How to Spend a Day in St Lucia

Gros Piton, seen from Ladera Resort

St Lucia, the lush tropical island of the Caribbean, offers a multitude of activities. Most travelers to the island stay near the capitol city of Castries, where there is shopping, tours, boat rides, beautiful beaches and up scale restaurants for miles, but for a day away from the city life, many tourists then head south.

Things You'll Need

• transportation
• comfortable walking shoes
• camera
• bathing suit
• towel
• sunblock
• sunglasses
• hat or visor

Instructions

1. 

   Rent a car or hire a driver to take you to Soufriere, located in the southwest portion of the island. This area is chocked full of natural beauty and more than a day's worth of adventure opportunities. Soufriere was the capitol of the island during the French reign and is nestled at the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Piton mountains. You can hike either the Gros Piton or the Petite Piton.

2. Head to the world's only drive in volcano and Sulphur Springs. Although the volcano is dormant, you can easily see the bubbling hot mud,steam and smell the strong scent of sulphur. The waters in this area are said to have curative powers and you are free to take a dip in the river near the volcano. Many locals come to these waters for their healing effects. There are guides available to explain this natural phenomenon and show you the area. Check local artisans crafts while you are here and be sure to purchase a bar of Sulphur soap for those friends back home that have arthritis problems.

3. 

   Very near the volcano, take a refreshing swim in a fantastic waterfall called Piton Falls. Hikers from the mountains stop here to rejuvenate after a long hike. The cost is only about $2.00 USD, and is well worth it. During the 10 minute hike to the falls you can take in the lush natural habitat and beautiful tropical foliage. There are three bathing pools beneath the falls, the first one with a tepid temperature, the second, a mineral bath, with a very warm temperature, and the third a cooler option to the other two.

4. 

   Have lunch at Ladera Resort's restaurant, Dasheen, for a stunning view of the Pitons and excellent food. Bring your camera as you will want to capture this true Kodak moment.

5. 

   Go to Diamond Botanical Falls in Soufriere and bathe in mineral baths which were built in 1784 so that the troops of King Louis XVI of France could soak in the water's therapeutic powers. The surrounding gardens are lush with tropical plants and birds as well as the massive Diamond Waterfall that pours from the adjoining volcano. The natural beauty of this historical site should not be missed.

Tips & Warnings

• In Soufriere, see the town square which once housed a guillotine during the French reign.

• Driving is on the left side of the road in St Lucia and roads are sometimes precariously narrow and curved. Take caution when driving or hire a driver for a more restful journey.