For a peaceful getaway, our sublime and beautifully designed St Lucia villas will give you 21st-century relaxation within properties that are set in their natural surroundings. St Lucia is one of those welcoming island nations that has established its reputation as a destination for everyone. Our team will provide expert guidance and advice when helping you choose the right villa.
All you need to do is explore our portfolio of luxury villas in St Lucia to decide which one becomes your portal to paradise. Having visited St. Lucia many times, our villa specialists are masters of this destination.
You can experience a magical vacation from a base in our gorgeous villas to rent in St Lucia. If you are a honeymooner, you will love the romance of this picturesque island. Families love the many activities enjoyable on gorgeous beaches or exploring lush rainforests. For all group sizes and ages, our concierge team are ready to assist in planning all your excursions.
St Lucia is best known for many things and our team is well acquainted with them all. The first and most memorable thing is The Pitons. To the uninitiated, these are two mountains – Gros Piton and Petit Piton - that rise like sentinels above it's lustrous skyline. Gros Piton is situated near Soufriere, while Petit Piton stands near Choiseul.
Yet from specific viewing points, you can take photos that make them appear standing side by side. In addition, some of the villas for rent in St Lucia have views of these incredible landmarks. Our insightful villa specialists will find the perfect view for you.
Next on the list of the islands memorable treasures are the award-winning beaches. If you are staying near Marigot, you will love the beauty of its Beach and Jalousie Beach with their silky gold sands. The dramatic volcanic sand of Anse Chastanet against the crystal-clear Caribbean waters is unforgettable.
It's no surprise with its towering Pitons to learn that the destination owes a great deal of its interesting terrain to volcanic activity. The Soufriere Volcanic Center is the only Caribbean 'drive-in volcano.' You can easily tour this landmark from any luxury villas in St Lucia located close to Soufriere.
With almost 70% of the island covered in rainforest, this lush green interior is home to colorful flowers and exotic birds. These forests offer an unlimited source of adventure and exploration for visitors of all ages.
So why not consider a morning of hiking ? Guides can take you on trails of various difficulty levels through some of the island's nature reserves. For example, Barre de L'Isle Forest Reserve takes in some incredible views. Not far from Petit Piton is the easier option Tet Paul Nature Trail.
The island's botanical gardens will offer a more contained yet lush experience if you like your nature a little less wild. Diamond Botanical Gardens are a must-see with Diamond Falls, one of the significant sites to visit.
If you can take pry yourself away from your private villa, you will enjoy a day of exploration at Pigeon Island National Park. It's home to Fort Rodney, a former British garrison. The island, now linked to the mainland by a causeway, is home to exciting ruins, historical sites, and beaches. Our team is passionate about service and will curate the dream itinerary for you.
Many of our newly-wed clients have enjoyed a St Lucia honeymoon and it is home to some excellent Caribbean honeymoon villas.
The Island is also considered one of the Best Caribbean islands for couples.
The island lies in the eastern Caribbean, about 120 miles South of Antigua and 60 miles Northwest of Barbados
Having visited the destination many times, our trained villa specialists know every inch of this island. The nicest part is a personal choice for our travelers. Islanders refer to the island in terms of 'Up North' or 'Down South.' The Northern area has a livelier and more party-centric vibe. The capital Castries is a bustling city that offers shopping, restaurants, and bars.
Rodney Bay Village, towards the northern tip, has a lively resort feel and is home to Reduit Beach, also known as the Ramp. The Strip, which backs the beach, has many bars and restaurants for visitors. Gros Islet is home to the Friday Night Street Party at the island's northern tip. A full-on Caribbean street party with live music and delicious food. It's not just for tourists; you'll rub shoulders with locals who like to celebrate the end of their working week in style.
The south of the island is the preferred destination for a more laidback island experience with Soufriere and Choiseul, home to the Pitons, popular with honeymooners who like their vacation a little quieter.
The silvery volcanic sands on some southern beaches are a stunning feature too. So, if you like getting out and about in nature – whether on a hike or bike through forest trails, dip into sulfur springs, or climb the Pitons, the south can be the perfect launching pad. Contact our complimentary concierge team for expert local tips.
