La Belle Hélène THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAINT LUCIA HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION
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AVA IL A BL E AT:
Pointe Seraphine • St. Lucia Tel.: 1 758 458 6000
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C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S
M Y L A G O S M Y W AY
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M Y L A G O S M Y W AY
C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S
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CONTENTS in every issue
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10 WELCOME TO SAINT LUCIA
24 BEST-KEPT SECRETS
Five of the island’s greatest surprises
28 HOT & COOL
The best of Saint Lucia’s duty-free shopping 32 2020 EVENT CALENDAR
84 ISLAND INVOLVED
86 MEMBER DIRECTORY
Where to stay, where to eat, what to do, what to buy
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96 ISLAND AMAZED
The land, the people, the light
features 34 SAINT LUCIA WEDDINGS
Visual inspiration for your special ceremony
40 HIKING TO HEAVEN
An unforgettable view of the incomparable Pitons is just one of the divine highlights of the Tet Paul Trail.
By Mark Stevens
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FINDLAY/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; AWESOME CARIBBEAN WEDDINGS; ST LUCIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
How the Tourism Enhancement Fund and the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund are building a better tomorrow
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CONTENTS 64 50 SAY SPA-AH!
As wellness travel soars, Saint Lucia becomes a top destination for rejuvenating and restorative experiences.
By Diane Bair and Pamela Wright
58 BEYOND THE BEACH READ
This little island has produced more than its fair share of literary giants.
By Kirstin Fawcett
64 LIQUEUR OF LOVE
Investigate the racy reputation of bois bandé, the “potent wood” that features in flavorful cocktails, but comes from the world of traditional healing.
By Stephen Grasso
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70 SWEET SAINT LUCIA SOUNDS Discovering the island’s own music By Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
76 FARM TO FORK – FANTASTIC!
Saint Lucia sets a seductive scene for foodies with exquisite produce, organic farms, sustainable fishing and gastronomic provenance with a low carbon footprint.
By Sarah Woods
La Belle Hélène can be read online at LaBelleHelene.com
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COCONUT BAY RESORT & SPA; IMAGE PROFESSIONALS GMBH/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; ROBERTHARDING/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; GREENWOOD TERRACE BY BAREFOOT HOLIDAYS
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Pointe Seraphine Castries/ La Place Carenage Castries/ Windjammer/ Beach resort Tel: 1 758 4574200/ 1 758 4574208/ 4209/ 4211
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12/24/19 9:54 AM
welcome
From Saint Lucia Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet
Dear Visitor, By now you have looked out at the sunset, dipped your toes into the ocean and met some great Saint Lucian people and know that you have made the right choice in selecting our inspirational destination. Whether you are with us for business or pleasure, let me welcome you to Saint Lucia, our land of many wonders. 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 with concerts and activities all year round. It’s the land of the unique Dennery Segment sound that gets your body parts moving in ways you never imagined, it’s the land of the beautiful Pitons and, of course, it is the land that has borne two Nobel laureates in the field of Economics and Literature. We never rest as a country on the fact that we have an amazing destination and we are always looking to improve on the visitor experience. We have recently introduced the romantic underwater wedding experience, cementing our reputation as the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination. Among other new offerings of our destination is our country’s brand new race track, located in the southern town of Vieux Fort. During the year, we will be hosting several international races at the track and we invite you to stay tuned to our tourism authority for regular information. In the meantime, on your 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 nothing but your footprints in the sand. Make the most of your stay and take the inspiration of your visit to Saint Lucia with you wherever you go. #letherinspireyou
Hon. Allen M. Chastanet Prime Minister Saint Lucia
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LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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La Place, Carenage, Castries 1-758-457-4211 Pointe Seraphine, Castries 1-758-457-4208/4209 Windjammer Landings Resort 1-758-457-4216
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12/24/19 9:54 AM
welcome
From Minister for Tourism, Information, Broadcasting, Culture and Creative Industries Hon. Dominic Fedee
Dear Visitor, Byen vini an Sent Lisi! Welcome to Saint Lucia! Often referred to as the Helen of the West Indies, Saint Lucia’s beauty is undeniable and appeals to you at every turn. From inviting beaches, breathtaking mountain views, to the lush vegetation sprawled along the coastlines — where the fresh, cool breeze is sure to begin your rejuvenation. Deepening that soothing experience is the worldrenowned Sulphur Springs Park. Visitors like you from all over the world come to immerse themselves in the therapeutic black-water pool baths, numerous hot springs, bubbling mud pools and fumaroles. This year, we commissioned three additional pools to accommodate the influx of visitors. You can also learn about the world’s only drive-in volcano in a guided tour through the park. While Saint Lucia is widely known as “the romance destination,” we have successfully ensured diversity in the visitor experience by developing niches in adventure and heritage. At the moment, we are refining plans for a “Village Tourism” concept in select communities across the island. This will allow visitors to have intimate insight into what being Lucian is all about. And on that note, nothing can be more Lucian than our Gros Islet Friday Night. This decades-old street party is a melting pot of locals and visitors enjoying the best Creole foods, drinks and pulsating music. Saint Lucia truly has something for everyone and the word is spreading. We are continuing to welcome record visitor arrivals year round — and to facilitate this growth, we are expanding and improving our infrastructure. Work will soon begin on a new Hewanorra International Airport, and a cruise homeport is coming to the south of the island along with several development projects. This is an exciting time for Saint Lucia and we are happy to have you along for the journey. As you begin to enjoy your stay with us, give in, and let Saint Lucia inspire you. Warm wishes,
Hon. Dominic Fedee Minister for Tourism, Information, Broadcasting, Culture and Creative Industries.
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LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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welcome
From Saint Lucia Hospitality 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 Saint Lucia Hospitality 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
From Saint Lucia Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer Beverly Nicholson Doty
Dear Valued Reader, The pleasure is mine to welcome you to the warm and friendly shores of sunny Saint Lucia, one of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. We have the distinction of being nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago which makes getting to Saint Lucia easy, as the island is serviced by many international carriers. Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a tropical rainforest and one of the world’s few drive-in volcanoes. Caribbean islands are set apart from the rest of the world via their commitment to unadulterated joy. What sets Saint Lucia apart from the rest of the islands is the variety of ways we celebrate our heritage and traditions. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Summer Festival. For 2019, we are proud to make our entry into the horse racing industry as the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club celebrates luxury lifestyle and racing events. Dubbed the “Richest Racecourse of the Caribbean,” a prize purse of US$150K went up for grabs on December 13, Saint Lucia’s National Day. There’s no end of things to do on Saint Lucia as you sample the very best in Asian, French, EuroCaribbean and Western fusion cuisine, or choose to indulge your palate with a variety of indigenous flavors. Dine on local delicacies on Fridays at Anse La Raye Fish Fry or Gros Islet Street Party and on Saturdays at the Dennery Fish Fiesta — and while you’re at it, soak into the island’s organic music genre, kuduro (Dennery segment) which has been embraced by North America, Europe and the Caribbean. Whether you find your thrills by land, by sea or by air, Saint Lucia offers a variety of ways to soar. So hop aboard an ATV, climb onto the back of one of our island horses, hang ten on one of our southern breaks or fly above everything on a zip line. Saint Lucia is made for adventure — all you have to do is decide where to begin. Scattered across the length and breadth of the island, Saint Lucia’s wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star hotels, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties. Fishing, windsurfing, yachting, scuba diving, snuba, snorkeling or simply floating atop some of the clearest water in the world, Saint Lucia is home to endless water-based activities and boasts world-class cruise and yachting facilities. Romance, weddings and honeymoons continues to be our strongest market. Saint Lucia is an island where the greatest love stories unfold, and the island is continually recognized as one of the leading wedding and honeymoon destinations worldwide. As an award-winning destination, Saint Lucia prides itself on the power of the experiences it offers. So, immerse yourself in our world-class accommodations; delectable cuisine; renowned music festivals; the world’s only drive-through volcano; warm, friendly people; jaw-dropping vistas and an atmosphere that is both relaxing and rewarding. No wonder we say: Let Her Inspire You. Sincerely, Beverly Nicholson Doty
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LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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welcome
From Tourism Enhancement Fund Chair Winston Anderson
Dear Visitor, It gives me great pleasure as chair of the Tourism Enhancement Fund to thank you for your expressed interest in Saint Lucia and in our tourism-themed enhancement projects. The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) is a private non-profit membership organization that functions as the “official organization and national spokesperson” for the hospitality industry and its wide membership. As the principal tourism privatesector agency in Saint Lucia, the SLHTA is responsible for facilitating tourism-sector development and management on-island. The SLHTA is particularly proud of its launch on October 1, 2013, of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to encourage the organization’s greater involvement in the sustainable development of Saint Lucia. Through this fund, resort guests and island visitors (including short layover guests) are asked to participate in this exciting initiative and donate US$2 for each night of their stay at resorts here in Saint Lucia. Donations go entirely towards the Tourism Enhancement Fund. By collecting this small voluntary fee from our visitors, the SLHTA will be able to finance and implement many product development initiatives. These will run the gamut from beautification to infrastructural and educational projects, each designed to enhance the guest experience on-island. There will also be a strong focus on hands-on training initiatives for our young people to better equip them for employment in the tourism and hospitality sector. These programs are critical in order to position Saint Lucia as a “must-see” destination, given the level of competition worldwide in this, the fastest growing industry on the planet. The government of Saint Lucia has welcomed this private sector initiative in light of the many challenges we face as a small economy in an ever-changing macro-environment. Together, we recognize the importance of tourism to the livelihood of Saint Lucia’s future generations, and we are committed to ensuring its sustainable development. On behalf of the SLHTA and its members, and in anticipation of your support, we thank you for your contribution as we continue to make Saint Lucia an outstanding destination for visitors and islanders alike. Sincerely, Winston Anderson
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LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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La Belle Hélène
CONTRIBUTORS
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SAINT LUCIA HOSPITALITY & TOURISM ASSOCIATION
Diane Bair and Pamela Wright are a
well-known travel writing team and authors of more than 30 guidebooks. Their work has appeared in a variety
Bill Panoff Publisher
Linda Douthat
Grant Balfour, Phillip Crandall
Chanel Samson
of publications including USA Today,
Laura Roche
Porthole Cruise Magazine, Yankee, National
Geographic Traveler and the Boston Globe. They have traveled extensively,
Diane and Pamela
but their favorite vacation spot is home. Diane lives with her husband on Cape Cod, and Pam lives with her husband on the seacoast of New Hampshire.
Tammy Robinson
Alexandria Geubelle
Senior Art Director Ad Services Director Creative Assistant
Diane Bair, Rosalind Cummings-Yeates, Contributing Writers
Kirstin Fawcett, Stephen Grasso,
Mark Stevens, Sarah Woods,
Pamela Wright
Debra Bottcher Proofreader
Alamy, Getty Images
Rosalind Cummings-Yeates specializes
Soufriere Square by Bernd Rac
in writing cultural travel stories that reflect
Contributing Photographers About the Cover
a destination’s history and traditions. Her work has appeared in Hemispheres, Miami
Copy Editor
Skip Anderson, Caroline Geertz Art Directors
Associate Publisher/Creative Director Managing Editors
Rosalind
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS:
Herald, Brides and Go magazine, among
PPI Group
others. She’s the author of Exploring
6261 NW 6th Way, Suite 100
Chicago Blues: Inside the Scene, Past
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 USA
and Present (History Press). Follow her on
Phone: (954) 377-7777 • Fax: (954) 377-7000
Twitter and Instagram @farsightedgirl.
Email: bpanoff@ppigroup.com • Website: www.ppigroup.com For advertising information, contact sales@ppigroup.com
Kirstin Fawcett lives in the Washington,
D.C. area. An avid traveler, she’s visited four continents and 17 countries — including England, which she once
Kirstin
sailed to on the Queen Elizabeth 2. High
Sharon Cherry
Vice President,
Marketing and Business Development
Brett Grady
Director of Sales and Digital Marketing
Richard Collins
Regional Sales Manager
tea has never been the same since. Stephen Grasso is a freelance writer and world traveler currently based in
Bill Panoff
Hialeah, Florida, previously from London,
William P. Jordan III
UK, and originally from Newcastle. He writes about music, film and culture, and is working on his first novel.
