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Dauphin District, Saint Lucia

Dauphine district is one of the “administrative regions” in Saint Lucia. The district plays host to some of the finest and most luxurious reclusive holiday getaways in Saint Lucia. Blending the quintessential charm of its rich historical past that dates back to the 18th Century when the district was a cocoa plantation with the charm of the 21st century, Dauphine district, Saint Lucia offers a unique opportunity to escape the bustle of city life in style and comfort. It presents an ambiance that rewards guests with a paradisiac experience in the Caribbean.

 

 

Marquis Bay, Saint Lucia

Location of Saint Lucia

The beautiful Windward Island of Saint Lucia lies in the eastern Caribbean Sea, just north west of Barbados and south of the French island of Martinique. Called the Windward Islands because their location and trade winds meant that sailing ships were directed to their shores, this group of islands have a rich sailing legacy and a strong tradition for the sport.

Location of Marquis Bay

The region of Marquis Bay lies in the north east of Saint Lucia, a beautiful area featuring the Marquis Estate plantation and near to the popular resort of Gros Islet and the bustling capital city of Castries. Marquis Bay is a less developed area than other tourist locations on the island and is enjoyed for its relaxed atmosphere and welcoming vibe.

Excursions from Marquis Bay

The Marquis Estate is the largest on the island. It is a working plantation, growing crops such as bananas, coconuts, coffee and cocoa. A tour around the plantation can be easily arranged, from which you can learn about the history and modern production of these crops. The tour also features a leisurely drive through superb countryside, a boat ride on the Marquis River, and a visit to a historical sugar mill. Lunch at the plantation house is included. The nearby resort of Gros Islet was originally a sleepy fishing village, with a strong Roman Catholic tradition due to the settlement of priests in the mid-18th century. A reminder of the wars between France and Britain can be seen in the remains of a British naval base built in the area in 1782. Gros Islet is now a popular holiday destination, with carnival scenes every Friday night. Castries is also well worth taking some time to explore, with its beautiful architecture, historical landmarks and superb shopping. The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is a delightful oasis of calm in the bustling city and features some unique frescoes, while the British military fortification of La Toc Battery also makes an excellent visit. Bagshaws is a popular excursion for lovers of silk and textiles, and it is possible to observe the textiles being hand printed as well as purchase an exquisite souvenir. The lush green interior of the island can be easily explored from Marquis Bay. Popular with hikers, this volcanic island has some of the world’s most sensational scenery and an abundance of wildlife. A stark contrast to the laidback coast and rolling beaches.

Hotels near Marquis Bay

Accommodation near to Marquis Bay can be found in Gros Islet, Castries or nearby areas. Some of the best hotels in the island are found in the northern tip, including the luxury resorts of Smugglers Cove and Le Sport Saint Lucia. Smugglers Cove is an all inclusive resort set in 45 acres of tropical gardens. The resort is popular with families, couples and individual travellers and prides itself on its hospitable staff and welcoming atmosphere. Spacious rooms feature garden or beach views. Facilities include seven swimming pools and various activities are available including snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing and water-skiing. Le Sport Saint Lucia is near to the beach and caters both to active travellers interested in water sports such as scuba diving and windsurfing and those who want to work out in the fully equipped gym or yoga centre as well as those who prefer to be pampered in the award winning spa or simply enjoy the pool. The restaurant features a popular Caribbean menu.

Book Your Saint Lucia Holiday

If you would like to book a tailored, luxury holiday to Saint Lucia, please call us now on 0845 3 656565. Alternatively, you can fill in one of our quick enquiry forms below, or to the right, and one of our specialist Saint Lucia travel consultants will be in touch shortly.