Don't forget that the journey time from north to south takes about 60-80 minutes, so exploring the whole of the island is possible regardless of where you are based.
In a word, yes. At least 20 beaches, mainly gold or white silky sands plus a few dramatic silver sandy beaches, unroll before the warm and clean waters of the Caribbean and Atlantic. Marigot Bay Beach is perfect for laid-back beach life. As part of the marine reserve, Jalousie Beach (known as Sugar Beach) is great for swimming and snorkeling, with boats limited access to this area.
Reduit Beach, over five miles in length and near the capital, Castries, welcomes families and watersport enthusiasts. Families love the floating waterpark called Splash Island on this beach. Reduit is considered one of the very best beaches on the island.
Anse Chastanet, with its dramatic silver sands, is one of the most photographed beaches in the world and an excellent place for divers to access the coral reef. Anse de Sables is great for surfing with more powerful seas. There's a local surf hire shop on this beach if you want to show your skills.
Gros Islet Beach on the western side of the island promises the best sunsets. Grand Anse Beach, reached after a short hike, is a great place to look for turtles bobbling along the shoreline. However, Gros Islet Beach is not recommended for swimming as unpredictable rip currents make it dangerous even for the most capable.
Off the beaten track is La Toc, a hidden gem near Castries. Also, Malabar Beach, near Vigie Airport, is a rarely crowded, idyllic beach.
All beaches on island are public and open to all visitors. We are able to compare and contrast all of these beaches for you with our years of experience.
Yes, the sea is clear.
The destination has some of The Best Snorkeling in the Caribbean. Snorkel and dive enthusiasts love exploring the waters around Sugar Beach, where you will see a wide variety of tropical fish and marine plant life. In addition, experienced divers can check out the impressive drop-off adjacent to the Pitons.
Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort is 40 miles south of Castries, the capital city. George F.L. Charles Airport is an inter-island airport just outside Castries; the latter is the destination of helicopter rides from South to North.
You can fly direct to St Lucia from New York and several US cities including New Jersey, Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Boston.
In the UK, there are direct flights from London to St Lucia as well as Manchester. The average flying time is 8 hours and 45 minutes.
Inter-island travel is well-serviced by several airlines, including LIAT, Air Caraibes, Air Antilles, and Caribbean Airlines. Check with your travel agent or direct with the airlines for specific dates and availability.
Those who prefer to do much of their traveling on the water will find that the island is well-serviced by ferries, making it easy to include this destination in any island-hopping tour. Our personalized concierge service can arrange this for you.
Flying times: NYC/New Jersey 4h 30m. Miami 3h 45m. Charlotte 4h 25m Philadelphia 4h 4m. Atlanta 4h 3m.
The best time to visit depends on your likes and dislikes. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of when to go:
Its consistently warm-to-mild temperatures and lack of harsh winters mean there's never really a wrong time to visit. There are only two seasons — dry and rainy – but even the threat of a torrential downpour can't stop the island's laid-back vibe.
It's also known for a good party, and you'll find plenty of that during the Carnival season in July. (Those hoping to laze the days away might prefer a visit between mid-April and June.) So no matter your travel style or budget, St Lucia is ready to welcome you to its shores.
High Season: December to mid-April Best time for hikers
The weather is much cooler during these months — particularly December, January, and February — but it's still sunny, making it ideal for hikers hoping to avoid the sweltering heat. However, this period also sees a high influx of visitors hoping to escape cold-weather countries, which means low availability and pricier flights and accommodations.
Low Season: June to November Best time for traveling on a budget
It's no surprise that the island's low season coincides with its wet season. As a result, rainfall is high, and residents are officially on Atlantic hurricane watch. But budget travelers will find this stretch favorable, as airlines and hotels offer deep discounts on fares and room rates.
Shoulder Season: mid-April to June Best time for beachgoers
The shoulder season is the sweet spot for travelers looking for a lazy beach day. Not only are the water temperatures warmer for swimming, but it's also a low-activity period on the island, which means less crowded beaches. You might also be able to snag accommodations and airfare deals as prices drop en route to the rainy season.
To find out more, take a read of our blog on The Weather in the Caribbean and The Best Time to Visit.