Stephen
Though based in Canada, travel writer
Jose I. Martin
Chief Financial Officer
Linda Douthat
Senior Vice President,
Publishing
Piero Vitale Senior Vice President, Corporate
Sharon Cherry
Caribbean, traveling there on assignment
several times a year. He works with
photographer and wife, Sharon MatthewsStevens. Together they have garnered
Strategy & Financial Planning Vice President, Brand Sales and Development
Christina Hunting Vice President, Digital Marketing
Soren Domlesky
Patti Lankford
numerous travel journalism awards. Triple-award-winning travel writer and
President
Audrey Balbiers-Panoff Chief Operating Officer
Mark Stevens has a great love for the
CEO/Chairman
Director of Technology Executive Assistant to the CEO
Please address all correspondence to La Belle Hélène c/o PPI Group Corporate Headquarters.
Mark
Printed in Canada.
author Sarah Woods divides her time between the UK, Spain and Central America. Her latest book: 101 Romantic European Weekends allowed her to journey to some of the finest fairytale castles on the planet. Woods is a contributor to the Sunday Times, Traveller magazine and C4 and is currently working on a documentary about cruising the Panama Canal.
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Sarah
©2019 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 Hospitality 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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Secrets BEST-KEPT
Four of the island’s biggest surprises
Girl Power Model and entrepreneur Mala Bryan is inspiring island pride in a new generation of little girls with a line of high-fashion dolls designed with representation in mind. Malaville dolls have a wide range of hair colors and skin tones (even including Alexa, a beauty with albinism), each with a special backstory — one is a photographer, another a magazine editor and so on — and each with a unique set of clothing designed by Bryan herself, who also has her own fashion line for real women as well. As for the name, Bryan explains: “Malaville is the creative space in my mind.”
MALA BRYAN (2)
Mala Bryan is inspiring island pride in a new generation of little girls.
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LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
12/23/19 12:35 PM
FINDLAY/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; ROCK MAISON (2); ST LUCIA DISTILLERS
Top Notch The most photogenic feature of Saint Lucia from a distance has to be the twin peaks of the Pitons. But on the northern end of the island, overlooking the waters of Rodney Bay, stands the more approachable Mount Pimard. Hiking to the summit is a shorter trip (only about an hour to the summit), but the views are equally memorable and guides are happy to share insights into the flowers, birds, trees and history of the area – as well as offering a little encouragement up the few steep sections.
SPLENDID TABLE When planning the ultimate romantic evening, words
Spirit Education
that come to mind might include: solitude, sunset, candles, elegance, adventure. Cap Maison checks
Saint Lucia’s gourmet mindset
everything off that list with an evening they call “Rock
extends into the distiller’s art,
Maison & Champagne Zip Line.” It starts as you’re led
and the best introduction to
to a table for two on a rock jutting into the sea, lit by tiki torches and
the complexities of rum culture
candle lanterns. The sharing menu includes dishes like caramelized
is by touring an internationally
seafood salad and a soufflé served with chocolate-covered fruit. And
renowned production facility. (Even
the drinks? They arrive from above via Champagne Zip Line, of course!
for a seasoned professional, the chance to sample at least 16 local blends has a charm of its own.) The Saint Lucia Distillers offers a Rhythm of Rum tour, revealing how sugarcane is transformed into premium spirits like 1931, Admiral Rodney, Chairman’s Reserve, as well as drinks like Ti Tasse, Javalatte, and Kwéyòl Spice. And if you like what you taste, there’s the opportunity to take home a bottle or two at factory prices.
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cool HOT &
HERE, KITTY
The panther — sleek, predatory and graceful — has been a symbol of Effy Hematian’s jewelry brand since its founding. Today, the Signature Collection carries on the tradition featuring wildcats like the Diamond & Tsavorite Panther Pendant, set with round diamonds and tsavorites in 14-karat rose gold, and the coordinating Diamond Panther Bangle, flashing round tsavorites, white diamonds and black diamonds like a leopard’s spots. Available at Effy Jewelry
The Best of Saint Lucia’s Duty-Free Shopping
EMERALD ELEGANCE
Artfully crafted, this emerald and diamond ring is captivating and spectacular. The emerald is synonymous with nature, also said to offer soothing energy and vitality to the spirit. It is a gem of inspiration and captures the memory of Saint Lucia’s lush green rugged mountainous landscape. Take home more than a memory. Available at Colombian Emeralds International
TRUE BLUE
The Swiss brand Hublot’s innovative watch designers have returned to their 1980 roots with the Classic Fusion Titanium Blue watch. The lines are clean and elegant, while novel materials include a 45mm titanium case and a blue alligator strap stitched on rubber. The blue sunray dial seems timeless, though the automatic movement comes with 42 hours of power reserve. Available at Diamonds International 28
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12/23/19 12:35 PM
DIGITAL LUXURY An Apple Watch can be useful; there’s no reason it can’t be beautiful too. With the Smart Caviar line, Lagos has created luxe bracelets to style-up your Apple Watch, whether tracking heart rate at the gym or enjoying an upscale evening out. Available at Harry Edwards Jewelers
HALO, BEAUTIFUL
BLOOMING TRUE
The lunaria flower — also known as “annual honesty” in English — inspired the design of Marco Bicego’s Petali Large Flower Ring. The 18-karat yellow gold gives it the radiance of sunshine, layered into organic forms. At the center, a .08-carat diamond twinkles. For a full bouquet of honesty, the collection also includes coordinating earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Available at Harry Edwards Jewelers
An angelic light of lush blue and brilliant white shines out from the Pear-Shaped Tanzanite Diamond Halo Pendant. Named for the African nation of Tanzania, the only place on earth it is found, this extraordinary stone is renowned for its capacity to reveal different colors when seen from different angles. Here, it has become a colorful centerpiece surrounded by a sparkling halo of pavé-set diamonds. . Available at Diamonds International
GLOWING ACHIEVEMENT
A gold watch was once the symbol of a milestone achieved, and the All Gold Santos de Cartier watch is nothing if not traditional. It’s constructed of 18-karat yellow gold, with an interchangeable alligatorleather bracelet, a seven-sided crown set with a faceted sapphire, blue-steel hands and a mechanical movement with automatic winding. Available at Harry Edwards Jewelers
COSMIC CURRENTS
The spinning circles of the Crown of Light Galaxy Collection can be especially hypnotic in this two-tone ring combining 14-karat white and rose gold with bands of white pavé-set diamonds and five mysterious, natural brown diamonds. Available at Diamonds International
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events
CALENDAR OF
2020 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
JUNE 28 Fishermen’s Feast (Fete Peche)
AUGUST Chocolate Heritage Month
Each year on the last Sunday in June, Saint Lucian
Saint Lucia celebrates Chocolate Heritage
fisherman hold a thanksgiving celebration that
Month, recognizing the role that cacao and its
includes church services, a blessing of the boats
beloved by-product, chocolate, have played in
and various activities island-wide.
the history of the island. A number of on-island experiences and month-long festivals delve in
(Nobel Prize in Literature - 1992). A series of
Saint Lucia’s cocoa heritage, offering travelers
panel discussions, workshops and exhibitions highlight their achievements.
FEBRUARY 22 Independence Day
unbeatable island-wide hotel and resort
MID-JUNE -MID-JULY Saint Lucia Carnival
A variety of competitions including the everpopular Power and Groovy Monarch, Senior and
promotions and lots of chocolaty fun.
AUGUST Mercury Fest The Ultimate Beach Party
Junior Panoramas (Steel Pan Competitions), In 2019, Saint Lucia celebrated the 40th Inde-
and the Inter-Commercial House Calypso
pendence Anniversary. Each year Saint Lucians
completion, dozens of community events, and
celebrate with activities held throughout the
of course a continuous calendar of parties and
island.
fetes. The season culminates on July 20-21 in an exciting, fun-filled two-day street parade of live bands and DJ music, stunning Carnival costumes and the joyous and energetic revelry
MAY 7-10 Saint Lucia Jazz
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?!
celebration of Caribbean history, culture and creativity. Under the leadership of the Cultural Development Foundation and in collaboration recognized as one of the top Carnivals in the
international jazz music. The Saint Lucia Jazz
islands Martinique and Guadeloupe as well
typical of Caribbean carnivals — a very special
with all stakeholders, Saint Lucia Carnival is A celebration of Saint Lucian, Caribbean and
Thousands of people arrive from our sister
AUGUST 21-23 Roots & Soul Festival
Caribbean and becomes a more vibrant and creative event each year.
Festival offers a series of concerts, educational
A festival dedicated to new trends in reggae, conscious hip-hop, Afropunk and R&B, with
activities targeted at Saint Lucian and visiting
performances, master classes and encounters
musicians, and culminates in a major open-air
between artists and other actors in the music
concert at the historic Pigeon Island National
business. Like Saint Lucia Jazz, there will be
Landmark on Mothers’ Day.
free and paying concerts in various parts of the island, culminating at the Pigeon Island National Landmark.
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AUGUST 30 La Rose Flower Festival
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.
OCTOBER 13-17 International Billfish Tournament The St. Lucia Game Fishing Association, in collaboration with IGY Rodney Bay Marina, will be hosting St. Lucia’s 29th annual International Billfish Tournament. In 2019, Saint Lucia recorded some of the best fishing in the southern Caribbean with 40 billfish released within 3 days on 11 boats. The tournament offers over $100K in prizes, with a chance to qualify for the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica.
NOVEMBER 22 -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, starting with the ARC Flotilla on November 25, which leaves Castries Harbour at the same time as the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers sets off in Gran Canaria, and travels to the
SEPTEMBER 8-14 Dive Fest
OCTOBER 16-18 Arts & Heritage Festival
Saint Lucia is one of the most scenic islands
In 1981, Saint Lucia celebrated Creole Day for
in Caribbean with world-class dive sites and snorkeling just off shore. There is endless beauty beneath the surface with rainbow colour reefs and abundant marine life. In September, Saint Lucia will host the third annual Dive Fest Saint Lucia highlighting the Saint Lucian Dive experience.
the first time. Since then, this celebration of French Creole Heritage has extended into
Rodney Bay Marina for fun day of food, drink and a live concert.
NOVEMBER 28-30 Mango Bowl Regatta
a month of music, dance, cuisine, art and other expressions of Saint Lucia’s diverse
A small but growing two-day event held
cultural, ethnic and artistic heritage. With
in Rodney Bay annually. Classes include
musical, theatrical and other performances,
a cruising class as well as racing classes
seminars and lectures, and a variety of culinary
including J24 and Surprise.
experiences, street parties and art exhibitions, the Festival leads into the celebration of International Creole Day in communities
SEPTEMBER 18-20 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
throughout the island.
OCTOBER 17 La Marguerite Flower Festival
DECEMBER 13 National Day – Festival of Lights & Renewal The Festival of Light is observed on National Day – December 13, the Feast of Saint Lucia, patron saint of light – and celebrates
Fete La Marguerite is the second of the two
the triumph of light over darkness, good
Flower Festivals held annually, depicting a
overcoming evil and the renewal of life.
historical rivalry between societies whose
The celebrations start in the first week
members sing the virtues of their flowers. “La
of December with a stunning Lantern
Marguerite” members dress in the color purple
Competition. They culminate on the eve
and create displays of the marguerite flower in
of Saint Lucia Day, December 12, with the
addition to singing their traditional songs.
Parade of Lanterns in the streets of Castries,
experiences are accompanied by musical
a Christmas show, the illumination of Derek
and other artistic performances by from Saint
Walcott Square, and finally a fireworks display.
Lucia and further afield.
OCTOBER Creole Heritage Month
OCTOBER 25 Jounen Kwéyòle (Creole Day)
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WEDD
photography by Awesome
Caribbean Weddings
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The romance of “the Helen of the West Indies” makes it a perfect place for ceremonies as whimsical (above) or formal (below) as you desire.
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Beautiful surroundings make every moment memorable.
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#stluciaweddings IMAGES YOU’VE SHARED OF YOUR ISLAND I-DOS @our weeken d w him s
@sara hba co n 1 9
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@jesss1012
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@ k ri s t y m ari e 0 3 LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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An unforgettable view of the incomparable Pitons is just one of the divine highlights of the Tet Paul Trail. By Mark Stevens
H I K I N G 40
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T O
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SHARON MATTHEWS STEVENS
heaven LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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ST LUCIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
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’m climbing a trail sheltered by gigantic trees when I come to a shady corridor that looks like the portal to an emerald cathedral. Two gargantuan mountains, just visible past the far end of this passageway, reach skyward. They are the Pitons, one of the most photographed subjects in the Caribbean.
