Where To Stay in St. Lucia Ultimate Guide (Which Side Of The Island Is Best)?

St. Lucia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Caribbean Islands. Which makes it a top location for honeymooners and vacationers alike. While the island only stretches 27 miles (44 km) in length and 14 miles (23 km) in width, there is still plenty to see and many different places to stay. Each cardinal direction offers a different perspective of the island. So in this guide, we will help you decide where to stay in St. Lucia. 

The north and west part of the island are definitely the most popular places to stay in St. Lucia. The North is known for a big nightlife scene and plenty of large resorts to choose from.

And the mountainous west side is much quieter but has the best outdoor adventures and natural scenery in St.Lucia. Most notable of course is the stunning twin Piton Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While the east and south tips of the island of St. Lucia have hotels and resorts, they are far less popular.

Whether you are looking for luxury overwater bungalows, unique villas with private plunge pools, or budget hotels, St Lucia has accommodation to suit all tourists. This detailed guide will break down the different areas of the island, and decipher which area is best for you.

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North, South, East, West

St. Lucia is shaped kinda like an American football, it’s longer than it is wide (north to south). The northern and southern tip are the most populated areas. The west coast is mountainous and has more accommodations for tourists. And the east coast has more locals and is less touristy.

On the west side, you will have the Caribbean Sea where you will find calmer, warmer water and that stunning emerald blue color. On the windward east side, you will find the Atlantic Ocean which will be a little rougher and less ideal for beachgoers. 

You will find far fewer hotels and resorts on the east side of Saint Lucia. And typically many tourists skip this area altogether. 

For getting around the island of St. Lucia, most people just take a taxi or shuttle to their hotel or resort. And then maybe book a tour or excursion to explore the island.

Though a rental car can be a good option if you really want to get out and explore the whole island. But be aware that the narrow mountain roads may be a challenge for some. Before hopping in a rental car in St. Lucia, <- be sure to check out our detailed review.

So unless you are out to explore the whole island, it’s probably best for most tourists to just stick to the north or west coast of the island. There are tons of resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, and many things to do in St. Lucia on the west side.

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How To Get To Saint Lucia

There are two airports on the island of St. Lucia: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George FL Charles Airport (SLU).

Hewanorra International Airport is located in Vieux Fort in the south part of the island. Most tourists arrive to the island here (unless coming from a nearby Caribbean Island)

Airlines that fly into Hewanorra International Airport are American Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue, & United Airlines, Air Canada, Sunwing Airlines, Transat & WestJet, British Airways, Thomas Cook & Condor.

The George FL Charles Airport (SLU) is located in Castries in the northwest of the island. This much smaller airport only has short flights from nearby islands. Islands that fly here are Antigua, Barbados, Curacao, Fort-de-France, Pointe-a-Pitre, Port of Spain, Saint Kitts, Sint Maarten, and Saint Vincent. 

Airlines that fly into the George F.L Charles Airport (SLU) are Air Antilles, Air Caraibes, and LIAT.

Find cheap flights to St. Lucia with Kayak or Hopper (use code tworoamingsouls). 

  

Getting to St. Lucia via Cruise Ship

You can also visit Saint Lucia via cruise ship. The port is in Castries. But note that cruise ships often only stay for one day. So you need to plan a quick tour or excursion to see the island. 

Cruise lines that offer stops in St. Lucia are Norwegian Cruise, Celebrity Cruise, Carnival, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Windstar Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Holland America Line and more.

Book a cruise on Expedia. (Be sure to have the Rakuten extension running on your browser to get up to 10% cash back on your purchase).

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Where to Stay in St. Lucia in the north

Gros Islet, Rodney Bay, Castries

The North side of Saint Lucia is best known for large all-inclusive resorts with nice beaches. 

Popular attractions in the North part of St. Lucia are Pigeon Island National Park, Reduit Beach, Splash Island Water Park, Naked Fisherman Beach Bar & Grill, water sports in Rodney Bay, and more. 

The north is where to stay in St. Lucia if you are into nightlife. Especially on Friday nights, there is the Gros Islet Friday night street party. The whole street is packed with food vendors, local restaurants offering great deals and many locals looking for a good time. But also, many of the luxury resorts will also have live entertainment at night. 

