La Belle Hélène THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAINT LUCIA HOTEL & TOURISM ASSOCIATION
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CONTENTS BLAINE HARRINGTON III / GETTY IMAGES
in every issue
12 WELCOME TO SAINT LUCIA
26 BEST-KEPT SECRETS
Five of the island’s greatest surprises
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28 HOT & COOL
The best of Saint Lucia’s duty-free shopping
30 2018-19 EVENT CALENDAR 84 ISLAND INVOLVED
How the Tourism Enhancement Fund makes things better
86 MEMBER DIRECTORY
Where to stay, where to eat, what to do, what to buy
96 ISLAND AMAZED Marigot Bay
features
MOIRENC CAMILLE / HEMIS.FR/GETTY IMAGES
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34 SAINT LUCIA BY HIKE AND BIKE
There’s plenty of wilderness to explore on the slopes, in the rain forests and along the shores. By John Roberts
44 AN ENVIRONMENT OF DESIGN
Look around and you’ll see Saint Lucia’s architectural melting pot, shaped by the Caribbean.
By Lea Ann Fessenden-Joseph
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KAI KOKO SPA KIM-MARIE EVANS
CONTENTS
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50 LUCIAN RELAXATION
For the island’s Year of Wellness, we introduce some of the most soothing, stress-relieving experiences on Saint Lucia.
By Antony Bolante
Saint Lucia’s rum giants are rescuing the reputation of classic cocktails — by hosting a globe-spanning battle of bartending geniuses.
By Kim Marie-Evans
64 JOHN COMPTON, FATHER OF SAINT LUCIA
QIN XIE/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
56 CHEERS TO THE CHALLENGE
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One man set this West Indian paradise on a course for success from its founding.
By Stephen Grasso
68 FROM THE SEA TO YOUR PLATE
Enjoying the freshest seafood of Saint Lucia By Kevin Revolinski
76 GENIUS IN PARADISE By Alex Darlington
La Belle Hélène can be read online at LaBelleHelene.com
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HATTIE BARNARD
The artists of Saint Lucia create world-class works.
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Couture Collection
That’s Beautiful Exclusively at
Pointe Seraphine, Castr ies • La Place Carenage, Castr ies • Windjammer Beach Resor t • 758-457-4208
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Welcome
From Saint Lucia Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet
Dear Visitor, Inspiration in Saint Lucia will come from everywhere! We imagine you will be inspired by our natural beauty, abundant culture and we also know you will always remember the friendly faces of the wonderful people who make up this beautiful island. On behalf of the government and people, welcome to our shores and may you treasure every moment basking in the morning glow coming over the hilltops. Saint Lucia has so much to offer you in terms of scenic and historic sites. Explore the local market in Castries, visit the fishing and craft villages and climb the majestic Pitons. It’s definitely one of the things you must do in your lifetime! Along with our natural beauty, Saint Lucia is becoming an entertainment mecca in the Caribbean. In 2017 we launched our summer festival, “SOLEIL,” which features six events with a focus on music, culture and art. We commence in May with Saint Lucia Jazz, and of course, our annual festival of local music and revelry – Carnival! We hope to entice you to stay longer as we present a celebration of Arts & Creole Heritage in October. Stay close to Saint Lucia for the dates for these and other events. Saint Lucia is also developing our equine industry, which will be propelled by the construction of a horse-racing track in the town of Vieux Fort. The Pearl of the Caribbean is a new foray for Saint Lucia, and our unique landscape means that horse enthusiasts will have the perfect backdrop to enjoy their passion. Check back in with us later this year for more details on this and other attractions which will make Saint Lucia even more irresistible and keep you coming back to us for vacation or maybe to stay! In the meantime, on yor current visit to this Helen of the West Indies, enjoy our world-class hospitality, our amazing local food and of course make sure you leave your footprints in the sand. Be inspired!
Hon. Allen M. Chastanet Prime Minister Saint Lucia
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Welcome
From Minister for Tourism, Broadcasting and Information Hon. Dominic Fedee
Dear Visitor, I take great pleasure in welcoming you to this beautiful country of ours, Saint Lucia — and trust that you will explore and enjoy our numerous cultural and tourism treasures in our unique and exotic paradise home. Saint Lucia is a country that abounds in its heritage and scenic beauty, delivering an all-encompassing experience. The Ministry of Tourism takes much pride in the high standards of our hospitality industry, and its many successes as an award-winning international destination have been well chronicled. We have steadily built our industry around blending cultural creativity with your expectation of quality service. As we continue to refine our destination, Saint Lucia is committed to investing in our human resources to ensure that the industry — characterized by a constant state of flux — meets the growing challenges of sustainability, to maintain the pristine quality of our natural environment. Passion, professionalism and preservation are all values we hold dear, in our constant striving to identify and develop quality experiences. At the dawn of a new year, the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies intend to build and nurture a hospitality industry that epitomizes both service excellence and passion. As you explore and discover our beautiful island of Saint Lucia, let’s hope that you savor all the priceless moments of adventure, serenity and excitement that the warmth and diligence of our people make possible. When you leave our shores, I know you will take with you fond memories of your stay. Thank you for choosing our exotic yet familiar destination to rejuvenate your spirit. Warm wishes,
Hon. Dominic Fedee Minister for Tourism, Broadcasting and Information
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Welcome
From Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association President Karolin Troubetzkoy
Dear Visitor, Welcome to our beautiful Saint Lucia! It is our pleasure to introduce you to the magazine of the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, La Belle Hélène. You can read La Belle Hélène magazine online also at labellehelene.com, and we invite you to share this link with your family and friends. We are delighted that you chose to visit our island and look forward to sharing with you our vibrant history, rich culture, lush scenery, picturesque sites, attractions and, above all, our talented and welcoming people. Whether you are here on business or vacation, celebrating your professional feats or life’s big events, we look forward to helping you create memories that will last a lifetime. If you are looking for an active vacation, you will find that our resorts and businesses provide an exhilarating choice of excursions by land, sea and air. If you are in search of a tranquil hideaway or romantic escape, our serene landscape — from sandy beaches to stunning mountains, ever-changing sunsets and gently lapping ocean waves — will be the perfect backdrop for you. While here, we hope that you can visit our communities and sample our restaurants and renowned menus, explore our historic sites and dive into our idyllic waters. We are proud of our culture, our music, our dance and our festivals — all of which have deep roots in our history and heritage. So please stop to look over the works of art and artisanal crafts available at the island’s many shops, galleries and markets. We encourage you to treat yourself to these offerings and learn more about what makes us so unique among our sister isles that we have earned the name “Helen of the West.” Share your experiences with us on social media and tag @destinationsaintlucia on Instagram and Facebook. Thank you, once again, for visiting Saint Lucia. We look forward to welcoming you on your return visit. Sincerely,
Karolin Troubetzkoy President SLHTA
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Welcome
Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Chief Executive Officer (Ag.) Tiffany Howard
Dear Visitor, I am delighted to welcome you to beautiful Saint Lucia, the “Helen of the West.” You have made an excellent choice to visit our enchanting destination. Saint Lucia is a land of many wonders and I hope you’ll be inspired to explore and create memories that will last beyond your lifetime. As you read on, you will understand better why Saint Lucia is regarded as one of the world’s most desired destinations. And still, there is so much more yet to be discovered. From the rolling hills and sprawling rainforests to her white sandy beaches gently lapped by the Caribbean surf and her more rugged Atlantic coast, Saint Lucia has something to satisfy the passion of every traveler. With so much to do and such limited time, it’s impossible to take it all in during just one visit. But while you linger, immerse yourself in the richness of the island – the culture, the people, the cuisine, the landscapes and seascapes, the history and everything else there is to discover. Treat your taste buds to the succulent flavors of our indigenous cuisine prepared expertly by some of the best chefs in the Caribbean, get out and explore the terrain, pamper yourself at any of our award-winning properties or just lay back and bathe yourself with the Caribbean sun on one of our many white-, yellow-, gray- or black-sand beaches. Your visit might just coincide with the Soleil Saint Lucia Summer Festival, with its six months of amazing music, culture, food, arts and heritage. Choose from the cool sounds of jazz music in May or the revelry of Saint Lucia Carnival in July. Get entertained at Mercury Fest – the Caribbean’s biggest beach party, or at the Roots & Soul Festival with its starstudded line-up of R&B and pop singers. Wait a bit longer, and you can experience the Food and Rum Festival. All of this captured in one incomparable destination – Saint Lucia. Of course, you cannot visit Saint Lucia without encountering the majestic Pitons, a World Heritage Site that is breathtaking from all vistas – whether you choose to explore them by air, sea or land, you’ll appreciate why visitors cannot stop raving about the iconic twin peaks. Take a trip to Soufriere! Roam the streets of this historic town before you explore the region’s only drive-in volcano with its therapeutic mud baths and visit our botanical gardens and waterfalls. Head to the north and dance all night at the acclaimed Gros Islet Friday Night street party. Romance is always within reach in Saint Lucia – that’s why we’re regarded as the world’s top honeymoon destination. Whether it’s a quick getaway, that perfect engagement or our signature weddings, there is no better place to find, or be in, love. Just as well, we cater to the entire family with our parks, attractions and adventures. As the agency charged with developing and marketing the destination, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is excited to introduce you to the island that inspires. We’re always growing our tourism product to provide you with a spectacular experience that will ensure that Saint Lucia will remain your ultimate destination. Thank you for visiting Saint Lucia, and Let Her Inspire You! Sincerely, Tiffany Howard CEO (Ag.), Saint Lucia Tourism Authority
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LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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E F F YJ E W E L R Y. C O M
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Welcome Tourism Enhancement Fund
Dear Visitor, On behalf of the many communities, villages and youth who benefit from our Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), we welcome you to our sunny Saint Lucian shores. The TEF is an initiative by the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA). The brainchild of SLHTA President Karolin Troubetzkoy, the TEF was created in 2013 to provide our visitors with an opportunity to become more involved in the sustainable development of our communities, our environment and our people. Over the past few years, the TEF has invested over $5 million strengthening linkages with our farmers, training our unemployed youth and caring for our environment. Last year, two of these projects, which have been generously funded by visitor contributions, received commendations from the World Travel and Tourism Council and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association as best practices in meeting the global sustainable development goals set out by the United Nations General Assembly. For more information about the TEF and some of these programs, visit us at http://www.saintluciatef.com/. For a small island developing state such as ours, many of these goals are still aspirational and we will be unable to achieve them without your generous donations and support. As a purely philanthropic initiative, the TEF is financed by a small, voluntary donation from guests to member hotels of $2 USD per night, which goes towards community development and environmental projects and actions which will affect the livelihoods of our current and future generations. We invite you to thoroughly enjoy your stay and experiences with us, but, as you get ready to leave our beautiful shores with your treasured memories, remember that your TEF contributions will stay on to do great things for our people. In anticipation of your support, we thank you for your contribution and we thank you for choosing Saint Lucia as your vacation destination. Gratefully yours, The TEF Team and Board of Trustees “Together for a better Saint Lucia”
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A picture perfect day in Saint Lucia
D
iscover the best kept secret in Saint Lucia and immerse yourself in true Caribbean luxury. East Winds is a breath-taking tropical garden by the sea, planted on a sandy, secluded storybook beach. Our Caribbean hideaway is the island’s original boutique resort, featuring 30 cottage style suites tucked away amongst lush
plants, trees, and a kaleidoscope of colourful bird life. East Winds is home to what many consider the island’s finest beach shared only by a small number of like-minded travellers. Guests at East Winds can expect personalized care, exclusive adventures, and an all-inclusive service, as well as the most authentic of Caribbean experiences.
East Winds Resort Ltd | La Brelotte Bay | Gros Islet | St. Lucia, West Indies | T: + 1 758 452 8212 | E: info@eastwinds.com
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CONTRIBUTORS Antony Bolante is a freelance writer based in Orlando, Florida, as well as a traveling performer, a video-editing trainer and a playwright. His playwriting credits include onomatopoeia: a hobo show with music; on the nOse: a multi-media, modern clown show; and Liquid Courage: a DIY musical. He is also the cocreator of the wacky not-quite-flying machine that won the “Most Creative” prize at Red Bull’s first Flügtag event in the U.S. Kim-Marie Evans is a freelance travel journalist and the travel editor for Moffly Media Publishing. With a background in broadcast journalism, she launched the brand Luxury Travel Mom in 2009 to tell the stories of traveling the world with her four children. She believes the best gift you can give your children is an understanding of the greater world, its cultures and its people. She has written about skiing, surfing, chasing sharks and avoiding spies in Cuba. With this publication, she is excited to add “published rum expert” to her resume. Lea Ann Fessenden-Joseph is a luxury travel writer specializing in the Caribbean. She is fortunate to call both Saint Lucia and Dallas, Texas, home bases as she scours the islands for tantalizing destinations and beautiful beaches. Her articles can be found in numerous publications, such as The Dallas Morning News, USA Today and Travelhoppers. Stephen Grasso is a freelance writer and world traveler currently based in Hialeah, Florida, previously from London, UK, and originally from Newcastle. He writes about music, film and culture, and is working on his first novel. Kevin Revolinski has lived abroad in Italy, Panama and Guatemala, writing for Rough Guide guidebooks, Caribbean Travel & Life, Chicago Tribune, and Wisconsin State Journal, as well as a memoir, The Yogurt Man Cometh: Tales of an American Teacher in Turkey. John Roberts is a freelance travel writer and operator of InTheLoopTravel.com. John calls New Jersey his home base while venturing around the world aiming to help travelers find the best ways to explore destinations in a fun, fit and adventurous way. John has written for numerous well-read publications such as AARP The Magazine, Cruise Critic, World of Cruising, Travel Pulse and TravelAge West.
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La Belle Hélène
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAINT LUCIA HOTEL & TOURISM ASSOCIATION
Linda Douthat
Grant Balfour, Phillip Crandall
Chanel Samson
Laura Roche
Bolante
Bill Panoff Publisher
Maria Baro
Tammy Robinson
Alexandria Geubelle
Senior Art Director Production Director Production Manager Creative Assisitant
Antony Bolante, Alex Darlington, Contributing Writers
Kim-Marie Evans,
Lea Ann Fessenden-Joseph,
Stephen Grasso, Kevin Revolinski,
Evans
Copy Editor
Skip Anderson, Caroline Geertz Art Directors
Associate Publisher/Creative Director Managing Editors
John Roberts
Debbie Bottcher
Alamy, Getty Images
Saint. Lucia Carnival Girl
by SuperStock
Proofreader Contributing Photographers About the Cover
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS: PPI Group 6261 NW 6th Way, Suite 100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 USA Phone: (954) 377-7777 • Fax: (954) 377-7000 Email: bpanoff@ppigroup.com • Website: www.ppigroup.com For advertising information, contact sales@ppigroup.com
FessendenJoseph
Sharon Cherry
Brand Sales and Development
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Director, Global Sales
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Director, Sales Americas
Richard Collins
Regional Sales Manager
Bill Panoff
Grasso
Vice President,
President/Chief Executive Officer
Audrey Balbiers-Panoff Chief Operations Officer
Jose I. Martin
Chief Financial Officer
Linda Douthat
Senior Vice President,
Publishing
Piero Vitale Senior Vice President, Corporate
Strategy & Financial Planning
Vice President,
Sharon Cherry
Brand Sales and Development
Director of Technology
Soren Domlesky
Christina Hunting Vice President, Digital Marketing
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Executive Assistant to the CEO
Revolinski Please address all correspondence to La Belle Hélène c/o PPI Group Corporate Headquarters. Printed in Canada.
Roberts
©2018 Panoff Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. La Belle Hélène is published under contract to PPI Group. The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction, either in whole or in part, including but not limited to transmission by any means, in any form — digital, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise — is forbidden without express written permission from the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photography, artwork or other material. Electronic queries only will be acknowledged. Email to editorial@ppigroup.com. Commentary and opinions expressed in La Belle Hélène are not necessarily those of the publisher, and the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association and PPI Group are not responsible for any claims or offers made in advertisements appearing in La Belle Hélène.
LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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Global Customer Service | Certified Appraisal | 30 Day Insurance Plan | Follow us on Facebook Member of the Dufry Group, a Swiss company established in 1865 and operating in over 60 countries. · St. Lucia: Sandals Grande · Sandals Regency · Sandals Halcyon · Pointe Seraphine · · La Place Carenage · Royalton St. Lucia · Hewanorra Airport · St. James’ Club Morgan Bay ·
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AWEOMSE CARIBBEAN WEDDINGS
secrets BEST-KEPT
Nothing Better WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE MORE
Talking Bird
its natural beauty – wandering from
Saint Lucia is home to a living
mountain to forest to seaside to coral
rainbow of exotic birds and tropical
reef is a leisurely afternoon here – into
flowers, which can be appreciated
a magnet for lovers around the world.
in elegant profusion in The Gardens
Awesome Caribbean Weddings makes
at East Winds Inn. The carefully
it easy to turn a dream destination wedding into a reality with their in-depth knowledge of local treasures, whether it’s talented photographers, tropical florists
EAST WINDS ST LUCIA
ROMANTIC? Saint Lucia has turned
manicured gardens spread over 12 acres by the sea, with shaded walkways and white-painted bridges among the areca palms,
or the perfect spot for a ceremony – be
multicolored crotons, aromatic frangipani and shady mango trees.
it diamonds-and-bubbly deluxe, an
The resort is so proud of their natural beauty, they’ve published the
adventurer’s exchange of vows on a
East Winds Nature Guide, a book with painted illustrations of the
mountaintop or the simple sincerity of a
plants, birds, butterflies, reef fish and other unusual creatures you
seaside sunrise service.
might encounter while strolling the grounds.
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Such Great Heights The “drive-through volcano” of Soufriere is on most visitors’ must-see lists, but the nearby Toraille Falls is one of the island’s hidden gems – a shimmering cascade of beauty in a lush rain forest setting. It’s refreshing to swim in the water – and to feel the force of the waterfall – but even simply sitting by the banks of the pool can be a tranquil experience. The views of the Pitons from the road there and back
FINER DINING
ANTILLIA BREWING COMPANY
Explore Saint Lucia’s culinary highlights with Dine Around Saint Lucia, an initiative aimed at introducing diners to the island’s best award-winning restaurants. A US$55 voucher is good for a three-course meal – breakfast, lunch or dinner – at more than a dozen participating restaurants.
The New Beer A short distance from the cruise port in Castries, one can find the cozy, colorful taproom of Saint Lucia’s foremost craft brewer, the Antillia Brewing Company. The company is small, but has already built a reputation with award-winning brews like Passionfruit Wheat, Organic Chocolate Stout, Pale Ale, Golden Wheat and
Fancy the Indian flavors of Elegance Café or the French cuisine of La Terrasse? Care to sample the Mediterranean meals at Blue Olive, or the Caribbean fine dining at Rainforest Hideaway? A casual bite at Le Mango Vert or Hi-Tide … or something a little dressier at Windsong or Jacques Waterfront Dining? All of these and more are conveniently within reach, and for a single, reasonable price. “Culinary art is an exciting way for Saint Lucia to invite guests to visit our shores,” Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association Executive Vice President Noorani Azeez explained at the program’s official launch at Zaika the Taste restaurant. “It is all designed to get guests to come out, patronize and experience a variety of dining options.” The vouchers are only available at participating destination management companies, which include: Barefoot Holidays, Cox & Company, Serenity Vacations & Tours, St. Lucia Reps and Spice Travel & Tours.
dinearoundstlucia.com
a rotating line of seasonal specialty ales. New at the end of 2018 was the Admirable Rum Cask Ale, produced by aging the company’s Formidable IPA in casks borrowed from “friends a valley away” who happen to make premium Admiral Rodney 12-year-old rum. LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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CLOCKWISE: THE LANDINGS RESORT AND SPA; CHIC RESTAURANT AT ROYAL ST LUCIA RESORT & SPA; HI TIDE RESTAURANT; ANSE CHASTANET RESORT; JACQUES WATERFRONT DINING; CALABASH COVE RESORT
MICHELE FALZONE/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
make this visit even more memorable.
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cool HOT &
OMEGA SEAMASTER DIVER 300M The iconic bezel is ceramic, the hands filled with Super-LumiNova, and the updated helium escape valve remains water resistant at five bar of pressure.
The Best of Saint Lucia’s Duty-Free Shopping
SAFI KILIMA TANZANITE PEAR SHAPED STONE NECKLACE Suspended from a 14k white-gold integrateddiamond chain, this tanzanite pendant catches the light.
EFFY WATERCOLORS COLLECTION SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND Matching rings and earrings are set with multi-colorhued gems in radiant 14k yellow gold.
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HUBLOT CROWN OF LIGHT This masterpiece of horology brings innovative design into a brilliant union with the world’s most luxurious diamond, the Crown of Light.
LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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MARCO BICEGO AFRICA GEMSTONE TRIPLE-STRAND NECKLACE A vibrant mix of semi-precious stones ignites the 18k gold boules, handengraved by Italian artisans inspired by the shifting dunes of the Sahara.
COLOMBIAN EMERALDS INTERNATIONAL PENDANT AND RING The hues of precious emeralds sparkle like living plants in this pair of glittering pieces, breathing new life into classic designs.
BVLGARI SERPENTI TUBOGAS A sinuous band of 18k rose, yellow and white gold brings a black-opaline snake’s head around your wrist, its pink, cabochoncut rubellite adding distinction to the 35mm diamond-encrusted face.
SANTOS DE CARTIER WATCH In 1904, Louis Cartier created the first modern wristwatch so aviator Alberto Santos Dumont could tell time while aloft. This iconic watch marks their timeless friendship.
JOHN HARDY ASLI CHAIN LINK STATION BRACELET Balinese chain-weaving was once an art reserved for royalty, but here is threaded with modern beauty.
LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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events CALENDAR OF
2018 NOVEMBER TRI Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia hosts a week of sport including an ocean swim, an aquathlon (swim and run) and a beach run. Designed for all ages and fitness levels, the events provide holidaymakers and locals with a taste of an overall triathlon. The course includes a swim in the beautiful, clear waters of Rodney Bay, tough hilly bike rides and finally a flat run to Pigeon Island and back.
NOVEMBER 10-18 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
The 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 will be hosted in the West Indies, with nine matches played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia: * 10 November England vs Sri Lanka * 12 November England vs Q1 Sri Lanka vs South Africa * 14 November Sri Lanka vs Q1 Windies vs South Africa * 16 November England vs South Africa Windies vs Sri Lanka * 18 November Windies vs England South Africa vs Q1
NOVEMBER 25 ARC Flotilla – Saint Lucia This symbolic event celebrates the start of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, to Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia. The ARC Flotilla leaves Castries Harbour at the same time as the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers sets off in Gran Canaria, and travels to the Rodney Bay Marina for a fun day of food, drink and a live concert.
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NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) At the end of November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, over 200 racer and cruiser yachts set sail in the world’s largest trans-oceanic sailing event, bound for the IGY Marina, Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia in early December. A host of cultural events are planned for the visiting yachtsmen at the IGY Marina and in the town of Gros Islet.
NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 2 Mango Bowl Regatta A small but growing two-day event held in Rodney Bay annually. Classes include a cruising class as well as racing classes including J24 and Surprise.
DECEMBER 13 National Day – Festival of Lights & Renewal The Festival of Lights is observed on National Day – December 13, the Feast of Saint Lucia, patron saint of light – and celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good overcoming evil and the renewal of life. The celebrations start in the first week of December with a stunning Lantern Competition. They culminate on the eve of Saint Lucia Day, December 12, with the Parade of Lanterns in the streets of Castries, a Christmas show, the illumination of Derek Walcott Square, and finally a fireworks display.
2019 MID-JANUARY Nobel Laureate Week Saint Lucia sets one week each year to celebrate the achievements of our two Nobel laureates – Sir Arthur Lewis (Nobel Prize in Economics - 1979) and Sir Derek Walcott (Nobel Prize in Literature - 1992). A series of panel discussions, workshops and exhibitions highlight their achievements.
FEBRUARY 9-13 International Cricket – England Tour of The West Indies
3rd Test
FEBRUARY 22 Independence Day In 2019, Saint Lucia will celebrate 40th Independence Anniversary. Each year Saint Lucians celebrate with activities held throughout the island. In celebration of the 40th milestone, an exciting calendar of events is planned.
MARCH 2-5 International Cricket – England Tour of the West Indies
5th One Day International (ODI) and 1st International T20 (IT20)
MAY 9-12 Saint Lucia Jazz A celebration of Saint Lucian, Caribbean and international jazz music. The Saint Lucia Jazz Festival offers a series of concerts, educational activities targeted at Saint Lucian and visiting musicians, and culminates in a major open-air concert at the historic Pigeon Island National Landmark on Mothers’ Day.
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JUNE 29 Fishermen’s Feast (Fete Peche)
AUGUST 30 La Rose Flower Festival
Each year on the last Sunday in June, Saint Lucian fishermen hold a thanksgiving celebration that includes church services, a blessing of the boats and various activities island-wide.
This cultural event is one of the two Flower Festivals – “La Rose” and “La Marguerite” – held annually in observance of Saint Lucia’s rich cultural heritage. These two Flower Festivals depict a historical rivalry among communities whose members sing the virtues of their flowers. “La Rose” members pledge their allegiance to the rose by dressing in red and creating flamboyant displays made of roses.
MID-JUNE–MID-JULY Saint Lucia Carnival A variety of competitions including the everpopular Power and Groovy Monarch, Senior and Junior Panoramas (Steel Pan Competitions), and the Inter-Commercial House Calypso competition, dozens of community events, and of course a continuous calendar of parties and fetes. The season culminates in an exciting, fun-filled two-day street parade of live bands and DJ music, stunning Carnival costumes and the joyous and energetic revelry typical of Caribbean carnivals. This is a very special celebration of Caribbean history, culture and creativity. Under the leadership of the Cultural Development Foundation and in collaboration with all stakeholders, Saint Lucia Carnival is recognized as one of the top carnivals in the Caribbean and becomes a more vibrant and creative event each year.
SEPTEMBER Food & Rum Festival Inspired in part by the outstanding achievements of chefs Nina Compton, Shorne Benjamin and Doran Payne, this unique event promotes Saint Lucian and other Caribbean rums, restaurants, and regionally manufactured food and drink products to chefs, wine connoisseurs, rum fanatics and food critics from around the world. Cooking demonstrations, rum tasting, wine tasting, celebrity chef dinners and community culinary experiences are accompanied by musical and other artistic performances by musicians from Saint Lucia and further afield.
AUGUST Chocolate Heritage Month Saint Lucia celebrates Chocolate Heritage Month recognizing the role that cocoa and its beloved by-product, chocolate have played in the history of the island. A number of on-island experiences and month-long festivals delve into Saint Lucia’s cocoa heritage, offering travelers unbeatable island-wide hotel and resort promotions and lots of chocolaty fun.
AUGUST Mercury Fest The Ultimate Beach Party Thousands of people arrive from our sister islands Martinique and Guadeloupe as well as further afield for this two-day beach party at Pigeon Island National Landmark. Beach, boats, bikinis, floaties and live concerts by international superstars, what could be better?! Roots & Soul Festival A festival dedicated new trends in reggae, conscious hip-hop, Afropunk and R&B, with performances, master classes and encounters between artists and other actors in the music business. Like Saint Lucia Jazz, there will be free and paying concerts in various parts of the island, culminating at the Pigeon Island National Landmark.
In 1981, Saint Lucia celebrated Creole Day for the first time. Since then, this celebration of French Creole heritage has extended into a month of music, dance, cuisine, art and other expressions of Saint Lucia’s diverse cultural, ethnic and artistic heritage. With musical, theatrical and other performances, seminars and lectures, and a variety of culinary experiences, street parties and art exhibitions, the Festival culminates on the weekend of October 27-28 with the celebration of International Creole Day in communities throughout the island.
OCTOBER 17 La Marguerite Flower Festival Fete La Marguerite is the second of the two flower festivals held annually, depicting a historical rivalry between societies whose members sing the virtues of their flowers. “La Marguerite” members dress in the color purple and create displays of the marguerite flower in addition to singing their traditional songs.
NOVEMBER Mango Bowl Regatta TRI Saint Lucia Saint Lucia Bill Fish Tournament
SEPTEMBER 8-14 Dive Fest Saint Lucia will host the third annual Dive Fest Saint Lucia highlighting the Saint Lucian dive experience. Saint Lucia is one of the most scenic islands in the Caribbean with worldclass dive sites and snorkeling just off shore. There is endless beauty beneath the surface with rainbow colour reefs and abundant marine life.
The Saint Lucia Game Fishing Association hosts its annual Saint Lucia International Bill Fish Tournament at IGY Rodney Bay Marina. The tournament attracts over 130 anglers to the island aboard vessels from the United Kingdom, United States, Antigua, Martinique, Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago along with host country Saint Lucia. For further information: Email slgfa@758@gmail.com
NOVEMBER 24 ARC Flotilla – Saint Lucia
OCTOBER Octoberfest En Kweyole This colorful and festive celebration offers a delightful array of beers infused with Saint Lucia’s culinary delights and Creole culture. Octoberfest En Kweyole will also feature Saint Lucian arts and crafts and live music to kick off Jouneyen Kweyol or Creole Month.
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OCTOBER Arts & Heritage Festival
NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) DECEMBER 13 National Day – Festival of Lights & Renewal
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M ORE QU A L IT Y IN C L U S IO NS T HAN ANY O T HE R RE S O R T O N T HE P L A N ET
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COMING SOON...
STAY AT ONE,
PLAY AT FOUR Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
Sandals Halcyon Beach St. Lucia
Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa in St. Lucia
New 4th Sandals location coming soon to St. Lucia
S
tay at one Sandals in St. Lucia and you can enjoy all the fun and fabulous dining at the other three Sandals Resorts nearby. It’s four vacations for the price of one. Unwind on the island’s best beaches. Play all you want on a challenging executive golf course and at two tennis pavilions. Take pleasure in an endless pool including the largest one on the island, scuba pools and any of our whirlpools and fitness centers. Dine at world-class restaurants including an authentic British pub and the famed Kelly’s Dockside Restaurant located over the sea. Then celebrate at our many bars. You can even indulge at the exclusive Red Lane Spas. When it comes to freedom of choice, no one gives you more than Sandals.
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www.sandals.com
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Hike a
SAINT LUCIA BY
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and Bike
BLAINE HARRINGTON III/GETTY IMAGES
There’s plenty of wilderness to explore on the slopes, in the rain forests and along the shores. By John Roberts
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t’s easy to switch your setting to “relax” once you arrive in Saint Lucia. With its soft-sand beaches and swaying palm trees, enchanting sunsets and music that infuses your soul, this idyllic Caribbean island eagerly invites a sense of bliss.
But Saint Lucia is also a wonderful place for adventure, and travelers who love to get a little dirty and sweaty while seeking out new heights on their Caribbean getaway can find plenty of thrills on the hiking and biking trails throughout the island. Ranking among the most mountainous destinations in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia’s geography makes for challenging climbs and rides. Two particular peaks immediately hold the interest of avid climbers. Grab the local lager, Piton, and have a look at the label. Those pretty mountains depicted on the beer bottle are the island’s famous Pitons — two volcanic spires soaring above the Caribbean Sea — which are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serve as an iconic symbol of Saint Lucia.
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Yes, you can climb them! In fact, Saint Lucia offers several hiking options that will please peak-baggers. Saint Lucia’s three highest mountains — Mount Gimie,
negotiating dirt paths and trails with nimble bunny hops. Outfitters throughout Saint Lucia offer guided
Gros Piton and Petit Piton — feature hiking routes. Plus,
trips, and nearly every tour is appropriate for all
numerous rain-forest treks deliver that mix of adventure
riding levels.
and connection with the beauty of the island that you are seeking.
Whether hiking or biking, the rewards for charging up hills with lung-busting effort are the stunning
If you’re an avid cyclist, you also have a full menu from
scenic vistas over the blue bays and charming town
which to choose — from intense jungle rides in verdant
of Soufrière or the capital city of Castries — with the
rain forests to coastal rides past beaches, bays and
Pitons showing off in the distance, of course.
historical landmarks.
