Where to Stay in St. Lucia in 2024 → 6 INCREDIBLE Areas

Hello, dear traveler! Planning your next tropical holiday in the Caribbean? Well, you can be sure that you’ll have the time of your life in Saint Lucia! This stunning island is the perfect destination for every type of traveler – but before you book your trip, you need to figure out where to stay in St. Lucia! 

Well, you’re in luck! I compared all the St. Lucia areas and picked the 6 top places to stay in St. Lucia. 

The best area to stay in St. Lucia is Gros Islet, boasting beautiful beaches, great nightlife, and some fantastic hotels. Besides talking about the best areas on the islands, I also handpicked the top hotels in St. Lucia for each recommended area and price category. 

But I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to book your hotel in advance. The island is small, and all the good hotels sell out super fast! Hurry up and book now! 

Let’s go!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Want to book immediately? Check my list of the best hotels in St. Lucia, all located in Gros Islet:

Here’s a map of the 6 best areas to stay in St. Lucia I’ll be talking about in this post: 

1. Gros Islet – where to stay in St. Lucia for the first time

The lush landscapes, mesmerizing beaches, and vibrant island atmosphere will make you fall in love with Gros Islet! This lively area sits on the northern tip of Saint Lucia, and it’s one of the best places to stay on the island! Here, you’ll find everything you want here: great nightlife, beautiful beaches, and plenty of great accommodations.

One of the top things to do in Gros Islet is chill on the beach! Gros Islet Beach (map) is a stunning sandy beach where you can spend a relaxing day swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the view of Pigeon Island (map).

Even though it’s an island, Pigeon Island is actually connected to the mainland by a causeway, and you absolutely have to visit it while staying in Gros Islet – it’s just a 7-min drive away. The island has lush vegetation and hosts many historic forts that were used during the battles between the French and the British for the island of Saint Lucia.

Whether you decide to spend the day on Gros Islet Beach or on Pigeon Island, you’ll need to rent an umbrella (and beach chairs, too) – unless they’re provided by your hotel or resort. The price for renting an umbrella costs between US$5 and US$10, while a beach chair will cost you between US$10 to US$15 per day – prices vary from beach to beach. 

As I already mentioned, the nightlife here is pretty great. However, the highlight is the Friday Night Street Party (map)! This party takes place in the open air, and you can enjoy live music, grab a drink, and try some of the delicious local food. If you happen to be in Gros Islet on a Friday, you cannot miss the party!

There are also many great restaurants and bars in Gros Islet, so you can always spend a pleasant evening having dinner or enjoying a drink at one of the many establishments. 

The hotels here are also pretty awesome! I’ve included a list of the top ones below, but I highly recommend booking them in advance. This part of Saint Lucia is super popular with tourists and most people will look for accommodation here. 

For anyone who’s looking for more holiday destinations in the Caribbean, check out Barbados. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it! 

Whether you’re staying in Gros Islet or anywhere else on the island, I encourage you to explore more of what St. Lucia has to offer! The best way to explore the island is by hopping on one of the many minivans that transport tourists around the island. The are pick-up points at bus stations in towns like Castries and Gros Islet and a minivan can accommodate up to 14 passengers. This is an inexpensive way to get around the island – a short-distance drive costs about US$1 – and you don’t have to worry about driving!

NOTE: Renting a car is another option for exploring St. Lucia, but I have to warn you that many of the roads are not that great, and you also have to drive on the left side of the road. If that’s something you’re not accustomed to, it’s better if you don’t do the driving yourself.

Other accommodation options in Gros Islet

Things to do in Gros Islet 

• Sunbathe on the sandy beach in Gros Islet
• Visit Pigeon Island
• Admire the architecture of the St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church (map)
• Attend the Friday night street party on Dauphin St. 
• Have dinner at Golden Taste Restaurant (map)
• Go on an island tour of Saint Lucia

2. Soufriere – best place to stay in St. Lucia for nature lovers

Do you want to discover the best natural sites in Saint Lucia and enjoy a serene atmosphere? Then, take a look at Soufriere, an area that sits on the island’s West coast, a 1h 45 min drive South of Gros Islet. Tucked away between the lush greenery and crystal clear waters, Soufriere has become a favorite place for nature lovers!