The biggest drawback to the north part of St. Lucia is the lack of view of the famous Piton Mountains, the crown jewel of the island. Tourists will have to take a tour, water taxi, or inland taxi to get to these famous landmarks. 

In the North of St. Lucia, you will find the 3 famous Sandals St. Lucia Resorts. Jake and I actually had the pleasure of honeymooning at Sandals Regency La Toc. But honestly, if we were to do it all over again, we would probably consider staying at Sandals Grande St. Lucian or Sandals Halcyon Beach. But there are lots of other places to stay in St. Lucia besides Sandals.

Top 3 Resorts in the North

Sandals Grande St. Lucian – Sandals Grande St. Lucian is a 5-star, adults only, all inclusive resort located in Gros Islet. The resort is as close as you can stay to Pigeon Island National Park. There are 12 restaurants, 7 bars, a golf course, water sports, a fitness center with tennis courts, salon, spa, etc.

Sandals is best known for its scuba diving package which is included for all guests. You are allowed to go out twice per day if you are scuba certified. And if you aren’t certified, Sandals will help you either finish a course or get you a temporary certification during your trip. 

The Landings St. Lucia – The Landings St. Lucia is a family-friendly, luxury, 5-star resort in the north of St. Lucia. They offer an all-inclusive package or you can choose an a la carte lunch and dinner buffet. Breakfast is included for all guests. There are 4 restaurants and 3 bars. They have a fitness center, spa, watersports, and more.

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort – The Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort is a 4-star hotel up on the hillside of Labrellotte Bay. The resort is family-friendly but also offers that relaxed luxury feel. They have 5 restaurants, 4 bars, watersports, spa, etc. Guests have the choice of all-inclusive (including motorized watersports) or al a carte for dining and activities. 

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Where to Stay in St. Lucia in the West

Marigot Bay, Anse La Raye, Canaries, Soufriere, Mamin

The west side of Saint Lucia is known for the famous twin Piton mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This mountainous area is home to many fancy and exclusive resorts, and also some more modest accommodations. 

The west side of Saint Lucia is a popular tourist hub for the most popular hiking, waterfalls, mudbaths, hot springs, etc. on the island. Therefore, when looking for where to stay in St. Lucia, the west side is easily the perfect place for nature lovers.

Howeverm the mountains do bring a little more clouds and rain.

Soufriere is the most popular town on the southwest side of St. Lucia. Marigot Bay is another popular location, but more remote for those luxury vacationers. 

The west side doesn’t quite have the nightlife atmosphere like the north, but rather a much chiller and relaxed vibe. The best way to experience nightlife is probably going out to a local bar and hanging with some partying Saint Lucians at Soufriere Beach Park.

There are also tons of delicious restaurants, amazing beaches, and even some adventures off the beaten path. 

Top 3 Resorts on the West Side

Ti Kaye Resort & Spa – Up on the cliffside of Anse Cochon Bay is Ti Kaye Resort & Spa. The resort is adults-only, 4-stars and probably the most secluded resort in St. Lucia. It’s the perfect place if you are looking for some solitude on the island of St. Lucia. Thier beach often feels completely private since it’s the only resort in this area.

Ti Kaye Resort & Spa has 2 restaurants and 2 bars, as well as an exclusive wine and cheese guided tour. They offer watersports, spa treatments, yoga, etc. 

Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia – In the famous Marigot Bay is the luxurious Zoëtry Resort. The resort is 5-stars up on the hillside, offering beautiful views over Marigot Bay. Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia has 7 restaurants, 4 bars, and a spa. Watersports are only available off the property. 

Sugar Beach Resort – On a (imported) white sand beach near Soufriere, you will find Sugar Beach Resort. This is where luxury meets nature. This family-friendly, 5-star resort sits right between the famous Petit Piton and Gros Piton. Sugar Beach Resort has 6 restaurants, 3 bars, watersports, spa, and more. All-inclusive packages are available to all guests. 

