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Thanks to its mountainous terrain and lush flora, St. Lucia's beauty is unmatched by other islands. Its culture is a unique fusion of French, British and African traditions, and its population of approximately 160,000 people brings the island's beauty and rich heritage to life. St. Lucia is 27 miles long by 14 miles wide (238 square miles). It is an independent member of the British Commonwealth. While the official language is English, the lingua franca is a mellifluous, French-based Patois that employs African vocabulary and structures. Similarly, the local cuisine blends French and Island tradition with the freshest island ingredients.
The most evident and exciting expression of St. Lucia's culture is its festivals. Carnival is by far the biggest event, which takes place each year from the end of May through mid-July. Colorfully animated parties, calypso contests and parades radiate throughout the island. This propensity for celebration is also indulged each Friday—all year round—when a classic West Indian "jump up" street party energizes the tiny village of Castries. Finally, St. Lucia's fastest-growing event is the annual, very hip Jazz Festival that takes place under the palm trees at Pigeon Island. In addition to these spirited happenings, there are many additional places to visit throughout the island all year long.
Places of Interest in Soufriere area, minutes away from Ladera
- The Piton Mountains (3000-foot volcanic peaks
that rise skyward from the Caribbean Sea)
- Tropical Rain Forest
- Diamond Waterfall/Botanical Gardens*
- Sulphur Springs (the world's only "drive-in" volcano)*
- The King Louis XVI Mineral Baths*
- Colonial Plantations*
- Historic military ruins and museum at Pigeon Island
*within 15 minutes of Ladera
Guest services
We will be happy to arrange a variety of recreational activities for you, including:
- island tours
- hiking/rainforest walks with local guides
- jeep or car rentals
(remember, driving is on the left side of the road!)
- day trips to the city of Castries
- sailing excursions
- scuba diving and snorkel trips
(free snorkel gear is provided by Ladera)
- private yacht, sailboat and fishing charters
- deep-sea fishing
- whale watching (seasonal)
- all-water sports
- horseback riding
- spa treatments
- tennis
Traveling to Ladera
Visitors to St. Lucia need a valid passport or proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or photo ID. All visitors must have a return or ongoing ticket. Airport departure tax is EC $54.00 or US $21.00 per person.
Hewanorra International Airport, on the south of the island, is for international flights.
GFL Charles Airport (formerly known as Vigie Airport), on the north of the island, is for inter-island flights.
From the U.S.: Direct air service to St. Lucia is provided from most gateways via U.S. Airways, American Airlines, Delta, American Eagle, Air Jamaica or BWIA. Flying time is 4 to 5 hours from the East Coast.
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