With its stunning beaches and lush mountainous rainforest interior, which sets it apart from most other Caribbean destinations, the island of St. Lucia is a top destination for weddings and honeymoons. But there’s no reason you can’t enjoy all the island has to offer, even if it’s long before (or long after) you’re thinking of exchanging your vows. Here are some amazing experiences to make St. Lucia a top pick for your next getaway.

A drive-in volcano and sulfur baths

Why waste hours walking up a volcano when you can take a cruise instead? Billed as the only “drive-in volcano” in the world, this experience outside the town of Soufriere allows you to drive to the crater and watch the steam rise from the sulfur springs. Also, if the thing bursts, you will be able to escape faster. Then head lower, where things cool down enough to take a geothermal mud bath.

Hiking The Pitons

As the Eiffel Tower is in Paris, the Pitons are the most recognized image of the “skyline” of Saint Lucia. These two volcanic plugs, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site – but the real honor is that they gave their name to the local beer. Gros Piton (2,618ft) is the one you’ll most likely do, as it has marked trails and no equipment or experience is needed. Guides can also be hired at most hotels.

Forget hiking, enjoy the peaks from the pool of your private villa at Stonefield Resort

No judgment – not everyone wants to go on a long hike on their vacation. Instead, settle into your private villa at the Stonefield Resort and enjoy the view of Petit Piton virtually in front of you from your own pool. Stonefield has 17 French Colonial-style villas, plus the Escape Spa and farm-to-table Mango restaurant with Caribbean views and modern cuisine alongside traditional St. Lucian fare. The pool at the neighboring hotel is the perfect spot for sunset cocktails.

Drink rum at the distillers of St. Lucia

Caribbean. Rum. Distillery. Need to say more? Although their rums can be tasted all over the island, why not go to the source, take a tour and see how they are made. Located in Roseau, the ‘Rhythm of Rum’ at St. Lucia Distillers lasts about an hour and includes a film, colorful displays, a visit to the copper pot still, and the important part – samples of about 25 different rums. The on-site store also sells rarer bottles that you won’t be able to find back home.

A chocolate hotel and restaurant

What’s better than a chocolate factory? A real chocolate hotel. British chocolatier Hotel Chocolat has decided to live up to its name and open Le Rabot on its cocoa estate with 14 eco-lodges (and more under construction) and magnificent views of Petit Piton – it is far from the beaches but daily shuttles are provided. Whether you are not staying or not, a visit to the Rabot restaurant is a must to enjoy its “cocoa cuisine”, composed of gourmet dishes with subtle touches of chocolate. Cocoa is also infused into their signature cocktails and among the many desserts be sure to try the Chocolate Genesis – “the epic story of chocolate in a 9-step tasting plate”.

Diving

Saint Lucia is home to over 22 dive sites, located along the west coast of the island. You can explore coral reefs at Anse Cochon, take a beginner’s dive at Smuggler’s Cove, see volcanic peaks at Keyhole Pinnacles, or explore the wreck of the Lesleen M, a 165-foot freighter that sank in 1986.

Enjoy a tasting at the Ti Kaye wine cellar

Ti Kaye (Creole for small house) is a resort with 33 cottages along the hill above Anse Cochon creek with private outdoor showers, hammocks and some with their own plunge pool. You’ll descend a set of stairs from the main level to the beach – but if you’re tired from a day of swimming and eating lunch and cocktails from the beachfront restaurant, they’ll arrange a climb. Dinner at their restaurant Kai Manje is a little more upmarket, although still suitable for holidays, but a real treat is to have a tasting and sample some of their over 500 wines in the wine cellar hidden under Restaurant.

Stay on a working cocoa plantation in a rainforest

A Caribbean vacation is usually all about the beach, but if you’re up for a new experience or like to split your time in multiple locations, Fond Doux Eco Resort is a unique opportunity to stay in the rainforest and fields. of cocoa. — and the beach is only a shuttle ride away. The complex has 17 cottages, two restaurants offering Creole and Caribbean cuisine and the Mama La Terre spa. And don’t forget why you came – be sure to take the Chocolate Heritage Tour, where you’ll learn how chocolate is made and can make your own, and the Fond Deux Heritage Tour, where you’ll learn about the fruits , flowers and creatures. of the 250 year old 135 acre property.

Experience a Champagne Zipline

After a day of ziplining through the rainforest, why not treat yourself to a bottle of zipline champagne? The Rock Maison at Cap Maison Resort is a private terrace for romantic sunset dining over the water lit by tiki torches and a special added feature – a zipline that delivers champagne in a basket to your table from the hotel above.

A wedding at Anse Chastanet

Alright, maybe after all these great experiences, you and your partner are ready for the next step – or will think about coming back for it one day. The Anse Chastanet resort spans 600 tropical acres and boasts picture-perfect soft-sand beaches and Caribbean views to create unforgettable memories. There’s even a secluded beach where once the guests and groom are ready, the bride arrives by boat.

Saint Lucia and COVID: To travel to Saint Lucia, all visitors must complete a travel authorization form and take a COVID PCR test 5 days or less before arrival. Vaccinated travelers are not required to self-quarantine. Unvaccinated visitors have restrictions. To visit StLucia.org for more details.