This is the spirit of Saint Lucia, where its beauty
Mountain biking is the calling card for Saint Lucia,
is fully on display through the natural surroundings
however, and the island’s brand of “jungle cycling”
in the jungles and along the coastlines. It’s all best
offers riders the thrill of dodging roots and ruts and
enjoyed by getting outside to explore.
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BEST HIKES ON SAINT LUCIA
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The big draw, however, is two cascading waterfalls that give the trail its name. MOUNT GIMIE — The tallest peak on Saint Lucia (and the 17th tallest in the West Indies) offers a long and arduous hike to the top. While Gros Piton is the easiest ascent of the island’s three tallest peaks and Petit Piton the toughest, Mount Gimie is moderate but long. It takes about six to eight hours to complete the trip (compared with about four hours for the other two). Avid hikers love the diversity of this trail, which crosses jungle rivers, and muddy sections that follows lush jungle. You’ll also be able to cool off in a waterfall along the way. Also, keep an eye out for orioles, black finches and the Saint Lucian parrot. ENBAS SAUT RAIN FOREST TRAIL AND WATERFALLS — This trek is at the foot of Mount Gimie within the Edmund Forest Reserve, a tropical rain forest that covers 19,000 acres from one side of the island to the other and encompasses mountains and valleys rich with exotic birds and flowers. The Enbas Saut Trail is a 2.5-mile FIONA MCINTOSH/GETTY IMAGES
designated trail within the remote wilderness that is incredibly scenic. The trail offers views of three nearby mountains and passes through jungle, cloud forest and beautifully gnarled elfin woodlands. The big draw, however, is two cascading waterfalls that give the trail its name. Enbas Saut translates to “below the falls.” The falls feature natural pools that provide a popular swimming area. OTHER HIKING AREAS TO CHECK OUT: GROS PITON — This is the taller of the two Pitons.
Tet Paul Nature Trail in the town of Soufrière is an easy
Rising more than 2,600 feet, Gros Piton is the second-
45-minute walk to a spectacular viewing area to see the Pitons.
tallest peak on the island of Saint Lucia behind
Des Cartiers Rain Forest Trail is a 1-mile loop that offers
Mount Gimie (3,120 feet). What could be better than
the chance to spot birds and is a good trek to tack onto
pointing to the Pitons and declaring, “I climbed that
your hike on the Edmund Rain Forest Trail.
taller one”? Fortunately, you can reach the top of Gros
Pigeon Island National Landmark, a 40-acre park at
Piton in about two hours. The route is challenging,
the island’s northern end, is an easy hike for all ages and
as it is steep and rocky in parts. (GrosPiton.com)
fitness levels but still gets your heart racing if you go at it hard enough. The views are spectacular — you can
PETIT PITON — The summit is at 2,460 feet, so it shouldn’t
see Martinique on a clear day — and visitors can explore
be too surprising that reaching this lower peak is a more
historical ruins at Fort Rodney and Signal Peak.
difficult challenge. The steep incline requires a fair amount
Barre de L’isle Ridge/ Morne La Combe is about
of endurance and skill, and it is highly recommended
25 minutes from Castries and runs along a section of
to book a guided tour for this hike. Petit Piton is part
the island that separates east from west. The ridge trail
hiking and part climbing expedition, during which you
extends 1 mile and offers four lookout points with views
will need to use ropes to reach the summit. Note: You
of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, as well as the
can register at the base of Gros Piton to secure a guide
villages along the coasts. Then, you can climb Morne La
for a hike up either of the Pitons. (PetitPiton.com)
Combe Ridge, which takes another 45 minutes to an hour. LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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BIKE ST LUCIA
TOP BIKING OPTIONS
Bike Saint Lucia — The Jungle Biking Adventure at
Coastal Biking — For a more relaxed ride, try a guided tour
Anse Mamin Plantation in Soufrière is Saint Lucia’s most
(this is the easiest way to secure two wheels on Saint Lucia)
well-known and diverse outing for bikers of all levels. The
to explore the quaint coastal town of Gros Islet (about 20
property has developed 8 miles of biking trails to explore
minutes from Castries), located on the northern end of
amid the plantation’s lush tropical vegetation. You’ll
the island. A ride from here allows you to enjoy the scenic
discover fruits and cacao trees growing in the jungle, see
bay views, stop at beaches, and eventually reach Pigeon
ruins from the old sugar production structures and learn
Island National Landmark, a 40-acre park connected via a
about the cultural heritage of the 18th-century estate.
causeway to the mainland. The ride here features jaw-
Riders have nine trails to try, including intermediate-level single-track rides or the taxing expert-level Tinker’s Trail
dropping views of the sea and nice hiking trails, mentioned above. (Viator: Saint Lucia Bike and Mountain Bike Tours)
that features tight switchbacks and a steep incline. Be sure to get over to Anse Mamin Beach for a plunge to cool off and soothe your legs after your ride. (BikeStLucia.com) 40
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A cornucopia of organic architecture in celebration of one of nature’s most alluring settings
Soufriere • St. Lucia • Tel 758 459 4000 • www.jademountain.com • jademountain@ansechastanet.com
ANSE CHASTANET RESORT SOUFRIERE
A culinary fusion of St. Lucia and India
TRANQUILITY • ROMANCE • ADVENTURE Soufriere • St. Lucia • Tel 758 459 7000 www.ansechastanet.com • ansechastanet@ansechastanet.com
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Located on Anse Chastanet beach, APSARA is an innovative fusion of modern East Indian and Caribbean cooking; a celebration of St. Lucia's historical and cultural ties with East India. Open daily except Tuesdays. FOR RESERVATIONS CALL (758) 459 7000
10/8/18 12:44 PM
BIKE ST LUCIA
BIKE ST LUCIA
The rewards for charging up hills are the stunning scenic vistas over the blue bays and charming town of Soufrière or the capital city of Castries — with the Pitons showing off in the distance, of course. EXPERT ADVICE bikes on Saint Lucia, but your resort might offer a
If you plan to hike or bike during your visit to Saint Lucia, a few tips can ensure you have a safe and memorable adventure while out in the spectacular natural wonders on the island:
bike rental program. Ask your concierge services
THOROUGHLY RESEARCH your route or
For Avid Cyclists — There are few shops that rent
for help locating a bike to use during your time on Saint Lucia. If you can secure a cycle or bring your own to the island, you can explore further afield.
secure the services of a qualified guide who can lead your trip. (Ask the concierge at your hotel or resort for assistance.)
the south. You’ll find a pleasant variety of scenery,
BRING AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER and pack some snacks, too, so you’ll be properly hydrated and fueled up for your activities.
traveling for a period through dense forest that
WEAR COMFORTABLE AND APPROPRIATE
Try the 18-mile route from Soufrière to Vieux Fort in
sprouts all sorts of trees, shrubs and blooming plant life from its volcanic soil. Later, you emerge to trace the windswept coast along the beaches facing the Caribbean Sea. 42
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FOOTWEAR for either hiking or biking. Plus, wear a helmet (when biking) and sunglasses and a hat to protect from the intense sun.
Most of all, have fun and enjoy the experience. After all, that’s what Saint Lucia is all about.
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JADE MOUNTAIN
JADE MOUNTAIN
An Environment o
LOOK AROUND AND YOU’LL SEE SAINT LUCIA’S ARCHITECTURAL MELTING POT, SHAPED BY THE CARIBBEAN. By Lea Ann Fessenden-Joseph
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t of Design
Saint Lucia has always been a crossroads of cultures, and today is no different. On the city streets as in the luxurious resorts, it’s possible to look with an architect’s eye and see buildings shaped by colonial Europe, Africa and the New World — and look to the future by embracing the sun, mountains and sea breezes of the island itself.
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REMAINS OF THE PAST Very few examples of early architecture still stand on the majestic island of Saint Lucia due to multiple battles between the French and English, the fire of 1948 in Castries, and the brutal natural forces that have been a part of the island’s history: high winds, heavy rainfall, earthquakes, humidity and floods. The earliest homes were tenuously constructed of wood, straw, reeds, leaves and other natural materials. But the colonial British and French styles of long, in the island’s classic domiciles, with their detached kitchens and verandahs. African influences are seen in the vivid colors, with bold artwork adorning buildings and homes. Colonial European cultures also brought intricate designs, ironwork and second storys. The combination of all of these cultures led to an eclectic melting pot of Caribbean charm. The island has made great strides in preserving the vestiges of their historical past, and most of these are located near the capital city of Castries. 46
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single-story, rectangular homes are still clearly reflected
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THE PLANTATION ERA In the southwest region of the island, nestled between the imposing Piton Mountains, lies the magical town of Soufrière where the French made their capital city. One can find traces of ancient battles and signs of the early production of sugar cane, cocoa and coconut. But there are also well-preserved examples of French colonial life as it was. Morne Coubaril Estate, Balenbouche Estate and Fond Doux Plantation are all excellent examples of the
Prince Charles and Lady Camilla DANITA DELIMONT/GETTY IMAGES
grand plantation style. The eco-friendly Fond Doux Plantation and Resort property is beautifully landscaped with native plants of the island and also serves as a working cocoa farm, as it has for the past 250 years. The owners saved 15 ornate, 100-year-old French colonial wooden structures from demolition, transported them to the working plantation and restored them into romantic luxury cottages for guests of the resort. Visitors to Fond Doux can also see ruins and fortifications from the Battle of Rabot, which took place on this land during Napoleon’s reign.
PIGEON ISLAND One of the most important and beautiful historical locations is Pigeon Island, off the northwest coast of Saint Lucia. Originally a home to Amerindians, the 44acre island later became a hideout for the French pirate Francois Le Clerc, and then was taken over by the French army who attacked the British in 1778. The British took occupancy, fortified the island — with construction that’s still visible today — and used it to their advantage in defeating the French in the Battle of the Saintes in 1782. In 1909, it became home to whaling operations; by 1937, it was leased by an English stage actress and in 1940, American troops established a naval base there. A causeway was eventually constructed to join Pigeon Island to Saint Lucia, and the historic site was designated a National Landmark in 1992. Visitors can enjoy several beautiful beaches, a restaurant and pub — and explore ruins every day of the year. The Saint Lucia Archaeological and Historical Society continues to solicit funds to restore the 18thcentury British military buildings to their former grandeur. LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Once it was built in Castries in 1897, the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception became one of the largest churches in the Caribbean, measuring 200 feet long by 100 feet wide. The simple exterior gives a visitor no warning of the beauty inside. The cavernous interior is beautifully lit by natural sunlight, which brings life to vibrant colors incorporating both Caribbean and African architectural influences. Local artist Dunstan St. Omer created magical murals depicting biblical scenes, as well as the island’s patron saint, St. Lucia, watching over the congregation from above the altar. The cathedral was elevated to the
ROLF RICHARDSON / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
status of a minor basilica on May 11, 1999.
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JADE MOUNTAIN
MURPHY OBRIEN/LADERA RESORT
MODERN, CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS
Today’s architects have taken the hard lessons from
the environment with an open fourth wall, isolated terrace
the past and are creating structures that embrace and
and plunge pool that juts out into space while hovering
live contently within the existing, occasionally volatile
over the deep blue Caribbean Sea framed by the Piton
environment. Contemporary Caribbean designs focus
Mountains.
on seamlessly marrying the indoors with the remarkable
In a recent interview, local architect Seán Compton of
views of the natural surroundings, while using rugged,
Melon Designs described the most important things he
sustainable materials like concrete and indigenous stone.
considers when designing for clients. “Our main goal is
Two beautiful examples of merging indoors and
to combine a client’s requests with the site’s form, shape,
outdoors are Ladera Resort and Jade Mountain, both in
topography, wind, views and nature. The architecture
the Soufrière region.
should serve as a way to frame the natural environment,
Recently named among Condé Nast Traveler’s “16 Most Romantic Places to Stay in the World,” Ladera
to participate and create a connection with it, be it visual, aural or literal.
Resort pioneered the eco-luxury design of only having
“It goes without saying that houses are personal; it’s
three walls, permitting jaw-dropping views of the Piton
important to know how the client will use the house — it’s
Mountains emerging from the turquoise-blue Caribbean
a collaboration between the clients and ourselves. Are
Sea which you can see from your bed or private pool.
they morning people wanting coffee with the sunrise?
With his award-winning Jade Mountain, architect Nick
Or maybe they might like entertaining under the stars.
Troubetzkoy followed a vision to create an environment
We look for opportunities to create added experience
that captured the island’s beauty, allowing the island to
— elements beyond the basic requirements that bring
designate the color palette and material selections. The
joy to being in the house. It’s important for our clients to
organically designed, multi-tiered resort sits high upon
feel a sense of harmony in their spaces that elevate the
a mountainside featuring beautiful local stonework,
experience of each day.”
waterfalls, hanging gardens and sky bridges leading
Examples of Melon Designs can be found throughout
guests from the main structure to their secluded, almost
the island in private luxury homes, small boutique hotels
spiritual private retreats that are intimately connected to
and commercial buildings.
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relaxation LUCIAN
KAI KOKO
For the island’s Year of Wellness, we introduce some of the most soothing, stress-relieving experiences on Saint Lucia. By Antony Bolante
Close your eyes. Breathe in, slowly. Now release your breath, and with it, your tension, the pressures of everyday. Now, how perfect would it be to open your eyes to the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, the white sands of Sugar Beach and the twin Pitons rising from a lush, green rain forest? In other words, to open your eyes in Saint Lucia? The ideal holiday can be many things: exciting, novel, edifying. But above all, it should be relaxing and restorative. It should be a true departure, not only from your ordinary surroundings but also from ordinary concerns and the fatigue accumulated in tiny, daily increments. Fortunately, Saint Lucia provides the perfect setting to relieve the body and nourish the spirit. From healing baths and massages to rejuvenating skin treatments and wellness practices, the island’s many resorts and natural features provide ample opportunities
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to renew your sense of well-being.
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HOT SPRING HISTORY
closely, but just a few hundred yards downstream, the
Long before it became a favorite tourist destination, Saint
temperature is just right for a healing mud bath. The
Lucia’s southwestern town of Soufrière was known for its
hot, mineral-rich mud is said to increase circulation,
hot springs, heated by the same geothermal forces that
invigorate the skin and even treat skin conditions.
gave rise to its namesake volcano. As early as the late
For a more refined experience — a visit to Sulphur
1700s, French soldiers bathed in the therapeutic, spring-
Springs Park is a muddy one, after all — you may opt for
fed mineral baths commissioned by their king, Louis XIV.
a spa that utilizes volcanic mud as part of a massage or healing wrap. Some spas, like the Spa at Ladera and
Today, natives and visitors alike can still enjoy the benefits of Soufrière’s Sulphur Springs Park and restored
Fond Doux Resort’s Mama La Terre Spa offer the best
mineral baths. The collapsed mouth of the volcano, or
of both worlds: they deliver you to Sulphur Springs Park
caldera, is easily accessible by car, earning Soufrière the
accompanied by a massage therapist who will do the
reputation as the world’s only “drive-in” volcano. There,
honour of swathing you in Soufrière’s famous mud —
you’ll be welcomed by vents of steam, boiling mud, and
and provide a soothing massage upon your return to
the distinctive smell of sulfur. (In fact, soufrière is French
the spa. Rainforest Spa at Sugar Beach will even let you
for “sulfur,” a mineral found in volcanic deposits.) The
shed your muddy mantle under the gorgeous Toraille
spring’s source is too hot for visitors to approach too
Waterfalls before returning to the spa for your massage.
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NATURAL BEAUTY
Unsurprisingly, Saint Lucia’s breathtaking natural beauty often becomes a key ingredient in a spa treatment, enhancing the effects of any massage, scrub or meditative practice. The Sugar Beach Resort is situated in a pristine rain forest at the base of the Petit Piton mountain, and extends to a white-sand beach and the shimmering Caribbean Sea. The spa itself is a network of seven stunning gazebos of latticed wood and thatched rooftops, like luxurious treehouses set seamlessly into the lush landscape. The Rainforest Spa also includes the Stone Room, a large, earthen steam dome. In this beautiful and unique version of a sweat lodge, you can purify yourself in an Amerindian ritual called tezmacal. At the boutique hotel Cap Maison, you can take a body massage — hot stone, Swedish, or deep tissue to name a few — in Spa Maison itself, located in the resort’s main house. But why not further enhance the experience, and enjoy your massage on the terrace, or under a garden gazebo? You can even take your massage on Rock Maison, a private deck below the restaurant The Cliff at Cap that practically hovers over the swirling tides. Afterwards, relax in Cap Maison’s seemingly borderless infinity pool, whose
JADE MOUNTAIN
waters appear to blend into the ocean view.
