Caribs overcame them in c.800 AD. Their name for St. Lucia was Hewanarau, hence Hewanorra today. It was not until about 1500 that there are records of European explorers. Among the first was Columbus’ navigator, Juan de la Cosa, a Spaniard who arrived in St. Lucia but did not attempt to colonise. It is assumed that Columbus himself must have sailed past at the time, although there is no proof that he actually set foot here. More European presence came later in the century, including one of the most interesting characters – a pirate called Francois Le Clerc. Also known as ‘Jambe de Bois’ (due to his wooden leg), he based himself at Pigeon Island where he and his 330 men attacked the passing Spanish ships for their treasure. Today, if you visit Pigeon Island, there is a lovely, rustic restaurant on the water’s edge named after him. The Dutch arrived c.1600 and built a fort in the south, now called as Vieux Fort. The first British attempt to land was in 1605 but a month later they were forced to flee in canoes from the terrifying Caribs. They tried to settle again in 1639 but failed for the second time. Then the French claimed ownership of St. Lucia although did not try to colonise until 1651. By 1659, a rivalry had risen between the French and the English and Paradise Saint Lucia 80 they became extremely hostile towards each other with both countries wanting St. Lucia for their own. In 1660, the French signed a treaty with the Caribs and named the island “Saint Lucia” after Saint Lucy of Syracuse. However, five years later, Thomas Warner claimed St. Lucia for England. This was the start of many battles between the feuding countries. The French had a strong base in Martinique, whilst the British had theirs in Barbados. Soufriere, in the south, was the first town to be established by the French in 1746 and it was their island capital. In December 1778, the Battle of Morne de la Vierge took place. The British landed at Cul de Sac and took control of Morne Fortune in Castries. When the French troops arrived a few days later, the British were ready, and despite their smaller force easily defeated the French who surrendered and retreated to Martinique. Admiral George Rodney then used Pigeon Island, in the north, to keep an eye on the French. He built Fort Rodney on the lower of the two peaks and from the higher peak, Signal Hill, could observe them coming from Martinique. One of Admiral Rodney’s most memorable successes was in 1782 when he defeated the French Admiral de Grasse in the Battle of the Saintes, destroying the French naval power. Today, besides the fort itself, you can wander around Pigeon Island National Park and see the army barracks, a mess and a lime-kiln among the military ruins. The British finally won St. Lucia in 1814. St. Lucia had changed hands fourteen times over a period of 150 years, thus establishing the nickname, ‘Helen of the West’ in reference to Helen of Troy. Slaves fled to remote parts of the island, many becoming Brigands, guerrilla freedom fighters. Emancipation came on 1st August 1838. Four years later, English was named as the official language of the island, but the French influence is still evident today, particularly in the local Patois language that is widely spoken amongst St. Lucians. St. Lucia gained independence on 22nd in to harvest the crops, and today, many St. Lucians are descendents of African slaves. Castries became a major coaling station in 1863 and twenty years later Indian labourers arrived to help manage the struggling agricultural industry. By 1906, the coal industry was beginning to decline and many of the labourers chose to remain in St. Lucia. In the 1920s, banana growing came to the fore and by the mid-1900s they were the chief export and main economic contributor for the island with good access to the European market. The banana industry was especially important when the sugar industry declined in the 1960s, February 1979 but remains within the British Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State, represented on the island by the Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy. St. Lucia’s current Prime Minister is Dr. Kenny Anthony who leads the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP). As you tour