As an author, publisher, and professor, I am often drawn to places that tell a story—through their people, landscapes, and contradictions.
Our recent family visit to St. Lucia offered exactly that: a destination defined by striking contrasts, natural beauty, and genuine warmth.
St. Lucia is, in many areas, quite walkable, yet its terrain is unapologetically steep. The hills are dramatic, the climbs demanding, and the traffic requires patience and attentiveness. It is not an island that eases you in gently—but that challenge is part of its character. You feel the land beneath you, quite literally, and it shapes how you move through the space.
What immediately stood out, however, were the people. Everywhere we went, we were met with kindness, openness, and an easy hospitality that made us feel welcome rather than simply accommodated. That human warmth mirrored the island itself—vibrant, alive, and generous in spirit.
Although St. Lucia is well known for its waterfalls, we did not get to experience them this time, as they are located on the opposite side of the island.
We did, however, visit the sulfur springs after a long drive. While they are often recommended, I would personally skip them unless one is specifically interested in the medicinal black pool experience. For us, the journey did not quite justify the destination.
One of the highlights of our exploration was Marigot Bay. The views alone are breathtaking—postcard-worthy in every sense. A small ferry carries visitors across to the beach, but unfortunately, time did not allow us to make the crossing. That missed opportunity was disappointing, yet even from a distance, the bay’s beauty left a lasting impression.
We chose to explore primarily by land, which allowed us to get our passports stamped
and having our photos taken at the iconic St. Lucia sign—small but meaningful moments that made the trip feel complete.
Still, in hindsight, I would approach the island differently next time. A catamaran excursion would offer access to more of what makes St. Lucia so special: its beaches, its waterfalls, and the full sweep of its coastline.
Despite what we missed, St. Lucia gave us more than enough to appreciate. Its dramatic geography, welcoming culture, and stunning vistas created an experience that lingered with us long after we left. It is an island that invites return—not to redo what was done, but to discover what remains just beyond reach.
For our family, this visit was not about checking every box, but about connection—to place, to people, and to one another. And in that sense, St. Lucia delivered beautifully.