St Lucia more than lives up
to the paradisal Caribbean
stereotype: a glorious mix of honey
sand beaches, translucent waters
sheltering reefs swarming with
tropical fish, lush interior
rainforests, and a thriving culture
that encompasses literature and
theatre as well as music and dance.
However, in contrast to other
islands in the region, where the
tourism infrastructure has been
steadily expanding since the 1960s,
St Lucia has only recently begun to
attract visitors in any number. As a
result, tourism has a much lower
profile here, and this low-key feel
is one of the island's biggest
assets.
Despite the lack of hype, St
Lucia's tourist facilities are
top-notch, and, unusually, cater to
all budgets - you can stay at luxury
hotels or inexpensive guesthouses,
dine in world-class restaurants or
at roadside kiosks, and shop in
large duty-free malls or at open-air
village markets. With little of the
jaded hustle that can mar more
established Caribbean destinations,
St Lucia makes for a relaxed,
informal and incredibly friendly
place to visit.