The collapsed mouth of the volcano, or caldera, is easily accessible by car, earning Soufrière the reputation as the world’s only “drive-in” volcano. There, you’ll be welcomed by vents of steam, boiling mud, and the distinctive smell of sulfur. LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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After a day in the sun, a signature aloe and banana-leaf wrap will rehydrate your skin and relax your body.
SPA AT LADERA
HEALTHY BODY, SOOTHED MIND
Naturally, physical well-being can’t be separated from mental peace of mind. That’s why along with massages, facials, scrubs and wraps, most Saint Lucian spas offer fitness activities, yoga and meditation. Jade Mountain Resort’s Kai En Ciel spa specializes in treatments that draw from Ayurveda, an ancient Hindu system of medicine dedicated to integrating the body, mind and spirit. Kai En Ciel offers several ayurvedic massage treatments, including a Rainbow Body Massage, designed to balance the seven chakras, your body’s centers of spiritual power. Experienced instructors can also facilitate your yoga practice or guide you in calming meditation to balance body and mind. Total well-being is the core philosophy at the luxury, all-
KAI KOKO
inclusive resort The BodyHoliday. This expansive resort and wellness center helps you design a personalized holiday experience from a vast list of amenities, treatments and activities. Included in the package is a daily wellness treatment of your choice: a coconut and spice massage, or a Lucian lime-and-ginger scrub, to name just a few. Or you can try thalasso therapy, a form of hydrotherapy that uses massaging jets of seawater
LOCALLY GROWN
to infuse the skin with beneficial minerals and stimulate
The treatments and unique products found at Ti Kaye Resort’s Kai Koko spa find inspiration not only in Saint
circulation and muscle tone. Numerous ayurvedic treatments take place in their own
Lucia’s natural beauty but also its local ingredients.
ayurvedic Temple, built by Indian craftsmen. Experts can
Creole for “coconut house,” Kai Koko is literally crafted
even consult you on the benefits of an ayurvedic diet.
from coconut wood, and set into a cliff overlooking the
Of course, along with an array of fitness and sporting
sands of Anse Cochon. The facial treatments offered
activities, you can incorporate yoga, meditation and tai
here are based on hibiscus, papaya and blends of citrus.
chi into your personalized holiday.
Or you can indulge in a body wrap treatment of seaweed, sulphur mud or even cocoa. After a day in the sun, their
Whether you choose an all-inclusive resort or an
signature aloe and banana-leaf wrap will rehydrate
indulgent visit to a day spa, rest assured that Saint Lucia
your skin and relax your body. It’s like retreating into a
will help you elevate your island getaway into an idyllic
comforting cocoon from which you emerge reborn.
journey of total wellness.
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Cheers to the
Challenge Saint Lucia’s rum giants are rescuing the reputation of classic cocktails — by hosting a globespanning battle of bartending geniuses. By Kim-Marie Evans
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Consider the oft-maligned mai tai, a drink at one time so famous that it caused rum supplies to be depleted worldwide. How did this drink, a favorite of U.S. presidents and movie stars alike, become known today as a sad syrupy concoction served with a cherry and an optimistic little paper umbrella?
The origin of the mai tai itself is steeped in controversy. Victor Bergeron, the founder of the Trader Vic’s chain of restaurants, claims to have created the drink by mixing a combination of rums with a touch of lime, orgeat, orange curaçao and simple syrup. According to legend, after shaking the concoction with ice and serving to visiting Tahitian friends, they liked it so much one of them exclaimed, “Maita’i roa a’e!,” which translates to “Out of this world!” Others lay the Beachcomber, famous for introducing tiki culture to the U.S. Bergeron, however, does not back down. He was quoted in a 1994 New York Times story as having said, “Anybody who says I didn’t create this drink is a dirty stinker.” Ah, the good old days,
JON BRENNEIS/GETTY IMAGES
claim to creating the drink, including Don
when “stinker” was an insult.
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Return to Greatness
An authentic mai tai is meant to showcase a great rum with fresh ingredients and transport the lucky drinker to a lush island with the sun on their face and long lazy afternoons stretching before them. The team at St. Lucia Distillers is so serious about helping the resurgence of the mai tai that they have created an international mai tai competition — the Chairman’s Reserve Mai Tai Challenge — to bring out the best recipes from the finest bartenders around the globe. Unfortunately, rumor has it that there are only four bottles of J. Ray & Nephew’s 17-Year-Old, the original rum used in the first mai tai, left in the world. Each bottle would set you back around $50,000. The Managing Director of St. Lucia Distillers, Margaret Monplaisir, explains why their Chairman’s Reserve is the perfect choice for the mai tai today: “Chairman’s is a classic English-style blended rum RICARDO DEARATANHA/GETTY IMAGES
with just the perfect balance of pot-still flavors that shine bright in a classic mai tai.” St. Lucia Distillers were recently awarded “Distiller of the Year” at the World Spirit Awards, where several of their rums took home medals. The co-founder of the International Rum Council, Dave Russell, agrees that Chairman’s is the best choice. When I reached him for comment, he replied from his sailboat in Tahiti that “the Forgotten Casks expression presents flavor and funk so
KIM-MARIE EVANS
necessary to a successful mai tai.”
LA HÉÉLLÈÈNN L ABBEELLLLE E H EE
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Taking my judging duties as sincerely as I did, I made the rookie mis
We were to judge 10 different creations based on criteria including: NAME OF COCKTAIL 15 points EASE OF PREPARATION 20 points PREPARATION 15 points TASTE 40 points MIXOLOGY TECH 10 points KIM-MARIE EVANS (4)
Taking on the Challenge
mixology journalist. The visiting bartenders had each
I met Margaret while touring the distillery on a visit to Saint
finished first in local competitions to secure their coveted
Lucia, which happened to coincide with the international
spots at the finals. They were flown to Saint Lucia and
competition. Ten bartenders from around the world had
hosted at the luxurious Marigot Bay Resort and Marina,
just arrived to compete for the grand prize and the island
best known for their mega yachts and sleek pools, where
was buzzing with excitement. Rum happens to be my
the final competition was being held. Once landed,
favorite spirit. It could be the sugar content, or that it’s
they were paired with Saint Lucian counterparts to start
always included in a tropical welcome cocktail, or the way
their four-day partnership. The Saint Lucian Bartenders
it always seems to say, “you’re on vacation” to me. Halfway
represented Marigot Bay Resort and Marina, Sandals,
through our tour, I proclaimed to Margaret that I was a rum
Bay Gardens Hotel, Anse Chastanet Resort, Rendezvouz
expert, because if a love for something and countless hours
Resort, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, and The
pursuing it doesn’t make you an expert, what does? As luck
BodyHoliday. The visiting countries included the United
would have it, they were in search of one more judge for the
States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain, Portugal and
evening’s competition, and I had just talked my way into it.
France. Teams visited the distillery, where they sat for a
As it turns out, there are actual rum experts with greater
master class in rum-making and a seminar on tiki culture.
expertise than I — but not more enthusiasm. The judges’
They also embarked on a visit to the local market in
panel consisted of cocktail competition winners, a co-
Castries to pick up native spices and fruits for their globally
founder of the International Rum Council and a true
blended mai tai.
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kie mistake of actually drinking each entry.
A Night to Remember (Mostly) Watching the teams work their magic behind
the bar on the night of the final competition, it was hard to believe they had only known each other a few days. It’s been said that bartenders are rock stars who couldn’t be bothered to learn instruments. Indeed, many bartenders have achieved celebrity status thanks to the rebirth of the cocktail culture (thank you, Mad Men). As the teams danced and weaved behind the bar, each miked-up Britney Spears–style, some were able to work the crowd into a frenzy with their exuberance and showmanship. As judges, we needed to take our duties seriously. There was a $2,500 prize and a trip to the winning partner’s home country on the line. Seated next to fellow judge Dave Marsland, founder of Drinks Enthusiast and bona fide rum expert, I figured the earnestness of my judging efforts might compensate for my lack of technical expertise. We were also given the option to level a penalty; however, it wasn’t clear how many points or for what offense we could do this, so I chose to use the option sparingly. A few drinks I did penalize included the creation that was set haphazardly ablaze, the odd use of a tiny banana with a dolphin face drawn on it, and the team who was overly rowdy with their excitement regarding the use of bois bandé — a local bark supposedly possessing aphrodisiac powers. Taking my judging duties as sincerely as I did, I made the rookie mistake of actually drinking each entry. Wouldn’t I be derelict in my duties if I didn’t give each cocktail a second, third or fourth opportunity to impress me? Toward the end of the evening I noticed that the other female judge, a journalist from Paris, had been using her index finger atop her straw to meter out just enough of each cocktail for her to judge its merits. Note to self for future judging duties.
w w w.s aintl uc iarums.c o m
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KIM-MARIE EVANS
HELEN OF TIKI 4cl Chairman’s Reserve Original 3cl Chairman’s Reserve Spiced 3cl Caribbean Sherbet* 2cl Ginger spice and passion fruit* 2cl Freshly squeezed lime juice
Drink of Champions
PREPARATION:
In the end, it would seem that the experts on the panel and the now tipsy rookie were in agreement on the winning drink. The bartending duo of Sharam Mohebbi of OGBG Bar & Restaurant in Sweden and his Saint Lucian counterpart, Stephen Peter, from BodyHoliday took home the grand prize. Their creation, Helen of Tiki, was simple, refreshing and maybe the bois bandé does have mystical powers. The winning team says their cocktail was inspired by the Greek legend of Helen of Troy. “Saint Lucia is renowned as the, Helen of the West Indies” says Mohebbi. “Her beauty and strategic location
*Ginger spice and passion fruit Add roughly chopped ginger and passion fruit seeds into a blender with 1 dl of water. Strain through a cloth to remove pulp.
caused war between the French and the British during the mid-17th and early-19th centuries. “We saw it fit to name our cocktail as a tribute, for the mai tai is truly the Helen of Tiki.” Guests of the Piano Bar at BodyHoliday can find the
Add sherbet, ginger spice and passion fruit and the rest of the ingredients to a mixing tin. Add at least two cups of ice and shake well for 15 seconds. Pour over a bed of bois bandé in a calabash bowl. Top with fresh ice.
drink on the cocktail menu or give it a go and re-create the award-winning mai tai at home.
The co-founder of the International Rum Council, Dave Russell, agrees that Chairman’s is the best choice.
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*Caribbean Sherbet Bring 3 dl of water to boil. Add cinnamon, bois bandé and fresh bay leafs to taste. Reduce to about half. Take the zest of 4 large bloodgrapefruits, put it in a plastic bag and pinch the zest to release oils. Add 2 dl of white sugar to the bag. Let it sit for a couple of hours. Add the contents of the plastic bag to the broth. Take off heat. Stir and dissolve any remaining sugar and let it sit until cool.
Garnish Slice of grapefruit, mint, roasted stick of cinnamon, lime wheel and flowers. Place artistically in bowl.
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C
M
Y
M
Y
Y
MY
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John Compton, FATHER OF SAINT LUCIA
One man set this West Indian paradise on a course for success from its founding. By Stephen Grasso
When Prime Minister John Compton died in 2007, the island of St. Lucia went into mourning for two weeks. Known affectionately as “Daddy Compton” or just “Pa Pa,” Compton was considered the father of St. Lucian independence from Britain. He served as chief minister and then premier of St. Lucia through most of the 1960s and 1970s, and then served as prime minister three times after having negotiated the island’s independence in 1979.
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“My father was a visionary,” says
LAW & JUSTICE
Chef Nina Compton, one of the
Compton was born in 1925 on the
politician’s four daughters and a
island of Canouan in St. Vincent and
James Beard Award–winning chef.
the Grenadines. At the age of 13,
“He had the foresight to lead our
he moved to neighboring St. Lucia
country in amazing ways and his
with his mother and went to school
focus was on the betterment of the
in Castries. As a young man, he
people that lived there. He worked
worked in oil refineries in Curaçao
hard to give people the opportunity
for two years, before traveling to
for education and advancement
the United Kingdom to study at the
and he succeeded.”
University of Wales and the London
Among Compton’s accomplishments was to have anticipated the decline of the
School of Economics. He passed the bar at Gray’s Inn in 1951. On his return to St. Lucia he began
sugarcane industry after the
his political career in 1954, when
collapse of colonialism, and to have
he ran as an independent for the
shifted the island economy towards
constituency of Micoud/Dennery and
banana exports and tourism as
was elected. In 1956 Compton joined
successful replacement industries.
the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP),
He was also a pioneer in promoting
where his strong sense of social
regional cooperation throughout
justice and support for the working
the Caribbean, helping to set
classes brought him into conflict
up the Caribbean Community
with the island’s predominantly
or CARICOM (modeled on its
white sugar-plantation owners. His
European equivalent, the European
reputation grew in 1957, when he
Commission) and the Caribbean
supported a strike by plantation
Development Bank.
workers seeking better conditions
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and was arrested for physically blocking the path of a planter’s
In the late 1960s, Compton
tractor during the demonstration.
first attempted to negotiate
By 1961, he had broken away
independence for St. Lucia from
to form his own party called the
Britain but was granted only
National Labour Movement (NLM),
Associated Statehood, a form
which went on to merge with
of quasi-independence where
another small party to form the
Britain remained in control of
United Workers’ Party (UWP) in 1964.
the island’s defense and foreign
With Compton as the party leader,
affairs. His commentary at the
the UWP beat the St. Lucia Labour
time was scathing: “The color
Party in a general election that same
of our skins is against us, and
year and he became the island’s
a government, even one that
Chief Minister. Under Compton’s
professes democracy, is pleased
tenure, the UWP also won the
to legislate and propound the
following elections in 1969 and
doctrine of second-class citizenship
1974. During this time, he promoted
for people of another color.”
the development of roads, airports,
After winning the 1974 election
industrial estates and housing
he tried again, and after five years
projects on the island, as well as
of negotiations, St. Lucia finally
developing the mosquito-infested
became an independent nation in
swampland to the north of St. Lucia
February 1979, with Compton as the
into the popular Rodney Bay district.
island’s first prime minister. Much
PETER BISCHOFF/GETTY IMAGES
“I AM GIVING THE EXPERIENCE AND INTELLIGENCE THAT GOD GAVE ME.”
A NEW STATE
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loved on the island, he famously walked around the capital city of Castries without a bodyguard, stating: “The day a prime minister has to get a bodyguard to walk around his own country, that’s the day he needs to go.”
THE DAY A PRIME MINISTER HAS TO GET A BODYGUARD TO WALK AROUND HIS OWN COUNTRY, THAT'S THE DAY HE NEEDS TO GO.
St. Lucians had become disillusioned with Compton’s UWP, however, despite its role in
is a state of mind. I am giving the
securing independence. Just five
experience and intelligence that
months later, his party lost the
God gave me.” His final term in office quickly
wake of his greatest victory, he
generated controversy when
was relegated to the opposition
his administration announced
benches. But schisms quickly began
that it was planning to abandon
to emerge in the SLP government
diplomatic relations with China and
not long after their election win,
would restore its prior connection to
and within three years it collapsed
Taiwan. The decision infuriated the
amid recriminations. The crisis
Chinese government, who swiftly
forced an early election in 1982,
severed diplomatic relations with St.
and Compton’s UWP were swept
Lucia. Compton’s health was already
back into power where they would
failing by this point though, and it
remain until 1997 when Compton
was unclear what role he played in
announced his intention to retire.
the decision-making process.