The rainy season is from June to November.
The best currency to bring with you US Dollars. The local currency is the East Caribbean Dollar, so if you pay in USD, you will get any change in the ECD.
1 US Dollar is approximately EC$2.7 (July 2022).
Yes, I recommend that you rent a car. You'll have much more freedom and will see more of the island. Also, you can skip the tours and drive yourself in a car. Our car rental partners can even deliver the vehicle to your villa should you desire to take the road from there. Our team is well versed in arranging local car rentals.
Of course, there are taxis, both road and water, that can move you to some of the other pretty beaches and resorts, but access to a car will undoubtedly open more of the island for you and give you great independence while you vacation.
I recommend you avoid driving at night until you have driven the same road in daylight. Then, pull to the side to let locals pass you, especially the local bus minivans.
If you like snorkeling, you could drive to the same beaches/snorkeling areas that the expensive catamaran tours take you to (like Anse Chastanet or Ti Kaye), but you can go when the bay is not full of tour groups. Explore the volcano, hot springs, and waterfalls, and hike the Pitons and zip line much more easily with your transport.
If you intend to spend most of your time on the beach at your resort drinking Pitons rather than hiking them, then a car is unnecessary, but I think you'd miss out on seeing more of such a beautiful island. However, you can always hire a private driver and enjoy both
The island is quite big. The landmass is 238 sqm (617sqkm).
It is 27 miles (43km) long. At its widest point, it's 14 miles (23km).
You do not need a visa for entry for a stay of up to 6 weeks. However, remember that while a visa is not required, you must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of country exit and with one blank visa page.
Two hours is about how long it takes to drive around the island. Renting a car will certainly give you a better opportunity to see the coastal beauty of the destination and some of the quaint and historic villages and towns.
Driving is on the left, a nod to its British past. Car rental companies will rent to drivers aged 25 plus with a license for at least three years. If you have an International Driving Permit, get it stamped at Immigration on your way into the country, as you will need this to rent your vehicle. If you don't have such a Permit, you can obtain one at the Car Rental Office for a fee of USD20.
The speed limit is 40mph (64kph) throughout the island.
The Eastern side of the island has better driving conditions. The Western side, facing the Atlantic, has a lot of inclines and declines with many twists. Travel in daylight and dry weather if you want to drive this challenging route.
You may need a plug adaptor and a voltage converter if you travel from anywhere other than UK and Ireland. The power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 240 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. US voltage is 120V, so a Voltage Converter will be necessary to avoid damage to your devices.
English is the official language. Locals will also use an informal French-based Creole, but everyone speaks English.
Take the island by the sea! At Soufriere, you can join a Catamaran and have lunch on board. The Catamaran then makes it's way slowly back up the island. You can take in the scenery, dance, have some rum, and stop off for snorkeling (usually at Anse Cochon Bay).
Some trips will take you to the island's wild, deserted Atlantic beaches. Based on our experience, we can not recommend this enough.
Imagine yourself reclining on the sandy white beaches, soaking in the volcanic mud baths of Soufrière, ziplining through lush rainforests, indulging in authentic island food, and club-hopping on the Rodney Bay strip, or riding ATVs through the countryside.
Envision exploring abandoned sugar plantations, magnificent views from any point, snorkeling in crystal clear waters, chasing brightly colored fish in the shadow of the Pitons, or experiencing a live sea turtle hatching in the last light of dusk.
The island captivates anyone who sets foot on her coastline with equal parts of beauty and mystique. The island welcomes visitors with its soothing waves, warm beaches, and hospitable people.
The destination personifies adventure and inspiration as the only sovereign nation named for a woman. As a result, her visitors invariably find themselves reluctant to leave and eager to return.
For lovers of the environment, the island has many eco-friendly villas and an excellent selection of Caribbean Wedding Villas.
Yes, there are many ATMs throughout the island. There is an ATM at the airport, which seems to give a competitive rate, so I'd wait till you get there to change money.
Tip: if you have an account with Scotiabank, you can do your banking for free. Scotiabank has branches throughout the Caribbean, so opening an account would be well worth it if you travel there a lot.
