From Budget to Splurge: 3 Ways to Stay in St. Lucia

by  Hilary Sheinbaum | Mar 31, 2016
Guestroom
Guestroom / Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort & Spa

Whether hiking a mountain, feasting at the Friday night fish fry, or swimming in the Caribbean Ocean, St. Lucia has activities -- and sights to see -- for all kinds of travelers. More so: after a full day of exploring, playing or relaxing, there's a variety of hotels apt for vacationers to rest their heads and unwind. Here is our guide for staying in St. Lucia for any style of budget.

Best Budget Option
On the west coast of the island, Soufriere is the oldest settlement in St. Lucia, and was once the French capital. The town is home to The Downtown Hotel, which is small with only 18 rooms -- but they're airy and most have a microwave, private balcony, complimentary tea, and a refrigerator; some accommodations have a sea view. Parking is free, but cars are not needed for the five-minute walk to Soufriere Bay or to restaurants in the vicinity. The average nightly rate is from $75. Also in town, you'll find sandy beaches, coral reefs, rainforests, and waterfalls. Located south of the lodge are two mountainous volcanic plugs called The Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton).

Best Mid-Range Option
On 22 acres in Choc Bay, Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort & Spa is a less than 15-minute drive from the George F.L. Charles Airport in Castries and two hours from Hewanorra International Airport. The property has an intimate feel with a fitness center, two pools, Red Lane Spa, golf that's included, and seven bars throughout the property. English-style afternoon tea is served at the Paradise Pool and free WiFi is accessible. Watersports, like kayaking, tubing, and wakeboarding are also available to guests. At the all-inclusive, couples-only resort, rates are from $270 per person, per night.

Best Splurge
Capella Hotels and Resorts are located across the globe -- from Singapore to New Zealand to Germany -- with hotels opening in Florida and Bangkok. Capella Marigot Bay Resort & Marina maintains a boutique feel on the west coast of St. Lucia, located on a lush hillside overlooking tranquil waters. The property’s restaurants, The Grill at 14⁰61⁰ and the Bayside Café, focus on using locally sourced seafood, and fresh produce and spices, to create a fusion of American, European and St. Lucian flavors. The Rum Cave -- an intimate restaurant/bar, designed to evoke a Colonial-era spirits cellar -- serves some of the finest regional rums. At the Auriga Spa, fitness enthusiasts can partake in group yoga, Pilates, and core classes. After (or instead of) a sweat session, relax and rejuvenate with exclusive offerings such as volcanic energy therapy (60 or 90 minutes), with sulfur minerals to rebalance energy; and Pansé body exfoliation (90 minutes), infusing sea salt, sea moss, nutmeg, and honey -- leaving skin smooth. Book a three-bedroom penthouse suite (from $2,216 per night with saving 25 percent) when staying for four-plus nights.  A personal assistant to arrange all activities and in-room non-alcoholic beverages are included. Stay a minimum of seven nights and the property will throw in four hours of babysitting.

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