On Location: Romance

Say yes to Saint Lucia!

Globe hopping On location / 19

Travel Counsellor Zoe Palmer found several ways to love Saint Lucia whilst attending the tourism authority’s Global Romance Summit on the island

Falling in love with Saint Lucia is easy. From the picture-postcard beaches to the lush rainforests, deep history, Creole culture, warm and friendly locals and, of course, the iconic Pitons – it really captures your heart.

Which is rather apt given that the recent trip I attended was centred on Saint Lucia as a destination for romance!

I was one of eight UK agents and tour operators invited to explore the island as part of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority’s Global Romance Summit – a week-long trip that off ered us access to the island’s top resorts, activities and wedding suppliers.

The special guest at the Romance Summit was Dr Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, who explained his ideas and vision for encouraging visitors to explore and experience all the island has to off er.

So that’s precisely what we did. From hiking to the top of Pigeon Island to dancing the night away at the Gros Islet street party to chocolate making at the Howelton Estate.

Then there was sailing to the Pitons aboard a catamaran, ziplining through the rainforest, bathing in mud at the sulphur springs and dashing through the hills on Segways.

We also squeezed in 16 site visits and some sensational lunches, dinners and rum cocktails enroute….all in the name of research!

Weddings are easy to arrange in Saint Lucia and there is a broad range of options to suit all budgets and preferences. It’s worth noting that the island does not have a residency period, meaning marriage licenses can be obtained within 24 hours of arrival (same day application) or a regular application where the couple is required to be in Saint Lucia two days prior to their wedding. When planning a wedding, you can either work with the team at your resort or one of the independent wedding experts on the island. The latter all have their own unique style and are a close-knit community so they will happily refer you to a colleague if they think there will be a better fi t for your clients. It’s also worth reaching out to the tourist authority for contacts. The island is a story of two halves and so a split stay is a great idea.

Head north fi rst for fun and adventure, ensuring you include a Friday for the street party at Gros Islet. The transfer takes 90 minutes and the roads are bumpy, so if budget allows then a helicopter or ferry transfer is a good alternative.

Then head south for some nature and serenity. My favourite properties include

Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet for the views, Cap Maison for the beach and

Sugar Beach for the spa. It was hard saying farewell, but I took with me huge amounts of knowledge, insight and enthusiasm – and I will defi nitely be sharing my love for Saint

Lucia with my clients.

SAINT LUCIA