Summary
Choosing where to stay in Saint Lucia can be difficult. Even though it is a small island, it has contrasting regions. The north of St. Lucia is different from the south, creating two very distinct atmospheres. We are here to help you decide which side of Saint Lucia is best for your vacation.
We stayed on both sides of St. Lucia and loved each experience. In fact, we suggest splitting your vacation between the north and south of Saint Lucia. However, let’s examine what each side of the island offers.
What Side of the Island to Stay on in St. Lucia – North or South
Choosing which part of Saint Lucia to stay in depends on your preferences and the atmosphere you seek. The North is an excellent choice for families and those seeking nightlife, while the South is perfect for romantic escapes and honeymoons.
Below, we break down the resorts and attractions to help you make the most of your trip to St. Lucia.
The North – Saint Lucia Nightlife and Beaches
The north side of St. Lucia is located near the capital city of Castries. Here, you’ll find the bars and nightlife, restaurants, and a wide choice of all-inclusive resorts and hotels in St. Lucia. Ensure you check the current safety situation in St. Lucia before planning your accommodations.
This part of the island is busier, with cruise ships frequently docking. It is the most popular area in Saint Lucia, with resorts lining Marigot Bay to the south and Rodney Bay to the north of the capital.
The north is ideal for those looking for beach activities and nightlife. There are plenty of options for bar hopping along the beach and numerous restaurants to explore. Also, it’s a suitable choice for families compared to the more secluded resorts in the south.
The calm waters of Rodney Bay are inviting for water sports, with ample snorkeling opportunities right off the shore.
St. Lucia Best Hotels North Side
The North boasts family-friendly hotels and all-inclusive resorts, featuring dedicated restaurant, bar, and shopping zones, along with long stretches of white sand beaches.
Calabash Cove Resort and Spa
Calabash Cove is a luxury boutique, all-inclusive resort and spa designed for adults. Our stay here was delightful, and it offered everything we hoped for in a romantic getaway.
In our seaside villa, we had an amazing experience with our own infinity plunge pool and stunning views of the Caribbean Ocean, along with access to a private beach. The two-room villa featured an outdoor shower, infinity plunge pool, and a sitting area complete with a stocked bar and cable TV.
Amenities of Calabash Cove Resort
- Beach villas equipped with private infinity pools and outdoor showers
- One large infinity pool with a pool bar
- Located on Rodney Bay, close to various water sports activities
- Private white sand beach with several cabanas and lounge chairs
- Water sports directly on the resort – including stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking
- A stunning infinity pool
- Award-winning Windsong Restaurant, esteemed for its Caribbean and St. Lucian cuisine
- Spa services
- Pool bar access
- Option for sunset dinners on the beach or pier
Visit Calabash Cove for more details. Check Room Rates and Availability on TripAdvisor or Booking.com
Other Hotels in St. Lucia North
Bay Gardens – Family-friendly, this resort is located on the beach and is within walking distance of Rodney Bay. See rates and availability
Royalton St. Lucia Resort and Spa – Family-friendly with an adults-only section, located directly on the beach. Offers all-inclusive packages and multiple pools for all ages. See reviews and availability
Cap Maison – A boutique hotel on a sandy beach located on the Caribbean side near Gros Islet, featuring a private beach and spectacular views of Pigeon Island National Park, making it a good choice for golfers visiting Saint Lucia. Check out availability and rates
Sandals Grand St. Lucian – Located on Rodney Bay, this resort boasts beautiful beaches and tranquil waters. It features five swimming pools and is close to the Cap Estate Golf & Country Club championship golf course.
When searching for hotels in the north, prioritize resorts that provide all-inclusive options (as meals can be quite pricey in Saint Lucia) along with private plunge pools, ocean views, and sandy beach access. Explore more St. Lucian hotels on TripAdvisor and Booking.com
Note: Saint Lucian beaches are open to the public, providing the opportunity to engage with the locals.
Things to do in St. Lucia North
Pigeon Island National Park – A historical site that was once a pirate hideout and military fort, it became a National Landmark in 1972. The park features ancient ruins, beautiful sandy beaches, opportunities for snorkeling, and local dining options nearby.
Pigeon Island National Park is connected to the mainland via a manmade causeway. This fascinating location offers several picturesque hikes to the top of the island and fort, providing breathtaking views of Rodney Bay.
Reduit Beach – Renowned for its water sports, Reduit Beach stretches along Rodney Bay and is considered one of St. Lucia’s finest beaches. Most of the major all-inclusive hotels line this bay.
Sunset cruises and catamaran tours frequently depart from Rodney Bay marina, enhancing your island experience.
Marigot Bay – Positioned south of Castries, it is another sought-after area for visitors to stay in Saint Lucia.
Castries Market – An outdoor vendor market established in 1891, this lively location is frequented by locals for fresh produce, meats, and vegetables, while tourists can discover souvenirs and local crafts.
Rodney Bay Village – This vibrant community is the hub for nightlife, shopping, dining, and features a casino and mall.
