FAQs on St. Lucia, in The Caribbean

Here are the answers to some of the more frequently asked questions about holidays to St. Lucia and locations such as the gorgeous Cap Maison.

How risky is travelling to St. Lucia in the rainy season?

Not at all really! The rainy season lasts for quite a few months, but you can put your mind at rest. It usually means the occasional heavy but usually very short-duration shower. The sun typically appears again very quickly afterwards.

Is the island entirely exclusive in terms of resorts and hotels?

No, it caters for a wide range of different people with different budgets. However, broadly speaking it is probably fair to say that it does cater heavily for rather more selective holidaymakers as opposed to mass tourism. That explains why it has some exceptionally beautiful and exclusive hotels and resorts such as Cap Maison.

Are weddings easily organised there?

Yes. It has some of the easiest and least bureaucratic processes around as regards weddings, and the backdrop for photographs is nothing short of breath-taking. However, don’t be too cavalier about local rules and regulations by just ‘turning up’ one day expecting to get married. There are a small number of formalities to deal with in advance and you can research these on the Internet. Of course, it’s usually much easier if you ask your hotel or resort travel specialists to arrange your wedding for you and deal with the paperwork in the process. Cap Maison, in particular, is famous as a go-to wedding destination and they will help ensure everything runs smoothly every step of the way.

How hot is the local cuisine?

Caribbean cuisine is traditionally spicy and pungent but that doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing as ‘blowing your head off’ hot! This subject is sometimes hugely exaggerated by some for fun. In major resorts and hotels there will be excellent chefs who can prepare international cuisine or local St. Lucian dishes to your requirements. If, for example, you’d like to try the local jerk flavouring but in a milder way, just ask and you’ll get it exactly to your liking.

How safe is St. Lucia in crime terms?

It is usually regarded as safe by the standards of other islands, and perhaps even by the standards of your own hometown. Of course, tourists are seen as fair game by criminals all over the world, so taking basic standard safety precautions with your personal valuable belongings would only be sensible – just as you would anywhere.

Will I need to speak some French?

Contrary to some myth, English is the official language of the island. Many local people speak, in their homes, a form of what is sometimes referred to as ‘Patois’, which is a mixture of French, English and some languages that originate from Africa. As an English-speaking tourist, you will have no problems at all on the island with language.Of course, the staff in major establishments or resorts such as Cap Maison will very likely be multi-lingual in several major languages anyway.

Helen C. Edwards works for the Essential Hotel Collection. If you’re looking for superb Caribbean accommodation, like the world famous Cap Maison on 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.