STEPPING BACK, & BACK AGAIN
LASTING LEGACY
In 2007, Compton suffered a series
Leadership of the UWP passed to
of strokes during a visit to the United
Compton’s handpicked successor,
States. He returned to St. Lucia
Dr. Vaughan Lewis, but the party
visibly weakened by his illness, and
suffered a humiliating defeat the
while he initially responded well to
same year. The SLP returned to
medical treatment, his condition
power with Kenny Anthony as prime
began to deteriorate. In late August
minister, and Compton enjoyed
he was admitted to hospital with
his retirement for almost a decade,
breathing difficulties, and then
before he was coaxed back onto the
later taken to Martinique for more
political stage by popular demand
specialized care. He showed
at the age of 81. After wresting
little improvement, and was soon
control of the party he founded from
returned to St. Lucia where he
Vaughan Lewis at a historic party
remained on a ventilator until Friday,
convention in 2005, he took the
September 7, when he passed
UWP back to power the following
away leaving a legacy of social and
year with an 11-6 win.
political change on the island.
Compton’s political detractors
“My father was humble in every
made much of his advanced age
way and people admired that about
during the campaign, but after his
him,” Chef Compton explains. “He
victory he dismissed such criticism
is missed not only by our family
stating, “Age is not a factor here. I
but the people of St. Lucia and
am not going for a marathon. I am
hopefully we can carry his legacy for
not going for the Olympics. Age
years to come.” LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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Chef Nina Compton
BRAVOF/GETTY IMAGES
general election to the SLP; in the
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FROM THE SEA TO YOUR PLATE
AURORA PHOTOS/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
Enjoying the freshest seafood of Saint Lucia By Kevin Revolinski
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A snorkeling trip or an afternoon on a fishing charter is a tour through the menu in Saint Lucia. As the culinary world trends toward “eating local,” this island nation has the advantage of being surrounded by a bounty of excellent seafood. Beneath the waves, along the reefs, these various fish and shellfish are an attraction in themselves, but back on terra firma you’ll find them again on your dinner plate.
LAMBI (CONCH)
Queen conch (Strombus gigas) is a mainstay throughout the
Caribbean. While its beautiful shell may double as a tourist souvenir or a musical horn, the conch (pronounced ‘konk’) is a type of mollusk or sea snail that features prominently in shallow waters with sandy or grassy bottoms — and on the menu. The tender flesh can be eaten raw in salads or in ceviche, and it is perhaps most popular fried in batter as conch fritters. Saint Lucians call it lambi, and the fritters are typical appetizers while main dishes include conch in Creole sauce or even lambi curry, demonstrating the culinary influence of Indian immigrants. Some variations of another island staple, callaloo soup — made from a leafy green similar
QIN XIE/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
to spinach — may include bits of lambi as well.
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SALTFISH
Saltfish seems selfexplanatory. Made from cod (sometimes other
fish as well), the flesh is cured with salt for preservation until it is ready to be eaten. At that time, the cook needs to soak it in water for at least 12 hours, changing it several times to extract much of the salt. Saltfish has several uses, but none more typical than green fig and saltfish, the national dish of Saint Lucia. Locals have it on any day of the week, but also on special holidays, especially Jounen Kweyol or Creole Day, an October festival that celebrates Saint Lucia’s Creole (Kwéyòl) language and culture, which are mainly of French and West African origin. The “fig” here is actually sliced green bananas, which are not sweet or strong-tasting but provide some texture to the dish, a bit like potatoes. The fish is cut up in chunks and sautéed with onion, garlic, peppers, and boiled green banana slices. The dish originated during slavery, when inexpensive salted cod from the northern Atlantic fed the slaves, and they in turn used seasonings and bananas, which were overabundant on the island, to make it delicious. You’ll find it on the menu at most restaurants. Saltfish may also be served in fish cakes or cooked in a stew and served with “bakes,” hand-formed bread dough patties fried in oil. Or in the case of accra, bits of saltfish are actually baked into the fried bread and served at breakfast. The Scotch bonnet peppers in that recipe will wake you up faster than coffee. LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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SPINY LOBSTER
Hiding along the reefs, under ledges and in shadowy crevices, the
lobster is a favorite at the dinner table, and free divers or snorkelers catch them by hand all around the island. Unlike the clawed variety you may find in the colder waters of the North Atlantic, the lobster of Saint Lucia is a spiny creature with a large tail and two long antennae DIEGO GRANDI/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
as long as or longer than their bodies. The spines along their exoskeleton give them some protection against predators. As with most lobster, it is popular served whole, but other dishes may include it as an ingredient, even in callaloo soup.
Stately and unrushed,
IMAGE BROKER/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
LIONFISH
trailing spines that resemble exotic feathers,
the lionfish looks lovely on the reef. But the invasive fish, native to South Pacific waters, is venomous along those spines and doesn’t belong here. Lionfish have been rapidly taking over Caribbean waters and feeding on smaller fish important to the food chain — and the fishing industry. The solution? Lionfish are delicious. The tender, white flesh is not at all poisonous, and the spines, while potentially painful if you were to brush against them in the sea, are not poisonous, only venomous — there’s a difference. Chefs clean them (with great care, usually freezing them a bit first to make them easier to handle) and serve the filets fried and perhaps coconut-crusted. This is a very recent food trend and not just a prize for your palate; by eating the delicious lionfish you are creating a demand for it, and thus encouraging
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local fishermen to remove them from the sea.
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RED SNAPPER
This popular reef fish is red with a white belly and a long triangular
snout. Popular on most menus, the fish may be served whole or cut into small pieces to be fried a bit and served in a Creole fish stew. Try a red snapper filet marinated in a blend of Caribbean herbs, pan-seared or baked and served with rice, Saint Lucian Creole sauce, and fried plantain. Or have it barbecued and served with
MAGDALENA BUJAK/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
JOHN KELLY/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
souscaille, a spicy, citrusy sort of salsa.
MAHI-MAHI, DORADO OR ... DOLPHIN? Don’t panic: You may hear that dolphin is on the menu, but rest assured, this is not the chattering playful mammal you may see playing in the boat’s wake, but dolphinfish, another name for dorado or mahi-mahi. This large, bluegreen fish is a popular catch for anglers heading out on fishing excursions. It’s got an unusual flat face, with a dorsal fin that runs along its entire back. Mahi-mahi is a in finer restaurants, but is commonly grilled as steaks and served with Creole sauce or lemon and garlic butter, or else pan-seared or even skewered and grilled.
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common catch of the day and can be served as ceviche
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WORLDWIDE PHOTO / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
FINDLAY / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
FLYING FISH
Few sea experiences are as surprising as seeing a flying fish for the first
time. Like a bird from the depths, these sea creatures take to the air for longer distances than you might expect possible. They also make excellent sandwiches when fried up in filets.
BIG FISH
Saint Lucian waters are home to a variety of big fish popular with
anglers and well suited for the grill. The toothy predator barracuda makes great steaks, as do the thick-lipped and docile grouper. Marlin and swordfish are prized catches that provide thick, meaty cuts, and tuna — yellowfin,
When being chased by a bigger fish, you can see ballyhoo leaping from the water and skimming along the surface like a skipped stone.
blackfin and skipjack — are available year-round.
These small fish, with
BALLYHOO
a needlelike beak, are commonly used as bait on fishing excursions,
and when being chased by a bigger fish, you can see them leaping from the water and skimming along the surface like a skipped stone. But you can also find wheelbarrows full of them at a fish market. Because they swim in large schools, they are easy to catch in nets. Locals will fry them in big batches and eat them in a manner similar to smelt.
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RECIPE: GREEN FIG & SALTFISH 1 lb saltfish 8 green bananas 1/4 cup coconut oil 1 large onion, coarsely chopped 1 medium sweet pepper, coarsely chopped 4 spicy peppers, sliced 1/4 cup chives, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tsp thyme Salt and pepper
ISTOCK PHOTO
Rinse and then soak saltfish to remove salt, then remove any scales, skin or bones before flaking the fish. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat, and add the onions, peppers, and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add the fish, thyme and chives, then cover and cook for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, peel the green bananas (“figs”) and boil in water with a tsp of salt for 15 minutes or until tender. Slice diagonally each banana into 3-4 thick pieces, place them on a plate and serve the cooked saltfish over the top of them.
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GENIUS IN
By Alex Darlington
HATTIE BARNARD
The artists of Saint Lucia create worldclass works.
The international art community has a name for the tiny Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia: They call it the New Paris. Many art teachers, critics, sculptors and painters worldwide compare what has been taking place here over the last few decades to the legendary movement that occurred in the French capital in the late 1800s and early 1900s. That was when earth-shakers like Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse were making lasting changes to the face of art, inspiring schools of thought that remain significant today. And just as would-be painters and sculptors flocked to Paris in its heyday, artists from all corners of the globe are pouring into this dot on the map in the Lesser Antilles to study with these modern masters and feel the inspiration the island provides. On one hand, it’s surprising to see such an overwhelming number of skilled artisans living and working in such a small country. But on the other hand, maybe it shouldn’t drop jaws at all. Visual art is threaded through Saint Lucia’s history. Just take a look at the official flag, with its rich sky-blue background and the dazzling 76
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STEVE MURRAY/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
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sunshine-yellow triangle at its center. It’s hardly shocking to learn that it was designed by one of the most highly respected painters of the 20th century, Dunstan St. Omer. And what artist would not feel moved by the island’s sheer beauty, nestled between Martinique and Saint Vincent on the awe-inspiring Caribbean Sea, offering views of the majestic Pitons? It’s home to the Diamond Falls
Not finding it anywhere, she took matters into her own hands.
Botanical Gardens and blessed with wonderful weather, someone who never painted in his life could be moved to pick up a brush and try to capture beauty like this. The list of noted geniuses living and working in Saint Lucia reads like a who’s who of creative visionaries. It includes, among hundreds of others, Urmie Persad,
SIMON GAJADHAR
warm sunlight cooled by refreshing trade winds. Even
Lawrence Deligny, Christopher Cox, Alcina Nolley, Jonathan Gladding, Daniel Jean-Baptiste, Luigi St. Omer (son of the aforementioned Dunstan) and hundreds of others. Here are just four of those talented hundreds. All of them work in a variety of media. But each specializes in a
SARAH GREVES-GABBADON
particular area.
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MICHELLE ELLIOT (2)
MICHELLE ELLIOT: POTTERY
Like her contemporary, Zaka, Michelle Elliot has the sea rolling and flowing in her blood. She was born into a seafaring family in Vigie, Castries, near Saint Lucia’s scenic Vigie Beach. But it took a trip to Hawaii to awaken her interest in art. She was fascinated by the colorful, primitive paintings of the Hawaiian painters. Inspired, upon returning to Saint Lucia she began to create paintings of her own while managing her family’s restaurant. To her surprise and
SIMON GAJADHAR (AKA ZAKA): MASKS
delight, those paintings began to sell. But the lightning bolt really struck when Michelle
Crafting beauty is in Gajadhar’s DNA. Born in the U.K., he
wanted to buy crockery for the restaurant with designs
began his training building boats in his teens. While still
that would reflect the feel of the island. Not finding it
a young man, he earned a shipbuilding diploma from the
anywhere, she took matters into her own hands and
International Boatbuilding Training Center in Lowestoft.
began designing, creating and painting her own totally
In 1993, curious about his roots, he bought a round-trip ticket to Saint Lucia where his father was born. It was
unique ceramics. Her work has been displayed in Cagne Sur Mer in the
love at first sight. After being on the island for just a few
French Riviera and the gallery in Santo Domingo. And, of
days, he tore up his return ticket to England and was soon
course, her pottery is found locally in her studio at Saint
running the woodshop at the Marina Boatyard.
Lucia’s Pink Plantation House.
Shortly afterward, he gained well-deserved acclaim carving and painting masks and totems out of recycled telephone poles. He took on the name “Zaka” to reflect his love for nature. Zaka is the Haitian god of earth, forest and trees. Visitors to Saint Lucia can find his work at Zaka Art Café near Soufrière. LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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JALLIM EUDOVIC (3)
JALLIM EUDOVIC: SCULPTURE
Jallim Eudovic comes by his exceptional talent naturally. Even at the precocious age of 5, he longed to follow in the footsteps of his father, famed Saint Lucian sculptor Vincent Joseph Eudovic. Joseph trained and encouraged his talented son and taught him the basics. By age 17, young Jallim was already creating breathtaking sculptures that caught the attention of the art-buying public and critics alike. He works with a variety of materials. Unlike some other sculptors, who find mahogany too hard to work with, Eudovic prefers it to the softer woods — especially the mahogany grown right here in Saint Lucia. He considers patience and mindfulness one of his most important strengths. Before he picks up his tools, Eudovic spends a long time thinking and considering each project, formulating the concept he wants to express. His hope is to convey a message of peace and unity among all people of the world. One of his best-known pieces, “Steering,” graces the grounds of the Changchun, China, International Automotive Sculpture Park. He currently works in his home studio in the Goodlands district of Castries. 80
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www.nakedfishermanstlucia.com
Plan for an hour & stay all day Offering “great produce, simply grilled” in a relaxed beach front location - a thatched bar, a thatched kitchen and a grill - a recipe for some great beach food for those lazy days and nights ahead.
Open Lunch 12:30 - 4:00 Open Dinner 6:30 - 9:30pm The Naked Fisherman has a no reservation policy - turn up and if no seats are available - have a drink at the bar
Relax in one of our 15 private cottages, situated on an organic estate that borders St. Lucia’s Petit Piton, one of the most stunning geological formations on Planet Earth. Each cottage has been lovingly restored and is accented with white gingerbread and jalousie shutters. Pick fresh fruit directly off the trees on the estate, enjoy the smell of chocolate wafting by on warm island breezes, and renew mind, body, and soul in our organic spa. • Set amongst St. Lucia’s majestic pitons • Located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site • Nestled within fruit and palm trees • Award winning resort & restaurants • Best Small Luxury Organic Spa Resort Worldwide 2018 • #30 in the Top 100 Luxury Resorts Worldwide 2018 • Discover St. Lucia’s history and culture We invite you to experience Fond Doux!
A 19th century French colonial resort in Soufriere, St. Lucia.
6 Outdoor Pools
Elegant Accommodations
Chocolate Making
www.fonddouxresort.com / info@fondddouxresort.com / USA: 1-315-307-2348
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HATTIE BARNARD 92)
HATTIE BARNARD: GREETING CARDS
Anyone snooty enough to dismiss the idea of greeting cards as an art form should take a look at the work of Hattie Barnard — one of Saint Lucia’s (and the world’s) most unique and inventive painters. Barnard was born in England and spent much of her childhood in Dominica (which also goes by the name “Nature Island”). But she now lives and works in Saint Lucia, the place she loves. She and her equally creative husband, Leo, own and operate the Choiseul Art Gallery and Shop in the sleepy fishing village of River Doree, just a mile from Kai Papai. Like so many Saint Lucian artists, Leo and Hattie are ardent conservationists. The two of them make jewelry and other crafts using only local materials (coconut, stones and seeds). Nothing they sell in the shop is imported. Both of them paint and draw on recycled paper. Each of Hattie’s cards reflects the essence of Saint Lucia. She’s also a writer. Her book, The Village by the Sea
The list of noted geniuses living and working in Saint Lucia reads like a who’s who of creative visionaries.
is available for sale online and on Kindle. Hattie says it’s about “displacement, divided families and the importance of knowing your heritage.” It’s dedicated not only to Caribs, but also to all indigenous people of mixed heritage. 82
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BORN TO CRUISE por thole.com
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enhancement FUND SLHTA’S TOURISM
T
A Private Sector Initiative
he Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) is
uses its existing resources to administer the projects
a private-sector initiative established on
identified for funding so as to ensure that ALL your
October 1, 2013, designed to allow the
contributions go directly toward the projects.
tourism industry a greater opportunity
Since its inception in 2013, the fund has supported
to play an integral role in the sustainable
over 130 projects and has had a significant impact on
development of our destination. The
the people and economy of Saint Lucia. The Virtual
TEF is financed by a small, voluntary donation from our
Agricultural Clearing House, a program designed
guests of $2 USD per night, and goes toward community
to bridge the gap between agriculture and tourism,
development, environmental projects and actions
received worldwide acclaim and recognition for its best
which will affect the livelihoods of our current and future
practices in sustainable tourism development. Over 540
generations. By collecting this small voluntary fee from
unemployed youth have received training under the
our visitors, the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association
Hospitality Apprenticeship Program for Youth, another
will also be able to support specific projects ensuring that
initiative sponsored by the fund. The fund continues
our island is clean and safe for visitors and residents alike,
to support programs like the Kids In Sight Project,
including the beautification of specific areas of our island.
which is designed to help visually impaired children get much-needed surgeries to help repair their vision.