Beach Party – Gros Islet Beach Party occurs weekly on Friday nights at Rodney Bay Village, making it a great location for bar hopping.
Saint Lucia South – The Laid Back Retreat
If you are looking for an indulgent luxury escape, pampering in a lavish spa, or a romantic honeymoon, the south of the island may be your ideal choice. Notably, the South is also a haven for nature enthusiasts and offers numerous excursions away from the resort.
The southern part of St. Lucia is home to the Gros and Petit Pitons, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. These iconic volcanic spires are a must-see for anyone visiting the island. Gros Piton reaches 798.25 m (2,618 feet) high, while Petit Piton stands at 743 m (2,437 feet).
Centering around the French colonial town of Soufrière, the South invites visitors who seek a balance of outdoor adventure and luxurious pampering, along with secluded retreats.
Hotels in St. Lucia – South
The South of Saint Lucia is where you’ll find luxury hotels and private villas, many featuring infinity pools and extraordinary views of the Pitons. We enjoyed our stay at Stonefield Villas Resort, an all-villa resort boasting incredible views of the Petit Piton; each villa comes with its own swimming pool.
This locally owned resort was one of the first establishments near Soufrière. Walking distance from Soufrière, it provides easy access to the town’s offerings.
Though it is situated high in the jungle and requires a shuttle to the beach, the views more than compensate for the effort. Each suite features its own plunge pool, making it an enticing place to unwind. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. See rates and availability
Amenities
- Swimming pool
- Private plunge pool in all villas
- Mango Tree Restaurant
- Choice of all-inclusive stay
- Unparalleled views of the Petit Piton
- All rooms have either piton or ocean views
- Full-service spa
- Shuttles to Sugar Beach and Malgretoute Beach
- Easy hike to see ancient petroglyphs on property
- Day tours can be booked directly at the hotel
- Visit Stonefield Resort for more information, rates, and availability.
- Check availability and room rates on TripAdvisor
Other Popular Hotels in St. Lucia – South Side
Jade Mountain Resort – Recognized as the most expensive hotel in St. Lucia, situated on the island’s West Coast, this hotel is often highly recommended. Located on the private estate of Anse Chastanet, it features infinity pools and sweeping ocean and pitons views. Spacious rooms include private pools. See rates and availability
Anse Chastanet – Managed by the same owners as Jade Mountain Resort, this upscale hotel offers views of both the Petit and Gros Piton mountains against the Caribbean Sea backdrop. Check out reviews and rates here
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort – Frequently voted one of the best hotels in the Caribbean, it boasts the finest beach on the southern coast of the island. Nestled between the Petit and Gros Piton, it is positioned on the island’s southwest coast. Check out details here.
Beaches in Saint Lucia are public, allowing anyone to enjoy Sugar Beach, with Stonefield Villa Resort providing free shuttles to the beach for its guests.
When searching for accommodation in the south, opting for an all-inclusive hotel that includes meals is wise, as food can be quite expensive. We recommend a hotel providing private villas with plunge pools and rooms offering views of the Pitons.
Things to do in the South of St. Lucia
Sulphur Springs and Volcano – This is the only drive-in volcano in the world. If you’ve never seen an active volcano before, this is a great opportunity. After touring the massive crater, enjoy a rejuvenating mud bath in the sulphur springs, known for their healing properties.
Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens – This enchanting garden features a picturesque walk filled with tropical flora and a stunning cascade of Diamond Falls. Learn about St. Lucia’s native plants while enjoying the natural beauty surrounding the falls. Diamond Falls was featured in a scene from our favorite travel movies, Romancing the Stone.
Hike the Pitons – The Pitons, Saint Lucia’s most recognizable landmarks, are remarkable volcanic cones that rise dramatically from the Caribbean Sea, creating a striking visual experience. They are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
However, be advised that climbing both Pitons can be strenuous, requiring some technical climbing and scrambling.
Snorkeling – The entire island offers fantastic snorkeling experiences. Anse Cochon serves as a protected marine reserve and is an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving.
The Verdict – North or South?
In our opinion, a seven-day trip to St. Lucia should encompass both sides. The experiences differ significantly, and we found that three nights in each location is ideal. Therefore, if you visit St. Lucia, consider dividing your stay accordingly.
It would be unfortunate to visit St. Lucia and miss the Pitons if you solely stay in the North. While day trips to the Pitons from the North are possible, be prepared for winding and narrow roads. The drive can take 90 minutes to two hours, so plan for a lengthy day.
Conversely, don’t miss out on some of the best beaches on the island in the North. We particularly enjoyed discovering Pigeon Island National Landmark and the calm waters ideal for Stand-up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking.
We began our trip in the South and then took a driver to the North. We left Stonefield Villas at 10:00 am and checked into Calabash Cove by noon. Even if your room isn’t ready, it’s fine because there is a pool bar and lounge where you can relax and soak up the Caribbean sun.
In summary, this guide details the best hotels and activities on both the northern and southern sides of Saint Lucia. Of all the Caribbean islands we’ve explored, St. Lucia truly stands out as one of the most beautiful.