St. Lucia, you will discover that much of the history is still very evident today. Places such as Pigeon Island National Park, Morne Fortune and Fond Doux Estate are great places to visit and learn more. The many battles, characters, failures, successes and determination have all shaped St. Lucia into the multicultural island it is today. and indeed, the banana trade was thriving right up until Latin America became the low-cost competition in the 1990s. Crops such as mangoes and avocados are still grown and bananas are still the second biggest source of foreign exchange. Small-scale manufacturing is also a significant contributor to St. Lucia’s economy and with infrastructure improvements to roads, communications, water supply, sewerage & port facilities, foreign investors are also attracted to the island such as the Hess Oil petroleum storage & transshipment terminal. However, tourism is currently the main source of revenue for the island. The lush beauty of St. Lucia is the obvious attraction for visitors, and with ever increasing flight arrivals, the tourism industry is doing very well with ongoing future development plans and initiatives. St. Lucia is a member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM). The country hosts the executive secretariat of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The Economy St. Lucia’s economic trends have greatly evolved. Sugar cane was first introduced in 1764 and the European sugar industry was quick to develop the first plantation in Vieux Fort in 1765. By 1789, there were 43 estates growing sugar on the island. Thousands of slaves were brought Paradise Saint Lucia 81 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Dennery Fisherman’s Feast With fishing being so crucial to the area’s economy and lifestyle, the Fisherman’s Feast is an annual thanksgiving celebration held by local fishermen in the east coast village of Dennery. Held on St. Peter’s Day, the last Sunday in June (this year – it’s the 24th), the day starts with a church service followed by a ceremonial blessing of the boats and boat sheds which are colourfully decorated. After the formal rituals, the party then begins. Soca, reggae and R&B music resonates throughout the village, competitive games are played such as tug-of-war and swimming, sailing and rowing events. And of course, it wouldn’t be a fish festival without plenty of seafood cooked up for everyone to enjoy. This is a waterfront extravaganza that brings a lot of fun and excitement for all the family. National Flower Festivals No, we don’t literally mean a flower display, instead, they are annual celebrations held in honour of St. Lucia’s two national flowers – the Rose and the Marguerite. The two societies are singing associations that have a hierarchal king and queen and other dignitaries including princes, princesses, judges, policemen, soldiers and nurses. The month of August is dedicated to the Rose Festival, culminating in the Feast of Saint Rose de Lima on 30th August. People wear their best outfits and the celebrations include a church service, singing, live music, partying and dancing. Then, later in the year, the more unassuming flower, the purple daisy, rivals the Rose Festival with its Feast of La Marguerite. This event is held on St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s Day, 17th October, with similar celebrations – a religious ceremony followed by a street parade filled with colourful costumes, singing and folk dancing. Paradise Saint Lucia 82 Its ALL Right Here at the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre Rodney Bay Tel: (758) 450-7946 Water Activities is Our Business I RHAC..... Poinsettia Apartments A Great Place To Come Home To Poinsettia Holiday Apartments are fully furnished one and two bedroom self-contained villa style apartments with an abundance of amenities, catering to permanent tenants, business travelers, family holidays, singles, couples and all vacationers. Poinsettia Apartments, Vigie Cove, Castries, St. Lucia Tel: 1(758) 456-0469 Fax: 1(758) 452-0217 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.poinsettiaapartments.com Paradise Saint Lucia 83 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Carnival It’s Carnival time