8 Things to Do in St. Lucia That Are Off the Beaten Path

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, sits in between the Gros and Petite Piton boasting a pristine white sand beach, perfectly manicured greenery, and the most luxuriously chic Pinterest-worthy accommodations one could ever imagine.

Even before reaching the actual Rainforest Spa hut, you walk along a serene, candle-lit pathway, preparing you for your ultimate retreat from the world. Greeted in a cozy, open-air gazebo with a tropical Bellini and an icy mint towel, I could already feel myself melting into the serenity.

Elevated bridges lead you through the lush rain forest to your individual thatched roof treatment hut, with only the sound of birds chirping in the trees. The treatment ends with access to the Rainforest Spa Temascal, a huge steam dome, as well as a private outdoor shower overlooking the forest greenery. If this isn't the ultimate spa relaxation experience that melts away all your troubles, I don't know what is!

Every Friday evening, in the spirit of true Amerindian community tradition, take a water taxi to Anse La Raye for a local experience from street dancing to authentic Creole cuisine cooked right there on the street.

Fresh fish, poultry, and unique dishes such as turtle and rabbit stew are all on the menu, so if you're an adventurous eater, this is a great place for you. Order a bake in addition to a fish wrapped in foil and you won't be disappointed!

As a tourist, they tell you that the Anse Chastanet beach is a "black sand" beach, but I've come to discover that a proper black sand beach exists at the Balenbouche Estate. The 75-acre estate is a heritage site (spanning 2000 years of Amerindian history!) so much of the land is protected and maintains so much history, including an 18th-century sugar mill, a historic house, fruit and vegetable orchards, and guest house cottages built from recycled and reclaimed materials.

The estate also boasts beautiful nature trails and a very secluded black sand beach. The estate is open to the public (for a small donation — $5 USD) and you can spend the day hanging out at the estate, picnicking near the tranquil lily pond, roaming around the old sugar mill, or swimming in the ocean and lounging on the beach. Uta, the owner, is always on the property and can tell you the most fascinating stories about her history and world travels. Her daughter, Anitanja, handles operations around the estate, but also designs some beautiful all-natural jewelry that is on display in the estate. If you can, try to make a reservation to stay for dinner. All of the dishes are prepared by Anitanja, who cooks using all local produce grown on the property and fresh fish and meat from local vendors.

A refreshing afternoon snack of a fresh fruit mango smoothie made from a mango from a tree on the property will truly ruin all other smoothies in your life. But it's so worth it.

This hidden gem is one of the most magical finds I discovered in St. Lucia, giving you a blissful day surrounded by the untouched nature of the island.

Take a water taxi to Anse Chastanet Beach on Thursday evenings and sail off into the magical sunset for a three-hour live jazz performance alongside cocktails, light bites to eat, and a champagne toast that is sure to be the perfect ending to your day in paradise.

The Jazz is performed by Rob Zii and Phyness, an intoxicating duo that combine exhilarating vocals and soothing saxophone harmonies.

With their performance of perfectly-blended ancient melodies alongside futuristic sounds, with the sunset and the Pitons as a backdrop, no Thursday evening will ever be the same.

Soufrière is a small fishing town in the south of St. Lucia, boasting a backdrop of the Pitons (two volcanic plugs), sea, and rain forest, making Soufrière a perfect location to stop by to see the colorful store fronts and restaurants right along the water. The laid-back town is a great place to chill, have local cuisine at either Orlando's or La Petite Peak, and then head to the botanical garden, waterfall, or mineral baths. La Petite Peak has a very local laid back feel and sits right along the water with open windows for you to sit and soak in the fishing town ambiance.

Food suggestions in Soufrière: "Yard Bird" (Chicken) which is served with rice, plantain, yam, and a delicious Creole sauce. Orlando's is a more upscale dining experience with a massive wine selection and two prix-fixe menu options. Chef Orlando greets almost everyone in the establishment and hails from the posh Ladera Resort. The menu continually changes (and is all locally sourced!) so food suggestions won't be worth it, but the breadfruit croquet and the curried fish and chicken were absolutely delicious! From atmosphere to local flavor and hospitality, Soufrière is a must-do on this idyllic Caribbean island.

Gros Islet holds a Friday night street party where you can dance to Caribbean jams, sip on a rum punch, and mingle with the locals at this vibrant community event. Food stalls line the street and provide a great sampling of flavorful fish, various seafood, and other local dishes. The music can get a little loud, and the later it gets, the more people tend to arrive (it ends at 2 a.m.) so make sure to go with a local to help navigate the crowd. Think of it as a club in the middle of the street where you're able to eat fish on a stick as you dance the night away. Sign me up.

Uberposh resort Jade Mountain sits above the 600-acre Anse Chastanet Beach resort with sweeping majestic views of the Pitons, the sea, and the lush rain forest. The extravagant infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky makes Jade Mountain feel like a hidden castle, and you are royalty strolling the grounds.

You must make a reservation if you are not a guest of the property and wish to eat at the Jade Mountain Club. This alluring restaurant has everything you could possibly want, down to a mini super soaker (remember those?) on every table. The view of the Pitons alone will have you drooling, but the exquisite mixture of flavors, seasonal menu items, and impeccable service will truly make you feel like royalty.

Planning a trip to St. Lucia, the chances of the Tet Paul Nature Trail already being on your list are pretty high. If you're feeling more adventurous (and fit!), the four-hour Piton hike is the activity for you. You have the option of hiking the Gros (large) or Petit (small) Piton, but the one more travelers do is the Gros Piton.

It's a two-hour climb, taking you up 2000 feet, and a two-hour trek back down, depending on your athletic ability. This hike isn't for the weak-kneed though; the downward hike is very steep and can be really rocky and slippery. Try to start your hike on the earlier side as later in the day gets really hot and the hike can become tougher. The sweeping views while hiking are breathtaking, and while this hike is challenging, it's equally rewarding.