Dennery, Saint Lucia

Dennery is a picturesque coastal quarter and town on the east coast of Saint Lucia. Renowned for its beach bars, swanky restaurants and active fishing community. Visitors to Dennery can sample the delicious home cooked local cuisine in one of the many restaurants in the area, enjoy ice cold drinks in a variety of bars, laze on the beautiful sandy beaches or marvel at the breath-taking views on offer in the area. The town is serviced by excellent internal transport links as well as links to the rest of Saint Lucia and is considered an ideal destination for amateur photographers, especially due to its wildlife, scenery and proximity to the Atlantic ocean. More physically active travellers will also find Dennery to be one of the island's most ideal locations for challenging hiking trails and scenic walks. In addition, the Dennery Fish Fiesta, held every Saturday night from 6 pm, has become one of the most famous attractions in all of Saint Lucia, offering a party atmosphere and plenty of quality sea food for sale. The Fiesta was partially revamped in 2011 and has been an integral part of the process which has seen Dennery transformed into one of the key tourist hotspots on the island. The total population of the Dennery Quarter, in Saint Lucia, is approximately 13,000 people and the local economy is primarily supported by fishing and the cultivation of tropical fruits. The locals are warm and friendly and staff working in restaurants and bars have a reputation for being extremely helpful and welcoming to customers.

Sault Falls:

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Dennery is Sault Falls. Also known as Dennery Falls, and Errand Falls, this 55ft high waterfall is connected to the Dennery River and flows over a rounded mountain. The waterfall is one of the few waterfalls accessible on the eastern side of Saint Lucia and is arguably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Saint Lucia. Providing an ideal backdrop for the days when you’d like to enjoy a quiet afternoon of peaceful relaxation on your visit to the island. The multitude of vantage points in the area offers tourists superb photographic opportunities and the trails cater to those tourists who enjoy long strolls. Sault Falls is easily accessible in the car, and the surrounding area provides visitors with excellent parking facilities.

Frégate Island & The Frégate Island Nature Reserve:

A few kilometers offshore, to the south of the town and within easy access to visitors of Dennery, is Frégate Island, an idyllic, privately-owned tropical island known for the quality of its beaches. Indeed, Anse Victorin was voted the 'World's Best Beach' by The Times newspaper in the United Kingdom. At just 2.19 square kilometres in size, Frégate Island is relatively small. The main attraction of the island is the Frégate Island Nature Reserve. The nature reserve is surrounded by a mile long trail and provides visitors with a chance to observe the native frigatebirds, a species of seabird related to the pelican, notable for the striking red pouch found underneath its beak. These birds nest in the area during the summer months and are a sight to behold for nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or want to stay active on your holiday, Dennery in Saint Lucia is an ideal destination, offering a wide variety of sights and experiences to cater for all kinds of tourists.

Praslin, St Lucia

The island of Saint Lucia is well known for the beauty of its sprawling beaches, sophisticated eateries, and deluxe accommodation. The vast majority of tourists who visit Saint Lucia choose to stay in the northwestern side of the island, which is home to well-known places like Rodney Bay, Soufriere, Marigot Bay, or Gros Islet. Unfortunately, relatively few visitors decide to stay, or even visit, the lesser known eastern coast of Saint Lucia so if you feel like doing something different during your stay on the island, read on for some useful tips.

An introduction to Praslin District

Saint Lucia is divided into 11 quarters (or districts). Praslin district occupies a central position in eastern Saint Lucia. The capital city of this district is also named Praslin, and it is a quaint little fishing village where local fishermen still use Amerindian techniques to build their canoes. Just across the town is Praslin island. To the west, and further inland, the majestic mountains rise over the lowlands creating an unforgettable picture that few will be able to forget.

