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I simply love the food on St. Maarten/St. Martin.
TRY THIS FOR THAT: There’s no doubt that seaside dining is taken
to a different level on St. Maarten/St. Martin, but while the best of that
island’s cuisine is based heavily on French influences, St. Lucian fare
is a mix of flavors that range from European to Asian and Indian to
Caribbean. And you’ll find an equally assorted collection of restau-
rants at which to try it.
If fine dining is your priority, understand that the Jade Mountain
Club is probably the toughest table around. It’s considered exclusive
to guests staying at the associated property, but visitors typically can
arrange for a reservation ahead of time. Once you’re seated, your
extra effort will be rewarded with a delectable seasonal menu and
divine views over Soufriere Bay to the Pitons.
Just because it’s not quite as difficult to secure a seat at Dasheene
or The Coal Pot doesn’t mean they’re any less satisfying. Both offer
as-fresh-as-it-gets fish cooked in your choice of mouthwatering
sauces, along with a nice selection of entrees, such as refreshing
salads, rich soups, and hearty steakhouse-style plates.
Finally, be sure to take advantage of themuchmore casual eateries,
too. Especially the little roadside stands where a basket of homemade
barbecued pork and an order of accra (fish fritters) often are on offer.
I’m a scuba diver, so Grand Cayman is the place for me.
TRY THIS FOR THAT: There are enough dive sites off the west coast of
St. Lucia to keep you happily busy beneath the waves for the duration
of your vacation. Get in touch with a local operator — Dive Saint Lucia
and Dive Fair Helen provide comprehensive packages— to check daily
schedules and decide what sort of aqua adventure you’d like to have.
Options range from the peaceful Pigeon Island spot, which provides
a relatively shallow dive to a maximum of about 59 feet with resident
eagle rays and barracuda, to the more advanced Superman’s Flight
wall dive, to the ghostly Bone Yard, where you can explore a fasci-
nating World War II wreck.
Beaches are great, but I really love exploring Aruba’s
unique rugged interior.
TRY THIS FOR THAT: You don’t even have to travel inland to wit-
ness the Pitons, St. Lucia’s most distinguishable landscape feature.
Together, Gros Piton and Petit Piton make up a beautiful, unspoiled
UNESCO World Heritage site — and are easily the most recognizable
peaks in all of the Caribbean. In other words, no trip to St. Lucia is
complete without viewing them up close.
There are numerous excursions — both on land and sea — that
will transport you to the base of the coastal mountains, as well as
set you up at scenic overlooks in order to take some impressive
wide-angle photos.
If you’re up for some vacation activity, though, sign up with an
outfitter to trek to the summit of one of the peaks (or both, if you’re
exceptionally motivated). Gros Piton rises in dramatic fashion to
an elevation of nearly 2,625 feet. It’s a strenuous walk, but it’s not
technical, and local guides do a good job of catering the pace to
the group’s overall fitness level. It’s possible to climb Petit Piton,
but the key word is climb. It may not be as tall, but it’s a much more
involved endeavour.
For me, it’s just not a vacation without a stop at a
natural wonder such as Jamaica’s Dunn’s River Falls.
TRY THIS FOR THAT: St. Lucia’s Sulphur Springs Park is dubbed
the “only drive-in volcano in the world,” so if natural wonders are
your thing, well, it doesn’t get much more wondrous than that.
This is an interactive attraction, though, so driving there is merely
the beginning. The true raison d’être is to soak in the mineral-rich
pools and mud baths. Proponents claim the fortified earthen ooze
can detoxify your body and help heal all sorts of ailments, from
simple sunburns to more advanced arthritis. Maybe, maybe not,
but playing in the mud is a lot of fun, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
Shopping is the name of my game, and for my money,
it doesn’t get better than Bermuda.
TRY THIS FOR THAT: You won’t find the breadth of upmarket items —
such as notable pieces of art and designer fashions — at the Castries
Market that you can on Bermuda, but there’s a good chance you’ll
have a better story to tell about your purchase. Castries Market has
been around for more than a century and is still the liveliest place
on the island to buy fresh produce, souvenirs, and other interesting
trinkets. It’s open every Monday to Saturday. For the full experience —
including more animated buyers and sellers, and the largest selection
of goods — plan your shopping trip for Saturday morning.
Actually, after giving it some thought, a good beach, on
any island, is all I really need for a perfect
Caribbean vacation.
TRY THIS: Like its Caribbean counterparts, St. Lucia has numerous
strands that can keep all manner of beach lovers happy. Reduit is the
island’s most bustling shoreline. It’s energetic and vibrant, and popular
with both visitors and residents. There are restaurants, bars, and
shops nearby, and plenty of water activities available. If peaceful better
suits your sandy preferences, try Marigot Bay. Tucked into a protected
cove, the water is typically placid and the palm trees appear to sway in
slowmotion. Bring a book and plenty of sunscreen, and you can easily
laze away an entire afternoon here. n
Currently based in the Caribbean — though not on one island in particular —
Lon Winters balances out his freelance writing schedule with scuba diving
and sundowners, and is currently learning the finer points of sailing.
INTERVAL WORLD ■ Issue 2, 2018 57
ABOVE: Rows of palm trees, anchored boats, and white-sand beaches
make Marigot Bay an idyllic retreat. BOTTOM LEFT: One of the most unique
experiences at Sulphur Springs Park is diving into a warm mud bath in the
mineral-rich pools. CENTER: Visitors can witness the bubbling lagoons and
hissing fumaroles of Sulphur Springs Park from observation platforms.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Dasheene offers diners an eclectic menu that includes
traditional St. Lucian fare alongside sweeping views of the Pitons.
AREA RESORTS
Bay Gardens Beach Resort All Inclusive features one-
and two-bedroom suites complete with a full kitchen,
and living and dining areas. Its neoclassical Caribbean
architecture and ultra-modern conveniences make the
resort an ideal escape for a dream St. Lucian vacation.
St. James’s Club Morgan Bay All Inclusive offers
a romantic beachfront setting overlooking the
Caribbean Sea. With an array of accommodations,
activities, and amenities, it is ideal for couples and
families seeking a fun, relaxing vacation.
Situated along a hillside, Windjammer Landing Villa
Beach Resort overlooks the crystal-blue waters of
the Caribbean Sea, and offers an array of on-site
amenities including a beach, tennis, swimming
pools, a playground area, and a wide range of
water sports.
*All-inclusive/meal-plan purchase is mandatory; it may be based on a 7-night stay and maximum occupancy.
Accommodations at BG1, SJB, and WJ1 are available for purchase through the Getaway program and
generally will not be available for exchange.
SIME/eStock Photo; Olga Kolos/Alamy Stock Photo; SIME/eStock Photo; LOOK Die Bildagentur der Fotografen GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo