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. |
