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Top 5 Things to Do on Sugar Beach in St. Lucia!

A vacation on the gorgeous white sands of Sugar Beach, St. Lucia is an experience unlike any other and we here at Blue Sky are committed to making sure that experience is a memorable one. So while you could spend your days lounging away on the beach—soaking up the incredible views and listening to the lullaby of the ocean (and we certainly wouldn’t blame you)—we thought we’d let you know about some fun activities you can do during your stay. Here are the Top 5 Things to Do in Sugar Beach!

1. Speed Boat Tour with Solomon Water Taxi & Tours

Hop aboard Solomon’s boat, Justice/Justice Again, and cruise the coastline to Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia’s very own black sand beach where you’ll go snorkeling. You’ll then head over to Soufriere to visit a bat cave before getting in a land taxi that will take you to a mud bath/volcano tour. Rub yourself or your partner in mud and then bathe in warm sulphuric pool water before rinsing off at the Toraille waterfall. Finally, you’ll grab lunch at Solomon’s mom’s delicious restaurant!

Organic cacao beans2. The Tree-to-Bar Experience at Boucan by Hotel Chocolat

Calling all chocoholics! This one’s for you. Unique to the Rabot Estate—and drawing on their expertise as a chocolatier and grower of chocolate—this is an exclusive opportunity for you to discover cocoa like never before and even have the opportunity to create your own chocolate! The experience starts with you walking through the estate’s cocoa groves and selecting ripe cocoa pods to harvest from the tree and ends with you making your own bar of chocolate. The tour also includes all the interesting steps in between—from the cocoa seedling nursery, fermenting room and sun-drying station to grinding, mixing and, of course, loads of tasting!

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3. Real St. Lucia Tours’ Petit Piton Trail Hike

Seeking some adventure? You’ve come to the right place. Hiking Petit Piton isn’t for the faint of heart but truly provides one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever encounter. Real St. Lucia Tours provides you with an experienced guide, and while the climb itself is quite difficult, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush rain forests and met with a breathtaking view at the top of Soufriere, Gros Piton, and the majestic blue ocean beneath you.

4. Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park

This 18th-century estate is an all-in-one experience that offers lots of activities for every member of the family. Learn about their local history and culture from their working plantation where you’ll even get to taste crops like coca, coffee, coconut, orange, grapefruit, and lime and then strap in for an exciting zip line through the canopy with amazing views of the Pitons. You can even mount a horse and explore the estate cowboy style, riding into the Sulphur Springs volcano and onto the beach, or hike through the lush rainforest and experience a natural spa treatment at a mineral waterfall. You can then satisfy your appetite with a delectable local creole buffet lunch in their open-air restaurants.

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5. Action Adventure Divers

Grab your flippers and wetsuit and get ready to experience the world below in a whole new way. Join Dive Master Chester for a single tank, double tank, or even a night dive in the reefs of the Soufriere Marine Management Area. Explore the fantastical Fairyland, the dazzling Devil’s Hole, the sublime Superman Flight (where Superman 2 was filmed), the remarkable Wreck of the Lesleen M (a 165-foot freighter that sunk in October 1986), and so many more magnificent sites. Everyone is welcome—from newbies to seasoned pros!

Romantic Activities to Do on St. Lucia

St. Lucia attracts thousands of couples from around the world. This Caribbean island has a romantic atmosphere, and you will never feel bored because there is so much to do and see – azure blue beaches, small fishing villages, waterfalls,  rainforests, reefs, lush mountains – these are just some of St. Lucia’s many attractions.  Below are our favorite must-do activities.

Dinner Cruises

Dinner cruises are a very popular activity in St Lucia. Depending on your cruise preferences, you can choose from standard to luxury dinner cruise options. There are also party cruises where you can dance to DJ music on an open-air deck under the stars. A standard dinner cruise typically involves sailing on a catamaran up the coast to Marigot Bay, enjoying stunning sunset views and dancing to island rhythms while sampling drinks and appetizers.