again! See Caribbean culture to come to life! If you never like to miss a good party and you’re lucky enough to be in St. Lucia in July, then don’t miss this flamboyant event! The Carnival season begins in June with different events throughout July such as Carnival Queen, Calypso & Soca Monarchs, J’Ouvert, Panorama, Junior Carnival, Ole Mas, King & Queen of Bands. It all culminates with the most anticipated event at the end – the Parade of the Bands. These street parades are a fantastic sight to behold - Expect extravagant and colourful costumes, loud music, dancing, Paradise Saint Lucia 84 singing and people just having as much fun as they can in the street. Make sure you get there for a spot on the sidewalk to watch the procession and revel in the atmosphere. Where to go… The parade starts at the Choc roundabout and leads into Castries. The judges are located outside Castries market. From here, the procession goes around the block, left along Jeremie Street, turning right into Chisel St, then Micoud St, Bridge St and back onto Jeremie St. (see Castries map on page 25). The bands can parade the city as many times as they like before exiting via the John Compton Highway. Top Tip: Take plenty of water - it could be a hot day in the sun! Parade days: 10am - 6pm on Monday 16th 2012 & 10am - 6pm on Tuesday 17th July 2012 For more information see www.luciancarnival.com Events Schedule: Sun 3rd June: Official Launch at Point Seraphine, 3pm Fri 6th July: National Carnival Queen Show at the National Cultural Centre, 8pm Sat 18th July: Groovy Soca Monarch Finals at Pointe Seraphine, 8pm Sat 14th July: Calypso Monarch Finals at Beausejour Cricket Ground, 8pm Sun 15th July: Power Soca Monarch Finals, 8pm Mon 16th July: J’Ouvert, City Circuit at 4am Mon 16th July: Carnival Pageant, Choc Roundabout to Castries from 10am Tue 17th July: Parade of the Bands, Choc Roundabout to Castries from 10am Paradise Saint Lucia 85 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Creole Heritage Month St. Lucia has been embracing Creole Heritage Month since 1984, the purpose of which is to create awareness and maintain the longevity of the island’s culture. Organised by the Folk Research Centre in Castries, the event has developed into a very festive affair across the whole island, instilling national pride with community based celebrations of Creole food, music and folk traditions. The peak of festivities is held on International Creole Day, Sunday 28th October, known as Jounen Kwéyòl. The main emphasis is on food, national dress, folk dancing and speaking the local patois dialect. There are many fun activities held on Jounen Kwéyòl and throughout the month, one of which is walaba, or woulélaba. This is an adaptation of cricket, similar but with different rules to make it more entertaining for the crowd. It is played between towns and villages and helps to build and strengthen the sense of community. For kids, they enjoy the tradition of making little wooden carts known as a caboway or kabowé which they push along and have fun either racing downhill with their friends, or keep for their handiwork to be admired. Another popular pastime on Jounen Kwéyòl is bamboo bursting. This is where bamboo is hollowed out and then with the aid of kerosene, is used as a cannon! When it comes to clothing, the national dress is a very important tradition and is worn with pride on all national days. It is also worn when performing many of the folk dances such as the Quadrille, a delight to watch. The women’s national costume highlights the Creole fabric, madras. The outfit is called a jip, Paradise Saint Lucia 86 and consists of five pieces – a white cotton blouse and ankle length skirt trimmed with lace and red ribbons. There is also an outer skirt made of madras material and a matching headpiece, which, depending on number of peaks, will tell you their marital status. The fifth piece is a triangular satin scarf, pinned in the middle to the left shoulder and then tucked in at the waist at the front and back. For men, they might wear either a madras shirt and white trousers, or a white shirt, black trousers with a madras sash or bow tie. Then of course, there’s the local cuisine. As you travel around the island on Jounen Kwéyòl, you