The TEF is managed by a Board of Trustees
One of the most recent projects funded by the
comprising representatives from the public and private sectors who ensure that projects undertaken
TEF is a wheelchair project in which the targeted
by the fund continue to have a strong educational,
beneficiaries are persons who are unable to walk
environmental and developmental impact. The SLHTA
and who would otherwise be unable to obtain such
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TO DATE, THE TEF HAS FUNDED OVER 100 PROJECTS. SOME OF THE NOTABLE PROJECTS ARE LISTED BELOW:
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: • SLHTA Apprenticeship Programme • Island Destination Promotion • EXPEDIA campaign • Media Symposium • Agri-Symposium • Small-Hotel Promotions (Visitor Channel) • Sponsorship of Manager Mentorship Programme • French Language Training for Hospitality Industry Workers • Leadership Training for Industry Workers • HACCP training • Wines of the World Training • Training Videos on IETV • Sponsorship for Bay Fest Street Festival • Sponsorship for training on five things an entrepreneur needs to know • Cost Control Training – Lisa Beckles • Tourism Linkages & Networking Forum
SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROJECTS: • Rodney Bay Safety Enhancement Project • Wilton’s Yard Training Project • Health Promotion & Safety • Rodney Bay Beautification Project* • Rodney Bay Demarcation Project • Pli Belle Komin Project • Christmas Hampers (2014) • Refurbishment of CCSS Food 7 Nutrition Room • Canaries Relief Effort/ 2013 Trough Victims Support
chairs due to financial constraints. This new mobility will enable persons with disabilities to undertake
• Sandals/ SLHTA Partnership – Sick Kids’ Initiative • Uniforms for the National Netball Team • Support for Taste of the Caribbean 2014 Team
employment, provide for their families and encourage independence of recipients, thereby restoring or
• Support for Taste of the Caribbean 2015 Team • Support for Taste of the Caribbean 2016 Team • Social Transformation Community After School Programme • Marketing Material for SBDC Model for Saint Lucia
enabling a greater sense of self-confidence. To date, the TEF has spent over $4 million in support
• Support for Grooming Programme – Cutty Ranks • Support for volleyballers’ participation in international competition
of youth development, healthcare, environmental
• Support for Chefs in Schools
preservation, anti-litter awareness, after-school
• Sponsorship of four flights for US coaches to train
programs, small-business support, agricultural
Soufriere Football Camp
linkages with tourism, libraries, disaster relief and
• Support for Jus Sail Youth Training Programme
• Support through NCPC for training of mini-bus drivers • Electrical works for lighting for Gros Islet Street Party
feeding programs for the underprivileged.
• Sponsorship for Swawe Kweyol Event – Ministry of Tourism
The fund continues to demonstrate our industry’s
• Dominica Relief Efforts contribution
limitless potential when we commit to getting
• Tourism Safety Unit • Social Transformation After School Programme
things done collectively. Its current success would
• Christmas Hampers (2015)
not have been possible without the efforts of our
• Sponsorship for ZIKA Training (nurses) and members
resort-management teams and resort employees
• Sponsorship for Youth Steel Pan training
who encourage guests to participate.
• Sponsorship for MERCURY BEACH
• Sponsorship for RISE St. Lucia - Good Food Revolution Project • Sponsorship for IN2care mosquito traps.
To find out how your company can participate in the work of the TEF, please visit us at www.stluciatef. com or contact us at grants@stluciatef.com.
• Agri-Tourism linkages Virtual Agriculture Clearing House (VACH) • Rise St. Lucia Inc, The Good Food Revolution • Gros Islet Tourism Rehabilitation Project
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BAY GARDENS HOTEL
Cheryl Gustave 452-8060/4528002/4578010 452-8059 P.O. Box 1892 Castries, Rodney Heights Gros-Islet cgustave@baygardensresorts.com www.baygardenshotel.com
HIGH-END BOUTIQUE HOTELS
ANSE CHASTANET HOTEL
Karolin Troubetzkoy 459-7000/459-5502 459-7700 P.O. Box 7000, Soufriere ansechastanet@ansechastanet.com; www.ansechastanet.com
MARIGOT BAY RESORT & MARINA BY CAPELLA
Perle Flavien 458-5300 458-5299 P.O. Box MG 7227, Marigot Bay, Castries perle.flavien@marigotbayresort.com www.capellahotels.com
PAPILLON BY REX RESORTS Richard Michelin 457-3000 P.O. Box 512, Castries gmanager@rsl.rexresorts.travel
COCONUT BAY BEACH RESORT & SPA / SERENITY
BAY GARDENS BEACH RESORT AND SPA
Zachary Frangos 459-6000 459-6019 P.O. Box 246, Vieux-Fort msmithcarolan@cbayresort.com www.cbayresort.com
Waltrude Patrick 457-8500 457-8400 P.O. Box 1892, Castries, Rodney Bay Village, Gros Islet wpatrick@baygardensresorts.com www.baygardensbeachresort.com
RENDEZVOUS
ROYAL ST. LUCIAN
BOUCAN BY HOTEL CHOCOLAT
ROYAL ST. LUCIAN LIMITED
ROYALTON SAINT LUCIA RESORT & SPA
CALABASH COVE RESORT & SPA
Richard Michelin 457-3131 452-9639 P.O. Box 977, Castries Gros-Islet reservation@rsl.rexresorts.travel www.rexresorts.com Anderson Howard 457-4100/450-9544 450-8625 P.O Box 915, Castries gmuvf@royaltonresorts.com www.royaltonresorts.com
SAINT JAMES’S CLUB MORGAN BAY SAINT LUCIA
Mark Grebby 457-3700 450-1288 P.O. Box 2167, Choc Bay, Gros- Islet gm@stjamesclubslu.com www.morganbayresort.com
SANDALS GRANDE SAINT LUCIAN SPA & BEACH RESORT Winston Anderson 455-2000 455-8405 P.O. Box GI 2247, Gros-Islet wanderson@grp.sandals.com www.sandalsgrande.com
SANDALS HALCYON BEACH SAINT LUCIA Christopher Elliott 453-0222 451-8435 P.O. Box GM 910, Choc Bay, Castries celliott@grp.sandals.com www.sandals.com
SANDALS LA TOC GOLF RESORT AND SPA SAINT LUCIA Gaurav Sindhi 452-3081 452-1012 P.O. Box 399, Castries gsindhi@grp.sandals.com www.sandals.com
THE BODYHOLIDAY
Pascal Bertrand 457-7800/457-7802 450-0368 P.O. Box 437, Castries pascal@thebodyholiday.com www.thebodyholiday.com
THE HARBOR CLUB
Philip Yu 731-2900 P.O. Box GI2232, Rodney Bay philip.yu@theharborclub.com www.theharborclub.com
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Bernabe Alexander 459-7971 N/A P.O. Box 312, Soufriere bernabe.alexander@thehotelchocolat.com; www.thehotelchocolat.com Konrad Wagner 456-3500 450-4603 P.O. Box RB 2696, Gros-Islet info@calabashcove.com; www.calabashcove.com
CAP MAISON RESORT & SPA ST. LUCIA Ross Stevenson 457-8670 450-8847 P.O. Box 2188, Gros-Islet ross@capmaison.com www.capmaison.com
COCO PALM
Jean St. Rose 456-2800 452-0713 P.O. Box GM 605, Gable Woods Mall, Castries gm@coco-resorts.com www.coco-resorts.com
EAST WINDS RESORT LTD Judith Milne 452-8212 452-9941 P.O. Box 1477, Castries judith@eastwinds.com www.eastwinds.com
FOND DOUX PLANTATION Eroline Lamontagne 459-7545/ 459-7548 459-7790 P.O. Box 250, Soufriere info@fonddouxestate.com www.fonddouxestate.com
JADE MOUNTAIN
Karolin Troubetzkoy 459-7000/459-7977 459-4002 P.O. Box 7000, Soufriere karolin@ansechastanet.com www.jademountain.com
LADERA
Christian Gandara 459-6600/717-7723 459-5156 P.O. Box 225, Soufriere adminstration@ladera.com www.ladera.com
Yhasmine Remy-Hylton 457-7900 459-7700 P.O. Box 190, Malabar Beach, Vigie, Castries yhasmine@theromanticholiday.com www.theromanticholiday.com Richard Michelin 452-9999 452-9639 P.O. Box 977, Reduit Beach, Castries, Gros-Islet gmanager@rsl.rexresorts.travel www.rexresorts.com
STONEFIELD RESORT
Anista Brown 459-5648/ 459-7037 459-5550 P.O. Box 228, Soufriere salesandmarketing@stonefieldresort.com www.stonefieldvillas.com
SUGAR BEACH, A VICEROY RESORT
Mark Sterner 456-8000 459-7667 P.O. Box 251, Soufriere mark.sterner@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
TET ROUGE
Diana Moldovan La Pointe, Choisuel info@tetrouge.com www.tetrouge.com
THE LANDINGS RESORT & SPA BY ELEGANT HOTELS Paul Collymore 458-7300 458-7395 P.O. Box CP 5984, Castries gm@landingsstlucia.com www.landingsstlucia.com
TI KAYE RESORT & SPA Nicholas Pinnock 456-8101/ 456-8157 456-8109 P.O. Box GM 669, Castries admin.assit@tikaye.com www.tikaye.com
VILLA BEACH COTTAGES Colin Hunte 450-2884/ 452-2691 450-4529 P.O. Box 129, Castries colin@villabeachcottages.com; www.villabeachcottages.com
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ctory HIGH-END BOUTIQUE HOTELS, LUXURY VILLAS AND VILLAS, VACATION RENTALS
CASTLES IN PARADISE
Bonnie Zephirin 454-8409 454-8409 P.O. Box 660 Gablewoods Mall South, Vieux- FortVieux-Fort castleinparadise@candw.lc www.castlesinparadise.com
CLEOPATRA VILLAS
Robert Joseph 458-0703 P.O. Box RB 2528, Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet office@villasinstlucia.com www.villasinstlucia.com
HARMONY MARINA SUITES Indra Betts-Hermiston 452-8756/ 452-0336 452-8677 P.O. Box 155, Castries Gros-Islet indra.hermiston@gmail.com harmonysuites.com
INDIGO PEARL PROPERTIES INC.
Reid Levenson 1-613-699-5073 Gros-Islet reid.levenson@indigopearlproperties.com www.indigopearlproperties.com
TROPICAL VILLAS
Marella Devaux 450-8240 450-8089 P.O. Box BW419 Rodney Bay Gros-Islet admin@tropicalvillas.net www.tropicalvillas.net
VILLA C’EST LA VIE
Michael Thorn 452-0933/7221616 452-0869 P.O. Box GM 848, Castries cestlavie@casalucia.com www.villacestlavie.com
VILLA CAPRI
Kris Wagner 450-0009 P.O. Box RB 2552, Gros-Islet capristlucia@hotmail.com www.capristlucia.com
VILLA FORTUNE
Dwayne Daniel 459-0085 459-0177 P.O. Box MF 7137, Morne Fortune, Castries daniel_dwayne@hotmail.com www.villafortune.com
WINDJAMMER LANDINGS VILLA BEACH RESORT & SPA Scott Seger 456-9000 452-0907 P.O. Box 1504, Castries Gros-Islet sseger@windjammer-landing.com www.windjammer-landing.com
SMALL HOTELS
AUBERGE SERAPHINE
Camilla Joseph 456-3002/ 453-2073 451-7001 P.O. Box 390, Vielle Ville Bay Pointe Searphine, Castries auberge@candw.lc www.aubergeseraphine.com
BAY GARDENS INN
Cheryl Gustave 452-8200 452-8002 P.O. Box 1892, Rodney Bay Village, Rodney Bay Gros-Islet cgustave@baygardensresorts.com www.baygardensinn.com
BAY GARDENS MARINA HAVEN
Ms. Daryl Aaron 456-8500/ 456-8512 456-8511 P.O. Box 1544, Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet daaron@baygardensresorts.com www.palmhavenhotel.com
BEL JOU HOTEL
Dean La Force 456-1800 456-1801 P.O. Box 296, La Pansee, Castries frontdesk@beljouhotel.com www.saga.co.uk/stlucia
HABITAT TERRACE HOTEL
Cheryl Skeete 452-0822 P.O. Box 247, Castries Gros-Islet reservations@habitatterrace.com; www.habitatterracehotel.com
HUMMINGBIRD BEACH RESORT Joan Alexander Stowe 459-7232/ 459-7985 459-7033 P.O. Box 280, Soufriere hbr@candw.lc www.1stlucia.co.uk
Joseph Charles 457-1485 457-1731 P.O. Box 235, Soufriere downtownhotel@candw.lc www.thedowntownhotel.net
THE GINGER LILY HOTEL
Karen Kisson 458-0300 458-0033 P.O. Box CP 6013, Castries Gros-Islet info@gingerlilyhotel.com www.gingerlilyhotel.com
TROPICAL PARADISE VIEW Primus Suffren 285-5853 c/o Anse La Raye P.O LC8101w tropicalparadiseview@gmail.com
XHALE LUXURY VILLA
Lisa Gardner 728-9199/730-9700 P.O. Box BW492 Gros Islet LC01 601 adhanpaul71@gmail.com www.xhaleluxuryvilla.com
SMALL PROPERTIES
(SMALL HOTELS, INNS/GUESTHOUSES)
ALIZE INN GUEST HOUSE
Hyacintha Simon 452-0960/ 450-1487 P.O. Box 1763, Castries LC04-101Gros-Islet pta@candw.lc alize-inn.info
AUPIC PARADISE GUEST HOUSE & APARTMENTS Lean Antoine 454-5857 454-5853 P.O. Box 513, Vieux-FortVieux-Fort aupicparadise12@gmail.com www.aupicparadise.com
CHARLERY’S INN
Bruno Galon 458-0392 P.O. Box BW333 Castries Gros-Islet info@stlucialaterrasse.com www.laterrassestlucia.com
Clinton Charlery 454-7420 454-5899 P.O. Box 286, Clarke Street, Vieux- FortVieux-Fort info@charlerysinnslu.com www.charlerysinnslu.com
MANGO BEACH INN
FOX GROVE INN
Judith Verity 458-3188 451-4872 P.O. Box CP 5437 Castries judith@marigotbay.com www.mangobeachmarigot.com
Franz Louis-Fernand 455-3800 455-3271 P.O. Box MR 30R, Mon Repos Post Office, Mamiku LC15 201Mon Repos foxgroveinn@candw.lc www.foxgroveinn.com
MARIGOT BEACH CLUB & DIVE RESORT
MARIGOT PALMS/ ALDANTE LTD
LA TERRASSE INN
Lorne Charles 451-4974 451-4973 Marigot Post Office Marigot info@marigotbeachclub.com www.marigotbeachclub.com
Daniel Kempenaers 287-3716 P.O. Box Choc 8465, Mega J Castries info@marigotpalms.com www.marigotpalms.com
OASIS MARIGOT
Charles Serieux 722-4565 CP5775 Waterfront, Castries Morne Fortune, Castries info@mornemanor.com
Beverly Mathurin 285-6123 305-946-6372 P.O. Box 387 Castries Marigot oasism@candw.lc www.oasismarigot.com
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QR QUALITY ROOMS
Niles Ferdinand 454-8043 454-9953 Cedar Heights, Vieux-Fort qrqualityrooms@gmail.com www.qrqualityrooms.com
THE REEF KITE & SURF
Cecile Wiltshire 454-3418 454-7400 P.O. Box 485, Anse La Sable, Vieux-Fort info@slucia.com www.slucia.com
FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUPPLIERS
ADMAC LTD.
