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Are you visiting Saint Lucia? Check out my 3 day Guide to Saint Lucia including the best places to stay, eat and explore including unique foodie experiences and more!
Hi, Spoonful of Flavor readers! I’m Aubrie Gerber, a full-time travel writer and photographer based in South Florida—though that will soon change as my fiancé and I get ready to move to Colorado in a few months. When I’m not writing for publications, you’ll find me shooting photos for restaurants and resorts.
Now that introductions are out of the way, let’s dive into Saint Lucia! I recently traveled to this Eastern Caribbean island surrounded by lush volcanic formations and knew it was a destination worth sharing with Ashley’s readers. With direct flights from Miami, Charlotte, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Atlanta, New Jersey AND Chicago (phew!), it makes for a convenient international getaway for families and couples. The island also widely accepts U.S. dollars and most locals speak English, in addition to Creole. Win-win!
3 day Saint Lucia Travel Guide
Where to Stay in Saint Lucia
Marigot Bay Resort & Marina is what Saint Lucian dreams are made of. After an hour’s drive from Hewanorra International Airport, guests are greeted with a local spiced rum tea and cool towel before receiving a property tour by a personal assistant. The resort’s prime location overlooks Marigot Bay—the world-known mega-yacht destination and movie set for the 1967 Dr. Doolittle film. Even though the resort is steps from the marina, you’ll still feel tucked away in a private enclave with two infinity pools, spa cottages, a rum cave, four restaurants and a swim-up bar…Not to mention each of the 124 plantation-style rooms feature rainforest showers and either a private balcony or patio. (Tip: Some rooms have private plunge pools, so be sure to request one when booking a reservation.)
The resort doesn’t lack in personal touches—from daily delivered snacks and refreshments like fruit cake and the local Piton beer, to the staff referring to you name the moment you arrive, their goal is to make you feel as relaxed as possible.
Where to Dine in Saint Lucia
The 238-square mile island has no shortage of dining options, with some of the best found within Marigot Bay. I strongly suggest trying local Saint Lucian cuisine, such as hot bakes slathered in banana jam (think fried bread with sweet mashed bananas—worth every bite), salt fish stew, mango quiche and curry chicken.
The Grill at 14⁰61⁰ is the go-to restaurant to get your hands on local cuisine. From an authentic Saint Lucian buffet breakfast (they serve American staples, as well) to a modern fine-dining Caribbean-inspired dinner featuring kingfish, snapper and yellowfin tuna all sourced from area fishermen, The Grill at 14⁰61⁰ is a must for your local Saint Lucian cravings.
Head over to Brut Bar for lunch, which features a swim-up bar and pool-side seating. Watch as chefs prepare sushi and ceviche with freshly caught lionfish, tuna and Mahi. If spice is your thing, the Bonito Tuna Roll with tuna loin, chayote, hot chili aioli, avocado and sesame seeds won’t disappoint. Be sure to snag a nearby complimentary cabana to enjoy your lunch and cocktails in the lap of luxury.
For a more reserved dining experience, check out the Rum Cave. This part rock enclave, part outdoor bar and restaurant may be known for local rum tastings, but its extensive tapas menu can’t be missed. The slow-cooked beef short rib and sautéed shrimp in a peppercorn sauce will have you ordering seconds…which is highly encouraged in the world of tapas!
Head to Marina Village’s new Hurricane Hole Bar & Restaurant for casual all-day seaside fare (think burgers, wings and beer) as you watch mega-yachts dock in the harbor.
Marigot Bay Resort & Marina offers an all-inclusive dining plan that allows guest to wine and dine as they please. It’s a great option for families or couples looking to relax at the resort most of their stay.
Situated at the peak of Marigot Bay lies Julietta’s Restaurant & Bar, which arguably has one of the best vantage points to watch the sunset. You can’t go wrong in ordering the conch fritters, coconut shrimp or fresh catch of the day slathered in creole sauce. Remember to save room for the banana flambé fired tableside.
What to Do in Saint Lucia
Beach
Catch the complimentary marina ferry to the beach that extends into the middle of the bay offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. While there, an attendant can assist you with lounge chairs or you can grab a cocktail and bite to eat among the locals at Doolittle’s Restaurant & Bar.
Saint Lucia Rum Tour
Walk through the process of turning sugarcane into rum at St. Lucia Distillers. During the guided tour, you’ll get a chance to sample over 25 rums and liqueurs all prepared on site. From coconut cream rum to their signature Chairman’s Reserve, you won’t want to miss what this small but mighty distillery can deliver.
Saint Lucia Land and Sea Adventure
I highly suggest booking a Soufriere Land and Sea tour for a highlight reel of the island. Start the morning coasting along the shoreline on a catamaran as you make your way to the iconic Pitons—twin mountains formed from the island’s collapsed volcano. You’ll dock at the bustling town of Soufriere before joining a local guide on a trip to the botanical gardens, Diamond Waterfall and sulfur mud springs. Lather yourself with the volcanic mud that locals claim makes you look ten years younger…you’ll be the judge of that! During the last leg of the trip, you’ll have a chance to snorkel at a Saint Lucian beach.
Sunset Cruise
Voyage off the coastline during a romantic sunset sailing trip. The marina’s Saltwater Services will arrange for a local charter to pick you up in front of Marigot Bay Resort. A rum punch toast will be in order once you board!
Marigot Bay’s Auriga Spa
There’s no doubt you’ll spend most your time exploring Saint Lucia’s great outdoors, which means Marigot Bay’s Auriga Spa will be that much more rewarding. The intimate spa facility is comprised of three treatment cottages (each capable of couples massages), an outdoor treehouse treatment room, Jacuzzi, gym and sauna/steam room cabanas. I highly recommend scheduling one of the Sanit Lucian exclusive treatments, such as the Panse’ Body Exfoliation and Wrap, which utilizes the island’s indigenous ingredients to exfoliate the skin leaving it silky smooth.
Saint Lucia Food Experiences
Throughout the week, Marigot Bay Resort offers a variety of complimentary food courses aimed at showcasing the history of local ingredients. They range from cocoa tea making where guests prepare a traditional breakfast drink (think unsweetened hot chocolate) to a coconut experience where guests sip on coconuts while learning about its practical uses.
Planning an international trip can be daunting, but Saint Lucia doesn’t have to be. With a handful of direct flights from the U.S. and accommodating resorts like Marigot Bay Resort & Marina, you’ll feel at ease planning a vacation to this Eastern Caribbean island.
If you visit Saint Lucia’s Marigot Bay Resort & Marina, don’t forget to tag @SpoonfulFlavor and #SpoonfulTravel in your social media posts so that we can follow along. Or come back here and share your thoughts about the trip.
All photography by Aubrie Gerber. Aubrie is a travel contributor who writes for publications such as Rachel Ray Everyday, United Hemispheres, Luxe Getaways and more. Visit AubrieGerber.com or follow on Instagram to read more about her travels.
Marigot Bay Resort & Marina graciously hosted my stay.