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Where to Stay in St. Lucia in the South

Laborie, Vieux Fort, Balenbouche, Sapphire

The South part of St. Lucia is where the major Hewanorra International Airport is located. Most tourists will likely fly into this airport, unless traveling from a nearby island.

Some tourist attractions on the South of Saint Lucia are Moule a Chique, Maria Islands Natural Reserve, Morne Le Blanc, etc. While these attractions are beautiful, they are easily out-shined by the other main attractions of St. Lucia.

While there are still some resorts and touristy things in the area, many tourists hop in a shuttle and head to the west or north. The beaches in the south are known for more wind and waves, so most resorts put an emphasis on their pool amenities.

Top Resorts on the South Side

Coconut Bay Beach Resort – Coconut Bay Beach Resort is a 4-star, all-inclusive optional resort. It’s a great spot if you don’t want to travel far from the airport and get straight into vacation mode. 

The resort is broken down into 2 different stay options: Harmony & Splash. Harmony is adult-only. While splash is an adventure park stay that is family friendly. 

There are 9 restaurants, 7 bars, 5 pools, fitness center with basketball/tennis courts, salon, spa, waterpark, and more. But definitely expect the east winds over here. 

Serenity at Coconut Bay – Serenity at Coconut Bay is an adults only, all-inclusive, 5-star hotel that takes luxury to the next level. Each room comes with its own plunge pool and butler service, plus a shared resort pool. There is 1 restaurant on the property. Guests have access to Coconut Bay Beach Resorts 5 pools and restaurants.

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Where to Stay in St. Lucia on the East

Dennery, Micoud, Praslin

The east side of Saint Lucia faces the rougher wind and waves from the Atlantic Ocean. This area is sparsely populated, less mountainous, and ultimately less touristy.  Dennery, a fishing village, is the biggest town.

Main attractions on the east side of Saint Lucia are visiting the fishing village of Dennery, Treetop Adventure Park, the Old Sugar Mill, and LaTille Falls & Garden. 

Top 3 Resorts in St. Lucia on the East Side

Fond Bay Suites Hotel – The Fond Bay Suites Hotel is a 3-star hotel that makes your stay on the east comfortable. There is 1 restaurant and 2 pools. This stay will not quite be as luxurious as many of these other resorts on the list for where to stay in St. Lucia, but rather a remote spot on the east side. This area is more about experiencing the unknown and a unique perspective of the island. 

The Fox Grove Inn – A small 3-star hotel on the east side of St. Lucia is The Fox Grove Inn. There is 1 restaurant and a pool. This area offers a nice view of Praslin Bay and the Frigate Islands Nature Reserve.

Spice Bay Suites – On the east side of the island is Spice Bay Suites. A 3-star hotel overlooking a private bay and surrounded by spice trees. There is a pool, hot tub, and breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are only offered upon request. 

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When Is The Best Time To Visit St. Lucia

The best time to visit St. Lucia is from December to April. This time is considered peak season where you will likely experience tons of sunshine (with maybe some minimal rain storms).

But if you aren’t scared of the rain and looking for a bargain, you might consider visiting Saint Lucia in June-November. But do note, this is their wet/rainy season. You will likely still experience good sunshine, but you do need to be prepared for rain/ the occasional rain shower every day.

While hurricanes are very unlikely to hit St. Lucia since it’s so far south in the Caribbean, late into the rainy season (August & September) serves the most risk. 

No matter what, you should book travel insurance. But especially if you are traveling during August and September, you might prioritize having travel insurance. 

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Takeaway For Where To Stay in St. Lucia

In conclusion, when looking for where to stay in St Lucia, the west and north part of the island are the two most popular destinations in St. Lucia. 

Jake and I had the pleasure of staying in both the north at a Sandals Resort and in the west at a vacation rental. While we liked over indulging on food and drinks at the all-inclusive stay, we also loved being in Soufriere staring at the Piton Mountains every chance we got. There were so many fun things to do in Soufriere, it kept us busy the whole time.

The island is home to everything from luxury resorts to modest hotels, which gives you tons of options for where to stay in St. Lucia. Or there’s a wide range of vacation rentals if you prefer to have your own private place. We hope this guide helps you decide the best area in St. Lucia for you.

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