The Rough Guide to St Lucia
St Lucia more than lives up to the paradisal Caribbean stereotype: a glorious mix of honey-sand beaches, translucent waters sheltering reefs swarming with tropical fish, lush interior rainforests and a thriving culture that encompasses literature and theatre as well as music and dance. However, in contrast to other islands in the region, where the tourism infrastructure has been steadily expanding since the 1960s, St Lucia has only recently begun to attract visitors in any number. As a result, tourism has a much lower profile here, and this low-key feel is one of the island’s biggest assets. With little of the jaded hustle that can mar more established Caribbean destinations, you’ll find St Lucia a relaxed, informal and incredibly friendly place to visit, especially if you venture out of the heavily touristed enclaves in and around Rodney Bay and take the time to explore Marigot Bay, Soufrière and – even more authentic – the small villages of the Atlantic coast and the south. Here, you’ll find plenty of inexpensive, no-frills guesthouses, roadside dining establishments and open-air village markets. If you’d rather take advantage of the more established tourist facilities, be aware that those that do exist are typically top-notch and predominantly designed for the rather well-to-do, with luxury hotels, world-class restaurants and large duty-free malls to indulge in the odd shopping spree.
