More Details: Villa rental in Cap Estate, St Lucia - 87784

ARRIVAL

There are two main airports on the island. Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort is located 40 miles south of the capital of Castries. George Inter Island Airport is located just outside the city. Flying times from major cities to Hewannorra are about three and half hours from Miami, four hours from New York City and eight hours from London or Manchester. Visitors from the United States can fly to St. Lucia on American Airlines with service from Philadelphia, New York and Charlotte, while Air Jamaica also offers direct flights from New York. American Eagle flies daily to and from Puerto Rico into George Charles Airport, and Caribbean Star offers service for various Caribbean destinations. Caribbean Express also operates modern high-speed catamaran service between St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe. Let Kris have your flight details and she will help with your transfers to and from the airport.

EXPLORING ST.LUCIA

One of the best ways to see St Lucia is to take the Land and Sea trip. You start off early in the morning on an open top jeep which takes you through the roads and tracks to various sites, villages and views. There is a driver and one guide to 8 tourists in the jeep. You visit the botanical gardens, a waterfall and the volcano on the trip. At Soufriere you join the Cataraman and have lunch on board. The Cataraman then makes its way slowly back up the island. You can take in the scenery, dance, have some rum and stop off for snorkeling (usually at Anse Cochon Bay). Some trips will take you to the wild, deserted Atlantic beaches on the island.Another way to see the island is to hire a private taxi for the day. Most taxi drivers are friendly and informative and will do a deal on the price. Inevitably you may end up meeting their Uncle or Aunt (who happens to run a local restaurant, rum shack of whatever) but this is a good thing! It is a great way to make friends.

WHERE IS ST.LUCIA?

Considered to be one of the most romantic of all destinations in the world, St Lucia is a strikingly beautiful tropical island situated at the heart of the Windward chain in the Eastern Caribbean between St Vincent and Martinique. The island is mountainous and fertile, its spectacular peaks and deep valleys draped in the lush greenery of the rainforest and blooming with tropical splendour. The stunning coastline offers variety from classic stretches of white-sand beaches to the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, and has some of the finest natural harbours in the Caribbean. The iconic towering Pitons are just two of the island’s natural wonders; the spectacular twin volcanic peaks rise majestically from the sea, midway down the Caribbean coast.

ATTRACTIONS

As well as being the perfect place to relax and do nothing, St Lucia offers visitors a colourful kaleidoscope of attractions to entertain them. If you have a tendency to get bored sitting on a beach for too long, you can arrange tours of St Lucia. There are several companies offering tours service on the Island, Which can be customised so as to not get lost in the Cruise Crowds at some of the more popular spots. Start in the morning and drive, with sight-seeing stops included, to the North of the Island, where the 'Sea' bit starts. You can cruise past Pigeon Island, view most of the West coast resorts, go through the Tunnel of Love, visit the Bat Cave, tour Marigot Bay, snorkel on 'Golden Reef' with sleeping Turtles, arriving eventually at Soufriere. Here jump in a taxi to see waterfalls, rainforest trails, the volcano, including a roll in the mud and rinse off in a red-hot bath. Lunch and drinks are usually included. Stop for more snorkelling.

CLIMATE

St. Lucia receives plenty sunshine all year round similar to most of the other Caribbean islands. The hurricane season spans between June and November but we haven't been directly hit in many years. September to November can be quite hot and humid so stay close to a pool or the beach. Average temperatures reach 84 degrees Fh. Average daily sunshine is 8 to 9 hours.

GETTING AROUND

Taxi service is available at the two island airports, at the cruise ports in Castries and at all the major hotels, as well as tourist spots and shopping malls. Additionally minibuses can be hired as taxies for groups, and these can take up to 10 persons. Several major rental car companies including Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty, as well as Cool Breeze offer service at the island’s two airports. Visitors should go to the baggage claim area, where the service counters are located. Visitors who do not possess an international driving permit must purchase a temporary permit to drive in St. Lucia. These can be obtained from the immigration department at the airport or any police department. This can also be arranged by your car rental representative. Visitors should also know the driving is on the left side of the road (British style).