will come across all sorts of St. Lucian home-made cooking including accras (fishcakes), salted sardines with breadfruit, crab callaloo, tamarind balls, farine and avocado, fish broth, cow heel soup, roasted pork, bakes, buillion and of course the national dish – green fig and saltfish. As a visitor to St. Lucia, a great way to experience Creole Heritage Month and see some of St. Lucian culture is to go to Oktoberfest En Kwéyòl at Saamans Park, which is a very colourful event full of entertainment. Influenced by the European beer festival, it has world beers on sale, but besides that, there are plenty of local food stalls, with folk dancing in national dress and live music on stage. Billfish Tournament St. Lucia is a world class game fishing location and the annual Billfish Tournament is all about catching the big one. It is a highly competitive four-day event where keen fishermen from St. Lucia and other Caribbean islands put their local knowledge and skills to the test and head out to trawl as many lines as their boat can handle. A briefing the night before for registered anglers has everyone clear on the rules, and then an early bimini start the next morning sets the boats off in all different directions - north, south, east and west. Typical fish that are caught are Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Swordfish, Kingfish, Sail Fish, White Marlin and the most desired Blue Marlin which really brings in the points. Coming back into the dock always brings great excitement not only between competitors, but also the general community and anyone who happens to be on the marina at the time. In the late afternoon, around 5pm, fish are brought to the weigh station outside Ocean Club restaurant for everyone to have a good gawk at some of the day’s catch. Photos are taken and egos are boosted! Fish that are brought to the scale are kept by the St. Lucia Game Fishing Association and donated to charities and underprivileged organisations. The after parties keep the merriment going on til late, and the next morning the fishermen are ready to get up and do it again. The third day is a lay day with a BBQ and festivities held on the marina. Then on the last day, it’s off again for one last chance. The event is operated out of IGY Marina in Rodney Bay and is scheduled to run over 10th – 14th October 2012. As a visitor, you can see the day’s catch by coming down to the marina in the afternoon, or if you want to get involved with the action, you can chance your luck by asking around. Another suggestion is to contact Captain Mikes to either join a group or privately charter a fishing boat. The tournament record is a 707lb Blue Marlin. Can YOU beat it? Paradise Saint Lucia 87 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Celebrate Crossing the Atlantic in a sailing yacht is a challenge that most of us would never even consider undertaking. However, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) has become the most popular way to make this momentous voyage and has many repeat participants year on year. Organised by the World Cruising Club, 2012 is set to be the biggest year yet, with a whopping 270 boat entries (at the time of printing) ranging in size from 28 feet to 80 feet long. Nationalities from all across the world are represented with sailors hailing from the UK, Germany, Norway, Italy, USA, Australia, the Netherlands, Sweden and France. This year there are also vessels from Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Hong Kong, Latvia, Luxembourg and Turkey, broadening the global scale of the event. The yachts depart from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria on 25th November and sail across the finish line in Rodney Bay, arriving 14-21 days later depending on the wind. Completion of this potentially treacherous 2,700 nautical mile passage is certainly cause for much celebration. Friends and relatives fly in to congratulate and lifelong friendships are Paradise Paradise Saint Saint Lucia Lucia 88 88 formed on the docks. The IGY Marina and St. Lucia Tourist Board have set up a full program of events throughout December and the influx of so many people and boats creates a lively atmosphere, making Rodney Bay marina a fun and vibrant