tropical foliage – the suite life of travel

In the harbor, the cruise ship was tucked into a little cove at Pointe Seraphine. We had just arrived in St. Lucia where we were surrounded by sailboats and speed boats. Wanting to see as much of the island as possible, I signed up for a ship’s excursion which included a tour of the island by bus and then a return trip back to the ship by Catamaran. I couldn’t wait to start my day.

I boarded the bus and the journey began in Castries, the island’s capital. The bus was full of passenger as we passed Derek Walcott Square. Our driver explained that we were in the center of town and he pointed out a large samaan tree which is said to be over 400 years old.

As the road continued upwards, there were twists and turns where we caught glimpses of the cruise ship through the trees. Heading south, we passed The 1895 Government House, home to the Governor-General of St. Lucia.

On the winding road towards Soufriere, the bus took a moment for us to stop at Marigot Bay, one of the most beautiful views of the island. There was a lookout with a small shop where we could pick up some water, local food items or a Piton beer made in St. Lucia. We had some time to shop and then reboarded the bus to our next scenic view.

The road descended from the picturesque views of Marigot Bay to the volcanic shores of a local fishing village. Stopping for an opportunity to shop and wander the streets of the town, we decided to venture out onto the pier for a short stroll.

Once a week, the town hosts a fish fry for locals and visitors but it is their celebration of Carnivale for which they are best known. Similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, visitors from the surrounding islands arrive in flamboyant costumes and dance in the streets for a week-long party. There are several murals painted on the walls that show elements of the festivities.

According to our tour guide, we had one last stop to take in the million dollar view of the Pitons and to shop for souvenirs. The two peaks, majestically rising out from the ocean, seem to protect the charming little port town below. Our next stop takes us to the Diamond Botanical Garden before boarding the catamaran back to the ship.

Participating in a ship’s shore excursion has its many benefits. Passengers can sit back, relax and take in the scenery while learning about the country from well-educated tour guides. Do you usually take the ship sponsored tours or go on your own? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly provide your story in the comments below. Many thanks for taking the winding roads with us through St. Lucia! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Take a stroll through downtown Castries, St. Lucia to experience the local culture. See the ancient Saaman Tree at Derek Walcott Square, explore the Arts & Crafts Market as well as the Farmer’s Market to purchase cocoa, spices, and local artwork.

Where to Stay:

Windjammer Landing
Labrelotte Bay
PO Box 1504
Castries, St. Lucia
Telephone: 877 522 0722

Reserving a two bedroom villa, I did not want to leave my private pool, but the grounds and accommodations at Windjammer Landing were absolutely gorgeous.

Where to Eat:

Windjammer Landing
Labrelotte Bay
PO Box 1504
Castries, St. Lucia
Telephone: 877 522 0722

Embers at Windjammer Landing was my favorite place to dine for lunch. The pulled pork flatbread was perfectly spiced with jalapeno peppers and pepper jack cheese. I also enjoyed the Ember’s Fish Tacos, with garlic aioli and pineapple salsa.

For an incredible steak and seafood dinner, I highly recommend the local conch chowder and the grilled filet mignon at the Upper Deck Restaurant at the resort.

For a more casual atmosphere and menu, offering salads, soups and burgers, Jammer’s beachside restaurant is the perfect spot for a quick, delicious bite.

To sample some of the local island cuisine, I suggest the Tuesday night Caribbean buffet at Dragonfly which offers a wide selection island flavors from St. Lucian soups to their national dish Green Fig and Salt Fish.

What to Eat:

Boudin – black pudding
Bouyon – beef soup with dumplings but other meats can substitute for beef
Callaloo soup – made with seafood or cuts of meat, okra, potatoes and garlic
Cassava Bread
Cow Heel Soup – a hearty soup with cow foot, carrots, pumpkin, chayote squash and yellow yam with dumplings
Curried Meats
Fried Plantains
Green figs and saltfish
Grilled Fish
Lambi – conch meat seasoned with multiple spices and then fried
Lobster
Pemme – cornmeal, pumpkin, cinnamon, sugar and dry coconut leaves then wrapped in banana leaves
Pepperpot – Caribbean dish made from onion, garlic, cinnamon, brown sugar, thyme, cloves, orange peel, cassareep and meat
Smoked herring and breadfruit – breadfruit is cooked until tender