St Lucia, believed to be discovered by Christopher Columbus, is 27 miles long by 15 miles wide, set at the meeting point between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, between Martinique and St Vincent. This verdant and luscious island, in contrast to its neighbours, is 77% forest (Barbados is only 19%), meaning this ‘emerald’ island offers peerless flora and fauna, intriguing rainforest life, rare wildlife as well as the quintessential Caribbean beach culture. From dramatic 50 ft waterfalls deep in the forest, with sightings of rare and colourful birds to the iconic and star-studded Sugar Beach, this is a land of extreme natural beauty and contrasts. From volcanic springs, to the famous Pitons (distinctive twin peaks), to local creole village life, St Lucia is a dazzling blend of natural beauty and hedonistic luxury!
Xhale is set within one of the island’s most exclusive developments - the Cap Estate, on the northern tip, which was developed to offer luxury accommodation on the doorstep of the island’s most prestigious golf course (as well as being the only 18 hole course.) Just a short distance to the bustling tourist centre of Rodney Bay, this elite position is within ease access of the mile-long Reduit beach. Rodney Bay offers glittering nightlife, casinos and up-market dining, whilst the St Lucian Jazz Festival takes place close by annually; from carnivals to flower festivals, St Lucians love to party!
The Pitons (two distinctive volcanic peaks) are an immediately recognisable site; visitors will bathe in volcanic pools, or scale the Gros Piton with a local village guide. When it comes to adrenaline-fix activities, and water sports, St Lucia is hard to beat. From smart harbours with chartered yachts, informal catamaran tours with flowing rum cocktails and whale-watching trips, to jet-skiing in the ocean at dawn, or zip-wiring at speed through dense forest canopy, this island has it covered. Post-card worthy waterfalls, tropical plant-life or a day spend grinding cocoa beans into chocolate or step into the plantation history of the island, this is a place of endless discovery.
The cuisine hints at Creole and French along with a Caribbean undertone; bananas are ripe on the trees, fried plantain and shell fish feature heavily, as well as fish soups, or the national dish ‘green figs’ (unripe bananas) and salt fish; the latter can be washed down nicely with a Piton lager or Caribbean rum cocktail.
The southwest coast is simply majestic; there is great potential for snorkelling or scuba diving. Among our pick would be an intriguing night dive to see mystical coral formations, mysterious sunken ships and tropical sea life such as octopus, rainbow parrot fish and sea turtles when they come out to play.