Praslin: What to Do

The locals in Praslin are well known for their friendly and welcoming nature. You will surely strike a conversation with many a fisherman or shop owner who may point you in the direction of local attractions. The town of Praslin is located on a bay, and trails go up the nearby hills where stunning views await the visitor. The beaches located on Saint Lucia's eastern, Atlantic coast are remarkably different from those found on the western coast which is popular with tourists. Tourists seeking a relaxing getaway to stunning Saint Lucia will not be disappointed can seek solace. The volcanic origins of the island are clearly evident here, and although white sandy beaches are not as common as in the opposite side of Saint Lucia, sunbathing is still possible, with the added advantage of having the beach to yourself. The best beaches in this area are Cobble beach and Fond Bay. If you are interested in discovering remote coves and dramatic scenery, you will need to arrange 4 x 4 transport, since the roads that lead to some of the beaches are not suitable for cars. Reception staff at your hotel will be able to help with this, and so will shop owners in Praslin town. Not far from Praslin town are the acclaimed Mamiku Botanical Gardens. These consist of 12 acres of stunningly beautiful woodlands and are a unique attraction in the Caribbean region. Guided tours are included in the admission fee, and these will take visitors through magnificent orchid farms, hibiscus gardens, banana plantations, and numerous examples of tropical flora, such as passion fruit, mangoes, tamarind pods, etc. The guides are extremely knowledgeable about the plants that dot the gardens, so the tours are an opportunity to learn about traditional Caribbean medicine too. There is a souvenir shop by the entrance of the botanical gardens, as well as a charming restaurant where hot and cold drinks and snacks are prepared using ingredients grown in the estate. Some of the treats you can enjoy are freshly baked banana cake, lemon and tamarind tuna sandwiches, and refreshing coconut water.

 

Praslin: Eating and Drinking Options

Not far from the town of Praslin, and only a few minutes away from Fond Bay, visitors will find The Immortal restaurant and lounge. The restaurant is managed by one of Saint Lucia's top chefs, and it serves delicious European and Caribbean dishes. Vegetarian options are also available. The venue has indoor and outdoor seating, so that you can enjoy a lovely dinner in its elegant restaurant and later have a refreshing cocktail while overlooking the bay.

 

Micoud, Saint Lucia

Heritage and culture in Micoud, Saint Lucia

The Caribbean island of Saint Lucia is renowned worldwide for incarnating the essence of luxury, opulence, and sumptuousness. Its nearly 100 miles of (mostly unspoilt) coastline are surely the island's main attraction. Given the stunning natural beauty of Saint Lucia, it is understandable that visitors overlook other aspects that contribute to the unique character of this blissful island. Much like other Caribbean islands, Saint Lucia has a rich historical and cultural heritage, which (if you look carefully) is evident virtually everywhere. The island was first discovered in the 16th century, and it was under the domain of French, British, and Spanish colonisers. Influences from these three cultures can be observed in Saint Lucia to this day. The majority of visitors stay in the western side of the island, which is home to the capital, Castries, and Saint Lucia’s international airport. However, overlooking the eastern part of the island would be a mistake, since there are unique attractions that await the visitor in this area. The village of Micoud is one of them. Nestled between two forest reserves and a dramatic stretch of coastline, Micoud is home to almost 3,000 villagers, who have proudly preserved the local traditions during centuries. In fact, Micoud is considered to have Saint Lucia's richest evidence of Amerindian history.

Accommodation options in Micoud, Saint Lucia

If you wish to stay in the tranquil village of Micoud, the Fond Bay Suites and Villa is an excellent option. The hotel caters exclusively to adults, and its location overlooking the bay is perfect for those who prefer to go for the island retreat experience. However, guests at the Fond Bay can enjoy modern amenities, like Wi-Fi Internet access, cable TV, and in-room safe boxes. The Fond Bay Suites and Villa also offers two swimming pools that are perfect to contemplate the sunrise, wedding packages, and easy access to Saint Lucia's rainforest, a plantation, and a mangrove. The friendly staff will be happy to arrange recreational activities like whale watching, horse riding, Eco tours, and scuba diving. Alternatively, if you are planning a family luxury holiday, you could opt for staying at the Coconut Bay resort and spa, which is only 7 miles away from Micou. This resort caters to families offering the most exquisite Saint Lucian hospitality, which will make you and your family welcome from the moment you step in. The resort is home to the largest water park in Saint Lucia, where exhilarating fun is guaranteed for youngsters and adults alike. The Coconut Bay also runs a kids' club with the most varied activities, including educational activities, games, eco-hikes, and much more. The resort offers top-quality all inclusive packages for families and couples, which include buffet and a la carte dining facilities at the resort's four restaurants, a choice of Caribbean, Asian, European, and American cuisine, weekly cocktail parties, and access to their wide range of sporting and fitness facilities. Accommodation is provided in spacious apartments with ocean and garden views.

