St Lucia is a paradise, an oasis in the heart of the Caribbean. The almost 9hr journey from London Gatwick to Hewanorra Airport went over most of the Atlantic Ocean. On the other hand, upon arrival the spectacular drive lasted a quarter of that duration and highlighted 9 things to spot on your way to the Hotel in St Lucia.
It all began with Edward pulling up at the Arrivals area. Edward smiled and promised us a warmer welcoming/ introduction once buckled up and comfortable for the breathtaking journey about to be experienced.
1. The Stadium
First and foremost, The George Odlum Stadium is located in Vieux Fort (South of the Island). It’s a member of the IMC football and track and field championships. Normally a space for 9000 budding fans it is currently being used as a hospital until the completion of the new one.
2. Triple BEEP
”Why do the drivers beep all the time?”
“It’s just a form of acknowledging the driver passing you.Another way is blinking the lights”.
Watch out for the drivers in this part of the world. Some may be going above the average 50mph speed limit and motor cyclists like to do a wheelies around sharp bends.
3. Bananas to spot on your way to the Hotel in St Lucia
St Lucia bananas is the greatest fruit on the island. It grows an abundance of supplies. Which the majority gets exported to the UK. ‘It’s said that one banana a day keeps the depression away’. Besides you don’t have to worry about pesticides being splashed on them. The bright blue plastic covering protects bananas from bugs and other fruit pickers. Plus it creates a barrier so the Sun can’t penetrate its rays all over it too.
Bananas take around 9 months to harvest and once ready they’re used for:
- Ice cream (banana ice cream)
- Cake (banana cake)
- ketchup (banana ketchup)
And lots more!
4. Bendy roads
The roads intertwine around precipices (A ditch, green areas). Resembling a Mario Kart track.Traffic lights become apparent once you reach the Capital, Castries. Speed limit posts are near enough non-existent. Although it’s said that 50mph is average.
5. Local Beverly Hills
Driving past the neighbourhood of Micoud, I was delighted to know it’s known as the ‘Local Beverly Hills’. Filled with Villa rentals its a great place to spend some luxury downtime. Especially if you are travelling with a large group of people.
6. Dead Seaweed
Be aware you might smell this during the journey. Dead Seaweed sits along the Atlantic Coast at this time of year. Nevertheless, nothing goes to waste. Locals make use of it by transforming it into an organic fertiliser. Food for the plants 🌱 In contrast, sea moss discovered is used for consumption.
7. Creole dictionary
Although English is widely spoken in St Lucia, French based creole is good to learn if you want to connect deeper with the Locals. Dictionaries of this kind aren’t dotted along the journey from the airport to hotel. However, you will find them in the Castries (The Capital’s) Book stores.
8. The Official Residence to spot on your way to the Hotel in St Lucia
Furthermore, situated on the crest of Morne Fortuné is the Governor-General residence. It’s entrance showcases prominent gates, a line of lavish trees and a broad path leading to the house itself. On a good day you might be able to spot the Governor-General.
Not only that, the national flag can be spotted around the Island, in wall murals, swaying on lamp posts and believe it or not on face masks too. The colours radiate positivity in various areas on St Lucia Island life.
Where to buy the mask?
Currently, masks can be purchased at local markets for only EC 7 (2 USD)in Rodney bay. They are reusable too!
9. The Amazona Veriscolour
This picture may not do the colourful bird much justice. Being so beautiful its no shock that its unlike any other bird. The Amazona Veriscolour is a protected species. If you have a day out at Adventure tree top adventures, you might spot the National bird 🦜 amongst the trees.
9 things to spot on your way to the Hotel in St Lucia – Summary 🏨
Incase you miss any of the 9 things to spot on your way to the hotel in St Lucia. Add the official Airport tour to your itinerary. Apparently a clever man created it. Giving new arrivals to the island a chance to see the all 9 things and more all over again. Above all, be mesmerised by the entire island, and learn key history accompanied with visual snapshots of paradise.
Head over to the St Lucia official Tourism website to get inspired and find updated travel info.
Also, does your skin need a boost?! Why not read the next blog on the benefits of using sheet masks