I’ve only been following this path that hugs the slopes of Saint Lucia’s southwest coast for 10 minutes but I’m already wondering how mere words could convey the overwhelming beauty I’m experiencing here on the Tet Paul Trail — one of the most scenic spots on one of the Caribbean’s most scenic islands. The word “heavenly” comes to mind. Eight hundred feet down, the seas sparkle in the sunlight, glittering diamonds on turquoise. Behind me, far below this pineapple-decorated slope where I’ve momentarily paused, undulating hills stroll toward a tiny village. Splashes of coral and lemon and lime paint, orange and blue roofs. The village — Chateau Belair — reminds me of one of those miniature holiday scenes people place on their mantels come December. But no snow blankets this landscape — just a hundred shades of green. Vast fields recline beyond those hills, sugarcane dancing in winds that even now set nearby tree branches groaning and palm fronds rattling. I reach out to take my wife’s hand as we stand there, ensconced ringside to creation itself, drinking in the landscape. “Makes you want to believe in a higher power,” I say, waxing downright philosophical. “That’s how beautiful this is.” My wife just nods. Now our guide, waiting a few feet further up the trail, points toward that dark corridor, at the rock-strewn path snaking up the hill. “It is soon very pretty,” she says. It strikes me that she’s not being ironic. It also strikes me that to truly experience the allure of Saint Lucia one really needs to hike the island. You could choose worse locations for your tropical constitutional than Tet Paul, though it’s hardly the only Saint Lucia trail you could explore during a day outdoors. 43
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WESTEND61 GMBH/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
Pigeon Island
I reach out to take my wife’s hand as we stand there, ensconced ringside to creation itself, drinking in the landscape. PATHS TO PARADISE
Just past the trailhead, we step into the Cassava House
If you’re looking for a swim in a waterfall, sign up for the
and learn how locals traditionally prepare this Caribbean
three-hour hike at En Bas Saut. Negotiate the Des Cartiers
staple. Next door, we visit a “pioneer” Saint Lucia
Trail, a short loop through some stunning rain forest. Add
homestead before continuing along the trail.
some history to your hiking (along with some spectacular
“Here’s the gri-gri palm,” says Kizzy, stopping to point out
sea views) at Pigeon Island, climbing to Fort Rodney or
the nasty spikes sprouting from its trunk. “That’s an edible
Signal Peak.
fruit.” It strikes me that this would only be the case if you
Or challenge Gros Piton — it might just change your life. It was life-changing for my friend Nisidi Aloi, a travel professional from Toronto, who found the four-hour hike
were awfully hungry. “Here is the ugly fruit.” Strikes me you’d have to be even hungrier.
with her boyfriend Theo to be a challenge both physically
Next plant, though, might be a must-have.
and mentally. Then they reached the top. “That’s when
“We call it ‘mother-in-law tongue,’” says Kizzy.
Theo pulls out a ring and proposes to me,” says Nisidi. Unlike Nisidi and Theo — I’m already married, I’ve got 30plus years on Nisidi, and I’ve got a boat to catch — I feel no great need to conquer Gros Piton. Tet Paul works just fine
A wooden handrail hugs the last few feet of the steeper slope before us. We grasp it as we follow the trail onward and upward. A quartet of birds serenades us in stereo. We march into a green glade of bamboo and palms, we
for me. For one thing, thanks to our guide Kizziana (“call me
scramble up muddy rudimentary steps of mud and wood,
‘Kizzy’”) Osman, in her vivid orange T-shirt with the Tet Paul
we head into lush greenery.
logo on it, our hike includes fun and instructive lessons in both culture and botany. 44
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And we come face-to-face with the Pitons, a vision that’s nothing short of heavenly.
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FLAVIO VALLENARI/GETTY IMAGES
Rodney Bay
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Signal Peak
The play of light and shadow paints these iconic peaks: lime here, emerald there, jade toward their pinnacles. VIEWS BEYOND BELIEF
This proves to be a monstrous understatement.
Gros Piton looms dead ahead; Petit Piton hangs back like
So we climb yet higher, exiting the dense foliage and
a shy younger sibling. Gros Piton reminds me of a football
marching onto a viewing platform of weatherworn wood. I
linebacker; Petit Piton is graceful and svelte as a prima
feel like a spectator at a tennis match. My head swivels this
ballerina. Gros Piton climbs to 2,600 feet above the waters
way and that, my eyes trying to decide which angle, which
lapping the shores below; Petit Piton rises to 2,400 feet.
vista, is the most spectacular.
Towering cumulus clouds compete with the sun (and the
Then nature takes things up a notch. Winds rush down
Pitons themselves) for domination. The play of light and
the slopes of Gros Piton, clouds skitter across the sky and
shadow paints these iconic peaks: lime here, emerald there,
a sudden veil of rain passes over us. The sun returns but
jade toward their pinnacles. Some slopes are rugged and
now, beyond those peaks, a double rainbow floats over
bald, faces like wrinkled old men; some rise lazily; some,
the horizon. I suspect that when good people die they’ll be
sporting razor outcroppings of sheer stone, stab the sky.
treated to a vista just like this one.
We are standing at the crest of “The Stairway to Heaven.” The name would be hyperbole any place else. Not here. My wife is speechless. I tell Kizzy about my friend, Nisidi. Kizzy tells us to keep moving. “Really pretty up ahead.” 46
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I don’t know how long we stand there, mesmerized. I don’t know if they take into account the length of your reverie when they calculate how much time to allot to this jaunt, but I do know the suggested time from beginning
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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
12/24/19 9:57 AM
LUCY THOMAS/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; SHARON MATTHEWSSTEVENS
Tet Paul Trail
to end (depending on how much you want to learn about Caribbean botany) is 45 minutes. And I do know that the rest
Cheers!
of the trail, falling away in a serpentine descent at last giving way to a sun-splattered meadow, passes by in a blur. That’s because my senses have suffered a surfeit of sheer beauty. But we do manage to achieve trail’s end, stopping moments thereafter at the lime-painted Alma’s Kitchen near the park entrance to purchase a pair of (aptly named) Piton beers. We find a picnic table and camp out high above the valley floor, savoring the experience — and the omnipresent views — as enthusiastically as we savor the cold Pitons. Kizzy strolls over to us. “Did you enjoy that? Was it as pretty as you hoped?” “Heavenly,” I say, repeating myself for emphasis. “Downright heavenly.” But Kizzy still stands there, waiting expectantly. “And your friend?” Kizzy asks. “The one who climbed Gros Piton? Did she say ‘yes’?” “She did indeed.” And now I raise my bottle in a toast. To Nisidi. To Kizzy. To Tet Paul. To Saint Lucia. 48
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Spa-ah! SAY
As wellness travel soars, Saint Lucia becomes a top destination for rejuvenating and restorative experiences. By Diane Bair and Pamela Wright
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It’s early morning on Saint Lucia and the sun is streaking the sky shell-pink. A gentle breeze
wafts through the open-air yoga studio at the BodyHoliday Resort, surrounded by tropical gardens with views of pretty Cariblue Beach. We listen to waves lapping the shore and birds singing as our instructor leads us through a series of gentle yoga poses. Later, we indulge in a 20-minute infrared session to “detoxify our bodies and boost our immune system,” and meet with an Ayurvedic counselor to devise a personal lifestyle plan. We end the day with a visit to the Wellness Centre and Ayurvedic Temple, where one of us receives a chavutti massage, and the other a Lucian lime and ginger body scrub.
BENAKIBA/GETTY IMAGES
The Lava Shell Massage utilizes handpicked shells filled with warm healing sachets to massage the body.
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SUNSWEPT RESORTS SUGARBEACH, A VICEROY RESORT;
Thatched-roof tree houses, designed after the Arawak huts of the ancient Carib Indians, are perched in the canopy of a tropical rain forest.
We came to Saint Lucia to relax and recharge. We swam
grown on the estate or gathered nearby, and designed to
in the sea, hiked through lush rain forests and tropical
reflect traditional Saint Lucian culture.
gardens, and went to sunrise yoga classes and sunset
Try the Sea Floral Scrub and Wrap, using wild seaweed,
stretching sessions. We also experienced unique spa
ocean mud and marine minerals. Also popular is the
treatments and wellness rituals in gorgeous, open-air
Sulphur Seduction, which includes soaking in hot and
settings, and left the island feeling renewed, inspired and
cold sulfur springs bubbling up from a dormant volcano,
energized. It was exactly what we needed on vacation.
a mineral-rich mud slather, and a swim under a plunging
Apparently, we’re not alone in wanting a health-inspired
waterfall. After your treatments, visit the large earthen
break; wellness tourism is soaring. It’s now one of the
steam dome, warmed by volcanic spring water, for a
fastest growing segments of the travel industry, and Saint
traditional temascal experience.
Lucia’s one-of-a-kind spas and wellness resorts are at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of mind and body well-being. Tucked in rain forests, perched on sea cliffs, and nestled in gardens and on beaches, the island’s most innovative resort spas offer a variety of transformative travel experiences, using natural ingredients, and often connecting therapies to traditional rituals and treatments once practiced by the island’s earliest inhabitants. Here are five resorts where you can kick-start a healthier lifestyle, or simply relax and recharge.
BODYHOLIDAY
Considered one of the leading wellness resorts in the world, this all-inclusive sanctuary, set in a quiet corner on the island’s north shore, combines Western cutting-edge techniques with Eastern holistic preventative therapies. The massive Wellness Centre and Ayurvedic Temple, perched on a hill with sea views, has treatment and fitness rooms, an open-air courtyard, reflecting pool and gardens. There are more than 40 daily fitness and mindfulness classes, and a host of restorative body and skin treatments.
RAINFOREST SPA
Try the Ocean Memory-Sensation Ritual, with an algae
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, sits on 100 acres on the
exfoliation and massage mimicking the movements of the
lower slopes of Petit Piton, and has one of the prettiest spas
sea, or one of the Ayurvedic therapies, based on ancient
on the planet. Seven private, thatched-roof tree houses,
5,000-year-old Indian traditions. Popular treatments include
designed after the Arawak huts of the ancient Carib Indians,
the Synchronized Abhyanga massage performed by two
are perched in the canopy of a tropical rain forest, above
therapists, and the chavutti massage applied with bare
a lively stream. There is bird song and waterfalls tumbling
feet. Can’t decide? Consider meeting with an ayurvedic
into natural pools, and treatments using flowers and herbs
counselor to craft a custom-designed wellness plan.
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Islanders have known for generations that this flower THE SPA VILLAGE AT MARIGOT BAY RESORT
KAI KOKO SPA
You’d come to the cliff-hugging Coconut House at the Ti
Peace and tranquility reign at this oasis, with three
Kaye Resort just for the views. The Kai Koko Spa is perched
wooden cabanas and an open-air tree house
like a bird’s nest overlooking secluded Anse Cochon,
tucked into lush gardens. Treatments are inspired
with sweeping vistas of the robin’s-egg-blue Caribbean. “Our location stands out,” says Lucia Poleon,
by Amerindian (Carib and Arawak) traditions, using herbs, oils, clays and other products from The
resort manager. “We’re secluded and away
Organic Pharmacy, the first pharmacy dedicated
from the hustle and bustle of the island.” It’s an intimate space, with two treatment rooms and
to purveying 100 percent organic products.
a lounge area, with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors.
The spa’s four unique signature treatments are designed to harness the energy of the moon: the
Fling the doors open so you can see and hear the waves
New Moon therapy for rejuvenation, the Waxing
crash ashore as the therapist performs alchemy, turning
Moon for energy, the Waning Moon for cleansing and
muscle knots to putty. The focus is on traditional Saint
the Full Moon to help meet goals. Each treatment
Lucian treatments, using rubs, masks and oils that are
is offered only during that particular lunar phase.
100 percent locally produced and sustainable, and
One of the most popular treatments is the Fiksyn Fwote (“potion massage”), using a lime-and-herb potion
garnered from the island’s waters, farms and gardens. The chocolate body wrap uses local chocolate and
and warm bamboo sticks. “This treatment reminds me
taps into the island’s long history of cacao farming.
of my grandmother. I remember her using this exact
The hibiscus facial is popular, too. Islanders have
potion on me as a child growing up in Saint Lucia,”
known for generations that this flower has natural
says Lisa Samuel, resort manager. “The method and
acids that exfoliate and purify the skin. Or, splurge for
potion have been passed on for generations.”
the Soul to Sole therapy, including foot reflexology, a coconut scalp rub and a bamboo-rolling massage.