What to see and do in Micoud, Saint Lucia

Strolling through Micoud village and talking to the friendly locals is an activity that can easily fill your day in Saint Lucia. Those looking for more thrilling adventures have a wide range of choices available in the local area. For instance, you could visit the 20-feet high Latille waterfalls and plunge into the various natural pools that surround them. The nearby Mamiku gardens are an explosion of colour thanks to its hundreds of plants, flowers, butterflies, and bird species. And why not explore the eastern side of the island on a quad bike? After all, there is no shortage of beaches and coves in which you can jump should you feel in need of a rest.

Vieux Fort in Saint Lucia: A Town Steeped in History

Vieux Fort is the island’s second-largest town, playing host to Hewanorra International Airport. The town has a rich history and parts of it are associated with pirate legends. Black Bay, where it is believed that Blackbeard stashed his pirate treasure, is particularly renowned for it’s pirate legends. Legends aside, this beautiful town is an enticing mixture of new and old. Parts of Vieux Fort in Saint Lucia still remain true to its heritage, with the architecture reflecting that of Old England and France. A walk down Clark Street reveals beautiful colonial homes that haven’t changed since the days when it was first settled as a French fort in the 17th century. However, Vieux Fort has grown quickly since the days when Saint Lucia was a colony and thus, the old flows seamlessly into the new as the modern areas of this stunning town have evolved. It is now a busy commercial centre, and many of Saint Lucia’s inhabitants work in this city. Located on the southern most tip of Saint Lucia, Vieux Fort isn’t considered to be part of Saint Lucia’s normal tourist circuit as tourists typically flock to the west coast of the island. For this reason, there are far fewer people in and around Vieux Fort, so if you are searching for a relaxing holiday with all the benefits of beautiful beaches and stunning resorts like the western coast of Saint Lucia without all the people, then Vieux Fort is the place to go.

What to See in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia

All of Vieux Fort is worth visiting because, as you stroll the streets of The Old Town, you’ll get a sense of what life must have been like in the 17th century. The beautiful architecture of the old colonial homes will transport you hundreds of years into the past, to a time when it took months to travel across the seas and reach this exquisite Caribbean jewel. Additionally, not far from Vieux Fort, on the southernmost tip of the island, you’ll find the Moule a Chique Lighthouse. Funnily enough, this lighthouse actually made it to Vieux Fort by mistake since it was originally meant to be shipped to Saint Lucia Cape in South Africa. Even so, this is one of the most stunning viewpoints on the entire island and certainly one that shouldn’t be missed. The Anse de Sables Beach is not only an excellent location for swimming but, the high winds also make it perfect for windsurfing and kite surfing.

Where to Stay in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia

There are quite a few options when it comes to accommodation in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, and visitors travelling as a family will enjoy the features of Coconut Bay Resort & Spa; this resort has something for everyone to take part in and features everything you could possibly want from family hotel. Facilities include a beach with soft, white sand and crystal blue waters, three swimming pools, a water park for children, basketball courts and more. Coconut Bay Resort & Spa is one of the most popular destinations in Saint Lucia, despite the fact that Vieux Fort is not considered a normal tourist destination. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it is designed with families in mind. There are plenty of activities for children, including Cocoland, a club for children. This means parents can enjoy a relaxing holiday and some time to themselves, knowing their children are well-looked after at all times. Though Vieux Fort might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of Saint Lucia, if you enjoy a little history and want to see something more than palm trees and the beach, then this is undoubtedly the destination for you. Don’t forget that Coconut Bay Resort & Spa is a mere three minutes from the airport in Vieux Fort, which means that you can enjoy the best of both worlds. And who knows? After sipping a few cocktails on the beach, you might venture into the town, visit Black Bay and find Blackbeard’s pirate treasure!

