Located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, St. Lucia is a stunning island that measures 27 miles long, 14 miles wide, and is part of the Lesser Antilles chain. The island is south of Martinque and northeast of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and while you may never have visited the island of Saint Lucia, if you are a movie lover, you may have seen this beautiful island in the movies that were filmed there including the Pirates of the Caribbean (2003), Water (1985), Superman II (1980), Firepower (1979) and Doctor Doolittle (1963). English is the official language of this beautiful country.
We love Summer, and to make our Summer last a little bit longer, we took an exciting trip to St. Lucia in September 2026. While we have visited many of the other Caribbean islands, as this was our first trip to St. Lucia, we wanted to experience as much of the beautiful island as we could, while still taking time to relax and enjoy it. We found much to do on this trip, while saving a few ideas for next time.
Where To Stay
We stayed at the luxurious Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa located in on the northwest Caribbean coast part of the island in Choc. Bay Castries, Gros Islet Highway, Choc, St. Lucia. This all-inclusive adults-only luxury hotel has 3 swimming pools, 9 restaurants, a well-appointed spa with a plethora of treatment options, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, table tennis, Jenga, entertainment and activities throughout the day and evening, and all the bells and whistles that you could hope for in a gorgeous location.
Time to relax
We stayed in the Preferred Club Master Suite Swim Out King overlooking the Caribbean Sea, which provided us with stunning spacious accommodations with spectacular sunset views, and the opportunity to swim in our private pool whenever we wanted.
St. Lucian Breakfast
The service was impeccable, the restaurants offered a wide variety of food to appeal to diverse palates, and we fell in love with the island’s gracious hospitality and personality.
Read more about our stay at Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa in the Hotels and Resorts section.
Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa
Choc. Bay Castries
Gros Islet Hwy, Choc,
St Lucia
Telephone: +1-758-457-3700, +1-866-467-3273
Website: https://www.hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/secrets/st-lucia/st-lucia-resort-spa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secretsstluciaresort
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsstlucia/ @secretsstlucia
Things to Do – Spa Day – Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa
Spas and vacations are the perfect marriage of pampering and relaxation, and the Spa at Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa offers both in an elegant and gracious ambience. Their luxurious treatments include Hammam, Local Signature Treatments including Volcanic Mud Treatment, Water Journey, Express Rituals, Facials, Diamond Well-Living Moments, Skincare Master Class, six types of Massages, a Beauty Salon, Waxing Treatments, and more.
Hydrotherapy
We took time for a relaxing couples Swedish Massage, followed by sessions in the Steam and Sauna rooms, as well as enjoyed their various hydro-therapy treatments, Cold Plunge, and whirlpool.
Read more about our Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa experience in the Spas section.
Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa
Choc. Bay Castries
Gros Islet Hwy, Choc,
St. Lucia
Telephone: +1-758-457-3700, +1-866-467-3273
Website: https://www.hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/secrets/st-lucia/st-lucia-resort-spa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secretsstluciaresort
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsstlucia/ @secretsstlucia
Things to Do Off-Resort
Distillery Tour at St. Lucia Distillers, Group, Ltd.
Rum is the official beverage of Saint Lucia, and to experience its famous brands, we visited St. Lucia Distillers, Group, Ltd. where we took a very interesting and educational tour to learn more about their rums including Admiral Rodney, Bounty Rum “The Spirit of Saint Lucia,” Chairman’s Reserve Rum, Denros Strong Rum, followed by tasting several of their exceptional products.
Deny Duplessis, Master Blender
St. Lucia Distillers Rums: Admiral Rodney, Bounty Rum “The Spirit of Saint Lucia,” Chairman’s Reserve Finest Saint Lucia Rum, Denros Strong Rum Double Strength is an overproof rum, and Marigot Bay Cream Liqueurs: Chocolate Cream, Peanut, Spiced, Banana, and Coconut.
St. Lucia Distillers Other Products: They also produce two fortified wines: Midnight Ride, Sting Power, and Z Moss.
Tasting Time
Distillery Tour Information: The “Rhythm of Rum” tour is open for pre-booked groups (minimum 14 persons) 7 days a week and individual visitors 5 days a week (Monday to Fridays, except public holidays). A complete guided tour will take about an hour to complete. The first tour is scheduled to commence at 9.00 a.m. and the last at 3.00 p.m.
There is wheelchair access to all sections of the tour however motorized/electrical wheelchairs are not permitted in the distillery property. Clients are offered the opportunity to purchase our products on site at our “Rhum Shoppe” at factory prices.