ISLAND MIX
Nadia Jabour 5847877 Rodney Bay Post Office najabour@gmail.com
PARAMOUNT HOLDINGS LIMITED
BLUE OLIVE RESTAURANT
Anita Charles 451-6600/ 451-6621 456-0615 P.O. Box 618, Castries Gros-Islet palacs@candw.lc paramountprocurementservices.com
BUZZ SEAFOOD AND GRILL
(HOSPITALITY EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTORS)
PETER & COMPANY DISTRIBUTION Leo Lionel 457-7000 457-7059 P.O. Box 84/ 85, Castries pcl.reception@thegelgroup.com www.goddardenterprisesltd.com
Ruth Mc Farlane 451-6890 451-8995 P.O. Box Choc 8225, Castries info@admacltd.com www.admacltd.com
RAINFOREST SEAFOODS INC
BARBAY/ ST. LUCIA DISTILLERS
RENWICK & COMPANY LTD.
Margaret Montplaisir 456-3100 451-4221 P.O. Box 823, Castries info@saintluciarums.com www.saintluciarums.com
BARON FOODS
Ronald Ramjattan 454-9230 454-9231 P.O. Box 393, Vieux-Fort rramjattan@baronfoodsltd.com www.baronfoodsltd.com
CARIBBEAN JUICES
Monica Althea Valmont 7206566 P.O Box RB2366 Rodney Bay Gros Islet corinthestate@gmail.com
COCO LOVE
Sherrian Saltibus-Edgar VF 849 Gablewoods Mall South sherrisaltibus@gmail.com
CROWN FOODS LTD.
Kevin White 452-0530/ 285-4197 452-0531 P.O. Box 2190, Gros-Islet kevincrownfoods@candw.lc www.crownfoodsstlucia.com
DU BOULAY’S BOTTLING CO. LTD. Maclean James 452-2280 452-3125 P.O. Box 962, Castries maclean.james@heineken.com www.duboulaysbottling.com
Ian Duncan 459-6073 459-6024 Beanfield Vieux Fort adminstlucia@rainforestseafoods.com
Sophia Groenewald 727-9734 sophia1980maria@gmail.com
CARIBBEAN PIRATES LTD.
Robert Skeete 452-2543/ 714-4647 P.O. Box 2026, Gros-Islet caribbeanpirates123@gmail.com
IL PIRATA PASTAIO
Emanuela Gualtieri 454-6610 454-5100 Industrial Estate Vieux Fort ilpirata@candw.lc
JACQUES WATERFRONT DINING
SMJ BEVERAGES
MARUTI FOODS LTD.
Ernest Augier 454-7777/ 453-6392 454-5567 P.O. Box 1906, Vieux Fort Industrial Estate, Vieux-Fort smj_beverages@candw.lc www.chubbykidsclub.com
Ashok Vaswani 459-2452 450-0014 P.O. Box CP 6425, Castries Car Park, Castries Gros-Islet info@craveslu.com www.zaikathetasteslu.com
SUPERIOR FISH & SEAFOOD SUPPLIERS LTD.
ORLANDO’S RESTAURANT
Hilary Herman 450-8647 450-9729 P.O. Box CP 5828, Castries Gros-Islet info@superior-seafoods.com www.superior-seafoods.com
VIKING TRADERS LTD.
Nicholas Zephirin 450-1520 450-1188 P.O. Box 691, Castries Gros-Islet viking@candw.lc www.vikingstlucia.com
WINDWARD & LEEWARD BREWERY LTD. Oscar Garcia 459-6200/459-6231 454-6301 P.O. Box 1271, CastriesVieux-Fort oscar.garcia@heineken.com www.pitonbeer.com
Anthony Samuel 459-6400 454-6206 P.O. Box 363, Vieux-Fort anthony.samuel@goddardcatering.com www.goddardenterprisesltd.com
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Bruno Galon 458-2433 P.O. Box BW333 Castries Gros-Islet info@blueolivestlucia.com blueolivestlucia.com
Cheryl Renwick 455-8000 452-7602 P.O. Box 90, Vide Boutielle, Castries contact@renwickslu.com www.renwicksaintlucia.com
GODDARD CATERING GROUP SAINT LUCIA LTD.
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INDEPENDENT RESTAURANTS
Catherin & Jacques Rioux 458-1900 P.O. Box RB 2534, Rodney Bay Gros-Islet cathyrioux@gmail.com www.jacquesrestaurant.com
Orlando Satchell 459-5955 P.O. Box LC09101 Soufriere orlandocaribchef@gmail.com
SPINNAKERS SAINT LUCIA LTD. Linfus Mederick 452-8491 458-0301 P.O. Box 1192, Castries Gros-Islet spinnakersbeachbar@ymail.com www.spinnakersbeachbar.com
DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANIES / TRAVEL CONSULTANTS BAREFOOT HOLIDAYS
Erwin Louisy 450-0507 450-0661 P.O. Box BW 379, Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet barefoot@candw.lc www.barefootholidays.com
BEYOND BORDERS INC Bernice Jean 719-6647 bernice@beyondborderz.biz
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ctory PITONS TRAVEL AGENCY
Hyacintha Simon 450-1487 P.O. Box 1763, Castries, LC04-101 Gros-Islet pta@candw.lc www.pitons-travel.com
SAINT LUCIA REPRESENTATIVE SERVICES LTD. Bridgette Charles 456-9100 452-0459 P.O.Box 879, Castries Gros-Islet dutyoffice@stluciareps.com www.stluciareps.com
SERENITY VACATIONS AND TOURS INC.
John S. Mathurin 450-4525 410-782-0137 P.O. Box GI 2090 Gros-Islet ambassador@serenitytvl.com www.serenitytvl.com
SPICE TRAVEL LTD.
Maria Thorn 452-0865/ 452-0866 452-0869 P.O. Box GM 848, Castries Gros-Islet casalucia@candw.lc www.casalucia.com
SUNTOURS CARIBBEAN (CWTS) Lydon Thomas 458-0473- 4 452-8550 P.O. Box CP 6356, Castries Gros-Islet managerslu@suntourscaribbean.com www.suntourscaribbean.co,
TRAVEL & LEISURE CENTRE
Adrian Popo 452-1359 453-1359 #5 Gablewoods Mall, Sunny Acres, Castries info@tlcslu.com www.tlcslu.com
WEDDING SERVICE PROVIDERS
AWESOME CARIBBEAN WEDDINGS
Michelle Ince 450-0300 450-8033 P.O. Box 487, Castries talktous@awesomecaribbeanweddings.com www.awesomecaribbeanweddings.com
CAP ESTATE GARDEN WEDDINGS
Carole Louison 716-1163 452-4184 P.O. Box 1402, Castries Gros-Islet capgardenweddings@gmail.com
STONY HILL SAINT LUCIA
Cynthia Soni 458-0461 458-0495 P.O. Box GM 731, Castries Gros-Islet soni@stonyhillstlucia.com www.stonyhillstlucia.com
AIRLINES AND DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANIES/TRAVEL CONSULTANTS, WEDDING SERVICE PROVIDERS
AIR CARAIBE
Cleopatra Judy Mason 453-0357 452-0926 P.O. Box GM 629, GFl Charles, Castries aircaraibes@candw.lc www.aircaraibes.com
COX & CO. LTD.
Matthew Beaubrun 456-5000/456-5042 456-5016 P.O.Box 88, Castries info@coxcoltd.com www.coxshipping.com
FOSTER & INCE CRUISE SERVICES Ian Herman 452-6441 456-0694 P.O. Box CP 6249, Castries iherman@foster-ince.com www.foster-ince.com
MINVIELLE & CHASTANET LTD. 458-8000 458-8259 P.O. Box 99, Bridge Street, Castries mcee@mandcgroup.com www.mandcgroup.com
BRITISH AIRWAYS
Dylan Harrow 454-6172/ 454-9926 454-8259 P.O. Box 1015, Gablewoods South Vieux-Fort dylan.harrow@ba.com www.ba.com
CARIBBEAN DISPATCH SERVICES LTD. Jenny Vigier 459-6500 459-6517/ 459-6518 P.O. Box 512, Vieux-Fort Jenny.vigier@aa.com
LIAT (1964) LTD.
Josse Mesmin 457-4261/ 457-4260/452-3051 453-6563 P.O. Box 416, Castries mesminj@liat.com www.liat.com
ST LUCIA AIRLINE OPERATORS COMMITTEE Kennedy O Rene 452-7211 458-1727 P.O Box 416, Castries krene@parcelsexpresslc.com
THE TRAVEL BOUTIQUE
Cleopatra Judy Mason 451-6364 452-4979 Castries travel.boutique@candw.lc www.the-travel-boutique.com
DUTY FREE GIFT SHOPS
DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL Yaniv Gliksman 457-4200 452-5888 P.O. Box 88, Castries ygliksman@shopdi.com www.shopdi.com
DUTY FREE CARIBBEAN HOLDINGS Emma Degazon-Adley 453-2629/ 459-0060 453-7729 P.O. Box 1487, Pointe Seraphine, Castries emma.degazon@dfch.com www.dutyfreecaribbean.com
EUDOVIC ART STUDIO Joseph Eudovic 452-2747 459-0124 P.O. Box 620, Castries seuduplessis@gmail.com don.e@hotmail.co.uk
HARRY EDWARD JEWELERS
Thomas Ladner 458-6000 452-7587 P.O. Box 1889, Pointe Seraphine, Castries hejl@candw.lc www.harryedwardsjewelers.com
HEBAH LTD.
Zai Mohammed 452-6666/ 453-6666 452-9421 P.O. Box BW 300, Baywalk Mall Gros-Islet info@baywalkslu.com www.baywalkslu.com
DREAMY WEDDINGS & TOURS INC.
SEA ISLAND COTTON SHOP
Natalie John 1-869-466-9418 1-869-466-4205 P.O. Box GM 672, Castries customerservice@dreamyweddings.com www.dreamyweddings.com
Brendan McShane 452-3674 453-7751 P.O. Box 37, Castries Gros-Islet seaisland@candw.lc www.seaislandcottonshop.com LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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CRUISE HANDLERS
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CARNIVAL SAILING LIMITED Peter Bryne 452-5586/ 722-7193 458-2369 Castries carnival@candw.lc carnivalsailing.com
DUBOULAY HOLDINGS LTD. Joan Devaux 715-1266 453-2068 P.O. Box 1020, Castries jdevaux@candw.lc www.diamondstlucia.com
ISLAND ROUTES- CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE TOURS
Nicola Cozier P.O. Box GM 910, Sandals Halcyon, Castries ncozier@islandroutes.com
LEISURE INN
Andrea Faucher 459-5616 459-5309 P.O. Box 289, New Development, Soufriere info@leisurestlucia.com www.leisurestlucia.com
PALM SERVICES LTD.
Bryan Devaux 458-0908 452-8163 P.O. Box RB 2581, Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet palmservices.reservations@gmail.com www.adventuretoursstlucia.com
AANANSI ATV TOURS
Kareem Hinkson 716-3735/485-4590 P.O. Box 2002C, General Post Office, Castries Fond Assau, Babonneau kareem@aanansiatv.com www.aanansiatv.com
RAIN FOREST SKY RIDES/ADVENTURES SAINT LUCIA Daryl Raymond 458-5153/458-5151 458-5150 P.O. Box 6066, Castries Gros-Islet rainforestskyrides@gmail.com www.rainforestadventure.com
SAINT LUCIA HELICOPTERS LTD. Mervin Robert 453-6950 452-1553 P.O. Box GM 945, Castries reservations@stluciahelicopters.com www.stluciahelicopters.com
SEA SPRAY CRUISES
Corey Devaux 458-0123/ 452-8644 452-0916 P.O. Box RB 2587, Gros-Islet info@seaspraycruises.com www.seaspraycruises.com
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SOUFRIERE HOTWIRE RIDES INC Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park Josh Defreitas 459-7340 P.O. Box 308, Soufriere info@stluciaziplining.com www.stluciaziplining.com
CHI SHUTTLES
Nesa Constantine 723-3314 P.O. Box MA 08 Gros-Islet chishuttles@gmail.com
T.E. TOURING SERVICES INC. Trevor Naitram 453-5223 458-2721 P.O. Box 4045, Bocage, Castries guestrelations@tetouring.com
ISLAND ROUTES
Nicole Cozier P.O. Box GM 910, Sandals Halcyon, Castries ncozier@islandroutes.com
FINEST TOURING LTD Kervin Mitchell 451-2136 chevy888@gmail.com
TET PAUL NATURE TRAIL
Maureen Fontenelle 457-1122 62 Church St Soufriere maureenfontenelle@yahoo.co.uk www.tetpaulnaturetrail.com
SOUTHERN TAXI ASSOCIATION Kenneth Phillip Micoud P.O kenphilip@hotmail.com www.southerntaxi.com
COURTESY TAXI AND TOUR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD Linus St Clair 452-1733 453-7175 P.O. Box GM599 lstclair9@msn.com
GRANDE ANSE SEA TURTLE AND NATURE DEFENDERS Trevor Naitram Babonneau Post Office tnaitram@hotmail.com
AUTOMOBILE RENTALS
24 HOURS CAR RENTAL
Sandra Monrose 452-1330 450-1632 P.O. Box CP 5694, Castries 24hourscarrental@gmail.com www.bestratescarrental.com
COOL BREEZE CAR RENTAL
Andrea Faucher 459-7729 459-5309 P.O. Box 289, New Development, Soufriere afaucher@candw.lc www.coolbreezecarrentals.com
COURTESY CAR RENTALS LTD. Marie Ambrose 452-8140 P.O. Box 2144, Massade, Gros-Islet info@courtesycarrentals.com www.courtesycarrentals.com
DRIVE A MATIC
Sianna Charles 452-0544 452-0630 P.O. Box GW 673, Gablewoods Mall Gros-Islet sianna@carhire.tv www.drivestlucia.com
BUDGET RENT A CAR
Ursula Lubrun 452-9887 452-8160 P.O. Box GR 5129 Grande Riviere Post Office budgetcars@candw.lc www.budgetslu.com
TAXI SERVICE PROVIDERS
THE GROS ISLET TAXI OWNERS COMPANY LTD Matthew Albertie 456-9546 P.O. Box 2154 Gros Islet requestwindjammertaxi@gmail.com www.windjammertaxis.com
SEE ST LUCIA TOPLESS MINI COOPER ROADTRIP/ BUCKET LIST LTD.
TRIM AIR CHARTER SERVICES
COSOL TOURS
HOLIDAY TAXI LTD
Andre Dhanpaul P.O. Box BW492 Gros Islet LC01 601 adhanpaul71@gmail.com www.minicooperroadtrip.com
Cera Eudovic 450-6848 Babonneau Post Office cosol966@hotmail.com
HIBISCUS TOURS ST LUCIA Daniel Nunez Rodney Bay Gros Islet BW 456 hibiscustours.stlucia@gmail.com
Nelista Young 451-2359/ 285-0272 450-8428 P.O. Box RB 2486, Gros-Islet info@affinitychauffeur.com www.affinitychauffeur.com
Lucien Joseph 452-6067 452-6093 1651 Castries accounts@holidaytaxislu.com
EVERGREEN PASSENGER TRANSPORT LTD Owen Augier 451-5265/451-1977 453-5720 oaugier@yahoo.com
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ctory MARINE YACHTING COMPANIES
IGY RODNEY BAY MARINA Sean Devaux 572-7200 452-0185 P.O. Box 1538, CastriesGros-Islet rbm@igymarinas.com www.igymarinas.com
REGIS ELECTRONICS LTD Jon White 452-0205 stlucia@regiselectronics.com
BOAT CHARTERS
CATS (1995) LTD.
Micheal Green 450-8651 452-0659 P.O. Box 1797, Castries Gros-Islet catsltd@candw.lc www.stluciaboattours.com
JUS’ SAIL
James Crockett 458-0069 / 287-1071 P.O. Box RB 2472, Rodney Bay Gros-Islet james@jussail.com jussail.com
THE PEARL
John Allamby 450-2744 P.O. Box 2011 Gros Islet Rodney Bay info@thepearlstlucia.com http://the-pearl.webflow.io/
UTILITY COMPANIES
STATUTORY CORPORATIONS
INVEST SAINT LUCIA Jeremiah Edward 457-3400 452-1841 P.O. Box 495, Castries info@investstlucia.com www.investstlucia.com
COMMERCIAL BANKS
1ST NATIONAL BANK SAINT LUCIA LTD.