Laborie, Saint Lucia

Laborie is a district in the southern tip of Saint Lucia. Laborie town, a quaint fishing village overlooking Laborie Bay, is home to many of Saint Lucia’s local residents.

The bay, sheltered by row upon row of palm trees, makes for excellent swimming and snorkelling, although there are other activities available, like horse riding, sailing, or trekking. The verdant fields that surround Laborie grow some of the most representative fruits and plants of Saint Lucia, including the exotic breadfruit, pigeon peas, green figs, and the ubiquitous sea moss used to prepare the delicious Saint Lucian punch. Laborie is well communicated with the rest of Saint Lucia. The lively village of Port Vieux is only a few minutes away, and getting to the capital or to any of the local airports can be easily arranged from Laborie.

The Laborie Experience

For tourists looking to explore Laborie in more detail, The Laborie Experience is not to be missed. The tour of Laborie is led by residents of the district and their knowledge of the island’s Creole heritage, the flora and its uses and much, much more History of Saint Lucia is simply astounding. What's more, phenomenal is how each tour guide takes the time to discover each tourist individually and subsequently tailors the stroll to suit their guest’s interests.

The Laborie Beach

Laborie is home to The Rudy John Beach Park, one of Saint Lucia’s best kept secrets. Here, breath-taking panoramic ocean views of turquoise blue Caribbean waters, and miles of cashmere soft sands are fringed by luscious coconut palms. It’s these awe-inspiring topographies that make The Rudy John Beach Park incredibly popular with Laborie’s local residents. The bay of Rudy John Beach Park is perfect for a rejuvenating beach bath or visitors can explore the abundant marine life whilst snorkelling or swimming. Enjoy a short walk down the beach and you’ll find yourself at Crossover Park. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to join in, in a game of football with the locals or enjoy the friendly competition!

Morne Le Blanc, Laborie

For tourists looking to discover more about Saint Lucia’s Heritage, the Morne Le Blanc Heritage Site is an excellent way to explore more about the history of Saint Lucia. Located on the top of the highest hill in Saint Lucia, the site was once home to a cold-war era radar station and today, the concrete structures are still visible and fascinating to explore. The Morne Le Blanc is maintained by ECHO-Lab. Picnic tables are nestled amongst plants and tall trees inviting guests to spend the entire day exploring the Morne. The Morne also makes an excellent location for weddings.

Saturday Market

There’s no better place to embrace the Saint Lucian culture than by visiting the Saturday Market at Laborie. Vendors arrive from all over the region before the crack of dawn, and by 5AM the market is buzzing with heaps of freshly picked vegetables and delicious, brightly coloured fruit. The Saturday market in Laborie is where you’ll find the best traditional Saint Lucian breakfast, served with the island’s favourite Cocoa Tea.

Choiseul, St Lucia

Choiseul is a historical village near to Soufriere in the south west of Saint Lucia. It is well known for its local arts and crafts, such as woven baskets, chairs and place mats, as well as featuring sweeping views across the neighbouring countryside. Originally known as Anse Citron because of the many lime trees that were grown in the area, it is an area of tropical beauty, where the laidback pace and welcoming spirit of the Caribbean embraces visitors and locals alike. The village is a relatively small and quiet village, with several bars, local restaurants, arts and crafts shops, fresh local fish outlet and a local produce market on Saturdays. The population is diverse and the greater district is mostly rural, with crops including the traditional limes, coconut, tomatoes and breadfruit.

Arts and Crafts

Choiseul is justly famous for its traditional arts and crafts. These traditional practices have been passed down for centuries, with historians tracing their origins to the Carib and Arawak Indians. The Choiseul Arts and Craft Centre is a superb place to learn more about these traditional crafts, support local artisans and to pick up a souvenir. At this centre, the community comes together to participate and sell their products, from grass place mats and woven baskets, to chairs, coconut carvings, wood carvings, pottery and children’s toys. The Centre is run by the Ministry of Education and also operates as a training centre for unemployed people to learn new skills including crafts, but also skills such as construction and those valued in the tourism industry.