place to be. Some activities are provided solely for participants to attend, but there is plenty of entertainment open to the public including the following: • ARC cultural village: Brightly coloured wooden Caribbean huts are set up along the marina waterfront to showcase St. Lucian culture with vendors selling a range of art, carvings, soaps, fruit, herbs and souvenirs. • Cultural demonstrations. • Fire shows and dancers. • Chef demonstrations from some of St. Lucia’s most renowned experts. • Regular live bands, steel pan and popular music. Pick up an ARC programme from the marina and join the buzz by coming to see what’s going on, congratulate the crews and hear their inspiring stories. For more information about the ARC go to www.worldcruisingclub.com It’s well known that TripAdvisor has become one of the premier world travel review sites where people can read unbiased opinions and experiences of destinations, activities, restaurants and attractions practically anywhere in the world. The website is constantly updated with new posts, so just in case you gave your laptop or smartphone a holiday too, here are the top ten restaurants and hotels, and the top five attractions and tour experiences in St. Lucia… at the time we went to print. Please note, these ratings are subject to change! Restaurants: Hotels: 1. Spice of India – Rodney Bay 2. La Terrasse – Rodney Bay 3. Boucan at the Hotel Chocolat – Soufriere 4. Flavours of the Grill – Gros Islet 5. Martha’s Tables – Soufriere 6. The Coal Pot – Castries 7. Big Chef Steak House – Rodney Bay 8. Jacques Waterfront Dining – Rodney Bay 9. Cliff at Cap Maison – Cap Estate 10. Rainforest Hideaway – Marigot Bay 1. The Inn on the Bay – Marigot Bay 2. East Winds Inn – Labrellotte Bay 3. Villa Beach Cottages – Choc Bay 4. Jade Mountain Resort – Soufriere 5. Cap Maison – Cap Estate 6. The BodyHoliday, Le Sport – Cap Estate 7. Ti Kaye Village Resort – Anse Cochon 8. Fond Doux Plantation – Soufriere 9. Bay Gardens Beach Resort – Rodney Bay 10. Boucan by Hotel Chocolat - Soufriere Attractions: Tours: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. ATV Paradise Tours 2. Serenity Vacations & Tours 3. Cosol Tours 4. St. Lucia Segway Tours 5. Real St. Lucia Tours Treetop Canopy Adventure LucianStyle Experience Centre Our Planet Centre, Castries Anse Mamin, Soufriere Tet Paul Nature Trail, Soufriere Traveler’s Choice 2012 Awards Top 25 in the Caribbean: • • • • • • • • Destinations: Castries & Soufriere Hotels: Cap Maison, Jade Mountain and Ti Kaye Village. All Inclusive: East Winds Inn is #1 and #3 in the world. Luxury Hotels: The Landings, Cap Maison, Jade Mountain and Jalousie. For Families: Coconut Bay Relaxation & Spa Hotels: Ti Kaye, Cap Maison and Jade Mountain Best Service: Inn on the Bay and Villa Beach Cottages. Romance: Jade Mountain is #6 hotel in the world Let the world know about your experiences in St. Lucia at www.tripadvisor.com Paradise Saint Lucia 89 Summer 2012 Issue 1 Events Calendar January New Year’s Day is best spent either at the beach with friends & family or at Assou Square, a fair highlighting cultural activities such as Masquerade and Papa Djab/Toes. There are also fun games and rides for family entertainment. February Independence Day was on 22nd February 1979 and is celebrated with church services and parades throughout the island. March The Kitesurfing Fiesta is held on Anse des Sables in Vieux Fort. This international event draws competitors from all over the world and you can watch the action from this gorgeous beach. May 30th April – 13th May: St. Lucia Jazz Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Entertainment is island wide but it’s the main concert stage at Pigeon Island National Park that draws the biggest crowd with international artists performing from day into night. Not limited to jazz, a variety of genres are represented including R&B, steel drums, Latin and reggae. The Festival of Comedy is organized by the St Lucia National Trust and showcases Caribbean comedy acts and theatre at the Cultural Centre both in Castries and on Pigeon Island. June Dennery Fish Festival is held on the last Sunday of the month with sailing, swimming, rowing, tug-of-war competitions and an abundance of Atlantic