The Allure Of Saint Lucia's Jazz Festival: A Perpetual Paradise

There are many reasons to visit the Caribbean - the sea, sand, sun, and seafood along with a cosmopolitan culture influenced by France, Africa, England and East India. However, I visited Saint Lucia this time, for its infamous Jazz Festival, where the likes of pop rock legends Air Supply, Davido, Samara Joy, Jon Secada and Chloe Bailey performed. With most of the shows taking place on Pigeon Island, the backdrop itself is breathtaking and draws huge crowds of locals who arrive in droves to see the artists, along with first-time visitors who soak up the area's historical Arawak and Carib roots which date back to 1000 A.D. This beautiful coastline is also home to the ruins of the famous Admiral George Rodney fort, which gave it a cinematic feel when lit up by fairy lights, dancing to Afrobeat and soft rock tunes, and when the festival is not bringing good-natured dancers, it is a great place to come for a hike and picnic.

Aside from music, Saint Lucia has a complex and lengthy history punctuated by significant periods of colonial authority - with France and Britain tussling over ownership nearly a dozen times before it gained full independence in 1979; this means there is plenty to discover should you be interested in the Seven Years War and the French Revolution. 

The vibrant old capital, Soufrière, was named by French Colonists in the 1700s and literally translates to ‘sulphur in the air’ which is a French term to describe any volcanic territory. This town is considered to be the islands’ tourism capital due to its proximity to numerous attractions such as the geothermal system, the Pitons and the breathtaking Diamond Falls. These are well worth a visit as they are set in stunning manicured Botanical Gardens which are brimming with wild foliage and visitors can partake in a gentle six-acre hike which takes in the impressive waterfall that changes colours at various points during the year. 

There is also an abundance of colonial architecture to complement the palm trees peppering its coastline, and the island is rightly known for its miles of pristine beachfront, sapphire-blue waters and luxury resorts. Military fans will be able to relive British and French colonial battles at Morne Fortune which was a strategic military site during the 18th and 19th centuries. The British and French fought over Saint Lucia numerous times, and the hill served as a key defensive position, with Fort Charlotte, built by the British, and remnants of other military installations still present. The hill serves as the scenic setting for the capital city of Castries - where most of the buildings were lost in major fires between 1785 and 1948, but the city has been rebuilt and its colourful buildings and colonial influence are still present. 

Castries is a popular port for cruise ships and has a bustling tourist trade who stop by and pick up fresh produce and spices, handmade crafts or souvenirs at the lively stores and markets. It is also home to the imposing Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Derek Walcott Square and Government House which are a must-see for history lovers, and the Main Square hosts pop-up art and music performances during the festival.

From the breathtaking Piton mountains which have been awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are said to be the most photographed location in the Caribbean, to the Anse Chastanet beachfront with its otherworldly sugar white sand, you can enjoy an almost Disney film setting everywhere you go. 

The area of Anse Cochon and the reefs around Pigeon Island are the best place to snorkel or dive being home to coral reefs, colourful fish and shipwrecks; land lovers can get involved by experiencing the rather smelly drive-in volcano and take a dip in the adjacent mud baths which is a tourist hot spot. Bathing in this mud is said to have several health and wellness benefits, especially for those who suffer from skin issues or inflammation.

Wherever you choose to stay there is a variety of extremely classy accommodation offerings, ranging from the quintessential Jade Mountain resort which is a unique enclave built into the side of a mountain; to the exclusive properties at Rodney Bay with its nightlife, marina and great dining. The Five Star Cap Maison is a dreamy spot for barefoot luxury and dine under the stars at the Naked Fisherman restaurant; or you can enjoy the private Rum Cellar at  Marigot Bay or partake in the ultimate romantic break at Windjammer Landing which is designed to impress. 

One of the island’s iconic properties, Sugar Beach, boasts breathtaking views of both Gros Piton and Petit Piton with its powdery white sand imported from Guyana - so every time you step out from your beachfront bungalow you can dip your toes into postcard perfect grains. The resort also offers a personal butler who attends to every need, from unpacking luggage and making dining reservations to organising excursions and arranging special celebrations. From fine dining at the Great Room, where you can enjoy contemporary Caribbean cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients or the onsite Cane Bar, which specialises in a vast selection of rums and offers rum tastings guided by an expert "rummelier”, this is the perfect spot to book a table to enjoy the sunset.

In the south-western corner of St. Lucia, amongst the sheer peaks and plunging rainforest valleys lies the 140-acre Rabot Estate. Notably, this is the cocoa-growing estate for the world-famous Hotel Chocolat. The island’s fertile soil, high altitude and rainforest water create the perfect environment for growing cocoa beans. Hotel Chocolat also runs the boutique Boucan Hotel, which features stunning views of the 250-year-old estate and the Piton Mountains; it is also close to Helen’s Daughter Farm, where you can book a tour and enjoy a hand-picked organic lunch in the stunning grounds.

Whether you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort or not, you really should experiment with St Lucia’s impressive restaurants or street food. Local specialities include plenty of seafood - lobster, conch fritters, grilled fish and traditional dishes like green fig and salt fish which are fused with spices and herbs to incorporate Creole flavours, whilst upmarket restaurants will no doubt fuse their offerings with international influences. It will be impossible not to partake in some local rum too, Chairman's Reserve is the drink of choice and can be used in countless iterations of cocktails! 

If your soul is crying out for adventure or relaxation, Saint Lucia with its rugged terrain and exemplary coastline has something for everyone. From romance to family to golf courses and girly spa breaks to water sports enthusiasts to weddings, this small but mighty island is worth exploring time and time again. 

Fly to Saint Lucia UFV on British Airways