And we can’t be surprised! Soufriere has so much to offer in terms of natural wonders, so you may be unsure where to start! Well, I’d recommend you begin by exploring the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths, where you’ll see a huge variety of plants, insects, and birds, admire the Diamond Waterfall, and relax in the soothing mineral baths. 

You can take different hikes through the rainforest to reach the Gros Piton (map), a mountainous volcanic plug and the second-highest peak in Saint Lucia. The views of the Caribbean Sea are so unique from up there! 

Plus, here you’ll also find the famous Sulphur Springs (map), one of the island’s most famous attractions. This is also known as ‘the world’s only drive-in volcano,’ and many people believe these mud baths have medicinal properties.

But if all you want to do is relax on the beach, there are a couple of great places to do so. Anse Chastanet Beach (map) is a laid-back beach and a great spot for snorkeling, while Anse Mamin Beach (map) is a bit more popular and attracts bigger crowds. 

Soufriere is also great for couples planning a romantic vacation, as it’s more quiet and laid-back. The West coast of Saint Lucia is not as busy as the North, and many honeymooners come here. After a day of exploring and hiking, you can take a romantic walk on the beach or plan a fancy dinner for your significant other!

Other accommodation options in Soufriere

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Soufriere is a pretty popular area, and as you’ll see, many tourists want to stay here to be close to all these beautiful natural spots. In case you’ve missed your chance at one of the hotels in the list above, here are 2 more. Both accommodations are luxurious, with prices ranging from US$400 to US$1600: 

• Ladera Resort – welcome to paradise! I love the decor of this incredible accommodation that overlooks the Piton Mountains and the Caribbean Sea! In the morning, have a quick dip in your private plunge pool and then head downstairs for a delicious breakfast at the Ladera Resort restaurant. 
• Stonefield Villa Resort – chill by the pool and admire the views at this resort, which has villas with private pools and a restaurant. The accommodation offers guests a free shuttle bus to the public beaches and evening entertainment.

Things to do in Soufriere

• Enjoy the mineral baths at the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
• Hike the Gros Piton or the more challenging Petit Piton (map)
• Admire the Piton Falls (map)
• Visit the famous Sulphur Springs
• Spend a relaxing day at Anse Chastanet Beach or Anse Mamin Beach
• Check out the cocoa plantation at Morne Coubaril Adventure Park (map)

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3. Cap Estate – where to stay in Saint Lucia for relaxation

If you want to stay on the North side of the island and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere, then I recommend booking your hotel in the Cap Estate area. Just a short, 7-min drive North of Gros Islet, this is the best area to stay in Saint Lucia if you want to spend a relaxing vacation while still being able to explore the island’s top attractions. 

The Northernmost tip of Saint Lucia is known as the busiest part of the island, but luckily, you can escape that by staying in Cap Estate! This is also the ideal location for exploring Pigeon Island and hiking up to Fort Rodney (map) to enjoy 360-degree views of the island! 

Now, back to Cap Estate, which boasts a beach where you can relax, sunbathe, and admire the fantastic views of the Caribbean Sea – Smugglers Cove (map). On your beach day, be sure to grab some lunch at the Naked Fisherman Restaurant (map), situated directly on the beach and offering delicious, fresh food. 

TIP: If you happen to be visiting St. Lucia on the last Sunday of October, you’ll be just in time for the Creole Festival. The celebrations are spread across the island, but the main events take place in the villages of Babonneau and Desrameaux, about half an hour’s drive from Cap Estate. 

That’s not it, though! There’s a vast golf course at the Sandals Golf And Country Club (map) and plenty of restaurants where you can indulge in the traditional dishes. And if you’re looking for more holiday destinations in the Caribbean, check out St. Maarten, another beautiful island! 