seafood. Sunday 24th June: Fisherman’s Feast on St. Peter’s Day begins with a church service followed by blessing the decorated boats and sheds before the party begins. St. Lucia Squash Open has become a popular annual tournament for men and women. It is held at the St. Lucia Yacht Club in Rodney Bay and attracts top regional squash players. Paradise Saint Lucia 90 July 16th – 17th July: Carnival is perhaps the biggest annual celebration held on the island. Expect extravagant costumes, street parades and plenty of music and dancing. Complete with a carnival queen and soca and calypso monarchs, this is a celebration not to be missed. Reveling in colour and music, it’s fantastic to watch as bands strive to attain the title, “Band of the Year”. Kids Summer Safari runs through until September and brings local and visiting children together to learn about St. Lucia’s environment, culture, nature and history. Fun activities such as canoeing, craft making, bird watching, photography and hiking are on offer for ages 5-18. August Tuesday 30th August: The Rose Festival or Feast of St. Rose de Lima is a flower festival on 30th August rivaling La Marguerite. The fete is celebrated with a church service followed by street parades with grand fashions. There is a “king” and a “queen” which must be bowed to. The evening involves dinner and dancing. October Creole Heritage Month includes International Creole Day (Jounen Kweyol). Traditional food, exhibitions and folklore are enjoyed. The entire month is packed with cultural activities and excitement. To learn more, contact the folk Research Centre in Castries. Rivaling the Rose Festival, La Marguerite is held on 17th and honours the purple daisylike flower. After a religious service, there are dances and songs sung in French Creole. It similarly follows the format of a ‘king” and “queen” with dinner and dancing. Sunday 28th October: Oktoberfest En Kweyol is a one-day event held at Samaans Park with live music, traditional costumes, dancing, local cuisine and world beers on sale. St. Lucia International Bill Fish Tournament is an extremely popular four day game fishing tournament hosted by IGY Rodney Bay Marina with entries from all over the Caribbean… all hoping to catch the big one. November The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) begins in Las Palmas in Grand Canaria, with the finish line being in Rodney Bay. Organised by the World Cruising Club, approximately 250 boats enter this exciting transatlantic passage. The yachts arrive in Rodney Bay up until Christmas for many celebrations and tales of adventure. The marina village sets up a cultural village with vendors and regular events. December Wednesday 12th December: Festival of Lights & Renewal. Activities include lantern- making competitions and decorating the towns and villages with lights. Paradise Saint Lucia 91 Hotel Directory Hotels & Email Telephone Rms Alize Inn Hotel * [email protected] GROS ISLET 452-0960 12 Almond Morgan Bay * 457-3700 [email protected] CASTRIES 340 Anse Chastanet Hotel * [email protected] SOUFRIERE 459-7000 49 Auberge Seraphine * [email protected] CASTRIES 453-2073 28 Bay Gardens Beach Resort * 457-8500 [email protected] RODNEY BAY 72 Bay Gardens Hotel * [email protected] RODNEY BAY 452-8060 86 Bay Gardens Inn * [email protected] RODNEY BAY 452-8200 32 Bel Jou Hotel * [email protected] LA PANSEE, CASTRIES 456-1800 64 Belle Kaye * 460-7049 [email protected] CAPGATE, CAP ESTATE, GROS ISLET 8 Blue Skies * 452-8200 [email protected] RODNEY BAY 3 The Body Holiday @ LeSPORT *457-7800 [email protected] CAP ESTATE 154 Cap Maison * [email protected] CAP ESTATE 450-8517 49 Castles in Paradise Villa Resort454-8409 [email protected] * RODNEY BAY 19 Calabash Cove * [email protected] MARISULE, GROS ISLET 456-3500 26 Charlery’s Inn * 454-7420 [email protected] CLARK & LABORIE ST, VIEUX FORT 10 Paradise Saint Lucia 92 Gym / Spa Internet Access Weddings Conference Room Entertainment Kids Activities Self Catering Watersports Television Room Phone Tennis Pool Beach All Inclusive Summer 2012 Issue 1 * Denotes SLHTA Membership Hotels & Email Cleopatra Villas * [email protected] RODNEY BAY Telephone 458-0703 Coco Palm * 456-2800 [email protected] RODNEY BAY Gym / Spa Internet