Top St. Lucia Resorts
Enjoying resort amenities during your vacation provides a lot of comfort and convenience. Keep in mind that there are two sides to this island: the calmer, western Caribbean Sea and choppier, eastern Atlantic Ocean coastlines. Sunbathers who plan to make a beeline for a tranquil, beach experience with crystalline waters may prefer to stay on the Caribbean side. But many visitors may find themselves delighted by the less populated Atlantic shore’s cliffside ocean views.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort (Gros Islet, St Lucia)
You’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea and plenty of pampering opportunities at this large resort nestled in its own peninsula in the northern part of the island. Booking tip: This adult-only St. Lucia resort caters to couples and includes access to their other two nearby properties.
Jade Mountain Resort (Soufrière, St. Lucia)
This secluded mountaintop resort is located in the southwestern part of the island, near many main attractions; it’s also the only luxury St. Lucia resort with a view of the iconic Piton mountain peaks. Booking tip: No small children are permitted (16 years+ only), and since it’s atop a mountain it’s about a five-minute hike to the beach.
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa (Coconut Bay, St. Lucia)
Covering 85 acres along St. Lucia’s southeastern Atlantic coast, this all-inclusive St Lucia resort aims to please singles, couples, and families alike. Booking tip: Chockfull of on-property activities, Coconut Bay also offers an alternative to St. Lucia’s western coastline with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
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Beyond Your Resort: Popular Spots in St. Lucia
Many of St. Lucia’s main attractions are located on its western coast, and most are in or near the Soufrière area. We’ve listed a few popular landmarks and attractions, starting from the northern tip of the island to further south.
Before planning your itinerary, note that 77% of St. Lucia is covered in forest terrain and there’s more than one way to get around the island. With so many things to do in St. Lucia, you may save yourself some time by ensuring that your activities align with the location of your accommodations.
Pigeon Island National Park. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this 44-acre reserve with 18th century military ruins, beaches, eateries and more is technically an islet. Located in St Lucia’s northern tip in Rodney Bay, this former island was connected to the mainland in the 1970s by a manmade causeway. Recommend: Hike up to Fort Rodney for its panoramic ocean view.
National Rainforest. Nature lovers can go inland to explore St Lucia’s expansive, 19,000-acre lush rainforest. View waterfalls that pour over cliffs into exotic flower gardens, rare birds, and other indigenous wildlife and vegetation, in this environmentally protected “heart of the island”. Recommended: Although there are walking and biking tours, a family-friendly aerial tram tour provides a birds-eye view of the massive terrain.
The Pitons. Rising out of the sea at over 2,000 feet, these volcanic twin peaks of the Gros and Petit Pitons are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors interested in getting up close and personal with the Pitons are encouraged to hike the Gros Piton, which is described as a moderately easy two-hour hike. Recommended: Book a day cruise and sail along the Caribbean coastline for a close-up view of this most photographed St. Lucian landmark.