Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Here's How to Plan a Great Vacation in St. Lucia
From the time my husband and I first set foot on the island of St Lucia, I knew I was in for a special treat. During that very moment, I knew that this was going to be a great vacation! This island offers more than just a tropical getaway—it’s a playground for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. From lush hiking trails to thrilling boating and snorkeling excursions, every moment here feels like a new discovery. If you want to make the most of your vacation in St. Lucia, let me share a few of the experiences that made our trip unforgettable.
Explore the Volcano and Mud Bath Experience
Plan a great vacation in St. Lucia by visiting the volcano at Sulphur Springs! This is famously known as the world’s only drive-in volcano. While visiting this destination, being so close to the bubbling pools of mud and steaming vents made me feel like I was stepping into another world. My husband and I joined a guided tour that explained the history of the volcanic activity and the impact it has had on the island’s landscape.
While exploring the volcano, we indulged in a natural mud bath. The warm, mineral-rich mud is said to have therapeutic properties, and it felt amazing on my skin. This experience is not only relaxing, but it is a great way to connect with the island’s unique geology. The guide will jokingly tell you that this mineral-rich mud will make you look 20 years younger! I was certainly willing to give that a whirl.
Hiking Adventures with Stunning Waterfall Views
St Lucia’s hiking trails offer some of the best ways to see the island’s natural beauty up close and personal. My husband and I took a trail to Trafalgar Falls, where two stunningly beautiful waterfalls cascade side by side through lush greenery. The hike was moderate but rewarding, with plenty of spots to rest and take photos.
For those seeking a more challenging trek, go climb Gros Piton! This 3.2 mile out-and-back trail winds through tropical forest, up steep, rocky terrain and opens up to breathtaking views of the island and the Caribbean. Hiking this mountain is said to give one a sense of accomplishment and a fresh perspective on St Lucia’s diverse terrain. From the stories I gathered, most who attempt Gros Piton are in great physical shape. I am not, so we chose not to attempt this specific hike. However, we were able to view the massive, volcanic peaks from our boat while in Soufriere. Please do some extensive homework before attempting to climb this one. I have read that a guide is required, it takes three to 5 hours to complete, costs $50 per person and it has an elevation gain of a whopping 2,600 feet.
We were staying on the north end of the island, so my husband and I took a less challenging hike up a smaller peak on Gros Islet to Fort Rodney, a journey that turned out to be both exhilarating and enriching. The day began with a sense of anticipation as we prepared for our adventure. We packed our backpack with essentials such as bottles of water to keep us hydrated, snacks for energy, and a camera to capture all of the breathtaking views along the way. We did some research before heading out, so that we would know what time the park opened, how much it would cost to get in and it also gave us an idea on what we might expect along our journey. What we found inside the gates were two peaks to climb. One takes you to Fort Rodney. The climb took only about fifteen to twenty minutes and was on a steep, but clean-cut trail. The second path was up a longer, but more steep path, called "Signal Hill." The views from atop the peaks are jaw-dropping! This is where that camera comes in. Take plenty of photos!!
Boating and Excursions on the Caribbean Sea
No trip to St Lucia is complete without spending time on the water. I booked us a boating excursion through ISland Routes, which was through Sandals Grande St. Lucian. This boating excursion took us along the western coast, stopping at hidden coves and some of the best known snorkeling spots. The calm, clear turquoise water was perfect for spotting colorful fish, sea turtles and coral reefs.
There are many types of excursions available through Sandals Resort, from sunset cruises, fishing trips and numerous on-land adventures. I recommend choosing one or two that match your interests and energy levels. For example, a day-long sailing trip lets you relax and enjoy the sea breeze, while shorter boat rides can be combined with beach visits or snorkeling.
Practical Tips for Your St Lucian Vacation
Go to the Sandals website, choose a room and book online. Two other options are to call the toll-free number to reach Sandals or you can always consult a professional travel advisor. Sandals will pick you up from the airport for free and take you to your resort. They also bring you back to the airport at the end of your stay, at no charge. I feel like this take a lot of stress out of the equation when traveling in other countries. Sandals will offer to book your flights, but I do this on my own.
Sandals room categories: Luxury level is the entry level, but is still completely all inclussive. We choose this category when we know we will be away from the resort doing lots of excursions. Club level is the same, except it offers room service and is slightly more pricey. Butler Elite is even more pricey, but you have your own personal butler for the duration of your stay! The butlers reserve your pool or beach chairs, bring you food and drinks to anywhere on the property and can help you with any needs or concerns. Some rooms offer ocean view, garden view or ocean front. Some are swim-up and some are not! It all depends on how much money you want to spend and how much time you will be off the property doing other things.
Book excursions in advance: Popular tours like volcano visits and boating trips fill up quickly, especially in peak season. Once I booked at my first Sandals resort, I downloaded the free app. There you can book excursions through Island Routes. Booking through Sandals allows you to travel safely with small groups of people from your resort. This app will allow you to book one dinner reservation two weeks prior to your visit. You will also note the resort activity schedule will be available two weeks prior to arrival. You do not have to pre-register for resort activities, but it's nice to have the schedule.
Pack comfortable hiking shoes: Trails can be slippery and uneven, so sturdy footwear is essential. My suitcase is always a little heavy because I bring a variety of shoes! I bring tennis shoes for hiking, flip-flops for water activities, water shoes for some excursions and also bring along some nicer sandals for dressing at dinner.
Bring swimwear and towels: You’ll want to jump into waterfalls, mud baths, and the sea without hesitation. Towels, sunscreen, water shoes and a little cash are a must. Depending on the excursion, you might want to take a can of bug repellant. I typically wear my swim suit under some loose fitting clothing, just for efficiency.
Stay hydrated: The tropical sun is strong, especially during outdoor activities. Stay hydrated and take care of yourself.
Try local cuisine: After a day of adventure, enjoy fresh seafood and Creole dishes at local restaurants. Any time we visit other countries, I use the opportunity to try new foods, especially local cuisine. Don't be afraid to try new things!
Why Stay at Sandals?
My husband and I stayed at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. This resort is a stunning, adults only, all-inclusive resort on the north end of the island. We found the resort to be very clean, modern and with a well-manicured landscape. The staff are friendly and welcoming. They truly went out of their way to assure we had a great vacation while in St. Lucia.
We greatly enjoyed our two hour boat ride across the calm Caribbean Sea to Soufrière, a town close to many natural attractions, such as the Pitons, the volcano with mud bath and the waterfalls. Our resort location was in one of the most sought-after spots, but required a long ride on the Sandals shuttle to get to most excursion locations. There are many options for lodging on St. Lucia ranging from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses, so you can find something that fits your own style and budget.
Final Thoughts on Experiencing St Lucia
St Lucia offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, soaking in a mud bath inside a volcano, or enjoying a boating excursion on the Caribbean Sea, the island invites you to explore and unwind. Consider joining in on a couple of the land excursions, such as the Chocolate Making Experience or the Rum Distillery Tour. Plan your trip with these experiences in mind, and you’ll certainly return home with stories of discovery and moments of pure joy.
May your journey be filled with joy and adventure!
Sincerely,
Shannon
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