Access Weddings Conference Room Kids Activities Entertainment Self Catering Watersports Television Room Phone Tennis Pool Beach All Inclusive Hotel Directory Rms 6 101 Country Cottage Motel * [email protected] LAFFEA, MONCHY 572-7775 9 Coconut Bay * [email protected] VIEUX FORT 459-6000 254 Cotton Bay Village * [email protected] CAS EN BAS 450-5700 74 Discovery @ Marigot Bay * [email protected] MARIGOT BAY 458-5300 124 The Downtown Hotel * [email protected] SOUFRIERE 459 7185 18 East Winds Inn * [email protected] GROS ISLET 452-8212 30 Fond Doux Plantation * [email protected] SOUFRIERE 459-7545 10 Fox Grove Inn * [email protected] MON REPOS 455-3800 12 Ginger Lily * [email protected] RODNEY BAY 458-0300 11 Habitat Terrace * 452-0822 [email protected] CASTRIES 11 Harmony Suites [email protected] RODNEY BAY 452-8756 30 Hummingbird Beach Resort * 459-7232 [email protected] SOUFRIERE 10 Jade Mountain * 459-4000 [email protected] SOUFRIERE 29 Paradise Saint Lucia 93 Hotel Directory Hotels & Email JJ’s Paradise Resort * [email protected] MARIGOT BAY Telephone 451-4076 Rms 10 The Jalousie Plantation * [email protected] SOUFRIERE 456-8000 112 Kabran Hotel * [email protected] VIEUX FORT 454-3331 14 Kimatrai Hotel [email protected] VIEUX FORT 454-6328 15 Ladera Resort * [email protected] SOUFRIERE 459-6600 32 La Haut Resort * [email protected] SOUFRIERE 459-7008 13 La Terrasse Guest House [email protected] RODNEY BAY 572-0389 4 The Landings St. Lucia * 458-7300 [email protected] RODNEY BAY 123 Leisure Inn * [email protected] SOUFRIERE 459-5616 6 Mago Estate * [email protected] SOUFRIERE 459-5880 14 Marigot Beach Club * [email protected] MARIGOT BAY 451-4974 25 Marina Haven Villas * [email protected] GROS ISLET 459-5457 4 Marisule Garden Inn [email protected] GROS ISLET 451-8373 12 Palm Haven Hotel * [email protected] GROS ISLET 456-8500 35 454-8043 9 QR Quality Rooms * [email protected] VIEUX FORT Paradise Saint Lucia 94 Gym / Spa Weddings Internet Access Conference Room Entertainment Kids Activities Self Catering Watersports Room Phone Television Tennis Pool Beach All Inclusive Summer 2012 Issue 1 * Denotes SLHTA Membership Hotels & Email Poinsettia Apartments * CASTRIES Telephone 456-0469 The Reef Kite & Surf * 454-3418 [email protected] VIEUX FORT Rendezvous * 457-7900 [email protected] CASTRIES Rex Resort * [email protected] RODNEY BAY Weddings Gym / Spa Internet Access Conference Room Entertainment Kids Activities Self Catering Watersports Room Phone Television Tennis Pool Rms 7 4 100 452-8351 120 Royal St Lucian Resort & Spa * 452-9999 [email protected] RODNEY BAY 96 Sandals Grande * [email protected] RODNEY BAY 455-2000 284 Sandals Halcyon * [email protected] CASTRIES 453-0222 170 Sandals Regency * [email protected] RODNEY BAY 452-3081 327 Seagrape Apartments * [email protected] RODNEY BAY 452-2399 6 Smuggler’s Cove * 450-0551 [email protected] CAP ESTATE 369 Stonefield Estate Villas * 459-7037 [email protected] SOUFRIERE 10 Sun West Villas * 520--4732 [email protected] RODNEY BAY Sweet Shaves Apartments * 452-3559 CASTRIES 8 Ti Kaye Village * [email protected] ANSE COCHON 33 456-8101 Beach All Inclusive Hotel Directory 4 Paradise Saint Lucia 95 Hotels & Email Telephone Rms 451-6621 7 Tropical Breeze Apartments * 450-0589 [email protected] 10 Tropical Villas * [email protected] ISLAND WIDE 450-8240 21 Tuxedo Villas * [email protected] RODNEY BAY 452-8553 10 Unique Vacations * [email protected] ISLAND WIDE 450-8331 10 Villa Beach Cottages * info@villabeachcottages@com CASTRIES 450-2884 20 Villa Capri * [email protected] CAP ESTATE 450-0009 9 Villas on the Green * [email protected] CAP ESTATE 450-8684 - Villa Serendipity * 451-6154 [email protected] GROS ISLET 4 Tranquility Apartments * [email protected] GROS ISLET Village Inn & Spa * [email protected] RODNEY BAY 458-3300 76 Windjammer Landing * 456-9000 [email protected] GROS ISLET 248 Zamaca Saint Lucia * [email protected] MICOUD 454-1309 5 Zara Villas ** 456-8101 [email protected] CAP ESTATE 22 Paradise Saint Lucia 96 Gym/Spa Internet Access Weddings Conference Room Kids Activities Entertainment Self Catering Watersports Television Room Phone Tennis Pool Beach * Denotes SLHTA Membership All Inclusive Summer 2012 Issue 1 Hotel Directory