St. Lucia Boasts Beautiful, Natural Landscapes
By Tom Wuckovich
It
is impossible not to be in awe of St. Lucia's beauty. Bathed in the brilliance
of the Caribbean sun, the island's vibrant colors explode in a dazzling
array of blues, greens, yellows and reds.
Here, nature's artistry is
the envy of any mere mortal. Though volcanic in origin, the only visible evidence
of its chaotic birth is the occasional black sand beach, the steaming sulfur springs
of the walk-in volcano and the signature twin green peaks of the Pitons-all located
on the southern end of the island near Soufriere (pronounced Soo-fray). The Pitons,
Gros Piton at 2,619 feet, and Petit Piton, at 2,461 feet, are regal and possess
a charming, rugged splendor all their own. Some of the most astonishing views
of the spires are from Ladera Resort above Anse Piton Bay and almost 1,000 feet
up the verdant hillside, and from Anse Chastanet, a boutique resort a stone's
throw up the coast that affords a vista from the seaside.
Ladera
and Anse Chastanet, like most properties located on St. Lucia, blend in
with the landscape, ever mindful not to intrude on the tranquil surroundings,
and designed to take full advantage of the dense vegetation that layers the 238-square-mile island. The undulating hills, pristine beaches and azure sea draw a significant
number of visitors each year, many are newlyweds searching for an idyllic
setting where they relish a romantic interlude before returning to the hustle
and bustle of the outside world.
The couples can indulge themselves in
places like Sandals, Rendezvous, Beaches, Jalousie Hilton and, of course, Ladera
and Anse Chastanet, among others. The beaches are alluring and many border small
bays that tempt swimmers and divers to explore the colorful reefs hidden beneath
the gentle waves. A strenuous environmental policy protects the reefs and fish
from exploitation.
 |
Inland,
there are waterfalls to admire, botanical gardens that showcase the abundant flora
and fauna and old plantations that offer a glimpse of the rich history of this
island that is still called "The Helen of the West Indies" because of
its matchless beauty.
You can travel the coastline on the Caribbean side
along a well-defined and well-maintained road, even by U.S. standards.
It is a
breathtaking, sometimes harrowing ride from north to south, or vice-versa, and
affords heavenly views of the splendid coastline. From Soufriere Bay in the south
to Rodney Bay in the north, you'll be tempted to stop at every bay or village.
Certainly meriting a visit are Marigot Bay, virtually midway between Soufriere
and Rodney Bay, and Castries, the popular capital city named after a famous pirate.
Marigot Bay is so pretty and so captivating it has been the setting for several
films, including the original Dr. Doolittle, starring Rex Harrison.
To
get from one side of the bay to the other, you have the option of taking the ferry-though
that's a generous description of the African Queen-like vessel that can transport
about six small to medium-sized individuals across the 200-yard expanse of bay.
There is still not much at Marigot, save The Moorings yacht basin, a couple of
quaint little pubs and two well-established hotels. There is a plan afoot to build
a residential resort called Discovery, and designers are working to create an
escape that could be considered another secluded hideaway.
Castries,
the capital city, is one of the most modern capitals in the Caribbean and a frequent
port of call for many cruise lines. Between
1796 and 1948, the city was ravaged by a series of fires that destroyed much of
the early architecture, though many historic French houses can still be found
throughout the area, identifiable through their white latticework and ornate balconies.
The French maintained a presence on the island from 1650 on, but between 1660
and 1814 the island changed hands 14 times, with the British finally assuming
control. The other remnant of French occupation is the Creole dialect, called
Kwéyól, a mixture of French, a tiny smattering of English, and Amerindian.
The
heritage is celebrated every October 26 when Creole Day is held in various communities.
As always, food is at the heart of the festival, and it features souse, bouillon
(a combination of salted beef, onions, beans, potatoes and dumplings), acras or
fishcakes, roasted breadfruit, and the national dish, greenfig and saltfish, most
of it cooked the old-fashioned way-in a coal pot.
Castries
is noted for shopping, anchored by La Place Carenage Shopping Plaza. But for real
St. Lucia atmosphere, visit the local market and marvel at the assortment of fruits,
vegetables, spices, herbs, herbal medicines, plants, flowers and fish caught in
local waters. When a cruise ship is in port, the wharf area is buzzing with activity
and the ships are usually in town long enough to take advantage of day trips to
various parts of the island.
One
of those day trips should be to Rodney Bay, just a few miles north of Castries, where
you'll find many trans-Atlantic yachts anchored, but also historic Pigeon Island,
connected to St. Lucia by a causeway. At Pigeon Island, you'll find stone and
brick ruins of Admiral Rodney's naval station, as well as a striking park full
of tropical trees and flowers. Explore the ruins, sunbathe on the two bone white sand
beaches or share an intimate moment in the Captain's Cellar Olde English Pub.
If
you're feeling adventurous, book passage on the Brig Unicorn, a tall ship based
in Rodney Bay that recently served as the pirate ship in the popular Disney movie
Pirates of the Caribbean. The Unicorn, capitalizing on its newly found fame, offers
an all-day buccaneer adventure cruise that includes a hunt for treasure, a raid
on the Botanical Gardens and live cannon fire. But best of all, you'll sail the
entire length of the west coast of St. Lucia and be convinced that Helen of Troy
didn't age this well.
|