Let’s check out the best hotels in the area: 

Other accommodation options in Cap Estate

Things to do in Cap Estate 

• Visit Pigeon Island and hike up to Fort Rodney
• Spend a relaxing beach day at Smugglers Cove
• Treat yourself to some lunch at the Naked Fisherman Restaurant
• Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Sandals Golf And Country Club

4. Marigot Bay – best place to stay in Saint Lucia for culture

Located 23 miles (37 km) South of Gros Islet (an hour’s drive away), Marigot Bay is a scenic place in St. Lucia that’s perfect for people interested in the island’s past. Surrounded by forested hills and clear blue waters, Marigot Bay is a quiet area that doesn’t attract too many tourists, so you can get a real sense of how the locals go about their lives. 

FUN FACT: Marigot Bay was the backdrop for the 1967 film Dr. Doolittle. This helped the bay, and the island in general, gain more recognition and become a popular vacation spot. 

Marigot is also an important historic landmark as many battles between the French and British navies took place here! So if you’re a fan of history, I recommend finding a place to stay in Marigot Bay. 

Most people spend their time at the Marigot Public Beach (map), where you’ll also find some restaurants, as most of them are nestled along the shores. This is also a great spot to try some water sports like snorkeling and kayaking. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent it from Aquarius Watersports (map). 

Other accommodation options in Marigot Bay

Things to do in Marigot Bay

• Explore Marigot Bay and learn about its history from the locals
• Sunbathe and go for a swim at Marigot Public Beach
• Enjoy a delicious lunch at Roots2 (map)
• Renta kayak from Aquarius Watersports and go kayaking across the bay
• Go on an ATV tour in Santa Lucia

5. Rodney Bay – where to stay in St. Lucia with family

Planning a family trip to Saint Lucia? Then look no further than Rodney Bay Village! This great area is just a 6-min drive South of Gros Islet and is considered as one of the safest places to stay in St. Lucia. Rodney Bay is a popular tourist hub, so it has a very lively vibe and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. 

Finding a place that suits the needs of every family member can be challenging (trust me, I know that). But I’m sure that everyone will like staying in Rodney Bay Village, especially the kids, once you take them to Splash Island Water Park.

Reduit Beach (map) is also located here and is famous for its watersports. Everyone comes to try jet skiing, water tubing, water skiing, or many other activities. If you guys get hungry after all that time spent at Reduit Beach, don’t worry – there are tons of restaurants around here where you can grab a quick bite with the kids. 

And if you’d like to do some vacation shopping, Rodney Bay also hosts the Baywalk Shopping Mall (map), where you’ll find some cool stores and even a few duty-free stores. Plus, the mall has quite a few eateries and coffee shops, so you definitely spend a fun afternoon there! 

Finally, you can’t leave the area without spending at least some time at Rodney Bay Marina (map). It’s a buzzing place with many bars and restaurants and amazing views of the water! 

Other accommodation options in Rodney Bay

Things to do in Rodney Bay

• Have fun with the kids at Splash Island Water Park
• Try the different water sports at Reduit Beach
• Hit the shops at the Baywalk Shopping Mall
• Enjoy a family dinner at the Big Chef Steakhouse (map)
• Explore the Rodney Bay Marina
• Embark on a guided rainforest adventure

6. Castries – best place to stay in St. Lucia for shopping

My final recommendation for your stay in St. Lucia is Castries, the island’s capital! Just half an hour’s drive South of Gros Islet, this town is always bustling with life and offers plenty of great ways to spend your time – whether that’s shopping, dining, lounging on the beach, or taking day trips to other islands. 

One of the main things to do in Castries is shop, and the best place to start is the Castries Market (map). At this market, local vendors sell handcrafted goodies, food, and fresh produce, so you can get some souvenirs and also get a taste of local cuisine. 

Besides the market, there are quite a few other shops around town, some of which also offer duty-free shopping. So, if you’d like to shop on your travels, Castries is the ideal place to base yourself. 

Castries is also popular for day trips to other islands and catamaran cruises around the island. Head to the Castries Ferry Terminal (map) and hop on a ferry to Martinique, Dominica, or Guadeloupe. More info is available here. 