Lennox Wilson & Edward F. Nesta Checking out the Cellar
Tour Ages: Everyone can tour, however only Adults ages 18 and older may taste.
Tour Pricing: Adult Tour: $12 USD/$31.20 XCD (East Caribbean Dollar), Child Tour (12-15 years): $8 USD/$20.80 XCD, Children older than 15: $12 USD/$31.20, Adult Tasting Only: $6 USD/$15.60 XCD
They also offer Group Rates for 15 or more.
Interested in booking a tour? Tours are offered Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm, and from 1:30pm until 3:00 pm. To book your tour, please call +1-758-456-3100
Please visit their website for more information on St. Lucia Distillers, their line of products, as well as complete pricing: https://www.stluciadistillers.com/visit-us
Read more about our experience at St. Lucia Distillers in the Liquor Cabinet section.
St. Lucia Distillers
XX3G+G2G, Roseau
Saint Lucia
Telephone: +1-758-456-3100
Website: https://www.stluciadistillers.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiribam/ @spiribam
Adventures – Above and Below the Sea
Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa is located on the Caribbean Sea and has very calm waters. The resort has many fun watersports including kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, and Hobie Cats available for guests.
We spent a fun afternoon experiencing a ride on a Hobie Cat, which is a lightweight twin-hulled catamaran sailboat. With Kareem as our captain, we sat back and enjoyed a 45-minute tour on the water and soaked up the natural beauty of the island as well as the stunning homes located high above the coast.
We also went out snorkeling, and it was perfect to be swimming around in the warm water followed by a nap on the comfortable lounge chairs under a pretty palapa.
Adventures – Horseback Riding on the Beach
Horseback riding on a beach has long been something that we wanted to experience. During our short stay on the beautiful island of St. Lucia, we experienced horseback riding with two companies and enjoyed the rides and the scenic views that took us to various parts of the island. It is interesting to note that the Caribbean Sea has much calmer waters than the Atlantic Ocean, so the two rides provided us with views of both.
On Friday, September 11, 2026, took a 2-Hour Sunset Ride with Delwin Dore owner of Dore’s Riding Stables. Located close to the Caribbean Sea on the western/northwestern part of St. Lucia, our ride consisted of trail, street, and beach riding to Pigeon Point and Pigeon Island where we rode our horses bareback into the water for a most magical experience, then saddled them back up for the ride back.
Dore’s Riding Stables Types of Tours: Group Tours, Private Tours, and Featured Tours.
Tours Offered Include: 1-Hour Beach Ride (from $60 USD), 2-Hour Beach Ride (from $80 USD), 2-Hour Sunset Tour (from $115 USD), Gros-Islet 2-Hour Tour (from $80 USD), Horse & Buggy (3-hours, from $195), Ride and Hike (3 hours from $160 USD), Private Tour (from $100 USD) and Pigeon Pointe Pony Ride (Pony Beach Ride, 30 minutes $20 USD).
Dore’s Riding Stables Hours: Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.
Read more about our experience with Dore’s Riding Stables in the Adventures section.
Dore’s Riding Stables
Cap Estate, Gros-Islet
Saint Lucia
Contact: Delwin Dore
Telephone: +1-758-286-2213
Email: doresridingstables@gmail.com
Website: https://www.doresridingstables.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Dores-Riding-stable/100054830414231/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doresridingstable/ @doresridingstable
On Saturday, September 12, we continued our horseback riding adventures with a 2-Hour Private Morning Ride with Sandy Hoofs St. Lucia Horse Riding. Located closer to the Atlantic Ocean on the Northeastern coast of the island, the ride consisted of trail riding, open pastures, and riding along the beach and in the water.
Sandy Hoofs Tours: Private Horseback Beach Ride (approximately 2 hours, $99 USD per person), Private Horseback Picnic Ride (approximately 2.5 hours, $129 USD per person), and a Private Advanced Beach Ride (approximately 3 hours, $119 USD per person). They also offer Private Sunrise Horseback Beach Ride Experience (2-hours).
Sandy Hoofs Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. They are closed on Sundays.
