March 11, 2025
St. Lucia has been high on my bucket list for years, and every time I research it, I find more reasons why it’s a must-visit destination. This island is not just another Caribbean getaway—it’s a place where adventure, culture, and luxury come together in a way that’s completely unique.
St. Lucia isn’t just about beautiful beaches and turquoise waters—though it has plenty of those, too. What really sets this island apart is its dramatic volcanic landscape, rich cultural heritage, thriving music scene, and legendary cuisine. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure, deep relaxation, or an immersive cultural experience, this island has it all.
When I finally make it to St. Lucia, there are a few things I know will be at the top of my list:
✅ Soaking in a natural volcanic mud bath at Sulphur Springs
✅ Hiking Gros Piton for one of the most breathtaking views in the Caribbean
✅ Experiencing the island’s rich Creole cuisine and fresh seafood
✅ Taking in the sounds of live soca and reggae music at a local festival
If you’re thinking about visiting this incredible island, here’s why St. Lucia should be at the top of your travel list.
A Drive-In Volcano? Only in St. Lucia.
St. Lucia’s Sulphur Springs is the only drive-in volcano in the world, and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. While most volcanic sites require a long trek to visit, this one lets you drive right up to the steaming, bubbling action.
The experience starts with a guided tour through the volcanic crater, where the landscape looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. The air is thick with the scent of sulfur, steam rises from the earth, and pools of bubbling mud showcase the island’s geothermal energy.
The Famous Volcanic Mud Baths
But the real highlight? The natural volcanic mud baths, just a short walk from the crater.
For centuries, locals have used these mineral-rich mud pools for their healing and skin-rejuvenating properties. The process is simple but fun—you cover yourself in warm volcanic mud, let it dry, then rinse off in the hot thermal pools.
Many people say it leaves their skin feeling softer and looking younger, while others swear by its detoxifying and muscle-relaxing benefits. Whether or not the fountain-of-youth rumors are true, it’s definitely an experience I want to check off my list.
What to Know Before You Go:
- Wear a dark swimsuit—the volcanic mud can stain lighter fabrics.
- Be ready for the sulfur smell—it’s strong, but you get used to it quickly.
- Bring a towel and a change of clothes—you’ll feel refreshed but won’t want to get back in the car covered in dried mud.
After a long day of travel or an adventurous excursion, soaking in these natural hot springs sounds like the perfect way to unwind.
Hiking Gros Piton – A Caribbean View Like No Other
One of the most iconic images of St. Lucia is its twin Piton mountains, which rise dramatically from the sea. While both Gros Piton and Petit Piton are breathtaking to look at, only one is hikeable—and that’s Gros Piton.
The trek to the summit is challenging, but from everything I’ve read, the view from the top is absolutely worth it.
What to Expect from the Gros Piton Hike
The trail to the summit is about 2,600 feet above sea level, and it takes 4 to 5 hours round trip. The first part of the hike is a gradual incline, but as you go higher, the terrain gets steeper, rockier, and more intense.
By the time you reach the top, you’ll have one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the entire Caribbean—looking down on the sparkling turquoise sea, lush green valleys, and the silhouette of Petit Piton in the distance.
If you love challenging hikes with an incredible reward, this is one of the best experiences you can have in the Caribbean.
Pro Tips:
- You’re required to hike with a local guide, which is actually a great thing—they help navigate tough spots and share stories about the island’s history.
- Start early in the morning before the heat and humidity make the climb even tougher.
- Wear real hiking shoes. This is not a flip-flop kind of hike.
St. Lucian Cuisine – A Taste of the Island
If you want to experience the heart of St. Lucia’s culture, you have to eat like a local. The island’s food is a delicious blend of West African, French, and Caribbean influences, with a focus on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and bold spices.
Some of the must-try dishes when visiting St. Lucia:
🍛 Green Fig & Saltfish – The national dish of St. Lucia, made with boiled green bananas (“figs”) and salted cod, mixed with onions, peppers, and spices.
🍜 Bouyon – A hearty one-pot stew filled with meat, dumplings, yams, and local vegetables—perfect for refueling after a long hike.
🐟 Grilled Lionfish – An eco-friendly seafood option that helps control the invasive lionfish population while offering a mild, delicious flavor.
🍹 Chairman’s Reserve Rum Punch – St. Lucia is home to some of the best Caribbean rums, and no visit is complete without a taste of their signature rum punch.
St. Lucia’s Music, Culture, and Annual Events
St. Lucia isn’t just beautiful—it’s vibrant, musical, and full of life. The island has a deep Creole and African heritage, which is reflected in its music, festivals, and celebrations.