Departure tax is included in the ticket price for all passengers over 12 years leaving the island via air travel. For passengers leaving via sea, the departure tax is EC$33 or US$13 to be paid at departure time.
This Caribbean Island is great for travelers who want something different on their dinner plates. It all starts with an immense love for local cuisine filtered down by the locals to visitors on the island.
Many meal options infused with herbs and spices, including nutmeg and cloves, are notably 'traditionally' British. However, there are also long-lost influences from the Amerindians, who were the island's original inhabitants, including fruits, vegetables, and other homegrown foods.
While on island, look for items like green figs and saltfish, bouyon, lambi, breadfruit, curried meats, grilled fish, lobster, callaloo soup, and more. If you want a quick and tasty snack, a Chicken Roti from any deli would have you wanting more.
The legend goes that on the feast day of St Lucy of Syracuse, French sailors were shipwrecked on the island and named the island in her honor. Interestingly, St Lucia is only one of two sovereign states in the world named after a woman.
Oprah is a regular visitor with a stunning private residence overlooking Marigot Bay.
Matt Damon, Ellie Goulding, and Justin Bieber, to name but a few, are drawn to the natural beauty of the island.
The destination has attracted the rich and famous and anyone interested in a stylish and relaxed vacation.
Some of our most luxurious villas include The Villas at The Sugar Beach Resort, Akasha Villa, Arc en Ciel, and Villa Susanna.
One of the things our clients love to do is hiking the Pitons. We recommend you always use a local guide familiar with the trails and who understands how the weather might impact your climb.
Petit Piton is a much more manageable hike, but fit and experienced hikers should be able to conquer Gros Piton.
A lazier option if you want to get up close and personal to these unique landmarks is to jump onto a catamaran tour of the island's coastline. You will get some stunning photographs while enjoying your pleasure cruise.
Get muddy! The natural sulfur baths in Soufriere are a treat. Step into warm, mineral-rich sulfur baths and give your body and mind a holistic reset.
Pigeon Island and Fort Rodney are worth a visit. With over 40 acres of land to explore, you can climb to the Fort to take in the breathtaking views across the bay. On a clear day, you can see the island of Martinique. Then stop for a casual snack at Jambe de Bois ('Wooden Leg'), named after the French pirate Francois le Clerc, who plied his trade up and down these waters.
Finally, if you engage the services of one of the Park's pirate guides, you can enjoy the island's history with a treasure hunt thrown in for good measure.
Marigot, a lively port village, is not to be missed. Whether you charter a boat and sail into this gorgeous marina or stand ashore to admire the flotilla of white yachts as they bob in the blue water surrounded by the greenery of the the island's coastline, this is one of those images that are unforgettable.
Read about the Marigot Bay Resort and Marina.
The Maria Islands Nature Reserve is a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland. These pretty islands are dedicated nature reserves and give visitors the perfect opportunity to see what a Caribbean island was like centuries ago.
To find out more, take a read of our blog on The Best Things to do in St Lucia
"I absolutely enjoyed working with our team in planning our trip! Everyone was very polite helpful and knowledgeable of where we were traveling! Noreen guided us every step of the way! I would definitely use Exceptional villas again!"
Leeshon Lindsay
BEST TRAVEL SERVICE THUS FAR
This was my 1st time using Exceptional Villas I will be the 1st to say this will not be my last time! Elaine was a very valuable key in all the communications and arrangements. The app is a phenomenal tool for you and your guest. Moving forward my travel friends will always use Elaine at Exceptional Villas. Thank you so much
Alan Curtis
Click here for more Testimonials
We are proud to be recognized as the number one villa rental company on Trust Pilot. When you book with us, you are accessing decades of experience. Our specialist Concierge and Sales Teams are just two reasons. Your vacation is our priority, and we understand the complex needs of customers.
Paul is our Villa Expert for St Lucia, and he has been many times and knows the island inside out. Paul is also responsible for our Mexico Villas and our Villas in Italy. His local knowledge is unsurpassable.
We take pride in discreetly managing your dream vacation, ensuring that you and your group not only have a safe and memorable trip but that you get to experience this destination in all its wonder.