There are destinations that live up to expectations and then there are destinations that quietly surpass them. Having the opportunity to visit one of the top Caribbean islands on my bucket list (and probably on everyone else’s), still makes me pinch myself to check the whole experience was real.
I arrived on the Caribbean island for the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival expecting world-class music and beautiful scenery. What I discovered was something far richer. During my weeks stay on the island, I discovered just how much Saint Lucia really has to offer, with culture, cuisine, adventure and luxury all blended effortlessly against one of the most spectacular backdrops in the world.
A Festival Worth Travelling For
From the moment my flight touched down at Hewanorra International Airport, the pace of life shifted. The journey north to our resort along the island’s dramatic coastline offered an immediate introduction to Saint Lucia’s natural beauty with lush mountains, turquoise waters, colourful villages and glimpses of the iconic Pitons in the distance.
Our taxi driver made a pit stop, grabbing refreshments and we were introduced to local beer – Piton. (The Pitons are two iconic, dormant volcanic spires situated near the town of Soufrière.) After an 8hr flight and humidity I wasn’t yet accustomed to, this was the perfect drink to kick start my adventure on the only country in the world that is named after a woman!
For six unforgettable days, Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences became my Caribbean home. Set across a hillside overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the resort combines Mediterranean inspired architecture with the relaxed elegance that Saint Lucia does so well. The all-inclusive stay meant my mornings began slowly with a traditional breakfast looking out over the Hotel’s private beach before heading out to discover the island and everything it had to offer.
It was the perfect base not just because it’s one of the most luxurious hotels on the island, but because each night we had VIP transport from our hotels pier to the festival as we arrived by water taxi to Pigeon Island.
The festival was established in 1992 and features numerous genres of music such as classic Jazz, R&B, Afrobeats, Soca, and Reggae. It takes place across iconic venues like Pigeon Island National Landmark creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere. Showcasing Caribbean artists as well as international talent, there is everything from the arts, music, food and local creativity throughout the programme at venues all around, including vibrant street parties.
Before heading to our first night at the festival, we went to check out Gros Islet Friday night street party. The water taxi carried us across the coastline to this fishing village. For the last 50 years Gros Islet has been hosting this party which is a vibrant hub of food and music welcoming both residents and visitors. Pop up bars and speakers encourage a good time with the party carrying on until the early hours, and with no risk of running out of rum punch in sight. This isn’t a curated tourist attraction, it’s an authentic and energetic celebration which set the tone for my first slice of Saint Lucia’s epic music festival.
Top artists headlining this year’s festival were Skip Marley, Beverley Knight, Tems, Billy Ocean and one of my personal faves, Brandy and Monica performing songs from their current tour. 12-year-old Zoe, would be so proud as I sang my heart out in the press pit to ‘The Boy is Mine’.
The atmosphere each night can only be described as electric! The main stage was full of supporting musicians, backing singers, and colourful lighting with the odd smoke and fireworks for extra dramatic flair. Crowds of all ages clapped and sang all night long, with intervals filled with presenters and talented DJs making sure everybody stayed hyped up. I’ve also discovered a new Caribbean artist called Kes who I am now obsessed with and listen to his entire back catalogue to help me feel as though I’m still on island time.
The festival spans over 10 days every year from April to May. With most of the main acts and events being outdoors, the weather is perfect in these months with sporadic tropical rain storms (which are usually welcomed to crack the humidity!).
Where Music Meets Paradise
The centrepiece of the trip was of course, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival itself but seeing as most of the festivities started in the evenings, I had time to discover the real Saint Lucia during the daytime.
Saint Lucia offers something for every mood. As a food lover, I spent an afternoon at Greenwood Terrace with local tourism specialists Barefoot Holidays, where a garden tour and hands-on cooking experience introduced me to the island’s culinary traditions. Rooted in the land, Saint Lucian cuisine combines bold flavours with generations of knowledge, and some ingredients are still valued for their natural medicinal properties. Our guide at Greenwood filled our heads with amazing facts about the island’s herbs and local delicacies. Would you believe that there are over 70 varieties of Mangos on the island?!
No visit to Saint Lucia would be complete without seeing the island’s most famous landmarks and the best way to see those are by catamaran. Sail along the spectacular west coast with panoramic views of the mountains rising directly from the sea. Stopping off in Soufrière, the island’s historic former capital, you can not only grab lunch and support the local community, you can have a mini wellness break by visiting the Sulphur Springs mud baths. As you imagine, the smell is quite remarkable but after a few minutes you get used to it as you cover your body in mineral rich volcanic mud before soaking in naturally heated pools. It’s a strange sensation but it does leave the skin feeling soft and refreshed.
To finish off your natural treatments, the next stop has to be Toraille Falls which provides the perfect contrast. Cool water thundering down from the rainforest canopy, a refreshing escape from the Caribbean heat (and the ideal way of washing the rest of the mud away).
Any catamaran journey touring this island is spectacular, with the Pitons dominating the horizon, but if you want to get even more immersed into all the islands wonders, a trip to the East and Praslin Bay is a must. Here I enjoyed a kayaking excursion that offered a completely different perspective on Saint Lucia.
Gliding across calm waters, we learned about local sea moss farming and got to try some straight from the source. With the sea moss popularity on the rise, I can now understand why this superfood is celebrated for its nutritional benefits and sustainability. After walking around the sea moss farm in the sea, hop back into your kayak and you reach the bay for more of those breathtaking views and a lunch of local cuisine featuring more sea moss (it’s like lettuce here, and it’s easy to add to your diets and most meals once harvested).
For those who are adventure lovers, you can soar through the rainforest with an exhilarating zipline experience. Flying between platforms suspended among towering trees provides breathtaking views and a welcome adrenaline rush. Or maybe a hike of Gros Piton which take a few hours but the views are totally worth it form the top! Piton translates to mountain peak in French so Petit and Gros Piton correspondingly refer to the smaller and larger peak.
Saint Lucia’s Lasting Magic
I guess what makes Saint Lucia special is its balance. It offers luxury without pretension, adventure without sacrificing comfort and cultural authenticity without feeling overly commercialised. One moment you are sipping cocktails beside the sea and the next, you are kayaking through untouched bays or dancing in the streets with locals. Few destinations manage to combine so many experiences so seamlessly.
As my final day arrived, I found myself reluctant to leave. Saint Lucia is often celebrated as one of the Caribbean’s most romantic destinations and it’s easy to understand why. However, it is also a destination for music lovers, food enthusiasts, adventurers and anyone seeking a meaningful escape. The festival itself has grown over the years and continues to be an annual pilgrimage for music and art fanatics. My week here felt like just an introduction, leaving me wanting more!
In my opinion, Saint Lucia is so memorable because of how it makes you feel long after you’ve left. And that, perhaps, is the greatest luxury of all.
So, who’s coming with me next year?!
Saint Lucia Tourism Authority Website – www.stlucia.org
Review and Images by Zoe Laing @_zozogram_
Feature image courtesy of unsplash.com
