The Arrival

Eager to embrace the island's natural beauty, we had a pre-booked rugged 4x4 vehicle for our entire stay. Opting for an automatic transmission was a no-brainer; those winding, hilly roads demand your full attention. Believe us when we say that driving in Saint Lucia can feel like a rollercoaster ride – locals seem to navigate these twists and turns with astonishing ease, zipping by at breakneck speeds. But here's the scoop: You'll adapt to these roads faster than you think, and the payoff is well worth it.

Our first day's refuge was the enchanting Stonefield Villa Resort, a hidden gem nestled within a former lime and cocoa plantation. This heavenly retreat is composed of rustic wood and stone villas sprawled across 26 acres of lush rainforest. Our villa, with its private plunge pool and outdoor shower, was magical. Stonefield Resort embodies Saint Lucian authenticity, providing the ultimate blend of nature and seclusion. Dining with a backdrop of the majestic Petit Piton and the Caribbean Sea was an experience we were blown away by. We savoured the flavours of shrimp and tuna from the onsite restaurant Mango Tree during dinner – perfectly seared and bathed in a light mango sauce, as well as the Catch of the Day – tender braised tuna accompanied by rice and vegetables, all paired with delicious cocktails.

AKASO - f.2.8/View of the Piton from the Raintree Villa - (Stonefield Resort)

AKASO f2.8/View from the Mango Tree Restaurant - (Stonefield Resort)

A Local Experience

For the second leg of our journey, we opted for a change of pace. We moved to the charming Airbnb Villa Cybelle in Castries, seeking a more immersive, local experience. This shift also provided us with convenient access to a variety of exciting attractions. Villa Cybelle itself was a hidden gem, offering a taste of local life, complete with two friendly dogs living upstairs in the master villa. It was a spacious, serene, and private Caribbean retreat set in a lush and stunning location, making it the perfect hub for exploring all parts of the island.

AKASO f2.8/Villa Cybelle view (Castries)

AKASO f2.8/Villa Cybelle (Castries) - Bosco

Our day's agenda revolved around exploring the pristine beaches of the North West. The island of St. Lucia is a paradise for beach lovers, with numerous pristine bays and sandy shores to be found, especially along its western side, which embraces the serene beauty of the Caribbean Sea. Our first stop was Vigie Beach, a quick 20-minute drive from our villa. What greeted us was a postcard-perfect paradise, with an added bonus – we practically had the entire beach to ourselves. Travelling towards the end of the season has its perks; you get to enjoy a different, more serene side of these tropical havens.

12 Best Beaches in St Lucia

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With a rainy forecast looming overhead, we made the call to hunker down in our cosy villa and fire up the grill. And what's more fitting for such a day than jerk chicken wings and thighs paired with sweet potato chips that boasted a delightful, chestnut-like flavour? Trust us, it was a taste sensation.

The weather played a bit of a fickle game, offering up intermittent heavy showers but generously gifting us sunny interludes. However, the backdrop of the endless sea and the inviting pool made it easy to embrace the day's peaceful and relaxing rhythm. Armed with a good book and a glass of rose in hand, we found no reason to complain.

Sony A7 II/f1.8/Villa Cybelle - Aaron & Zuzana

Sony A7 II/f2.8/Villa Cybelle sunset - Aaron

We chose to have lunch at Elena's by the Marina, surrounded by scenic views and yachts. It was truly magical and refreshing. Later, we took a drive around the northern area to admire the beautiful scenery, and city views, which were equally enchanting.

Getting around St Lucia might eat up a couple of hours, thanks to its petite size and winding mountain roads. However, the good news is that you can enjoy the best of both worlds by journeying from the north to the south and back within a single day. Alternatively, follow the footsteps of many St. Lucia visitors and split your stay between the north and south. Spend a few nights in each region to savour the diverse experiences this island paradise has to offer.

Horseriding in St. Lucia is an absolute must-do experience! Our journey took us from the picturesque Cap Estate to the Pigeon Island, and it felt like stepping into a magical world.

As we rode, we were treated to breathtaking views that seemed straight out of a fairy tale, we even had the unique opportunity to wade into the crystal-clear waters with our trusty steeds.

Sony A7 II f9/Pigeon Island (in the background)

Speaking of Pigeon Island, it's not just a haven for marine life; it's also famous for its feathered inhabitants. The rugged terrain of the island provides shelter to several endangered Rock Pigeons, making it a vital conservation site.

And if you're a fan of underwater wonders, you're in for a treat. The coral reefs surrounding these islands are home to a dazzling array of marine life, with around 300 species of vibrant reef fish according to the Wildlife Department. St. Lucia truly is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!

Wandering through the charming village along the way, we had the chance to strike up conversations with friendly locals, immersing ourselves in the rich culture of the island.

Gros Islet

What makes an area of Gros Islet so special? Packed full of history with beautiful beaches, and a nature lover’s paradise, these are just some of the reasons why we love Gros Islet so much. Located at the northernmost tip of St Lucia lies Gros Islet. This former fishing village has been transformed over the years into something of a popular hotspot while maintaining the authentic local vibe. Standing at 101 square kilometres it’s the largest of the 10 districts on the island of St Lucia, so its name is very fitting. Gros Islet is home to a population of around 25,000, meaning it’s the second most populated district after the capital Castries.

Gros Islet is a haven of beautiful beaches, scattered from Pigeon Island to Marisule. We really enjoyed a secluded spot with unspoiled scenery with the glistening waters of the Caribbean Sea within reach all the beaches are equally beautiful so whichever you choose you won’t be disappointed!

Despite its modest size, this village is a hub of bustling activity, Gros Islet comprises numerous communities and ranks among the most populous constituencies on the island. While fishing remains a cornerstone of its economy, Gros Islet has also evolved into one of Saint Lucia's most sought-after tourism destinations due to its local and friendly vibe.

Every Friday night, the village of Gros Islet transforms into a lively hotspot with its renowned Jump Up Street Party. Originating as a street food market dedicated to the traditional Friday fish dinner, seafood remains the star attraction at this vibrant street celebration. It's not just one of the most favoured activities in St. Lucia but also an exceptional way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

The Thrills of Soufrière Sulfur Springs' Active Volcano

Welcome to the extraordinary "drive-in volcano" that's truly one of a kind! Soufrière and its expansive surroundings form a colossal volcano caldera, and the hub of volcanic action lies within St. Lucia's Sulphur Springs. As you ascend, prepare to encounter pools of simmering mud and the fascinating vents expelling clouds of sulfuric gas, which inspired Soufrière's name.

Make the most of your visit by taking a dip in naturally heated pools and indulging in mineral-enriched mud facials. The locals passionately vouch for the volcanic mud's therapeutic properties, leaving you with the possibility of returning home looking a decade younger!

Time swiftly passed during our stay in St. Lucia, as we indulged in endless fun and adventure. As our final day arrived, we found ourselves deeply enamoured with this enchanting place, leading us to contemplate making it our permanent home. Though parting was bittersweet (truth be told, it still is), we've immortalized our incredible experiences through the lens of our cameras. I'll be crafting an unforgettable album brimming with photographs and polaroids, serving as a cherished reminder until the day we can call this place our home.

AKASO f2.8/View from the Parrot Sanctuary

AKASO f2.8/The Reef Beach Cafe (close to the airport)

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