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KAI MER SPA AT COCONUT BAY BEACH RESORT
“This healing plant soothes, hydrates and softens the skin and acts as an antioxidant. A hydrating facial completes
“The Kai Mer Spa philosophy is to curate not just
the experience.”
personalized treatments, but an experience of replenishment, invigoration and relaxation that inspires our guests,” says
End your experience with a visit to the sauna or steam room, and then walk along the beach.
Natalia Greene, the resort’s director of marketing. Translated “House by the Sea,” the 11,000-square-foot spa sits at the water’s edge, with eight treatment rooms, an open-air atrium and relaxation area, and three private beachfront cabanas. Guests are surrounded by water and gardens, and soothing, tranquil spaces. Therapies utilize Saint Lucian ingredients, like cocoa and coconut, and aloe picked from the resort’s own organic garden. The Chocolate Scrub and Mud Wrap are two well-liked treatments, along with the Lava Shell Massage, which utilizes handpicked shells, filled with warm healing sachets, to massage the body. For a unique, one-of-a-kind treatment, Greene suggests the Organic Aloe Vera Nourishing Wrap. “Aloe is harvested from our garden moments before the treatment,” she says.
has natural acids that exfoliate and purify the skin.
COCONUT BAY BEACH RESORT & SPA (2)
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EffyJewelr y.com FINE
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JE WELRY
E S T.
1979
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This little island has produced more than its fair share of literary giants. By Kirstin Fawcett
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Saint Lucia is home to golden beaches, looming mountains, and a complicated past — one that helped pave the way for today’s rich local literary scene. The island’s natural harbors and
central Caribbean location made it desirable to pre-20th century colonizers like the French and British. When they weren’t waging wars over the prized outpost (the British gained long-lasting control in 1814), colonizers exploited African slaves on sugarcane plantations well into the 19th century. 60
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Derek Walcott
Saint Lucia officially gained independence from Britain in 1979 — but even before then, it began finding its own voice. From the mid-20th century to the present day, many Lucian authors have made their mark with works that pay homage to this tiny island’s customs and beauty, deconstruct its postcolonial legacy, address the role of race and gender in island society and spearhead its reputation as a tropical paradise. In doing so, they’ve repositioned Saint Lucia as a cultural force — a Caribbean destination where the beaches are rivaled by books. Here are just a handful of names to know among the nation’s literati.
DEREK WALCOTT If asked, most Saint Lucians would likely categorize Derek Walcott (1930-2017), the Nobel Prize-winning poet and playwright, as the island’s greatest cultural treasure. Originally from Castries, Walcott made his authorial debut at just 18 years old with the self-published chapbook 25 Poems (1948). Other forms spoke to him, too: Walcott began writing and staging plays as a young man; he’d go on to co-found both the Saint Lucia Arts Guild, a now-defunct theater and art group, and what would eventually become the nonprofit Trinidad Theatre Workshop. The plays he produced — as well as significant later works like In a Green Night: Poems 1948-1960 — address colonialism and Caribbean identity in Walcott’s now-trademark lyrical voice. In 1971, Walcott won an Obie Award for his play Dream on Monkey Mountain, which made it all the way to New York’s Off-Broadway scene. But it was Omeros (1990), a sprawling Homeric poem starring ordinary Saint Lucian fishermen, that propelled the author to global renown. By the end of his life, Walcott’s prodigious output had won him a MacArthur fellowship, the Nobel Prize for Literature, and the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire, among other accolades.
RODERICK WALCOTT Derek Walcott’s success has long overshadowed the legacy of his playwright twin brother, Roderick Walcott (1930-2000) — another prominent Saint Lucian figure in his own right. Not only did Roderick help his sibling found the Trinidad Theatre Workshop, he also led the Saint Lucia Arts Guild from 1951 to 1967. It was through the Guild that Roderick Walcott premiered his own original plays, including 1958’s The Harrowing of Benjy (at one point the most-produced play in the English-speaking West Indies), and dramatic works by Derek Walcott like Ti Jean and His Brothers (1958). Perhaps best known for his dramatic output, Roderick Walcott was also an accomplished screenwriter, director, designer, lyricist, artist and Carnival promoter. He was considered such a cornerstone of island culture that in 1976 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Following his death in 2000, officials posthumously awarded him prizes like Saint Lucia’s Medal of Honour (Gold) for outstanding contribution to Literary and Performing Arts. Today, Roderick Walcott is remembered as one of the founders of modern Caribbean theater. LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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Hippolyte finds creative inspiration among the works of English Romantic poets as much as he does Caribbean life and landscape.
KENDEL HIPPOLYTE AND JANE KING Kendel Hippolyte and Jane King and are the reigning president and first lady of Saint Lucian literature. Together, they make a powerful team, having co-founded the island’s Lighthouse Theatre Company in the 1980s. (Hippolyte has described the organization as “the first totally dedicated theater space in Saint Lucia in the 20th century.”) But while the husband-and-wife duo are both poets, dramatists and island natives, they each possess a distinct voice: King, who’s released three volumes of poetry, uses structured, rhyme-studded verse to address race, identity, gender and colorism in Caribbean society; Hippolyte, who published his seventh book of poems, Wordplanting, in 2019, finds creative inspiration among the works of English Romantic poets as much as he does Caribbean life and landscape. He bounces with ease between traditional sonnets and villanelles and free-verse forms infused with Creole and Caribbean language.
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Kendel Hippolyte
JOHN ROBERT LEE John Robert Lee published his first poetry collection, elemental, in 2008 — but he’s also distinguished himself as a promoter, organizer and administrator of Saint Lucian arts. In addition to releasing, in 2017, his Collected Poems 1975-2015, Lee has scrupulously documented Saint Lucia’s literary, theater and visual culture in multiple anthologies; produced a 2013 bibliography of Saint Lucian creative writing; and teamed up with Hippolyte to co-edit a volume called Saint Lucian Literature and Theatre: an anthology of reviews. A Christian writer, Lee’s work often incorporates themes of faith. Derek Walcott himself once referred to Lee as “a scrupulous poet,” with verses that “are modest in the best sense… You don’t get in the poetry anything that is, in a sense, preach or self-advertising in terms of its morality. He is a fine poet.”
John Robert Lee
ADRIAN AUGIER Adrian Augier is a busy man. In addition to releasing multiple volumes of poetry since the late 1970s, he’s also actively involved in Saint Lucia’s drama landscape, having helped Hippolyte and King found the Lighthouse Theatre Company. He’s also the author of several musicals and plays; two of them, Anthem (2004) and Esperance (2009), were commissioned by the Saint Lucian government to commemorate the island’s 25th and 30th anniversaries of independence, respectively. When he’s not writing, Augier designs costumes for the island’s elaborate Carnival festival, plays music, and — in his copious spare time — works as an economic development consultant.
VLADIMIR LUCIEN Vladimir Lucien is an up-and-coming poet whose debut collection, Vladimir Lucien
Sounding Ground (2014), made waves far beyond Saint Lucia. Shortly after its release in 2015, he became the youngest person to ever score the prestigious OCM Bocas Prize, a Caribbean literary award. Lucien writes plainspoken poetry that occasionally slips into Creole, Rasta and Trinidadian dialect; it reflects on themes such as Saint Lucian history, folklore and his own family’s multi-generational legacy. One of the shorter, yet no less poignant, poems in Sounding Ground is “To Celebrate Saint Lucian Culture They Put on Display.” In just several verses, Lucien deftly skewers preconceived notions of island heritage: “A chamber pot An old iron Something to do with us Indiscernible with rust.”
PEEPAL TREE PRESS (4)
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Investigate the racy reputation of bois bandé, the “potent wood” that features in flavorful cocktails, but comes from the world of traditional healing. By Stephen Grasso
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T
echnically, bois bandé (“banded
MEDICINE AND MIXER
wood” or “arched wood”) is the bark
As herbal medicine, bois bandé is available as pieces of
of the Richeria grandis tree, a large
raw bark or ground into a powder, and is often consumed
evergreen that typically grows in
in the form of a tea. The bark is boiled in water at a ratio
places of high elevation in wooded
of approximately one quarter-ounce per cup depending
forests from the Lesser Antilles to
on desired strength of the brew. Milk and sugar, honey or
South America. It was first studied
agave can then be added for flavor. Sometimes, the bois
scientifically in 1797 by Danish-
bandé is paired with the bark of the mauby tree to add a
Norwegian botanist Martin Vahl and is locally believed to have aphrodisiac properties, which has led to its inclusion as a slightly salacious ingredient in several spiced-rum blends.
stimulating and refreshing quality. In addition to a tea, the bark is also sometimes used to season and marinade certain meats.
Some suspect that the active properties of medicines such
Most commonly, however, it is infused into alcohol,
as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis have been synthesized from the
both commercially as spiced rum, and as a DIY herbal
chemical components originally found in this powerful plant.
infusion. To make your own, add around two ounces of bark to a 750ml bottle of high-proof clear or white rum and leave the plant material to infuse for around a month. The alcohol should change color from clear to tan and
Botanist Martin Vahl
then to deeper shades of brown depending on the quantity of bois bandé added.
FOREST PHARMA The tree bark is believed to work by “cleaning” the blood vessels to promote healthier blood flow, which in turn improves sexual potency in both men and women. It is thought to stimulate sexual desire, cure impotency and other dysfunction, and improve stamina. As well as these properties, bois bandé is regarded as a more general tonic taken daily to improve health and well-being, and to increase energy and potency. Bois bandé has a botanical resemblance to a tree called the muira found in the Amazon. Known as “potent wood,” the muira has been used as an aphrodisiac by the indigenous people of the Amazon for centuries and shares many of the same virtues as bois bandé. A study by the UCLA School of Medicine showed that ingesting muira had the short-term effect of increasing blood flow to the pelvic area in men and women, while longer-term use enhances the production of sex hormones. The results of the study bear much resemblance to the active properties attributed to bois bandé. 66
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The tree bark is believed to work by “cleaning” the blood vessels to promote healthier blood flow.
CHRONICLE /ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; IMAGE PROFESSIONALS GMBH/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
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MARC BRUXELLE/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; GREENWOOD TERRACE BY BAREFOOT HOLIDAYS (2)
Bush medicine is a culture of reliance upon the land for remedies and cures. TIME-TESTED TRADITION The virtues of bois bandé have also been immortalized in
scientifically sound following its pharmaceutical study, even
a calypso by Trinidad artist Mighty Sparrow, who tells us:
leading to the synthesis of new medicines based on the
“Nothing keeps a woman happy like a man charged on
chemical structure of healing leaf and curing root.
bois bandé.”
Wild yam (Dioscorea sp.) has long been used by islanders
The use of bois bandé is part of a wider body of island
as a cure for cramps and as a form of birth control. Scientific
lore that is sometimes called “bush medicine.” This can
studies proved that the tuber of the wild yam contains a
encompass anything from local healers employing various
steroid that has been used in the manufacturing of birth-
tinctures, poultices and remedies made from plants and
control pills.
trees … to spiritual churches drawing upon similar herbal
Soursop leaves are steeped as a tea or made into a bath
healing and cleansing modalities … to the much-feared
to reduce fever. It is also used to treat skin conditions such
practice of obeah that calls on knowledge of trees and other
as eczema. Breadfruit leaves are used to reduce high blood
components of the natural world as a mystical arsenal. At
pressure, or are crushed and used as a poultice to reduce
any level, bush medicine is a culture of reliance upon the
the pain of a headache.
land for remedies and cures that goes back to the days of
The flaking red bark of the gumbo limbo tree can be torn
slavery and further still, when African herbalists, healers and
off in strips and then boiled in water and used to treat skin
witches began to learn the virtues of unfamiliar plant life
sores, insect bites and rashes. It is of the same botanical
from indigenous Taino, Carib and Arawak peoples.
family as frankincense and myrrh, which are among the
“It’s this idea that grandma knows best, and in the
world’s oldest medicines. The fruit of the calabash tree
Caribbean, most of the time, she does,” said Dr. Gilbertha
can be roasted to alleviate menstrual cramps or to induce
St. Rose, a dermatologist and herbalist based in Saint Lucia,
childbirth, while its leaves can be used to treat colds,
speaking at the Second Annual Health and Wellness Retreat
headaches, diarrhea and dysentery. The leaves of the jumbie
at Castries. The medicine cabinet of the Caribbean bush
plant can be brewed into a tea that calms the nerves and
doctor runs deep, and its folk wisdom has often proven
settles the stomach.