Good to Know Before You Book: There is a weight limit of 220 pounds. Review their Horseback Riding Experience Levels: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced. Please note: Horse riding experience is not necessary for their Private Horse Riding on the Beach, Private Horse Ride with Picnic or Private Sunrise Horse Ride on the Beach. Wear comfortable clothes that fit well yet allow you to move. Wear sunscreen and cover up. Closed toe shoes are recommended. Bring your camera or phone for photos, and a towel and change of clothes if you desired for after the ride. There are lockers to store your belongings. A bottle of water is provided on all tours. Helmets are available for those that want them. Saddles are Western.
Read more about our experience with Sandy Hoofs St. Lucia Horse Riding in the Adventures section.
Sandy Hoofs St. Lucia Horse Riding
Beach Drive
Beausejour, Gros-Islet
St. Lucia
Keri and Josh de Freitas
Email: info@sandyhoofsstlucia.com
Telephone: +1-758-730-5975 or +1-758-717-5800
Website: https://www.sandyhoofsstlucia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandyhoofsstlucia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandyhoofsstlucia @sandyhoofsstlucia
Travel Tips – Good To Know Before You Go
Airports: The island has two airports; the major airport of St. Lucia is Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort located 40 miles south of Castries, and there is a smaller inter-island airport, George F.L. Charles Airport near Castries. It is interesting to note that the main airport is located in the southern part of the island, which is the only location on the island that is flat.
Airlines: American Airlines flies non-stop from MIA (Miami International Airport), CLT (Charlotte), and PHL (Philadelphia), Delta Air Lines flies non-stop from ATL (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport), JetBlue flies non-stop from JFK (New York) and BOS (Boston), and United Airlines flies non-stop from EWR (Newark) and ORD (Chicago).
Capital: The capital of the island is Castries.
Currency: St. Lucia currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD or XCD). United States Dollars are widely accepted; however, you may be given change back in ECD. Currency exchanges are available at the airport, as well as at several banks. Banks are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm, and on Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.
Electronic Immigration Form: All travelers arriving by air are encouraged to complete the immigration form online prior to arrival. The online form can be completed wherever the internet is available, including in the departure lounge of your departure airport and on board flights that offer internet services. You may also complete the electronic form on arrival at the airport in St. Lucia using the free wi-fi service. Complete one entry form per family to receive a QR code by email to be presented to the authorities on arrival. Complete and submit your form up to 3 days before travel to St. Lucia.
Getting Around and Car Services: We preferred to use car services rather than driving ourselves. It is important to note that the steering wheels are located on the right side of the vehicles, and you drive on the left side of the road. Although the island is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, the roads are winding, narrow, and undulate over the hills like a rollercoaster with many roundabouts, so we felt it best to leave the driving to the local professionals and enjoy the scenic views. While the distance may not seem far in miles/kilometers, allow extra time for the winding roads.
We used these car services to get around, which provided professional, courteous service.
Graceful Tours and Transfers
Owner, Everett Desmond Deterville
Telephone: +1-758-714-9366
Email: gracefultaxi@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gracefultours
Off The Beaten Path Taxi Service
Owner, Owin H. Antoine
Rodney Bay
Gros Islet 00124
St. Lucia
Telephone: +1-758-520-8158
Email: otbpservices@hotmail.com
Website: www.otbpservices.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otbpservices @otbpservices
Language: English is the official language of St. Lucia; however, locals also speak French Creole called Kwéyòl.
Telephone Codes: The international dialing code for St. Lucia is 1-758. To call the UK from Saint Lucia dial 011 44 plus number. To call USA dial 1 plus number.
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time, similar to Eastern Time, is observed year-round. They do not observe daylight savings time.
Tourist Season: The cruise ships have ports of call on St. Lucia from October through April. A few of the exciting festivities during the year include the St. Lucia Jazz Festival in May, Carnival in July, and Kwéyòl (Creole) Month in October.
Voltage: St. Lucia is usually 240 Volts, 50 cycles AC (a few hotels are 110 Volts, 60 cycles).
While we experienced much during our short stay, we did leave a few fun things to do for the next time we visit St. Lucia including hiking The Pitons located in the southwest coast of the island, going to the Volcano and the Mud Baths, the Rainforest, and partying at the Friday night street festivals.
Cheers – See you in St. Lucia
Until next time, keep enjoying travel with Luxury Experience!
Read more feature stories in Luxury Experience on St. Lucia in the Destinations, Hotels and Resorts, Spas, Adventures, and Liquor Cabinet sections.
For more information on St. Lucia, please visit their tourism website: https://stlucia.org/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravelSaintLucia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelsaintlucia/ @travelsaintlucia
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