Snorkeling

St. Lucia provides the perfect snorkeling conditions for both novice and experienced snorkel adventurers.  If you are a first-time visitor, come check out Anse de Pitons. This popular snorkel destination at the base of the Pitons has a very dramatic crescent shape that brings awe and wonder to everyone who comes here. Here the waters are pretty deep so you can see a variety of tropical fish and other marine life. Another very attractive snorkeling spot is Anse Chastanet Beach, where you can enjoy the shallowest waters on the island and still get to see the best of the Caribbean’s underwater world. Another popular way to explore St Lucia’s snorkeling options is taking a tour. There are several tour companies that can take you on a full day catamaran snorkel tour staffed by an expert captain and crew. If you want to take your snorkel adventure a step further you can also enjoy a private St. Lucia full day snorkeling charter where you will be provided all snorkel equipment and choose your own snorkeling spots.

Horseback Riding

Love horses? You and your party are welcome to join a horseback riding tour and explore St. Lucia’s shoreline. Horseback tours include an expert tour guide who will take you on a ride down winding trails in tropical forests. Some horseback tour packages also include a picnic on a beach where you can relax on the soft sand or swim in the warm Caribbean sea.

Popular St. Lucia Hikes

There is so much to see and experience during your St. Lucia vacation. If you like being active and enjoy the outdoors, you will love the natural wonders this island has to offer. One of the best ways to explore St. Lucia’s nature is by taking a hike. You can do it on your own or with a tour guide. Here are three of the most popular hiking trails:

Tet Paul Nature Trail

This easy to moderate hike takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. It is recommended to do this hike with a local tour guide who will point out native plants, trees and healing herbs long the way. You will also learn interesting facts about the culture, history and nearby villages. Take your camera because you will have plenty of photo opportunities. The trail features breathtaking 360-degree views of St. Lucia’s highest mountain, Morne Gimme, the plains of Vieux Fort and its lighthouse. You will be able to see the nearby villages of Chousiel, Laborie, Soufriere and even all the way to the neighbor islands of St. Vincent and Martinique. Other majestic views along the way include Jalousie Bay, located on the southern shore of the island, Fond Gens Libre, Choiseul, Maria Island and more. Along the hike you will also walk by a working organic farm. Bring your lunch because there is a small picnic area set up for families and groups to stop by and have a meal.

Gros Piton Nature Trail

The Gros Piton Nature Trail is another popular hike that is suitable for beginners (the first half of the trail) and experienced hikers (the second half of the trail, which includes a steep ascent to the summit of Gros Piton). Along the trail you will be surrounded by tropical vegetation, learn about the history and heritage of the island, go back in time and walk in the footsteps of St. Lucia’s first people, the Amerindians. When you reach the summit you will be able to enjoy the awe-inspiring views all around from St. Vincent to the south and Martinique to the north. This is a four hour roundtrip hike and we recommend hiking it with a local tour guide who will take you to a few extra attractions along the way.

En Bas Saut Trail

Located at the foot of the island’s highest peak, Mount Gimie, this hike is ideal for hikers who like venturing into rainforests and be surrounded by thick tropical flora. Since the location is rather remote you can find unique island flora and fauna and see rare species, such as Saint Lucian Parrot and the Saint Lucian Oriole. The hike is 2.5 miles long and is suitable for more experienced hikers. Another popular attraction along the trail are the Enbas Saut Falls, two small cascading waterfalls with pools. The top falls are about 15-20 feet tall with a relatively deep swimming pool, while the bottom falls are higher at 20-25 feet tall with a shallow pool.

Our Top Three Villa Picks on St. Lucia

Come to this fine island in the Caribbean to experience your ultimate romantic getaway. With its natural splendor, azure blue beaches and luxury accommodations the island of St. Lucia is the best choice for your romantic occasion. The island has two airports offering services for international flights from the U.S. and Europe and services for private jets as well. The island of St. Lucia offers a great selection of romantic and luxurious accommodations. Here are our top picks of the best what the island of Lucia has to offer.

The Suites at Paradise Ridge

Once a part of one of the largest and most famous Soufrière’s cocoa plantations, today The Suites at Paradise Ridge is part of the Ladera Resort set on 1,100 feet above sea level featuring spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and the famous landmark of the Pitons. Most of the guests at The Suites at Paradise Ridge come here on their honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary or renewing their wedding vows. All villas are spacious with open-air design and unique Caribbean decor. Each villa is skillfully crafted in Ladera’s signature rainforest style featuring terracotta flooring, Soufrière stone and tile work crafted by St. Lucian masons and columns milled and polished from tropical greenheart wood. All suits also have private pools with custom features such as porch swings for two over the pools.

