Friday
Be sure to book a flight that arrives by Friday afternoon. You’ll want to start your weekend off right with the Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party. On the northern side of the island, near Rodney Bay, this weekly bash has it all. Giant speakers blast out the dance music; local vendors dish out barbecued meats and fish; and the rum punch and Piton beer (brewed on the island) flow freely. It’s an instant attitude adjustment.
Saturday
If you managed to show some restraint last night, start your day off bright and early with a short hike over the Tet Paul Nature Trail. This 45-minute hike is easy to moderate difficulty, which makes it appropriate for the fit, the not so fit, kids, and groups. There are amazing views of the Pitons, Jalousie Bay, and even Martinique and St. Vincent. Beyond the views, there are chances to absorb some history and observe some gorgeous plants. Pack a snack and enjoy it at the picnic area.
If you partied way too hearty last night, start your day off with a little detoxifying mud bath at Sulphur Springs. Or, if you already hiked, take this chance to soothe your tired muscles. Home to the “World’s Only Drive-In Volcano,” this park offers a chance to enjoy warm pools of muddy water, springs, and freshwater pools and showers, all nestled at the foot of the Pitons. Be sure to wear a dark-colored bathing suit and keep your head above water. The mud stains and can be a beast to clean out of your hair.
When you’re done recuperating, head over to Martha’s Tables in Soufriere to refuel. You’ll enjoy home-style local cooking, under the Majestic Petit Piton with a breath-taking view of the Caribbean Sea. The menu is limited, but the food is fresh, delicious, and prepared with care.
Ready for one last bit of exploring? Head to Mourne Coubaril Estate. You can tour this working estate, where they grow cocoa, coconuts, and manioc, explore it on horseback, or zip line through the trees.
Head back to your resort for a shower, nap, and change of clothes. Then, it’s on to Boucan Restaurant & Bar at the Hotel Chocolat in Soufriere, where they focus on “cacao cuisine.” Yes, that means that chocolate, specifically their own estate-grown chocolate, makes its way into virtually every cocktail and dish. The lightly-curried coconut and cacao chicken is a must, as are the decadent desserts. Stay for a nightcap, and finish your day with a chocolate daiquiri. You’re all but assured of a good night’s sleep.
Sunday
It’s hard to believe that your whirlwind weekend is almost over. Time to stock up on amazing fresh fruit and juices at the Castries Market. Sure, it’s crowded and touristy, but you can find everything from local bananas to crafts, Sulphur soap, clothing, and spices here. So, grab some souvenirs for the folks back home and get going.
Finally, it’s time to hit the beach — and there are plenty to choose from. Reduit Beach, in Rodney Bay, is one of our favorites. Expect white sands, clear water, lots of options for watersports, and a lively crowd. Plus, you’re close to all the restaurants, bars, and shops of Rodney Bay, so you can easily spend the rest of your day here.
Grab one last Piton beer and a jerk chicken and mango wrap at the Reggae Grill in Rodney Bay, Castries, and brace yourself for re-entry into the real world.
There’s plenty more to see and do in St. Lucia, so immediately start planning your next trip back.
Tags: St. Lucia
