Discover St Lucia – A Caribbean Gem

If you’re looking for a true luxury Caribbean experience then one very special location to fit the bill might be the wonderful Cap Maison. St Lucia offers a number of incomparable attractions and luxury hotels like this ensure your experience is all the more memorable.

An island dream

Many of us might admit to having an ‘ideal island’ in our dreams. OK, that might vary between people but it’s likely to include verdant interiors, stunningly beautiful beaches, friendly people, great cuisine and perhaps above all, good sunny weather!

Well, St. Lucia can tick all of those boxes immediately. Even the so-called rainy season here really just means ‘the occasional short-duration heavy shower’. Apart from those (usually between May/June and December) this island is all sun.

The people are extremely friendly and if you’ve never visited the island before, you’ll be surprised at the prevailing culture with elements of British, French and African traditions coupled with something of the Carib. The beaches are often up there fighting for contention in the ‘best beaches of the world’ competitions and the scenery all over this mountainous island is staggering.

So, what’s the island like from a tourist’s viewpoint?

Luxury

For visitors, the emphasis is on luxury at hotels and resorts like Cap Maison. St Lucia has largely always targeted the discerning holidaymaker and you’ll see that wherever you go on the island, including such famous locations as Rodney Bay, the Pitons and the famous drive-through volcano.

However, the island isn’t elitist or an artificial creation for tourism alone. It has a long history and in towns like Castries (the capital) and Soufrière you’ll be able to discover much about its fascinating past. These are honest, everyday working towns where ordinary St. Lucians go about their daily lives.

Of course, tourism is a huge industry on the island. From the rainforest of the interior to the fantastic coastline, this is a visitor’s paradise for any one of a hundred reasons.

Who likes coming here?

Tourism comes from two sources. Those that arrive on typically short-stay cruises and people that are spending several days or weeks on the island – the latter usually arriving by air.

The island isn’t large and it’s possible to get around (usually by taxi) to see many of its sights within a week or so. Now that’s nowhere near long enough to get to really ‘know’ St Lucia, but the relatively small size of the island gives it a sense of intimacy that can be harder to find on some of the bigger islands in the region.

It’s the sort of holiday destination that people will love if they’re inclined to be relatively independent and to make their way around under their own steam. If you like regimented tourist itineraries, tight timetables, one-size fits all accommodation, universal catering and mechanistic even if highly efficient service, then this island just isn’t going to suit you. If you like individuality, boutique style accommodation and a holiday at your own place in one of the most beautiful places on earth then St Lucia might very much be your idea of a dream destination.

There are many stunning locations to choose as your base including the spectacular Cap Maison. St. Lucia as a holiday island is unlikely to disappoint you.

Olivia Chetham works for the Essential Hotel Collection. If you’re looking for superb accommodation, like the world famous Cap Maison St Lucia, we offer a handpicked portfolio of privately owned hotels. We have an intimate knowledge of every property and can provide the perfect accommodation to make your island dreams a reality.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.