I visited Saint Lucia and here's why it should be your next Caribbean escape

When it comes to Caribbean vacations, many of us here in Toronto often choose destinations like Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic, overlooking other islands that deserve more attention and offer unique experiences you won't find anywhere else.

One such spot is the magical island of Saint Lucia, which you can get to in under six hours from Toronto with a direct flight from Air Canada or WestJet. Situated in the Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia is simply stunning, with a mountainous landscape, turquoise waters, and a kind of culture that makes you feel right at home.

Lucky for me, my boyfriend and I were graciously hosted on the island, and I got to see exactly what Canadians are missing out on.

After a jam-packed five-day vacation, here are my top Saint Lucia moments and some inspiration for your trip down to the only island in the world named after a woman.

Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences

Our home for five days was the stunning Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences. The Canadian-owned and 5-star-rated hotel was hands down the friendliest and most beautiful resort I've ever stayed at.

The beautiful beachfront at Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences. 

Welcoming us like family, the staff at Windjammer were exceptionally kind and accommodating — and they made the trip truly special. There is something to be said about people who enjoy the work they do and how that feeds into the vibe of the entire trip. For that alone, Windjammer deserves a round of applause.

As a notoriously forgetful packer, I had left my phone charger back at home, and without one on hand, I started to panic. This wasn't a problem at the Windjammer, because the staff kindly charged my phone day and night, without question.

Soaking up the good times in Saint Lucia.

With the stunning villa (featuring a private terrace and rooftop) and the awesome restaurants and activities, I could have stayed at the resort all day and never had a dull moment.

My partner and I spent mornings snorkelling at the beach, while he even went windsurfing and fishing — all at the resort.

When it came to food, this was an all-inclusive like I had never experienced before. No buffets with the same old boring dishes day after day here! Instead, Windjammer boasts numerous restaurants where you order from a menu. This gave more culinary choice, while still remaining all-inclusive.

A Windjammer kitty in its natural habitat.

For the cherry on top of my Windjammer experience, the 60+ acre property is home to several adorable cats. While this might be an issue at other resorts, Windjammer has taken full responsibility for these cuties, vaccinating and feeding them. This kind behaviour is a testament to the character of the Windjammer Landing.

Mango Tree Restaurant at Stonefield Villa Resort

Believe me when I say I've never been to a restaurant quite this beautiful. After a peaceful morning of relaxation at Sulphur Springs in Soufrière, it was time to stop for lunch. Arriving at Stonefield Villa Resort’s restaurant, The Mango Tree, I was genuinely at a loss for words.

Now this is a view!

The outdoor dining area perches high above the sea, offering panoramic views of the island. A refreshing pool sits in the middle, where guests dip and dive at their leisure, while the best table in the house sits under a beautiful cascading mango tree. (Yes, it has fresh mangoes dangling above!)

The best part? A wondrous view of the Petit Piton in all its glory. Top that off with a bowl of the restaurant's signature pumpkin soup, and that's a Saint Lucia moment worth visiting again and again.

The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival

Our trip centred around the multi-day celebration of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, filled with some of the globe's biggest entertainers and local musicians.

Themed nights like Caribbean Fusion, World Beats, and Pure Jazz take over the historic Pigeon Island where music, culture, and community blend together for something you can only experience in Saint Lucia.

The vibes were electric.

For me, watching Skip Marley play his famous grandfather's songs to a gigantic crowd that hit every single word was the closest to magic on earth I've ever felt. The crowd sang together in harmony, swaying and dancing with every beat.

To make the performance even more magical, Skip was joined by original Wailers bassist Aston Barrett, who played the riffs with a special muscle memory that seemed effortless for him. Other top-performing headliners included Tems, Ella Mai, Brandy and Monica, and Esperanza Spalding.

Besides the musical aspect, the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival also has many food vendors serving up classic island treats — it's a great way to dive deep into Lucian culture. From classic bakes (fried dough discs) to glasses of sweet rum punch or Piton beer, it was a tasty retreat from the music.

ATV Xperience

For some local excitement, we had the pleasure of visiting ATV Xperience, a local tourism operator that allows visitors to experience a side of Saint Lucia not often seen by tourists. 

With my boyfriend taking charge and me sitting behind him on a brand-new ATV, we ripped off into the residential streets with the help of a local guide.

Overlooking Five Dollar Beach.

Up red-sand paths, down tree-shaded roads, and around the Beausejour Cricket Stadium, we eventually made our way to Five Dollar Beach, a white-sand beach with a cooling breeze. There, we met some of the family members who own the acres of land around the beach, taking in the sights and some original artwork.

This was an especially meaningful part of the trip, as ATV Xperience is the only operator on the northside of the island and is committed to providing tourists with new perspectives while boosting the local economy. 

Experience the beauty of Saint Lucia

All in all, this was a 10/10, 5-star vacation that I will never forget. The jam-packed activities, the food, the people, and the music? It all made for a memorable trip that I know other Toronto travellers will absolutely fall in love with.

Now here is my final recommendation: make sure to buy a bottle of Baron's Hot Sauce, an award-winning West Indian condiment made with fresh hot peppers and mustard powder for a powerful kick of flavour. Found all over the island, it's absolutely delicious on eggs, fish, meat, and even hot dogs!

Back to the island — if you're the kind of traveller who admires natural beauty, island culture, and good vibes, Saint Lucia is calling you. Find direct flights with Air Canada and WestJet from Toronto and get ready for your trip to the island!