Known for lush topography and the majestic peaks of its iconic Pitons, the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia features endless ways to indulge in wellness activities to soothe and revitalize both body and soul.
Visitors can explore the island’s distinct landscapes, indulge in organic and locally-inspired cuisine, and rejuvenate with a restorative spa treatment.
Exploring landscapes
With a wealth of flora and fauna covering this volcanic island, vacationers should remember to pack their hiking boots. A variety of trails offer some impressive vantage points.
Gros Piton and Petit Piton, twin volcanic spires, were designated a natural UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. Both offer challenging trails with bird’s eye views of the island and neighbouring islands of Martinique and St. Vincent.
The area of Castries is where travellers can find the Forest Reserves Hikes. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the island’s tropical plants as well as spot wildlife. Another worthwhile area to discover is the Enbas Saut Trail in the western end of the island near Soufriere. Enjoy bird watching while walking the lush rainforest trail. There’s a reward at the end: a refreshing dip in a waterfall.
To get a different perspective of the island, try kayaking the quiet coast of Soufriere Bay. Or the more challenging paddle to the shoreline of Petit Piton, to appreciate the area’s pristine beauty and the numerous varieties of birds that call the island home.
Farm to table cuisine
Dining on Saint Lucia features an endless array of locally-sourced ingredients. These can be enjoyed all over the island, whether at a small, local restaurant or a fine dining establishment.
Saint Lucia has a mix of French, English and Indian influences paired with island favourites. Try langouste (spiny lobster), lambi (conch) and breadfruit. Chefs are regularly inspired to create memorable and healthy meals as well as offer traditional options such as callaloo soup or green figs and salt fish.
The Body Holiday Resort offers its guests the I-Tal Experience, an educational introduction to the ingredients from the restaurant’s organic garden. Learn techniques from the chef’s team to make a tasty and healthy meal.
I-Tal Experience at The Body Holiday Resort. Photo courtesy of The Body Holiday
While at The Landing Resort & Spa, the menu features island-fresh herbs, spices, and organic vegetables, as well as house-made fruit chutneys and many vegetarian options.
Stonefield Villa Resort’s award-winning Mango Tree Restaurant sources ingredients from its extensive kitchen garden, serving dishes inspired by traditional St. Lucian cooking with a modern, healthy twist.
Idyllic spa treatments
Visitors will want to get dirty on Saint Lucia with a visit to the Soufriere Sulphur Springs for a purifying mud bath. First take a walk to the Qualibou Caldera, the world’s only drive-in volcano, then head to the springs and soak in the mud. It’s said to detoxify the body as well as aid in the treatment of arthritis, sore joints, eczema and sunburn. Within the six acres of Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, the restored mineral baths, originally constructed in 1784 for the French military, are a perfect spot to relax and reflect.
Travellers wanting to indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments can consider The Ti Kaye Resort and Spa. Set into the cliffside are open-air treatment rooms so you can benefit from nature’s soothing scenery.
The Spa at Marigot Bay Resort & Marina begins with an herbal welcoming ceremony followed by a signature treatment such as the Volcanic Energy Therapy, which uses island-sourced volcanic stones and sulphur minerals.
The Tranquility Body & Soul Spa at St. James’s Club Morgan Bay offers detox seaweed wraps and aromatic salt glow scrubs among many other soothing treatments.
Wellness havens
Those seeking peace and relaxation have a multitude of options on Saint Lucia. Many luxury accommodations put health and wellness at the forefront.
One of the best known throughout the Caribbean is The Body Holiday and its Wellness Centre. It’s an award-winning, all-inclusive resort which includes daily treatments such as a Lucian lime and ginger scrub or seawater hydrotherapy. They also offer yoga, Pilates and tai chi.
Sugar Beach Superior Luxury Villa. Photo courtesy of Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
The Rainforest Spa at Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, provides spa treatments held in elevated gazebos, with the sound of a stream below. Options here include bamboo massage and quiet time in a temascal, a sweat lodge inspired by the Mesoamerican Indigenous peoples.
Rainforest Spa at Sugar Beach. Photo courtesy of Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
The restful Royal Spa at The Royalton Saint Lucia begins every treatment with a relaxing hydrotherapy circuit. It’s the perfect way to recharge and renew. Pair this with a popular treatment such as the Signature Royal Massage, with two therapists combining reflexology, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi and shiatsu techniques.
Whether your idea of wellness leans more towards active pursuits, clean eating, spa sessions or spending time in nature, you’ll be able to find it on Saint Lucia.
Waheeda Harris
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