St. Lucia - Mystical Island of THE CARIBBEAN
It is a place where great whales and sleek ocean-going yachts go to winter. Where the sun chooses to linger before moon, and stars peer out from velvet night. A place of near mystic beauty, better described by paintbrush than by words. And yet we shall try…
 Lush inland mountains, misty waterfalls, soaring volcanic peaks
19,000 acres of rain-forest, lush with orchids, bromeliads, bamboos and ferns
One of the finest bird-watching destinations in the West Indies
The Yachting center of the southern Caribbean
Dazzling underwater scenery
Miles of Beaches
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
One of Oprah’s “Top Five Places to See In Your Lifetime”
“It List” Top Destination for 2008
2007 Honeymoon Destination
St. Lucia ~ History & Lore
Slumbering volcanoes. Dense rain forests. A coastline that offers both safe harbors and foreboding cliffs. Such a dramatically beautiful island begs a mystery …
The original inhabitants of St. Lucia, the Ciboneys, suddenly vanished, almost without a trace. Then next, the Arawaks, at least had centuries of peace before being murdered by the arriving Caribs. The first European was a pirate, and the following British settlers fled within a month, their numbers very much reduced. So, yes, theremay be more than a few ghosts wandering this island, wishing that they too might still savor the good life.
The sea might also be a haven for forsaken souls. The pirate Francois Le Clerc, also known as Jambe de Bois, is thought by some to be the inspirationof Treasure Island’s Long John Silver. In the 1500s, this peg-legged French privateer led eight ships and 330 men. Headquartered on Pigeon Island, they delighted in attacking Spanish ships, and one might presume that not all went peacefully.
A mysterious creature, imaginatively named “The Thing”, has been regularly sighted at Anse Chastanet …and only at night. The islanders joke that this creature is the Loch Ness monster on vacation.
But the land itself is also the stuff of legends. Now the world’s only drive-in volcano within the Soufiere Sulphur-Springs was believed by the Amerindians to be associated with the God of Doom. As one peers into a bubbling gray-black depth, shrouded with sulphur fumes, this might be a reminder not to get too close.
St. Lucia ~ Flights
St. Lucia is serviced by many major airlines including US Air, Delta, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, British Midlands, BWIA, Air Canada, American Airlines,American Eagle and LIAT as the Regional Carrier. Le Paradis is only 20-minute drive from Hewanorra International Airport and approximate travel times to St. Lucia are:
Miami: 3 Hours
Puerto Rico: 2 Hours
New York: 4 Hours
Atlanta: 5 Hours
Charlotte: 5.5 Hours
Toronto: 6 Hours
Chicago: 7 Hours
London: 8 Hours
St. Lucia ~ Destination Highlights
Airport ~ Departure Tax is EC $68 for all Destinations. 2 Airports, the Hewanorra International Airport located to the South of the Island and the regional airport, George F.L. Charles, located to the North of the island.
Geography ~ St. Lucia is 27 miles long, and 14 wide (238 sq miles), with neighboring Martinique to the Northand St. Vincent to the South~ bothclearlyvisible from St. Lucia during clear days. Barbados is 100 miles to the South-East.
Climate ~ From November to February the day temperature is approximately 81ºF, with a night temperature of approximately 70-72ºF. December and January are the coolest months. From April to October the day temperature is approximately 84ºF, and the night 73ºF. June to August is the warmest period.
Credit Card ~ Widely accepted at all major shopping centers, restaurants, etc.
Currency ~ The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is tied to the US dollar. Bank exchange on US Traveler Cheques is EC$2.68 and EC$2.67on US cash.
Events and Festivals ~ Special events and activities throughout the year make St. Lucia a unique place for sun, sea, sand, music, color and life. Events which create this festive atmosphere include:
Carnival
The St. Lucia Jazz Festival
Heineken Kalalu
St. Lucia Food & Rum Festival
St. Lucian Fish Festivals (Every Friday and Saturday)
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers and World Rally for Cruisers
St. Lucia ~ Recreation & Leisure
Forest Tours ~The chance to explore the lush pristine tropical rain forest and the waterfalls of St. Lucia, hiking, on an ATV, biking, Zip-lining and Cable-Car.
Deep Sea Fishing ~ Your chance to snag a big one in St. Lucia rich deep-waters.
Kite and Wind surfing ~ Lessons and rentals are available locally, with few operators offering exclusive packages for kite surfing trips to other islands.
Parasailing ~ Floating some 300 feet over the glassy Caribbean is a rush!.
Scuba Diving ~ St. Lucia offers some of the best diving in the world. Full programs for beginners and certified divers are available.Sea Kayaking~Join a Kayak safari and explore some of the islands’beautiful coastlines, deserted beaches and spectacular cliffs, with some time for swimming, snorkeling and exploring.Surfing~ Catch some waves at the Caribbean’s most popular surf breaks with specialized surfing vacations in St. Lucia and to several other islands in the region.
Yacht Charters ~ Charter a yacht to explore the island and the Caribbean for a special sailing holiday.
Whale and Dolphin Watching ~ Join many others who have seen the graceful giants of the ocean which frequent the deep-waters of St. Lucia.
Other Activities ~ Including Golf, Gyms, Spas, Squash, Tennis, Yoga, Tai Chi, horseback riding and so much more.
St. Lucia ~ Location & Appeal
St. Lucia is rapidly gaining attention as one of the Caribbean’s hottest new destinations. O Magazine recently named St. Lucia as one of the “Top 5 Places to See in your Lifetime”
As an eco-tourism destination, St. Lucia is noted for breathtaking naturalsceneries. Enjoy hikesthrough the pristine, blue-green mountain rainforest, respected as a habitat for rare birdsand plants. The tiny islands to the south and east of St. Lucia are home to rare wildlife and birds that exist nowhere else in the world.
Part of the British Commonwealth with a Stable Government and Stable Currency as the Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar is pegged to the US dollar.
Six (6) new distinguished international brands emerging.
Seven (7) major marinas being built.
Seven (7) new Signature Courses being constructed.
New government initiatives to increase airlift to St. Lucia from the US and Europe along with government spending to upgrade transportation arteries and the islands central road network. Initiatives are also taken to transform the existing central business district into an international plaza and pedestrian promenade. Additionally, three (3) harbors are to be constructed along withmarketing initiatives to increase St. Lucia’s popularity as a leading and vibrant destination for tourists.
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