 

Excursions near Choiseul

Choiseul is located conveniently for the bustling town of Soufriere, the old colonial grounds of the Soufriere Estate, the beautiful Saint Lucia Botanical Gardens, the magnificent volcanic Pitons, and the Qualibou caldera with its sulphur springs.

 

Luxury Hotels near Choiseul

The Ladera St Lucia

The Ladera Saint Lucia is a luxury resort set within the beautiful grounds of one of the island’s oldest cocoa plantations, the Rabot Estate. Uniquely designed guest villas and suites each constructed of tropical hardwoods, have a wall open to the spectacular views over the countryside, Pitons and Caribbean Sea. They are furnished to exceptional standards with 19th century French styled furniture and locally crafted accessories, furnishings and artwork. Private plunge pools or villa pools are provided for relaxation, while the resort also features a beautiful infinity pool where cocktails and light refreshments are available poolside. Complimentary services at the Ladera include soaking in the sulphur mineral baths at the spa, exercising in the fully equipped gym, beach shuttle services and snorkelling equipment. The resort is near to Jalousie Beach and Anse Chastanet Beach. Many excursions and activities are available should you want to explore further afield, and these include glass bottomed boat trips, rainforest hiking, horseback riding through the plantation or to the volcano, botanical garden tours, local market tours, sport fishing, sailing, and whale and dolphin watching. There are also cookery classes and golf lessons, while those wanting to immerse themselves in the local culture may want to visit the Fond Doux Estate or travel to the nearby island of Martinique. The elegant dining restaurant, Dasheene, serve up award winning cuisine based on sustainable principles, fresh and locally sourced ingredients and innovative takes on traditional Saint Lucia dishes. From sweet potato and coconut soup, plantain gratin and pickled vegetables to sugar cane shrimp, the menu is eclectic and delightful, all served in spectacular surroundings.

 

Booking

If you would like to book a luxury Saint Lucia getaway, please call on 0845 3 65 65 65 now or complete the enquiry form below and one of our specialist Saint Lucia travel consultants will contact you shortly with deals tailored to meet your requirements.

 

Gros Piton, St Lucia

A holiday in Saint Lucia can be a refreshing escape from the hum drum of ordinary life; stretching back on white-sand beaches at the edge of the Caribbean Sea or trekking through tropical jungles and hiking the local land create beautifully refreshing holidays on their own, while a mix of the two forms a once in a lifetime, never to be forgotten break. The fantastic sight of Gros and Petite Piton rearing into the sky from their watery roots is one of the most photographed on the island, and a trip up the mountains is an adventure worth having. From the top of Gros Piton, the view is a remarkable 360 degree panorama of blue skies and turquoise waves bathed in golden sunshine. The local towns of Vieux Fort and Soufriere can be seen, along with the islands of Saint Vincent, Maria and Choiseul.

Before the Climb

Gros Piton is much more than a mere mountain in Saint Lucia; the interpretive centre at the foot explains the importance of the mountain. Fond Gens Libre is a town of Saint Lucia whose name means ‘Valley of the Free People’, and it’s here that the interpretive centre is located. Gros Piton was seen as a haven by the black freedom fighters during the slave rebellion which took place in Saint Lucia in 1748. A local guide can make the climb both easier and more compelling, as many of the descendants of those who fought in the rebellion live still in Fond Gens Libre and can relay tales of history and local myth. The town also offers a profusion of the local fare, from bananas and coconuts to locally made craftwork. A number of items are vital to bring with you on Saint Lucia’s famous hiking trail. Comfortable footwear is a given, as it can be a long walk with some awkwardly steep stretches. Water too must be carried, and probably a snack or two to enjoy along the way or at the summit. Though the heavy canopy coating Gros Piton shades the trail from a lot of the sunshine, sun lotion is essential to protect your skin. Finally, a camera is a must to capture the moment of success as you reach the top!