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EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF Visitors to Saint Lucia can get up close and personal with bush medicine and its cultural legacy by visiting Greenwood Terrace, which comprises tropical gardens, a culinary facility and a small museum. Set on more than half-an-acre of lush landscape in the north of the island, the attraction is home to more than 250 species of tropical fruit and flowering trees and plants, such as orchids, frangipani, aloe, hibiscus, guava, mango and cassava. The space features a kitchen garden that showcases the herbs essential to Saint Lucia’s distinctive cuisine, as well as a medicinal herb garden where visitors can learn directly about the plants and trees used in Lucian bush medicine. Travelers who wish to bring some of the potent island
Herb-crusted Lucian cuisine
medicine home with them may want to pick up a bottle of bois bandé-infused spiced rum, available from St Lucia Distillers. Options include the high-end Chairman’s Reserve Spiced, which includes notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, all spice, coconut, lemon, orange and the all-important bark of the Richeria grandis. Also available is Kweyol Spice rum, combining flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla with bois bandé, and featuring a whole vanilla pod inside the bottle that adds a rounded mellow flavor — while Bounty Spiced Rum is a two-year-aged rum that infuses vanilla, cinnamon and other island spices with the famous aphrodisiac bark.
The medicine cabinet of the Caribbean bush doctor runs deep, and its folk wisdom has often proven scientifically sound following its pharmaceutical study.
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S W E E T
S A I N T
Discovering the island’s own music By Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
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sounds
L U C I A
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GEN NISHINO/GETTY IMAGES; DEJAN PATIC/GETTY IMAGES
A quintet of four elderly men, covered in indigo batik shirts and straw hats, gently begin to play their instruments at Fond Doux Estate. They strum guitar, fiddle
and banjo, and one vigorously shakes a shak-shak or shekere rattle. The music boils into a rollicking sound that brims with rhythm and guitar riffs. I lean closer and take in the distinctive beats, swaying back and forth. I’ve listened to the local music of most of the Caribbean but I’ve never heard anything quite like this. The music is called shak-shak and it’s the most visible form of Saint Lucian folk music. It can be heard in hotels, street fairs and festivals. Saint Lucian culture is steeped in music of many genres, but this oldest form of traditional folk music is rarely heard outside of the small island. Hearing shak-shak music is an essential Lucian experience that reflects much of the island’s unusual history. 72
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A POLYRHYTHMIC WALTZ
the French,” he says. “I think it’s a perfect blend of our African
A stroll through most of the major Saint Lucia towns like Castries, Anse La Ray, Vieux Fort and Soufrière, will produce
and French traditions.” Meshach grew up in the village of Choiseul, which is noted
a Caribbean soundtrack that flows gently along with the
as the cradle of Saint Lucia’s Kweyol culture. The village
lush landscape. Laid back reggae rhythms, high energy
hosts two historic cultural flower festivals, La Rose and La
soca and sometimes, the wistful vocals of vintage country
Marguerite, based on traditional societies that hold annual
& western, stream out from windows and bars. All of these
festivals featuring shak-shak music and singing. “I first heard
are popular regional genres but for authentically Saint
shak-shak music when I was a little boy. I participated in the
Lucian music, there’s nothing better than shak-shak music.
La Rose festival in Choiseul,” he recalls. “The music made
Shak-shak bands sprung up from the blending of African
me happy, it made me dance. My favorite song is “This is
percussion and the 3/4 time of European melodies. The
the Beauty of Rose,” the melody is really pretty. It’s the theme
tunes sound like a high energy waltz and there’s a traditional
song for the La Rose Festival.”
dance, quadrille, that goes along with it, mimicking the 18thand 19th-century dances that were popular in Europe.
The flower festivals supply great opportunities to experience Saint Lucia’s traditional music and culture. La
The Shak Shak Band perches on chairs as palm branches
Rose takes place on August 30 and La Marguerite is on
wave gently behind them. The four members sway as
October 17. But to be really immersed in shak-shak music
violin, banjo, shak-shak and drums weave a peppy tune that
and Kweyol culture, a visit during October, which is Saint
inspires head nodding and hip shaking from the audience.
Lucia Creole Heritage Month, is a must. Festivals, culinary
The emerald peaks of the Piton mountains loom in the
events and “sessions” (street performances) fill the month,
background as the band plays at the open-walled Ladera
culminating with the annual Jounen Kweyol (Creole Day) on
Resort. The onlookers smile and clearly appreciate the
the last Sunday of the month. “Our band plays at different
music but to the band’s founder, Meshach, it’s much more
places in the community during October,” says Meshach. “In
than resort entertainment. “This music is a true expression
Choiseul, there is usually a huge session on the community
of our cultural heritage, our creole traditions inherited from
field. The Shak Shak Band will be there!”
I think it’s a perfect blend of our African and French traditions.
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MAKING A MUSICAL CREOLE
Although Saint Lucia was originally settled by Arawak Indians in 2000 C.E., the island was famously fought over by the French and the British throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, changing between the two colonial nations 14 times. Britain eventually triumphed, gaining control of Saint
A shak-shak is created with two empty tin cans that are filled with arrowroot seeds or smooth pebbles and then soldered together.
Lucia in 1814. The island won status as an independent state in 1979, but Lucian culture remains highly influenced by French creole traditions. “Kweyol” is the name of the patois that is still spoken on the island, a blend of African and French words, as well as the overall traditional culture. Shakshak music is a hallmark of Lucian Kweyol culture. On many islands, shak-shak refers to the dried-out gourds filled with seeds, also called maracas or shekere. But on Saint Lucia, a shak-shak is created with two empty tin cans that are filled with arrowroot seeds or smooth pebbles and then soldered together. This DIY instrument is held horizontally and shaken in rhythm to the accompanying band of bass guitar, violin, banjo and handmade drums. The shak-shak’s large, elongated shape allows for complex rhythms to pour out when the musician shakes the seeds against the upper, lower or side edges of the cylinder. Despite its simplicity, keeping the rhythm of the shakshak is a delicate endeavor and amateurs can easily throw off the band with one faulty shake. Some musicians even pour a specific number of seeds into their shak-shak to acquire a special tone.
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few pebbles and most adults know how to improvise during a community fete.
bands would be heard at Christmas and
Most shak-shak musicians are elders,
pre-Lenten carnival celebrations, as well
although Meshach is unusual, at only 50
as during rural dances and sometimes as
years old. However, more young people are
backup for timely creole songs. Today, you
embracing the importance of their Kweyol
can hear shak-shak bands at a few hotels,
culture and learning the musical traditions.
including Ladera, Fond Doux Estate and
Roaming around the southern part of the
Coconut Bay Resort, as well as at fish fries
island in Vieux Fort, I notice a few younger
and festivals. The major appeal of the
musicians picking up the shak-shak or the
shak-shak is that many Lucians can expertly
banjo during traditional shows. As I kick
play its joyful sounds. Little children learn
my feet to the rhythms, I feel the joy of a
with simplified versions containing only a
centuries-old tradition swirl around me.
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ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES (2); ST. LUCIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
KEEPING TIME
Traditionally, the sounds of shak-shak
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FA N TA FA R M T O F O R K –
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ASTIC Saint Lucia sets a seductive scene for foodies with exquisite produce, organic farms, sustainable fishing and gastronomic provenance with a low carbon footprint. By Sarah Woods
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xploration isn’t purely a physical thing; it utilizes all five senses, just like eating. Combining travel and food enables us to taste our journey, touch it, smell it, devour it with our eyes and listen to it sizzle in the pan. Culinary encounters allow us a deeper dig into the local scene: We may share a meal, swapping stories with newfound friends over a dish of exotic never-seen-before ingredients. Interaction with food gives us all a heightened state of being, so much so that the faint aroma of something eaten on vacation can transport you thousands of miles. Can we experience the real, authentic side of a culture without experiencing the food? It’s doubtful.
Foodie tour guides walk visitors across the volcanic, fertile Saint Lucian soils that yield scrumptious bananas, papayas, coconuts and guavas sweeter than honey. 78
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From a local garden ...
... to your dinner plate
In Saint Lucia, a number of different food initiatives island-
— 100 percent sustainable dining at its very finest. In fact,
wide have been set up to encourage visitors to discover its
the entire all-inclusive resort uses pesticide-free, non-GMO,
culinary character in all its many forms. Foodie tour guides
sustainable farming practices to provide chefs and all guests
run excursions through key breadbasket districts, walking
with truly locally sourced goodness.
visitors across the volcanic, fertile Saint Lucian soils that
Elsewhere in Saint Lucia, in the Dennery/Mabouya Valley
yield scrumptious bananas, papayas, coconuts and guavas
areas, the Dennery Fish Market, Sankofa Rainbow Roots Farm,
sweeter than honey.
Maroon Trail and Fond d’Or now offer tours to visitors. In the
Cooking holidays like the Greenwood Terrace Heritage
poorest areas of Saint Lucia, the food tourism potential of the
Experience at Barefoot Holidays introduce vacationers to
annual Fish Festival is already boosting the local economy and
local Saint Lucian kitchens where Creole-style dishes bubble
helping to ease poverty. Since it was upgraded, the Dennery
on the stovetop for hours. Café owners share their favorite
Fish Market facility has attracted greater numbers of local and
homespun recipes, from ambrosial curries with a fiery tang to
foreign visitors to make it one of the must-do events for food-
slow-cooked pepperpot stews. Visitors can meet top Saint
lovers visiting the island. Large slabs display the best of the
Lucian chefs and witness the gastronomic art involved in their
morning haul: The yawning men manning the stalls were out
signature dishes using sustainably caught seafood. Organic
in their boats just a few hours ago. They catch, they sell and
farms, farm-stays, fish markets and local orchards have all
advise on seasoning and cooking style to get the most from
thrown open their doors to encourage guests to stay a while,
Saint Lucia’s freshest fish.
gather around the table, and experience the warm intensity
At Hotel Chocolat, a 14-room lodge set in a 140-acre cacao
of Saint Lucia’s culture of food. Then, through the power of
plantation, visitors are treated to a lip-smacking chocolaty
food, visitors will fly home with a newfound appreciation of its
journey from bean to bar. Once the pod is picked from the
island, having savored an enriched travel experience.
cacao tree, the grape-sized beans are fermented, dried, roasted and ground to become chocolate. The lodge also
FEASTING FRESH
operates as a boutique chocolatir based in the United
At the organic farm I-Tal in Castries, the farm-to-fork
Kingdom, and has committed to reviving the flagging fortunes
experience enables visitors to try their hand at foraging for
of Saint Lucia’s cacao farming sectors. In the last 20 years, it
the freshest of ingredients, then prepare them West Indian-
has refurbished the 18th-century Rabot Estate, planting 13,000
style in the farm kitchen. Tucked away behind the Coubaril
trees, retraining local farmers to grow cacao, and setting up
Valley, the farm is part of the BodyHoliday resort, which boasts
plantation tours led by knowledgeable local guides.
mesmerizing panoramic views across Cariblue Bay. Cooking
Guests are walked through cacao orchards, given cacao
classes promote meaningful food choices to create delicious
beans to sample and tutored in the art of chocolate-
recipes using local produce that is also equally healthy and
making. The art requires plenty of muscle: grinding beans
nutrient-packed. Pick what you need from the kitchen garden
by hand into mush before adding cocoa butter, a bean
to whip up pesto coconut chutney with grated papaya and
by-product, then adding powdered sugar and blending by
coconut milk, chili pepper, spring onion, ginger, and garlic
machine to pour in bar-shaped molds.
