I’ve long lusted after a Caribbean escape, having heard the classic tropes of crystal clear sea and endless palm lined beaches. Yet, while both of these things are undeniably true, what became apparent from visiting Saint Lucia was how the island is so much more than these clichés.
While secluded white sand beaches are certainly on offer, so too are incredibly lush rainforests that wrap round the island, punctuated by colourful houses that sit delicately amidst stunning hillside settings. From the striking backdrop of the Pitons to the unspoilt beauty of Marigot Bay, everywhere you turn feels as though you’ve been dropped in an idyllic screensaver.
There’s certainly no denying Saint Lucia’s authentic and effortless natural beauty, however with the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival making its triumphant return after a covid induced three year hiatus, there were more reasons than ever to visit the tropical paradise this year.
Peak season in Saint Lucia is typically from December to April when dry and sunny climes are near guaranteed, however this will unsurprisingly mean bigger crowds and higher prices. Visiting just after this period in May, we not only benefited from a quieter hotel but were also able to enjoy the Jazz & Arts Festival, with the weather holding out for the entire trip.
Here’s what to know if you’re considering a visit to Saint Lucia.
What to do
Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival
Running across several days, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts festival returned with a bang this year as internationally beloved Sting and Shaggy headlined the final night, with countless other artists such as CKay (of viral TikTok fame) also performing. Beyond the sheer bliss of watching the unlikely duo of Sting and Shaggy collaborate on Englishman in New York, the general vibe of the festival was so much more relaxed than those of the UK, with no need to push through crowds to get a decent view.