However, if you prefer to stay in town, you should visit The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (map) and go for a stroll along Castries Harbour (map). And you have to spend at least a day at Vigie Beach (map). Besides being a great place for swimming and relaxing, Vigie Beach also has an amazing location for plane spotting! 

Other accommodation options in Castries

Things to do in Castries

• Shop at the Castries Market 
• Take the ferry to a nearby island from the Castries Ferry Terminal
• Visit The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
• Escape the crowds and chill in Derek Walcott Square (map)
• Walk along Castries Harbour and observe the ships
• See the planes go by from Vigie Beach

BONUS: Best all-inclusive resorts in St. Lucia

I wouldn’t let you end your Saint Lucia hotel search without offering a list of the best all-inclusive resorts on the island. I know many of you will want to book accommodations like these! 

So here’s a list of the top ones in St. Lucia! All the resorts below are luxury, with prices from US$400 to US$1600:

• Jade Mountain Resort – fancy staying in one of the best hotels in St. Lucia? Then, book a room at this stunning resort that’s tucked away between the hills. The views are incredible, so get yourself a cocktail and chill near the infinity pool. 
• Ladera Resort – enjoy a stay in this adults-only resort where you can enjoy the stunning view of the mountains, swim a few laps in the pool, and have a romantic dinner while the sun sets. 
• Serenity at Coconut Bay – this Vieux Fort resort has all the facilities you need for your stay in St. Lucia, including a free shuttle service! Relax on the sun loungers of the private beach and go for a swim in the ocean at sunset! 
• Windjammer Landing Villa – go on cruise ships and try scuba diving, plus all the crazy water sports on this island! Once you’re back at the hotel, you can relax in your comfortable room or enjoy a massage in the spa center. 

FAQs about where to stay in St. Lucia

🔝 What’s the best part of St. Lucia to stay?

Gros Islet is the best area to stay in St. Lucia! Here, you’ll find great beaches, amazing nightlife, and unique hotels, like The Landings Resort and Bay Gardens Marina Haven. 

🌊 What part of St. Lucia has the best beaches?

The West coast of St. Lucia has the best beaches. There you’ll find the famous Sugar Beach and Reduit Beach, and the tranquil Margot Bay Beach. 

🏨 Which is the best all-inclusive hotel in St. Lucia?

The Jade Mountain Resort in Soufrière is the best all-inclusive hotel in Saint Lucia! It’s situated right on the beach and offers many suites with private infinity pools. 

🌞 What is the typical weather like in Saint Lucia during summer?

During the summer in Saint Lucia, you can expect warm temperatures averaging around 85-90°F (29-32°C), with occasional brief tropical showers.

👪 North vs South St. Lucia: which is a better option to stay at with kids?

The Northern region of St. Lucia is generally a more family-friendly option, offering a wider range of kid-friendly activities and amenities compared to the south. Rodney Bay is a great place to stay with kids, offering family-friendly hotels like Bay Gardens and Harbor Club St. Lucia. 

☀️ What is the best time of year to visit St. Lucia?

The best time to visit St. Lucia is between February and May, in the dry season. During this time, the temperatures are pleasant, and there’s very little rainfall. 

🚐 What is the best way to travel around St. Lucia?

The best way for traveling around St. Lucia is via minivan. These minivans are locally operated and cater to tourists; they’re also safe and very affordable and a better alternative to driving around the island. 

📅 How many days is enough in St. Lucia?

The ideal amount of time for your St. Lucia stay is 7 to 10 days. This should be enough time to relax, spend a few days lounging on the beach, and visit the island’s top attractions. 

Final words on the best places to stay in St. Lucia

We’re at the end of this guide on where to stay in St. Lucia! Hopefully, by now, you have an idea of what area will be the best fit for you, and you’ve already picked out a hotel! 

However, if you have a tough time choosing the best hotel in St. Lucia, here are my 2 favorite hotels on the island, both located in Gros Islet: 

Just remember that all these accommodations and luxury hotels in Saint Lucia will sell out super fast, so I highly recommend booking yours in advance! 

If you have any other questions about St. Lucia and where to stay, leave me a comment below and I’ll make sure to answer it ASAP! 

Safe travels, 

Victoria

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