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GREENWOOD TERRACE AT BAREFOOT HOLIDAYS; GREG BALFOUR EVANS/ ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
Greenwood Terrace Heritage Experience at Barefoot Holidays
Castries Central Market
Visitors can immerse themselves in local island dishes, either harvested from the sea or prepared farm-to-table. MARKET NIGHTS
a family recipe — courtesy of Sylvia, whose kitchen has been
Just after midnight, before most holiday-makers have called
at the market almost as long as Mokocho’s. Opposite is
it a night, the food stalls and fish markets in Saint Lucia’s
Jacinta, who won Saint Lucia’s Small Business Awards due
capital are just getting started for their day. At the sprawling
to her pride in the island’s local food. Try her daily menu of
open-air Central Market, merchants are already arriving in
beef bouillon, stewed turkey, rice, potato salad and macaroni
Castries with freshly hauled seafood, sacks of local spices,
and cheese: spicy, warming and comforting.
and boxes piled high with fresh fruit. Kitchen stalls begin to
It’s at markets like these that you may spot the guys from
pop and sizzle as grills and coals are lit. By 2 a.m., the air is
Cook Like a Lucian, a cooking school that puts real local
filled with the sound of food production: knives chopping,
food and real local people at its core. Run by proud Saint
mallets pounding, chickens squawking, pestles grinding and
Lucians, who buy only local produce and use wholly local
vendors calling out for early trade. Here, visitors can immerse
equipment, the Cook Like a Lucian experience begins at
themselves in local island dishes, either harvested from the
the market and ends at the plate. Barter, buy, cook and taste
sea or prepared farm-to-table.
to get to know Saint Lucia through a dish of green figs and saltfish, stars of the island’s national menu. Wash it down
The market, which opened back in 1894, is home to several family-run businesses that have lasted multiple
with a fresh-squeezed fruit juice or a bottle of ice-cold Piton,
generations preparing fresh Saint Lucian food. Tours
the country’s local beer. Fancy a local dining companion?
introduce visitors to Nick’s vegetarian food shack,
Then contact The Other Tour St. Lucia, who will pair you
Mokocho’s, which serves roti, fried plantain stews and rice
with like-minded locals. Learn their way of life, how food
in memory of his Rastafarian father who set the café up two
relates their culture and trade travel tales — a great way to
decades ago. At Sylvia’s Place, you’ll find chicken and rice —
feel the love and warmth of real Saint Lucia.
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GREENWOOD TERRACE BY BAREFOOT HOLIDAYS (2)
CARIBBEAN CULINARY CONNECTIONS
Cooking holidays like the Greenwood Terrace Heritage Experience introduce vacationers to local Saint Lucian kitchens where Creole-style dishes bubble on the stovetop for hours.
Agritourism, as farm-to-fork initiatives around the world are known, is expected to be worth $4 billion per year in the Caribbean by 2024. As a nation proud of its cuisine, Saint Lucia is a part of the drive to connect visitors to the people, places and processes involved in the island’s gustatory trade. Part of this is opening up farms to tour, setting up farmers’ markets, offering farm-stays and encouraging tourists to become farmhands for the day. Efforts are supported by the Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). For Saint Lucia, the burning issue is invasive species — with the lionfish a major nuisance. The answer? To eat it. By catching, cooking and putting this delicious invader on menus Saint Lucia–wide, the numbers of this predatory species will decrease, saving entire populations of smaller, threatened native reef fish. Connecting visitors to the source of Saint Lucia’s food through meaningful interaction also cultivates pride and elevates the status of the agricultural sector, a push that is supported by the Culinary Tourism Alliance’s social enterprise consultancy, Grow Food Tourism. According to a TripAdvisor study, more than 60 percent of travelers will expand their palate when they’re on vacation, making Saint Lucia’s local produce a key ingredient to tourism. Indeed, when Saint Lucia’s Bay Gardens Resorts introduced a farm-to-table menu, it charted a 10 to 20 percent rise in revenue. As a result, the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) has been helping local food producers build partnerships with hotels islandwide. Thanks to technology, around 60 chefs are now alerted to the freshest available products daily from more than 100 farmers, ensuring minimal wastage of ripened mangoes, watermelon, yam, dasheen, breadfruit and avocado. Imported produce is down around 15 percent in Saint Lucia, reducing food miles and each menu’s carbon footprint. Visitors certainly seem to be enjoying the experience of eating all-local, feeling that it is rooting them in the soil of the place.
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www.nakedfishermanstlucia.com
Plan for an hour and 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.
Lunch 12 - 4pm Dinner 6 - 10pm Tel 457 8694 book@nakedfishermanstlucia.com
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Involved ISLAND
How the Tourism Enhancement Fund and the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund are building a better tomorrow
TEF Initiatives The Fund, established in 2013, has been able to execute over 250 projects that address issues surrounding climate change, community resilience, environmental preservation and economic livelihoods. With support from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) and the Caribbean Hotel Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF), 180 Saint Lucian hospitality workers polished their skills in a series of guest-service training sessions. The training was created to enhance the benefits of diversity and inclusion within the tourism industry by generating — in all 180 participants, from 14 hotels — an appreciation of the broad diversity of today’s travelers and how to warmly welcome them all. The TEF provided funding of EC$120,000 to the Rotary Club of Saint Lucia to import wheelchairs to the island. This venture between two private-sector entities came to fruition with the presentation of over 200 wheelchairs to be distributed island-wide. In addition to the regular
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The Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund The Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund’s (SLUNCF’s) mission is to catalyze and support the conservation, restoration and effective, sustainable management of Saint Lucia’s biodiversity and natural resources so that human and ecological communities remain healthy and resilient to change. To put this mission into effect, our principal objective is to provide grants supporting a wide range of activities and thematic areas linked to biodiversity and conservation management. Raising sustainable financing is another critical objective of the SLUNCF’s mission. To fulfill its core objectives of grant-making and raising sustainable financing, a well-formulated communications and outreach plan has been critical. From fundraising, to building relationships with stakeholders, to developing a unique institutional brand and messaging, communications are integrated into the SLUNCF’s strategy and budget. The SLUNCF was incorporated in May 2016, as a not-for-profit company under the Companies Act, Chapter 13.01 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia and was officially launched on May 28th, 2018. The SLUNCF wheelchairs, 10 specially fitted tilting chairs with added
has 11 members, with non-government members
braces were donated to the Children Development and
being in the majority, and is governed by a board of
Guidance Centre (CDGC). The wheelchairs will create greater
directors comprised of Founder Member Directors,
independence for persons with disabilities by improving
Government Directors and Non-Government Directors.
their mobility and enhancing their overall quality of life.
SLHTA, the Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) and
The TEF continues to invest in the young people of
the government department with responsibility for
Saint Lucia through the recent injection of EC$35,000
economic development are founding members.
into maritime training. A sailing course, which has been
During 2019, the SLUNCF issued three calls
successfully run for a number of years, provides intensive
for proposals. The first call was issued in May
training for 10 unemployed youth from across the island
and was for general environmental projects. The
where they are engaged in an intensive sailing, soft-
second call was issued in October specifically
skills training and personal-development program.
for plastics management, and the third call was
The fund has set its sights on a number of pertinent
issued in November for environmental projects
projects in the coming year, including the Enterprise
with a tourism focus. The SLUNCF has received 14
Development Fund, a loan-guarantee facility that
proposals from the first two calls, which are in various
will enable qualifying small businesses to access the
stages of review. It is anticipated that the selection
capital critical to enhancing their competitiveness
will be completed in the first quarter of 2020 and
and profitability, and a National School Bursary Project
grants for all three calls will be issued before the
that will provide scholarships for students in need.
end of the second quarter of that same year. LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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LARGE HOTELS BAY GARDENS HOTEL
Cheryl Gustave 452-8060 / 452-8002 / 457-8010 452-8059 P.O. Box 1892 Castries, Rodney Heights Gros-Islet cgustave@baygardensresorts.com www.baygardensresorts.com
THE BODYHOLIDAY
Pascal Bertrand 457-7800 / 457-7802 450-0368 P.O. Box 437, Castries pascal@thebodyholiday.com www.thebodyholiday.com
COCONUT BAY BEACH
RESORT & SPA / SERENITY Zachary Frangos 459-6000 459-6019 P.O. Box 246, Vieux-Fort msmithcarolan@cbayresort.com www.cbayresort.com
THE HARBOR CLUB
Lestor Scott 731-2900 P.O. Box GI2232, Rodney Bay gm@theharborclub.com www.theharborclub.com
THE LANDINGS SAINT LUCIA LTD. Mr. Paul Collymore 458-7300 458-7395 P.O. Box CP 5984, Castries gm@landingsstlucia.com www.landingsstlucia.com
PAPILLON BY REX RESORTS Richard Michelin 457-3000 P.O. Box 512, Castries gmanager@rsl.rexresorts.travel
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
SUGAR BEACH, A VICEROY RESORT
Mark Sterner 456-8000 459-7667 P.O. Box 251, Soufriere mark.sterner@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
SUNSWEPT RESORTS
Genevieve Dixon 457-7884 genevieve@sunsweptresorts.com www.sunsweptresorts.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
ROYAL ST. LUCIAN
ROYALTON SAINT LUCIA RESORT & SPA
BOUCAN BY HOTEL CHOCOLAT
Christian Langlade 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.sandals.com/grande-st-lucian/
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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 adhanpaul71@gmail.com www.jademountain.com
LADERA RESORT
Daly Mariatte 459-6600/717-7723 459-5156 P.O. Box 225, Soufriere adminstration@ladera.com www.ladera.com
RENDEZVOUS
Yhasmine Remy-Hylton 457-7900 459-7700 P.O. Box 190, Malabar Beach, Vigie, Castries yhasmine@theromanticholiday.com www.theromanticholiday.com
TI KAYE RESORT & SPA
BAY GARDENS BEACH RESORT AND SPA
Richard Michelin 457-3131 452-9639 P.O. Box 977, Castries Gros-Islet reservation@rsl.rexresorts.travel www.rexresorts.com
EAST WINDS RESORT LTD
Waltrude Patrick 457-8500 457-8400 P.O. Box 1892, Castries, Rodney Bay Village, Gros Islet wpatrick@baygardensresorts.com www.baygardensresorts.com
Bernabe Alexander 459-7971/572-9600 457-1630 P.O. Box 312, Soufriere bernabe.alexander@thehotelchocolat.com; www.thehotelchocolat.com
CALABASH COVE RESORT & SPA
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
Nicholas Pinnock 456-8101/ 456-8157 456-8109 P.O. Box GM 669, Castries lucia@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
LUXURY VILLAS AND VACATION RENTALS
CLEOPATRA VILLAS
Robert Joseph 458-0703 P.O. Box RB 2528, Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet office@villasinstlucia.com www.villasinstlucia.com
INDIGO PEARL PROPERTIES INC.