🎶 St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (April-May): One of the Caribbean’s biggest music festivals, featuring world-class jazz, reggae, and soca artists.
🎭 Carnival (July): A massive celebration with costumed parades, street parties, and live soca music—a must for anyone who loves Caribbean culture.
🍷 The Food & Rum Festival (September-October): A paradise for food lovers, showcasing St. Lucia’s best chefs, mixologists, and local flavors.
St. Lucia’s energy is infectious—whether it’s the rhythms of steel drums, the flavors of Creole cuisine, or the sight of locals dancing at a street festival, there’s a warmth and spirit that you won’t find anywhere else.
Why St. Lucia is High on My Bucket List
The more I learn about St. Lucia, the more I know it’s not just a destination—it’s an experience. It’s one of those rare places where you can:
✔️ Hike a volcanic peak in the morning
✔️ Relax in a geothermal mud bath in the afternoon
✔️ Indulge in fresh seafood and local rum at night
It’s a place that offers luxury and adventure, culture and relaxation—all in one trip.
📍 Thinking about visiting St. Lucia? Let’s start planning!
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💬 Have you been to St. Lucia? What’s at the top of your list—hiking Gros Piton, soaking in the mud baths, or diving into the food scene? Let me know in the comments!
Taste of St. Lucia: How to Make Green Fig & Saltfish
One of the best ways to experience a destination is through its food, and when I finally make it to St. Lucia, I know I’ll be diving into the island’s local flavors. If there’s one dish that truly represents St. Lucia’s culinary heritage, it’s Green Fig & Saltfish—the island’s national dish and a must-try for any visitor.
This hearty and flavorful dish is a perfect example of St. Lucia’s rich Creole influences. Despite the name, “green figs” are actually green bananas, a staple in St. Lucian cuisine. They’re paired with salted codfish, which was introduced to the Caribbean through trade centuries ago and has become a beloved ingredient across the islands.
Why This Dish is Special
🌴 A True Island Classic: Almost every St. Lucian family has their own way of preparing it, making it a true comfort food.
🌶️ Rich in Flavor: The combination of savory salted cod, garlic, onions, sweet peppers, and fresh herbs creates a dish that’s bold, flavorful, and satisfying.
🥘 A Taste of History: This dish has been enjoyed in St. Lucia for generations and is often served at festivals, family gatherings, and local restaurants.
Now, let’s bring a little taste of St. Lucia to your kitchen!
St. Lucian Green Fig & Saltfish Recipe 
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb salted cod (saltfish)
- 6-8 green bananas (green figs), peeled
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional for heat!)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Saltfish
1️⃣ Place the salted cod in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Boil for about 10 minutes to remove excess salt.
2️⃣ Drain the water, add fresh water, and boil again for another 5-7 minutes.
3️⃣ Drain, let the fish cool slightly, and flake it into small pieces using a fork. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Green Bananas
1️⃣ In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
2️⃣ Peel the green bananas by cutting off both ends and making a shallow slit down the side.
3️⃣ Boil the bananas for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
4️⃣ Drain and slice the bananas into bite-sized rounds. Set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables & Combine
1️⃣ In a large skillet, heat oil and butter over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add onions, bell peppers, garlic, scallions, and thyme, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
3️⃣ Stir in diced tomatoes and Scotch bonnet (if using), cooking for another 2 minutes.
4️⃣ Add the flaked saltfish to the pan and mix well. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
5️⃣ Gently stir in the sliced green bananas, mixing carefully so they don’t break apart.
6️⃣ Season with black pepper and adjust salt if needed.
Serving Suggestions
🍽️ Traditionally, Green Fig & Saltfish is served as a hearty breakfast or lunch dish, but it’s delicious any time of day. Some people enjoy it with a side of avocado slices, a fried dumpling, or even a drizzle of lime juice for extra freshness.
🌶️ If you like spice, don’t be afraid to add extra Scotch bonnet for a fiery kick!
🥂 For a true St. Lucian experience, pair this dish with a refreshing Chairman’s Reserve Rum Punch or a cold local beer.
Why You Should Try This Dish
If you want to bring a little St. Lucia into your home, this is the perfect dish to make. It’s simple, flavorful, and gives you a taste of the island’s rich history and culture.
📖 Read more about St. Lucia and the best experiences on the island here:
https://elevatingtravelblog.blogspot.com/2025/03/how-i-navigate-day-of-travel-excitement.html
💬 Have you ever tried Green Fig & Saltfish? If not, would you? Let me know in the comments!
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