Hiking Heavenwards

The 3,000 feet high Gros Piton is the legally climbable of the twin mounts and is quite accessible for amateurs, though it can become extremely steep in places. The climb can take in the neighbourhood of three to six hours one way, so it should be started early in the morning get down at a reasonable time. Saint Lucia’s Gros Piton started life thousands of years ago as strato-volcanos, and as such are situated beside the Qualibou Depression, which was formed by a collapse of lava. Today it offers relaxing Sulphur Springs to all who visit. As with a lot of Saint Lucia’s interior landscape, Gros Piton and its twin are covered with tropical rainforests and natural woods. These trees provide shade from the blazing sunshine, while brief breaks in the cover allow hikers to look upon the magnificent view of Gros Piton. While at first the trail is easily traversable, it becomes steeper as it begins to wind up the side of the mountain. Loose scree can make the way more difficult, but the beautiful tropical vegetation offers not only a sight to be seen, but plenty of handholds should you begin to slide. ‘Challenging’ is one way to describe the hike, but it is just enough to give a real sense of accomplish once you reach the top – which your local guide will ensure you do safely.

Petit Piton

On the south west corner of Saint Lucia, is one of Saint Lucia’s most arresting sights. Shooting straight out of the sea, the twin volcanic cones of the Petit and Gros Piton mountains have attracted visitors from all over the world and are undeniably the island’s most recognised, natural feature. These green and precipitous peaks rise out of the blue ocean like stony-faced monoliths, and it is not surprising that these twin peaks were once treated as Gods by Saint Lucia’s first tourists, the Arawaks, 2,000-years ago. The two Pitons are the island’s most famous landmarks and are situated between the two towns, Choiseulon and Soufriere, on the western side of Saint Lucia. They are the remnants of two volcanic domes that formed millions of years ago during Saint Lucia’s birth. At 743m, Petit Piton is 28m smaller than Gros Piton, and the two are linked by the Piton Mitan ridge.

Climbing & Sightseeing

Climbing Petit Piton is only recommended for experienced climbers. Although not technically difficult, the ascent is extremely rugged, and there is a constant danger of landslides. However, there are a couple of agencies in Soufriere that will provide climbing equipment and a guide for experienced climbers who feel they are up to the challenge. Fortunately, there are a number of worthy locations that provide breath-taking views of Petit Piton for more reserved – less crazy – visitors. The road into the town of Soufriere on the west coast offers beautiful views of the twin peaks and is especially beautiful at sunset. However, the most dramatic – and personally rewarding – views are from the summit of Gros Piton. This tough and demanding two-hour climb snakes its way up the mountain’s boulder-strewn, jungle-covered side and provides unforgettable, picture-postcard views of Petit Piton, the island’s verdant interior and the cerulean Caribbean stretching out into the distance. On especially clear days, you can even see the faraway island of Martinique shimmering on the horizon.

Accommodation near to Petit Piton

This towering peak can be seen from a number of Saint Lucia’s main luxury hotels, and it provides the perfect backdrop on several popular beaches. For the best, uninterrupted views of the thrusting Pitons, visitors should try and stay at hotels near Soufriere or Choiseulon, where there is a wide range of secluded, romantic or family-orientated places to stay. Situated on its own peninsula, Jade Mountain Saint Lucia has unmatched views of the Petit Piton towering out of the azure Caribbean. This friendly hotel has international restaurants, fresh water swimming pools and a selection of accommodation options to suit all types of visitors. There are few resorts in the world that can compare to the astonishing views that the Ladera Saint Lucia commands. Perched 1,000 feet above the blue waters of the Caribbean and with the Petit Piton dominating the skyline, the Ladera Saint Lucia is an exclusive getaway hidden in the island’s jungle interior. With 32 rooms and suites, all with spectacular views of the Pitons, this is one resort where you certainly shouldn’t forget your camera. Saint Lucia is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world. Considerably more mountainous than its Caribbean cousins, Saint Lucia is covered in a thick coat of rainforest, which gives the island its charm and unique character. It is a testament to the beauty and mystery that the Petit Piton exudes that it sometimes overshadows the fact that Saint Lucia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.