Reid Levenson 1-613-699-5073 Gros-Islet reid.levenson@indigopearlproperties.com www.indigopearlproperties.com
MARIGOT BAY RESORT & MARINA Perle Flavien 458-5300 458-5299 P. O. Box MG 7227, Marigot Bay, Castries perle.flavien@marigotbayresort.com www.capellahotels.com
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D STONEFIELD RESORT
Anista Brown 459-5648 / 459-7037 459-5550 P. O. Box 228, Soufriere abrown@stonefieldresort.com www.stonefieldresort.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
TROPICAL VILLAS
COCO PALM
VILLA C’EST LA VIE
THE DOWNTOWN HOTEL
Marella Devaux 450-8240 450-8089 Gros-Islet admin@tropicalvillas.net www.tropicalvillas.net Michael Thorn 452-0933/722-1616 452-0869 P.O. Box GM 848, Castries cestlavie@casalucia.com www.villacestlavie.com
VILLA CAPRI
Jean St. Rose 456-2800 452-0713 Castries jstrose@coco-resorts.com www.coco-resorts.com Joseph Charles 457-1485 457-1731 P.O. Box 235, Soufriere downtownhotel@candw.lc
THE GINGER LILY HOTEL
Kris Wagner 450-0009 P.O. Box RB 2552, Gros-Islet capristlucia@hotmail.com www.capristlucia.com
Karen Kisson 458-0300 458-0033 P.O. Box CP 6013, Castries Gros-Islet info@gingerlilyhotel.com www.gingerlilyhotel.com
VILLA FORTUNE
HABITAT TERRACE HOTEL
Dwayne Daniel 459-0085 459-0177 P.O. Box MF 7137, Morne Fortune, Castries daniel_dwayne@hotmail.com
VILLA ISIS
Edward St Aimee 726-7256 Marigot, Saint Lucia businessboss411@gmail.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
XHALE LUXURY VILLA
Lisa Gardner 728-9199 / 730-9700 P.O. Box BW 492, Gros-Islet LC01 601 St Lucia xhaleluxuryvilla@gmail.com
Cheryl Skeete 452-0822 P.O. Box 247, Castries Gros-Islet reservations@habitatterrace.com; www.habitatterracehotel.com
HARMONY MARINA SUITES Indra Betts-Hermiston 452-8756 / 452-0336 452-8677 indra.hermiston@gmail.com www.harmonysuites.com
HUMMINGBIRD BEACH RESORT Joan Alexander Stowe 459-7232 / 459-7985 459-7033 P.O. Box 280, Soufriere hbr@candw.lc www.hummingbirdbeachresort.com
MARIGOT BEACH CLUB & DIVE RESORT Lorne Charles 451-4974 451-4973 Marigot Post Office Marigot info@marigotbeachclub.com www.marigotbeachclub.com
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SMALL PROPERTIES
(SMALL HOTELS, INNS/GUESTHOUSES)
ALIZE INN GUEST HOUSE
Hyacintha Simon 452-0960/ 450-1487 P. ALIZE INN GUEST HOUSE Hyacintha Simon 452-0960 / 450-1487 P.O. Box 1763, Castries LC04-101, Gros-Islet pta@candw.lc alize-inn.info
AUPIC PARADISE GUEST HOUSE & APARTMENTS Lean Antoine 454-5857 454-5853 P.O. Box 513, Vieux-Fort, Vieux-Fort aupicparadise12@gmail.com
CHARLERY’S INN
Clinton Charlery 454-7420 454-5899 P.O. Box 286, Clarke Street, Vieux- Fort, Vieux-Fort info@charlerysinnslu.com www.charlerysinnslu.com
FOX GROVE INN
Franz Louis-Fernand 455-3800 455-3271 P.O. Box MR 30R, Mon Repos Post Office, Mamiku LC15 201, Mon Repos foxgroveinn@candw.lc www.foxgroveinn.com
LEISURE INN
Andrea Faucher 459-5616 459-5309 P.O. Box 289, New Development, Soufriere info@leisurestlucia.com www.leisurestlucia.com
MARIGOT PALMS/ ALDANTE LTD Daniel Kempenaers 287-3716 P.O. Box Choc 8465, Mega J info@marigotpalms.com www.marigotpalms.net
MORNE MANOR
Charles Serieux 722-4565 CP5775 Waterfront, Morne Fortune, Castries info@mornemanor.com
OASIS MARIGOT
POINSETTIA VILLA APARTMENTS
Beverly Mathurin 285-6123 305-946-6372 P.O. Box 387 Castries Marigot oasism@candw.lc www.oasismarigot.com
Margaux Daher 456-0469 452-0217 P.O. Box 127, Castries St. Lucia info@poinsettiavillas.com www.poinsettiavillas.com
Cheryl Gustave 452-8200 452-8002 P.O. Box 1892, Rodney Bay Village, Rodney Bay Gros-Islet cgustave@baygardensresorts.com www.baygardensresorts.com
TET ROUGE
THE REEF KITE & SURF
BAY GARDENS MARINA HAVEN
Primus Suffren 285-5853 c/o Anse La Raye P.O LC8101 tropicalparadiseview@gmail.com
SMALL HOTELS
BAY GARDENS INN
Daryl Araron 456-8500 / 456-8512 456-8511 P.O. Box 1544, Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet daaron@baygardensresorts.com www.baygardensresorts.com
Diana Moldovan 487-5054/ 484-0125 La Pointe, Choisuel info@tetrouge.com www.tetrouge.com
TROPICAL PARADISE VIEW
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Cecile Wiltshire 454-3418 454-7400 P.O. Box 485, Anse La Sable, Vieux-Fort info@slucia.com P.O. Box 1763, Castries LC04-101 Gros-Islet pta@candw.lc alize-inn.info
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FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUPPLIERS
ADMAC LTD.
Ruth Mc Farlane 451-6890 451-8995 P.O. Box Choc 8225, Castries info@admacltd.com www.admacltd.com
BARBAY/ ST LUCIA DISTILLERS 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
BIG CHEF STEAKHOUSE
Rosie Joinville 450-0210 P.O. Box MF7179, Castries bigchefsteakhouse@gmail.com
CARIBBEAN JUICES
Monica Althea Valmont 720-6566 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
GODDARD CATERING GROUP SAINT LUCIA LTD.
Anthony Samuel 459-6400 454-6206 P.O. Box 363, Vieux-Fort anthony.samuel@goddardcatering.com www.goddardenterprisesltd.com
ISLAND MIX
Nadia Jabour 584-7877 Rodney Bay Post Office najabour@gmail.com
JUNES CATERING LTD Simona-Leon Morille 452-8854 P.O. Box CP5483, Castries junescatering@gmail.com
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PARAMOUNT HOLDINGS LIMITED (HOSPITALITY EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTORS) Anita Charles 451-6600 / 451-6621 456-0615 P.O. Box 618, Castries, Gros-Islet palacs@candw.lc
PETER & COMPANY DISTRIBUTION Leo Lionel 457-7000 457-7059 P.O. Box 84/ 85, Castries beli_d@hotmail.com www.peterandcompanydistribution.com
INDEPENDENT RESTAURANTS
BUZZ SEAFOOD AND GRILL 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
RAINFOREST SEAFOODS INC
IL PIRATA PASTAIO
Ian Duncan 459-6073 459-6024 Beanfield Vieux Fort adminstlucia@rainforestseafoods.com
Emanuela Gualtieri 454-6610 454-5100 Industrial Estate Vieux Fort ilpirata@candw.lc
RENWICK & COMPANY LTD.
JACQUES WATERFRONT DINING
Cheryl Renwick 455-8000 452-7602 P.O. Box 90, Vide Boutielle, Castries contact@renwickslu.com
Catherin & Jacques Rioux 458-1900 P.O. Box RB 2534, Rodney Bay Gros-Islet cathyrioux@gmail.com www.jacquesrestaurant.com
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
Ashok Vaswani 459-2452 450-0014 P.O. Box CP 6425, Castries Car Park, Castries, Gros-Islet ashokvaswani@hotmail.com
ST. LUCIA FISH MARKETING CORPORATION
ORLANDO’S RESTAURANT
P.O. Box 891, Castries slfmc@candw.lc
TENDERONI FOODS INC
Marie Ange Murray 450-0760 P.O. Box RB2520, Rodney Bay Saint Lucia tenderoni@btinternet.com www.tenderonifoods.com
VALELSE SPORTS BAR & SOUP KITCHEN
Elezer Charles 451-4033 Mole Street, Anse Le Raye valelsesportsbar@gmail.com www.facebook.com/sportsbarslu1/
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, Castries, Vieux-Fort oscar.garcia@heineken.com www.pitonbeer.com
WINFRESH
Theresa Jn Baptiste 457-8600 453-1638 Agricultural Marketing Complex, P.O. Box 115, Castries Saint Lucia tjnbaptiste@winfresh.net
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
BOOKING.COM
Keith Smith 939-336-7416 53 Palmeras St. San Juan, PR 00901, Caribe Plaza 6th Floor Keith.smith@booking.com www.booking.com
PITONS TRAVEL AGENCY
450-1487 P.O. Box 1763, Castries, LC04-101 Gros-Islet pta@candw.lc www.pitons-travel.com
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D SAINT LUCIA REPRESENTATIVE SERVICES LTD. David Weatherson 456-9100 452-0459 P.O.Box 879, Castries Gros-Islet
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
AIRLINES AND DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANIES/ CONSULTANTS
ST LUCIA AIRLINE OPERATORS COMMITTEE Kennedy O Rene 452-7211 458-1727 P.O Box 416, Castries krene@parcelsexpresslc.com
CRUISE HANDLERS COX & CO. LTD.
Lydon Thomas 458-0473- 4 452-8550 P.O. Box CP 6356, Castries Gros-Islet managerslu@suntourscaribbean.com www.suntourscaribbean.com
Matthew Beaubrun 456-5000 456-5016 P.O.Box 88, Castries info@coxcoltd.com www.coxcoltd.com
TRAVEL & LEISURE CENTRE
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.
WEDDING SERVICE PROVIDERS
458-8000 458-8259 P.O. Box 99, Bridge Street, Castries mcee@mandcgroup.com www.mandcgroup.com
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
DUTY-FREE GIFT SHOPS
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EUDOVIC ART STUDIO Joseph Eudovic 452-2747 459-0124 P.O. Box 620, Castries don.e@hotmail.co.uk
HARRY EDWARDS JEWELERS
Thomas Ladner 458-6000 452-7587 P.O. Box 1889, Pointe Seraphine, Castries hejl@candw.lc www.harryedwardsjewelers.com
HEBAH LTD.
452-6666 / 453-6666 452-9421 P.O. Box BW 300, Baywalk Mall Gros-Islet www.baywalkslu.com Brendan McShane 452-3674 453-7751 P.O. Box 37, Castries Gros-Islet
Mauricia Thomas-Francis 459-5245 729-2368 32 Bridge Street, Soufriere mthomasfrancis@yahoo.com
TOUR SERVICE PROVIDERS
AMAZON ADVENTURES
Casim James 452-0726 P.O. Box 1820, Castries, Bois D’Orange, Gros Islet casimjames@gmail.com www.amazonadventures.com
ANANSI ATV TOURS
Kareem Hinkson 485-4592 kareemhinkson@gmail.com
BIG JET SKIS LTD
Royron Adams 487-0882 radams@bigjetskis.com
BON NOUVEL LTD. CLASSICAL ART
459-0770 P.O. Box 20, Choisel bestklasocalart@gmail.com
DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL Sarit Eitan 457-4200 452-5888 P.O. Box 88, Castries 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.dutyfreecaribbeanholdings.com
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TIK TAK DUTY FREE STORE AND CAFE
SUNTOURS CARIBBEAN CWTS)
Adrian Popo 452-1359 453-1359 #5 Gablewoods Mall, Sunny Acres, Castries info@tlcslu.com www.tlcslu.com
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SEA ISLAND COTTON SHOP
ST. JAMES TRAVEL & TOURS LTD
Bridgette Charles 484-7575 P.O. Box BW 400, Rodney Bay, Castries, St. Lucia Bridgette.charles@stjamesgroup.com www.stjamesgroup.com
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Emma Hippolyte P.O. Box GM 843 emmahippolyte@yahoo.com www.bonnouvell.com
CAPTAIN CLIFF ADVENTURE TOURS
Andre Delice P.O. Box CP 5499 Castries, Rodney Bay Marina captainclifftours@gmail.com
CAPTAIN RON TOURS & ENTERTAINMENT Aaron Alexander 486-8429 Chaussee PO, Castries Crt.bookings@gmail.com
CARNIVAL SAILING LIMITED Peter Bryne 452-5586 / 722-7193 458-2369 Castries carnivalsailing.com
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CITY WALKERS
Joel St. George Samuel
COSOL TOURS
Nereus Francis 450-6848 Babonneau Post Office cosol966@hotmail.com
COURTESY TAXI AND TOUR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD
Linus St Clair 452-1733 453-7175 P.O. Box GM 599, Pointe Seraphine, Castries lstclair9@msn.com
DUBOULAY HOLDINGS LTD. Joan Devaux 715-1266 453-2068 P.O. Box 1020, Castries jdevaux@candw.lc www.diamondstlucia.com
FOND GENS LIBRE DEVT COMMITTEE Francis Alexander 287-4848 Fond Gens Libre, Soufriere fgldcpres@gmail.com
GRANDE ANSE SEA TURTLE AND NATURE DEFENDERS Trevor Naitram Babonneau Post Office tnaitram@hotmail.com
HERITAGE TOURS OF ST. LUCIA
Donalyn Vittet 458-1454 3rd Floor Stanislaus James Building, Castries admin@heritagetoursstlucia.org www.heritagetoursstlucia.org
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
RAIN FOREST SKY RIDES/ ADVENTURES SAINT LUCIA Scott Swietanski 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 beli_d@hotmail.com www.seaspraycruises.com
SOLAR TOURS
P.O. Box 1519, 20 Bridge St, Castries solartours@candw.lc
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SOUFRIERE HOTWIRE RIDES INC
Josh Defreitas 459-7340 P.O. Box 8390 Choc, Castries, Soufriere info@stluciaziplining.com www.stluciaziplining.com
BUDGET RENT A CAR
Ursula Lubrun 452-9887 452-8160 P.O. Box GR 5129 Grande Riviere Post Office budgetcars@candw.lc
SOUTHERN TAXI ASSOCIATION
TAXI SERVICE PROVIDERS
Kenneth Phillip Micoud P.O kenphilip@hotmail.com www.southerntaxi.com
SOUFRIERE HOTWIRE RIDES INC.