Beachfront Collection

This one-of-a-kind home situated on the white sands of Sugar Beach is designed by the world-famous British architecture firm Michaelis Boyd Associates and it is one of the most sophisticated beachfront homes in the world. The slick and modern design features floor-to-ceiling windows that open to stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The property boasts a custom Italian kitchen with Gaggenau & Miele professional appliances, an outdoor dining area and tons of other amenities that will spoil you and your loved one.

You will also have full access to five star services and amenities. Enjoy a huge infinity edge pool, a rainforest spa, three gourmet restaurants, four bars, a night club and more. There is also a beach club & lounge, and if you come with your little ones they will have access to an amazing kids club. You will have 24 hour access to butlers providing discreet service. To make your experience even better you can also take advantage of the massage therapists and concierge service specialists.

Jade Mountain Resort

Rising majestically above the 600 acre beachfront resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain Resort on St. Lucia features an unsurpassed location with lush tropical acres adjoining sandy Caribbean beaches with pristine coral reefs just offshore. This unspoiled serenity is home to five luxurious villas boasting spectacular views of the Piton and sea views from its open floor living area. Jade Mountain Resort provides ultimate privacy, world-class service and access to Anse Chastanet’s restaurants, bars, art galleries, spas, boutiques, and bike and watersport facilities. So if you are looking for the ultimate getaway, look no more.

Best Activities on St. Lucia

Located in the Eastern Caribbean, St. Lucia is a beautiful island nation with volcanic beaches lining its shoreline and the Pitons on its west coast. Trails in the island’s interior lead to waterfalls. St. Lucia is a popular tourist destination, and there are several luxury resorts on the island. Castries, the capital, is a popular Caribbean cruise port.

One of St. Lucia’s top attractions is Sulphur Springs, also known as the “world’s only drive in volcano.” Located near Soufrière in the southwestern part of the island, the Soufrière Volcano last erupted in the 1700s. Today, it is considered to be a dormant volcano. The water at the center of the springs boils at about 340 Fahrenheit (170 Celsius), and it is possible to drive up right to the edge of the springs. A few hundred yards downstream from the springs, the water temperature is cool enough for people to enjoy a hot mud bath, about 110 Fahrenheit (45 Celsius). These mud baths are believed by some to have medicinal properties, and they attract people from all over the world who hope to heal a variety of conditions, such as eczema, arthritis, sore joints and sun burns.

Another popular St. Lucia attraction that is also located in Soufrière is St. Lucia Botanical Gardens, also known as the Diamond Botanical Gardens, which is the oldest botanical garden on the island and home to the Diamond Waterfall, which has been described as one of St. Lucia’s natural wonders. Encompassing six acres, the botanical garden is a haven for birds and insects and features an abundance of tropical flora. What makes the Diamond Waterfall truly unique is the fact that it is probably the most colorful waterfall in the Caribbean. That’s because its waters have a high mineral content. Its stream is a mixture of rain water and volcanism fed by the Sulphur Springs. Minerals that are found in the water include sulphur, magnesium, iron, manganese, calcium and copper sulphate, all contributing to the kaleidoscope of colors that make up the rock face behind the waterfall. A well-maintained path winds through the botanical garden, making it a popular tourist attraction.

The Tet Paul Nature Trail is a popular destination among hiking enthusiasts. Located just 10 minutes from Soufrière, the trail features spectacular views. From the majestic Pitons and Jalousie Bay on St. Lucia’s south shore, to the far away neighbor islands of Martinique and St. Vincent, you can enjoy many fantastic photo opportunities along the way. The hike itself is considered easy to moderate and is great for solo travelers and families alike. Another popular hiking destination are the Pitons, which are two volcanic mountains. Gros Piton rises 2,619 feet (798 m) above sea level, and together with Petit Piton (2,461 ft / 739 m), the two mountains are the hallmark of St. Lucia’s western coast. While it is possible to hike up both mountains, only Gros Piton is legally sanctioned by St. Lucia’s government. Petit Piton is very steep and more dangerous. Gros Piton, on the other hand, is still a challenging hike, but it is considered as not too difficult for most hikers. From the peak, you can see a vast portion of the island.

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