Jonathan Johannes 455-7000 453-1630 P.O. Box 168, 21 Bridge Street, Castries manager@1stnationalbankslu.com www.1stnationalbankonline.com
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AUTHORITY OF SAINT LUCIA
BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
Margot Thomas 452-1654 453-1405 P.O. Box 3060, La Clery, Castries mariette900@yahoo.com
Elie Bendaly 456-2100 458-2856/ 456-2130 P.O. Box 301, #6 William Peter Boulevard, Castries bns.stlucia@scotiabank.com www.bankofsaintlucia.com
SAINT LUCIA AIR & SEAPORTS AUTHORITY
BANK OF SAINT LUCIA
Ag Daren Cenac 457-6100 457-6190 P.O. Box 651, Castries info@slaspa.com www.slaspa.com
Derry Williams 456-6000 456-6702 P.O. Box 1860, Bridge Street, Castries info@bankofsaintlucia.com www.bankofsaintlucia.com
SAINT LUCIA NATIONAL TRUST
FIRST CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK
Bishnu Tulsie 452-5005/ 453-1495 453-2791 P.O. Box 595, Castries natrust@slunatrust.org www.slunatrust.org
SOUFRIERE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION Lester Cazuabon 459-7200 459-7999 P.O. Box 272, Soufriere soufrierefoundation@gmail.com www.soufrierefoundation.org
EXCHANGE MEMBERS
Ladesa James-Williams 456-1000 452-6860 P.O. Box 335, Bridge Street, Castries ladesa.james-williams@cibcfcib.com www.cibcfcib.com
SAINT LUCIA DEVELOPMENT BANK Dorn Lafeuillee-Simon 4567532 4533839 P.O. Box CP5900, Castries Dorn.lafeuilee@sldb.lc www.sldb.lc
EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS
DIGICEL (SAINT LUCIA) LTD.
Siobhan James-Alexander 728-3400 450-3872 P.O. Box GM 791, Castries Gros-Islet siobhan.james-alexander@digicelgroup.com www.digicelstlucia.com
LIME
Chris Williams 453-9000 453-9700 P.O. Box 111, Castries customerrelations@lime.com www.lime.com
SAINT LUCIA ELECTRICITY SERVICES LTD. Trevor Louisy 457-4400 452-1171 P.O. Box 230, Castries lucelec@candw.lc www.lucelec.com
WATER & SEWERAGE COMPANY INC.
SAINT LUCIA ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY (SLAPS)
DIVISION OF HOSPITALITY STUDIES (SALCC)
SAINT LUCIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MONROE COLLEGE
Pamela M. Devaux 457-5277 P.O. Box GM 788, Castries, Gros-Islet stluciaanimals@gmail.com
Brian Louisy 452-3165 / 453-1540 453-6907 P.O. Box 482, Castries info@stluciachamber.org www.stluciachamber.org
SAINT LUCIA TOURISM AUTHORITY Agnes Francis 452-4094 453-1121 P.O. Box 221, Castries, St. Lucia, LC07-301 information@stlucia.org www.stlucia.org
Tanya Warner 457-7318 Morne Fortune, Castries kharris@apps.salcc.edu.lc www.salcc.edu
Gus Small 456-3200 458-2117 P.O. Box Cp 5419, Castries asmall@monroecollege.edu www.monroecollege.edu
SPRINGBOARD CARIBBEAN
Anne Marie Quail 450-0198 Head Cornerstone Building, Gros-Islet Castries springboardstlucia@gmail.com springboardcaribbean.com
Edmund Regis 457-3900 / 457-3903 452-6844 P.O. Box 1481, Castries edmundregis@wascosaintlucia.com
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ANGELS OF THE WEST INDIES Regina Posvar 486-4509 P.O. Box BW 314 Gros-Islet reggiregg@gmail.com www.angelsofthewestindies.com
CARIBBEAN HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM TRAINING INSTITUTE (CHTTI) Dave Charles 384-1118 General Post Office cometostlucia@gmail.com
CELESTIAL SELF DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Thecla Deterville 453-1924/484-9756 453-0244 P.O. Box 835 Castries Saint Lucia tdeterville@hotmail.com
THE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT NETWORK LTD.
Lindell St. Aimee 717-4959 BW 387, Rodney Bay, Gros IsletGros Islet nazeez@hdnconsult.com
BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS ACCELA MARKETING
Agnes Francis 452-6299 452-7571 P.O. Box 1058, Castries info@accelamarketing.com; afrancis@ accelamarketing.com www.accelamarketing.com
CGM GALLAGHER INSURANCE BROKERS Scott Stollmeyer 450-2410/ 458-5750 450-3250 P.O. Box CP 5352Castries scott_stollmeyer@ajg.com www.cgmgallagher.com
EASTERN CARIBBEAN COLLECTIVE ORGANIZATION FOR MUSIC RIGHTS
Vanesta Mortley 451-6436/451-6809 451-6437 P.O. Box CP 5380, Castries- LC04-301, St. LuciaCastries vmortley@eccorights.com www.eccorights.org
GRANT THORNTON
Anthony Atkinson 456-2600 452-1061 P.O. Box 195, Castries grantthornton@candw.lc www.grantthornton.com
HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES Daniel M. Belizaire 450-0307 P.O. Box 2210, Gros-Islet beli_d@hotmail.com
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PKF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Richard Surage 450-7777 451-3079 P.O. Box Choc 8245, Castries info@pkf.lc www.pkf.com
REGIONAL BUSINESS SYSTEMS INC.
Sharon Christie 1-246-426-1510 1-246-429-9665 P.O. Box 1231, Bridgetown, Barbados sachristie@kensingtoncourt.com www. RegionalBusinessSystems.com
CONVERGE SOLUTIONS INC
Terrence Elliott 452-8760 458-0109 P.O. Box 6123 terrence.elliott@convergesolve.com www.convergesolve.com
STR (SMITH TRAVEL RESEARCH INC.
Britany Baldwin 1-615-824-8664 1-615-338-3536 735 E Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075 brittany@str.com www.str.com
HR WISE INC
Goretti Paul 458-4001 P.O. Box BW450, Rodney Bay, Gros Islet goretti.paul@hrwiseinc.com
STERLING INSURANCE SERVICES ST LUCIA LIMITED Veronica & Keith Smith 452-5558 P.O. Box Gm 699, Castries diane@stluciainsurancebroker.com
PRINTING, PUBLISHING AND MEDIA COMPANIES
ST. LUCIA YELLOW PAGES
Vanetta Charlemagne 452-3188 452-3181 P.O. Box GM 656, Castries vcharlemagne@globaldirectories.com www.stluciayp.com
MEDIAZONE PRODUCTIONS INC Wayne Whitfield 452-7347/456-0306 P.O. Box GM745, Castries wayne@mediazonestlucia.com
J.E. BERGASSE & COMPANY LTD. Anthony Bergasse 456-6500 456-6508 P.O. Box 102, Castries info@jebergasse.com www.jebergasse.com
ADVERTISING & MARKETING SERVICES LTD.
Lokesh Singh 453-1149 453-1290 P.O. Box 2003, Gros-Islet, Castries lokesh@amsstlucia.com www.stlucia.focus.com
KIRK ELLIOTT LIMITED Kirk Elliott 450-2295/ 518-5800 P.O. Box 672, Castries kirk@kirkelliott.com kirk@kirkelliott.com
SACRED SPORTS FOUNDATION
Nova Alexander 450-0673 P.O. Box GI 2162, Gros Islet LC01101 nova@sacredsportsinc.com http://www.sacredsportsinc.com
DELIA DOLOR MEDIA PRODUCTIONS Delia Dolor 485-3060 P.O. Box RB2727 delia@deliadolor.com deliadolor.com
DAHER BROADCASTING SERVICE (DBS Television) Linda Daher 453-2705 452-3544 P.O. Box 1623 Castries daherl@candw.lc www.dbstvstlucia.com
TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES
ISLAND TEK
Gidden Augustin 485-7444 P.O. Box GR 5211 Grande Riviere info@islandtekinc.com www.islandtekinc.com
SECURITY COMPANIES G4S SECURE SOLUTIONS (SAINT LUCIA) LTD. Walston Joseph 450-7233 450-1700 P.O. Box CP 6098, Castries walston.joseph@lc.g4s.com www.g4s.com
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ctory SPORTING COMPANIES
SANDALS SAINT LUCIA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Simone Skinner 450-9324 450-9069 P.O. Box RB 2588, Cap Estate, Castries info@stluciagolf.com
ST. LUCIA DIVERS ASSCOIATION Donovan Brown 488-0482 P.O. Box RB 2607, Rodney Bay Gros-Islet dnewtonb@yahoo.com
BIG JETSKIIS LTD
Royron Adams 487-0882 radams@bigdjetskiis.com
GENERAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
BEACHCOMBER LTD.
David Devaux 452-5241 452-7448 P.O. Box 930, Vide Boutielle, Castries admin@beachcomberltd.com www.beachcomberltd.com
FDL PEST CONTROL SOLUTIONS Christopher Lubin 453-1056 458-1068 P.O. Box GM 898, Castries fdlpcs@candw.lc www.fdlpes@candw.lc
LUBECO (1991) LTD.
Geoffrey Allain 454-6026 454-9463 P.O. Box VF 552, Gablewoods South Vieux-Fort lubeco@candw.lc www.lubecoslu.com
SAINT LUCIA LINEN SERVICES LTD.
Nicholas Barnard 450-1365/ 450-2924 450-2314 P.O. Box 2135, Gros-Islet Castries admin@stlucialinen.com
SOL EC LTD.
Lawrence McNaughton 457-4355 452-7555 P.O. Box 140, Castries lawrence.mcnaughton@solpetroleum.com www.solpetroleum.com
TREASURE BAY CASINO
Len Diptee 459-2901 459-2915 P.O. Box RB 2745, Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet ldiptee@treasurebay.com www.treasurebaystlucia.com
ASPIRE SOLUTIONS LTD.
Christos Poravas 457-8523 P.O. Box 2714, Castries Gros-Islet christos@aspiresolutionsltd.com aspiresolutionsltd.com
TOLYN MANUFACTURERS LTD Mark Charles 454-6468/454-6168 454-6280 P.O. Box 293, Vieux-Fort tolynmfg@yahoo.com www.tolynltd.com
EXPLORER PROMOTIONS Perry Longville 727-7799 perrylongville@gmail.com
VELS MULTI SERVICES LTD Patrick Velinor 453-3302 velsdiesel@hotmail.com
EZONE ( E Couriers Ltd)
Corey Devaux 451-3004 452-0916 P.O. Box RB2587, Gros-Islet corey.devaux@getezone.com www.getezone.com
Robert Vaughn Jaganath Babonneau Post Office Fond Assau robertjaganath@gmail.com
BLACK SHIELD SECURITY SURVEILLANCE & PRIVATE INVESTIGATION LTD.
Magloire Charles 455-9989 Pierrot Post Office Aupicon Vieux Fort blackshieldslu@gmail.com
RODNEY BAY MEDICAL CENTRE
Farida Bousquet 452-8621 452-0785 P.O. Box RB2305, Rodney Bay manager@rodneybaymedicalcentre.com
BODY & BEYOND - ST. LUCIA
Michael Vincent 452-0451 P.O. Box 2713 Rodney Bay Post Office, Rodney Heights, Gros Islet mnv1227@gmail.com
B & B QUICK PRINTERS LTD Bernadette Eliodore 450-6727 P.O. Box CP6247 Castries sv_elliodore@yahoo.com
DD AUTO IMPORTS Donald Dorius 484-6244 P.O. Box 8145, Gros Islet ddorius@candw.lc
BUMPER PLUS INT’L LTD Francine Rivoire 450-3078 P.O. Box 8181 Gros Islet francine000@hotmail.com
GREEN GRASS LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE SERVICES Malcolm Jn Baptiste Grande Riviere P.O. Gros Islet malcolmjnbaptiste@gmail.com
SIGMATEX INC
EXCHANGE AND HONORARY MEMBERS
BOO HINKSON
EDWARD JOSEPH
KINGSLEY POWLETTE
NINA COMPTON-MILLER THERESA HALL
VERONICA SHINGLETON-SMITH
Marcia Rodriguez 212-593-0606-*108 212-888-3859 551 5th Avenue, SK 1110, New York, NY-10176 New York mbhandari@sigmatexlanier.com www.sigmatexlanier.com
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS Rozel Kendra Creese 285-9890 Water Front Castries kozelcreeze@gmail.com
BORNEWELL HOLDINGS INC. Nadine St. Rose 713-9191 P.O. Box GM-643, Castries nerdin@bornewell.com www.bornewell.com
H&L ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD
Millines Herman 384-7868 Box QSR 60, Bois D’Orange, Gros Islet info@hnles.com
LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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index
ADVERTISER A Antillia Brewing Company___________________ 95 B Bay Gardens Resorts_____________________ 43, 94 C
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The Naked Fisherman Restaurant
Harry Edwards Jewelers_______________ Back Cover,
at Cap Maison Resort ______________________ 81
Inside Front Cover, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa______________ 63 Colombian Emeralds International______________ 25
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Cox & Company Ltd._______________________ 94
Jade Mountain at Anse Chastanet _______________ 41
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Diamonds International______________ 9, 11, 13, 15, 19
Orlando’s Restaurant & Bar ____________________ 95
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East Winds Resort_________________________ 23
Porthole Cruise Magazine ____________________ 83
Effy Jewelry___________________________ 20, 21 S F
Sandals Resorts_________________________ 32, 33
Forevermark at Diamonds International____________ 17
St. Lucia Distillers Group of Companies___________ 61
Fond Doux Plantation & Resort_________________ 81
Saint Lucia Tourist Board __________ Inside Back Cover
Sea Adventures Tour operated by Cox & Company +1 (758) 453-4362 coxcoltd.com/sea-adventures/ Participate in two unique underwater experiences. SNUBA® is the ultimate happy-medium for those wanting to go beyond snorkeling without the training and concerns associated with a deep dive. Now, imagine walking in zero gravity while surrounded by incredible aquatic life ….. That’s Sea Trek!
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SAINT LUCIA’S AWARD WINNING CRAFT BREWERY
ASK YOUR SERVER FOR ANTILLIA Visit our beer garden and retail store at Pointe Seraphine to sample our full lineup. From our refreshing Passion Fruit Ale to our complex Imperial Chocolate Stout and balanced IPA’s. Cheers!
758-459-0844 • ANTILLIA BREWING CO., CASTRIES
Dine, chill out and unwind
with a tranquil view of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea … and by mentioning La Belle Hélène magazine, you can enjoy a complimentary Chef O spice ginger rum punch with your experience at Orlando’s Restaurant.
Indulge and experience a unique Soufrière oasis in Orlando’s Restaurant and Bar, voted as one of the Top 50 Restaurants on the island of Saint Lucia by Caribbean Journal, with Chef Orlando recently recognized by the editor of Recommend magazine as “the godfather of Caribbean fine dining.”
Bridge Street, Soufriere | 758.459.5955 | www.orlandosrestaurantstl.com
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SAINT LUCIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
JUST FOUR MILES FROM CASTRIES – AND VIRTUALLY NEXT DOOR TO SAINT LUCIAN NATIONAL MARINE RESERVE – LIES MARIGOT BAY. Local sailors know this hidden harbor as a “hurricane hole,” thanks to steep, forested slopes that protect it from the weather. But the sparkling waters and lush vegetation moved American author James A. Michener to call Marigot, “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean.”
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amazed ISLAND
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Saint Lucia is the perfect blend of powerful landscapes and magnificent verdant rainforests, with spectacular coastal beauty presenting a Caribbean island with a burst of natural splendour at every turn. With its gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, miles of unspoiled rainforest, waterfalls, majestic mountains, refreshing breath-taking vistas and warm inviting people, Saint Lucia offers a wealth of awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are sure to impress the most seasoned traveller. Whether you are looking to relax in the sun or find an adventure filled with excitement and intrigue it’s hard to imagine a more feel-good destination. Visit our website at stlucia.org and Let Saint Lucia Inspire your next vacation.
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