Josh Defreitas 459-7340 P.O. Box 8390 Choc, Castries, Soufriere info@stluciaziplining.com www.stluciaziplining.com
ST. LUCIA DIVERS ASSOCIATION
Donovan Brown 488-0482 P.O. Box RB 2607, Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet dnewtonb@yahoo.com
T.E. TOURING SERVICES INC. Trevor Naitram 453-5223 458-2721 P.O. Box 4045, Bocage, Castries guestrelations@tetouring.com
TET PAUL NATURE TRAIL
Maureen Fontenelle 457-1122 62 Church St Soufriere maureenfontenelle@yahoo.co.uk www.tetpaulnaturetrail.com
THE GROS ISLET TAXI OWNERS COMPANY LTD
Matthew Albertie 456-9546 P.O. Box 2154 Gros Islet requestwindjammertaxi@gmail.com www.windjammertaxis.com
HOLIDAY TAXI LTD.
Lucien Joseph 452-6067 452-6093 1651 Castries, Saint Lucia nobetx2@hotmail.com
EVERGREEN PASSENGER TRANSPORT LTD. Owen Augier 451-5265 / 451-1977 453-5720 Forestiere oaugier@yahoo.com
MARINE YACHTING COMPANIES
TROPICAL UNITED TOURING SERVICES
Earlam Desir 458-7300 ext. 7883 Pigeon Island Causeway, PO Box BW 450, Gros-Islet tropicalunitedservices@gmail.com
AUTOMOBILE RENTALS
IGY RODNEY BAY MARINA
Sean Devaux 572-7200 452-0185 P.O. Box 1538, Castries, Gros-Islet rbm@igymarinas.com www.igymarinas.com
REGIS ELECTRONICS LTD
Jon White 452-0205 Rodney Bay Marina, Rodney Bay stlucia@regiselectronics.com
COOL BREEZE CAR RENTAL
Andrea Faucher 459-7729 459-5309 P.O. Box 289, New Development, Soufriere coolbreezecarrentalslu@gmail.com www.coolbreezecarrental.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
BOAT CHARTERS 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, Saint Lucia J.allamby@thepearlslu.com the-pearl.webflow.io/
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D UTILITY COMPANIES
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
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EXCHANGE MEMBERS SAINT LUCIA ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY (SLAPS)
Pamela M. Devaux 457-5277 P.O. Box GM 788, Castries, Gros-Islet stluciaanimals@gmail.com
SAINT LUCIA TOURISM AUTHORITY
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. Edmund Regis 457-3900 / 457-3903 452-6844 P.O. Box 1481, Castries edmundregis@wascosaintlucia.com
STATUTORY CORPORATIONS
INVEST SAINT LUCIA Roderick Cherry 457-3400 452-1841 P.O. Box 495, Castries info@investstlucia.com www.investstlucia.com
SAINT LUCIA AIR & SEAPORTS AUTHORITY Ag Daren Cenac 457-6100 457-6190 P.O. Box 651, Castries info@slaspa.com www.slaspa.com
SAINT LUCIA NATIONAL TRUST Bishnu Tulsie 452-5005 / 453-1495 453-2791 P.O. Box 595, Castries director@slunatrust.org www.slunatrust.org
SOUFRIERE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION Franklin Solomon 459-7200 459-7999 P.O. Box 272, Soufriere www.soufrierefoundation.org
Agnes Francis 452-4094 453-1121 P.O. Box 221, Castries, St. Lucia, LC07-301
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CGM GALLAGHER INSURANCE BROKERS
Dorn Lafeuillee-Simon 456-7532 453-3839 P.O. Box CP5900, Castries Dorn.lafeuilee@sldb.lc www.sldb.lc
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BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
FIRST CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK
SAINT LUCIA DEVELOPMENT BANK
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Thecla Deterville 453-1924 / 484-9756 453-0244 auberge@candw.lc
COMMERCIAL BANKS
Ladesa James-Williams 456-1000 452-6860 P.O. Box 335, Bridge Street, Castries ladesa.james-williams@cibcfcib.com www.cibcfcib.com
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CELESTIAL SELF DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Agnes Francis 452-6299 452-7571 P.O. Box 1058, Castries info@accelamarketing.com www.accelamarketing.com
Scott Stollmeyer 450-2410 / 458-5750 450-3250 P.O. Box CP 5352, Castries scott_stollmeyer@ajg.com www.cgmgallagher.com
CONVERGE SOLUTIONS INC.
Terrence Elliott 452-8760 458-0109 P.O. Box 6123 terrence.elliott@convergesolve.com www.convergesolve.com
CORAL RANGE, LLC
EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS
DIVISION OF HOSPITALITY STUDIES (SALCC) Kurt Harris 457-7318 452-7901 Morne Fortune, Castries ashokvaswani@hotmail.com www.salcc.edu.lc
MONROE COLLEGE
Gus Small 456-3200 458-2117 P.O. Box Cp 5419, Castries asmall@monroecollege.edu www.monroecollege.edu
SPRINGBOARD CARIBBEAN
Sophia Groenewald 450-0198 Head Cornerstone Building, Gros-Islet Castries sophia1980maria@gmail.com springboardcaribbean.com
ANGELS OF THE WEST INDIES Regina Posvar 486-4509 P.O. Box BW 314 Gros-Islet qrqualityrooms@gmail.com www.angelsofthewestindies.com
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Sara Burnett 712-7446 P.O. Box 8320 Mega J C/O Greenway Limited, Lot 4, Sunset Heights, Bone Terre sara@coralrange.com www.coralrange.com
EASTERN CARIBBEAN COLLECTIVE ORGANIZATION FOR MUSIC RIGHTS
Steve Etienne 451-6436 / 451-6809 451-6437 P.O. Box CP 5380, Castries- LC04-301, St. Lucia lucian_steve@hotmail.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
HR WISE INC.
Goretti Paul 458-4001 P.O. Box BW450, Rodney Bay, Gros Islet goretti.paul@hrwiseinc.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
YELLOW MEDIA GROUP
Vanetta Charlemagne 452-3188 452-3181 P.O. Box GM 656, Castries vcharlemagne@globaldirectories.com www.stluciayp.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
SAGICOR LIFE, INC
Eon R. Philips 456-1700 450-3787 P.O. Box 1264, Castries Sagicor Financial Center, Choc Estate Castries eon_phillips@sagicor.com www.sagicor.com
TRI-FINITY ASSOCIATES
Matthew Sargusingh 458-0532 / 458-4895 RB 2761 Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet mtsingh@msn.com
PRINTING, PUBLISHING AND MEDIA COMPANIES
ADVERTISING & MARKETING SERVICES LTD. Lokesh Singh 453-1149 453-1290 P.O. Box 2003, Gros-Islet, Castries lokesh@amsstlucia.com www.stlucia.focus.com
DAHER BROADCASTING SERVICE (DBS Television) Linda Daher 453-2705 452-3544 P.O. Box 1623 Castries daherl@candw.lc www.dbstvstlucia.com
DELIA DOLOR MEDIA PRODUCTIONS Delia Dolor 485-3060 P.O. Box RB2727 delia@deliadolor.com deliadolor.com
KIRK ELLIOTT LIMITED Kirk Elliott 450-2295 / 518-5800 P.O. Box 672, Castries kirk@kirkelliott.com
MEDIAZONE PRODUCTIONS INC Wayne Whitfield 452-7347 / 456-0306 P.O. Box GM745, Castries wayne@mediazonestlucia.com
SACRED SPORTS FOUNDATION
Nova Alexander 450-0673 P.O. Box GI 2162, Gros Islet Post Office, Gros-Islet LC01101 nova@sacredsportsinc.com www.sacredsportsinc.com
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TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES
BODY & BEYOND - ST. LUCIA
Michael Vincent 452-0451 P.O. Box 2713 Rodney Bay Post Office, Rodney Heights, Gros Islet mnv1227@gmail.com
BORNEWELL HOLDINGS INC. Nadine St. Rose 713-9191 P.O. Box GM-643, Castries nerdin@bornewell.com www.bornewell.com
BUMPER PLUS INT’L LTD ISLAND TEK
Gidden Augustin 485-7444 P.O. Box GR 5211 Grande Riviere info@islandtekinc.com
SECURITY COMPANIES
Francine Rivoire 450-3078 P.O. Box 8181 Gros Islet francine@hotmail.com
DD AUTO IMPORTS Donald Dorius 484-6244 P.O. Box 8145, Gros Islet ddorius@candw.lc
EXPLORER PROMOTIONS
Perry Longville 727-7799 explorerpromotions.slu@gmail.com
BLACK SHIELD SECURITY SURVEILLANCE & PRIVATE INVESTIGATION LTD.
EZONE ( E Couriers Ltd)
G4S SECURE SOLUTIONS (SAINT LUCIA) LTD.
FDL PEST CONTROL SOLUTIONS
Magloire Charles 455-9989 Pierrot Post Office Aupicon Vieux Fort blackshieldslu@gmail.com
Kenneth S. Benjamin 451-9911 451-9914 CP - 5970 Castries, L’anse Road henryj@guardsmangroup.com
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
GENERAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
Corey Devaux 451-3004 452-0916 P.O. Box RB2587, Gros-Islet corey.devaux@getezone.com www.getezone.com Christopher Lubin 453-1056 458-1068 P.O. Box GM 898, Castries fdlpcs@candw.lc
GREEN GARDEN ORGANIC FARM (SEDU MEMBER)
Robert Vaughn Jaganath Babonneau Post Office Fond Assau, Babonneau robertjaganath@gmail.com
GREEN GRASS LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE SERVICES Malcolm Jn Baptiste Grande Riviere P.O. Gros Islet malcolmjnbaptiste@gmail.com
H&L ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD Millines Herman 384-7868 Box QSR 60, Bois D’Orange, Gros Islet info@hnles.com
LUBECO (1991) LTD.
Geoffrey Allain 454-6026 454-9463 P.O. Box VF 552, Gablewoods South Vieux-Fort lubeco@candw.lc
ASPIRE SOLUTIONS LTD.
RODNEY BAY MEDICAL CENTRE
BEACHCOMBER LTD.
SAINT LUCIA LINEN SERVICES LTD.
Christos Poravas 457-8523 P.O. Box 2714, Castries Gros-Islet christos@aspiresolutionsltd.com aspiresolutionsltd.com David Devaux 452-5241 452-7448 P.O. Box 930, Vide Boutielle, Castries admin@beachcomberltd.com www.beachcomberltd.com
Farida Bousquet 452-8621 452-0785 P.O. Box RB2305, Rodney Bay manager@rodneybaymedicalcentre.com Nicholas Barnard 450-1365 / 450-2924 450-2314 P.O. Box 2135, Gros-Islet Castries admin@stlucialinen.com
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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
SOL EC LTD.
Lawrence McNaughton 457-4355 452-7555 P.O. Box 140, Castries lawrence.mcnaughton@solpetroleum.com www.solpetroleum.com
TOLYN MANUFACTURERS LTD Mark Charles 454-6468 / 454-6168 454-6280 P.O. Box 293, Vieux-Fort tolynmfg@yahoo.com www.tolynltd.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
VELS MULTI SERVICES LTD Patrick Velinor 453-3302 velsdiesel@hotmail.com
EXCHANGE AND HONORARY MEMBERS
BOO HINKSON EDWARD JOSEPH KINGSLEY POWLETTE NINA COMPTON-MILLER THERESA HALL VERONICA SHIGLETON-SMITH LEVERN SPENCER
FOKKE BAARSSEN / EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES
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EXPERIENCE THE BEERS OF SAINT LUCIA
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
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AD INDEX Antillia Brewing Company................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 94 Barefoot Holidays.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................81 Bay Gardens Resorts.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................30, 31 The Naked Fisherman at Cap Maison Resort.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 83 Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 49 Colombian Emeralds International.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23 Diamonds International......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 Effy Jewelry............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18, 19, 56, 57 Fond Doux Plantation & Resort..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 94 The Harbor Club..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................21 Harry Edwards Jewelers.....................................................................................................................................................................................Inside Front Cover, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Back Cover Jade Mountain At Anse Chastanet............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................47 Orlando’s Restaurant & Bar................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................95 Sandals Resorts.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 26, 27 St Lucia Distillers Group of Companies..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................81 St. Lucia Tourism Authority........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Inside Back Cover
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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Amazed ISLAND
THE LAND, THE PEOPLE, THE LIGHT 96
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LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
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Save The Dates! Saint Lucia Jazz 7-10 May Saint Lucia Carnival June/July culminating with the Street Parade on 20 & 21 July Saint Lucia Roots & Soul 21-23 August St Lucia Food & Rum 18- 20 September Saint Lucia Creole Heritage Month 1-31 October Arts & Heritage Festival 16-18 October Jounen Kwéyòl 25 October
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