St Lucia 2016

Our day in St Lucia during our 2016 Caribbean visit was nothing short of magical. Mandy and I started early in the morning, greeted by Spencer Ambrose and his lovely daughter, She-She, at the marina. We were eager for what promised to be an adventure-packed day, and they didn’t disappoint.

As soon as we hopped aboard Spencer's speedboat, we felt an adrenaline rush. The boat shot across the turquoise waters, wind whipping through our hair as we hugged the rugged coastline. The views were incredible — lush green mountains on one side, the brilliant blue Caribbean Sea on the other. St Lucia’s famous Pitons loomed larger and larger as we sped towards Soufriere.

Once we reached the charming town, Spencer gave us a quick rundown of the local history before guiding us through some of the island’s most breathtaking sights. One of the highlights was visiting the Sulphur Springs — the world’s only drive-in volcano. We dipped into the warm, mineral-rich mud baths, and though the sulfur smell took some getting used to, we were told it had healing properties. It definitely left our skin feeling smooth and refreshed

We then headed over to Toraille waterfall to wash of the mud in the refreshing water. We the stopped of at local banana plantation where we learned about the local fruit and tasted the sugar banana. 

Next up was a visit to the enchanting Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. Surrounded by the island’s vibrant flora, we wandered through paths lined with exotic flowers, marveling at the stunning waterfall, its waters glinting in different hues due to the mineral content. The colors seemed almost too vivid to be real.

Next stop was Captain Hooks bar for a tasty Caribbean lunch, lunch was a local affair. We stopped at a small family-run restaurant where we were treated to delicious island cuisine — fresh fish, rice, and plantains, all seasoned with local spices. Sharing stories with Spencer and She-She while enjoying the meal made it even more special; they were both so warm and welcoming, adding a personal touch to the whole experience.

 before hitting the Jalouise- Sugar beach beach that lies between the Islands famous Pitons, for a couple of hours of sunbathing and snorkelling.

One of the highlights of our trip was a day spent on Jalousie Beach, now known as Sugar Beach, nestled between the iconic Pitons in St. Lucia. The day started with a gorgeous boat ride from our hotel, the sea sparkling in the morning sun, and the lush, green coastline of St. Lucia stretching out around us. As we neared the Pitons, those majestic volcanic peaks rising dramatically from the sea, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at their sheer size and beauty. They stood like ancient sentinels guarding this idyllic spot.

The boat dropped us off at the beach, where the soft white sand contrasted beautifully with the turquoise water. Jalousie Beach was a picture-perfect slice of paradise, framed by the towering Gros Piton and Petit Piton on either side. Mandy and I found a shady spot under a palm tree to set up our towels, but it wasn't long before the call of the crystal-clear water became irresistible.

We donned our snorkelling gear and slipped into the warm sea. The water was so clear that we could see the colorful coral reef beneath us almost immediately. As we swam further out, the marine life became even more impressive – schools of tropical fish in every imaginable color darted between the corals, and we even spotted a couple of small stingrays gliding along the ocean floor. It was peaceful and mesmerizing, just floating along with the current, watching the underwater world go about its business.

We hopped back onto the speedboat for the journey home. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden glow over the turquoise water, and the wind whipping through our hair made us feel completely alive. It was the kind of day you never want to end.

As we zipped through the water, our guide pointed out several stunning bays, each one framed by soft sandy beaches and lush greenery. These weren’t just any ordinary bays, though—they were home to some of the rich and famous. From the boat, we could see the luxurious holiday homes perched on the cliffs, looking out over the calm waters. Some of these properties were absolutely mind-blowing, with their private docks and secluded coves. It was the kind of place you could imagine escaping to for a peaceful retreat, with nothing but the sea and sky for company.

Then, the guide mentioned something that made me sit up a little straighter—one of the bays we were about to visit had been a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean. As we pulled closer, I could see why it had been chosen. The rugged rocks, the hidden caves, and the crystal-clear water all seemed straight out of a movie set. I could almost picture Jack Sparrow himself sailing past, with the pirate ships in tow. Then we began the final leg of our journey back to the main island. The sky had turned a deep shade of pink, reflecting off the water in dazzling colors, and as we sped along, I felt grateful for this perfect day—one that felt like something out of a movie itself.

After a wonderful day on one of the islands, we decided to head to the show lounge for some entertainment. The Celebration always had a variety of shows on, and that night they were putting on a musical revue, which promised to include a tribute to The Blues Brothers. Mandy and I both love a good musical, so we were excited for the performance.

The lounge was buzzing with anticipation as we found our seats. The performers were full of energy from the start, and the show was a whirlwind of music, dancing, and vibrant costumes. But the highlight for us was definitely the Blues Brothers tribute.