Author: Jake Junda
Site: https://tworoamingsouls.com
Attractions In Saint Lucia
If you are looking for some off-the-beaten-track attractions in St. Lucia, this guide has our top picks. Many tour operators take visitors to the same few sites again and again. They are spectacular, for sure, but they can get packed when a big tour bus rolls through. So if you are looking for some hidden gems in St. Lucia, sometimes you need to take the road less travelled. This guide shares some of our more unique and less busy things to do In St. Lucia.
Piton Falls And Mineral Baths
These mineral soaking tubs at the base of Petit Piton are a serene place to take a dip. Water heated by the earth pours over Piton Falls into the mineral baths. The pools are clearly man-made, but they blend nicely with the natural waterfall and lush vegetation. All the pools are hot, probably all around 100F degrees (37C). So in the tropical climate, perhaps a little hot, especially in the middle of the day. But we found the larger pool under the falls to be a bit cooler, and fine for 20-30 minutes of soaking.
There is an entry booth that charges $3 USD ($7.50 EC) for adults, and $1.50 USD ($3.75 EC) for children under 12. From there, you hike the short trail down to Piton falls and the mineral baths (about 7 minutes). The trail is well maintained, with stairs for all the steeper parts. You can probably do it in sandals, to be honest, but be aware that it can be muddy and slippery.
The water is said to have natural minerals that the locals make all kinds of wild claims about, like “it will make you look ten years younger”. I just laughed and made a joke about my hair growing back.
There is a very rustic changing room right by the falls if you want to bring a change of clothes. Otherwise, just bring a towel.
These secluded mineral baths surrounded by nature are one of our favourite off-the-beaten-path attractions in St. Lucia. Luckily, the big tours don’t come through here, but if a few other groups are there, it may start to feel overcrowded quickly. So if it’s peaceful solitude you are after, I would consider going early or late in the day.
Tree Top Restaurant
The Tree Top Restaurant is definitely our favourite dining experience in Saint Lucia. A unique restaurant built like a treehouse, tucked high in the hills above Soufriere. The restaurant itself, palm trees, and views of the Pitons blend to create a magical setting. They serve Indian Fusion cuisine, which was exceptionally delicious. Everyone is served the same 3-course menu, but trust them, it’s delicious. This costs $60USD per person, and they do accept credit cards. Pricey, but worth it!
And their bartenders crafted individualized cocktails that blew us away. Our bartender Hamilton has a special craft for finding the flavours you like in a drink and making magical concoctions from local fruits, flowers, herbs, liquors, etc. It really enhanced the overall experience.
You do need a reservation, so email them beforehand or call them during business hours. And the restaurant is a little hard to find because there’s no sign and the pin on Google Maps isn’t quite in the right spot. It’s located at the Crystals Villa Hotel. Be aware the road up is quite bumpy, and high clearance recommended. Or if you take a taxi, they will know where to go.
The Tree Top Restaurant is one of the best hidden gems in St. Lucia. And certainly one of the best restaurants in Soufriere. The magical setting, delicious food, and amazing service made it our favourite dining experience of the trip.
Anse Mamin Beach
Anse Mamin Beach is one of the best off-the-beaten-path attractions in St. Lucia. The land adjacent to the beach is part of Anse Chastanet Resort. But all beaches in St. Lucia are public, so anyone is welcome to visit for the day.
Anse Mamin Beach has excellent sand and clear water, some of the best we found in all of St. Lucia. It’s abutted by giant cliffs, and a few rock formations jut out into the ocean. And the farther north you go, the more privacy you will have (but it does get a little rockier). There is a beach bar and restaurant that non-hotel guests are welcome to use. But the beach chairs and palapas are just for hotel guests. I’ve heard mixed reviews about how non-hotel guests are treated, but we actually brought our own drinks and picnic lunch to save some money.
And this beach is a little challenging to get to, but that’s part of what makes it such a hidden gem. You can drive or take a taxi out to the visitor parking lot at Anse Chastanet Resort. The road was gnarly though, incredibly steep in sections, blind curves, and quite bumpy. We did it in our rental car, but I have lots of experience driving in adverse conditions.
And even from the parking, it’s about a 20-minute walk to Anse Mamin from there. So if you are hiring a ride, I would highly suggest you take a water taxi because they can drop you right on the beach. But don’t forget to arrange a pick-up because there won’t be water taxis hanging around to take you back.
En Bas Saut Waterfall Trail
This is one of the more adventurous off-the-beaten-path attractions in St. Lucia. The En Bas Saut Falls are tucked deep in the rainforest, and the drive to get there is an adventure in itself. The hike to the falls is not that long (1.5 miles, 2.2km round-trip) but it is steep and often muddy. But the drive to the trailhead requires driving off-road, where high clearance is needed, and 4×4 is recommended.
But if you do make it out there, the waterfall is definitely a hidden gem. We didn’t see a single other person, which added to the wonder and mystery. The falls lands in a plunge pool that is perfect for a refreshing swim in the cool water.
Attend A Football (Soccer) Match
Okay, so a football stadium full of people is not quite “off-the-beaten-path”. But it’s definitely not something that tourists commonly take part in. We attended a football match in Soufriere, to watch two local St. Lucia teams battle it out. But there are other football stadiums on the island in Castries, Vieux-Fort, and Dennery…
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