There is no denying Saint Lucia is a Caribbean bliss, the island is often touted to be the most romantic retreat, the sweetest honeymoon hotspot and the perfect place to tie the knot. Such accolades are all well and good but what about the kids? The luxury residences and swanky restaurants of the island are perfect for loved-up couples but how will you and the kids fare on a holiday to island?
Getting to Saint Lucia
You can fly to Saint Lucia with direct flights from locations worldwide. This eliminates a parent’s most feared activity; the tantrum inducing action of ‘waiting’ for connecting flights. So relax knowing all you have to do is bring a wealth of flashing high tech wizardry, favourite books and comfort toys to keep your kids entertained on the plane. In this delightful modern age this can be as simple as plugging them into the on-flight entertainment. Let them watch a selection of movies, play games and listen to music until the plane touches Caribbean ground.
Arriving at the Airport
Saint Lucia has two airports, one north and one south of the Island. When travelling with children it is best to minimise the airport transfer times and fly to the airport closest to your accommodation. On a map the northern George Charles airport is only 25 miles from Soufriere, but on the winding mountains of Saint Lucia this will take hours navigate, you are much better off flying to the southern Vieux Fort Airport.
Although you will be tired and will no doubt have some irritated children in tow, you will probably find the drive to your accommodation an engaging experience. The rainforest visuals and meandering roads are immediately entrancing and are sure to absorb your children’s attention until your arrival.
Cuisine for Kids
Kids are fussy eaters, what they will and will not eat can change daily. This can be a concern when travelling anywhere with kids as meal times can be a nightmare. Fortunately, the food is heavily influenced by West Indian and French foods and is delicious. If your kids are stubborn little monsters many hotels will create dishes to their tastes ensuring they won’t go hungry.
Spending time on Saint Lucia is a great opportunity to educate your children on where their food comes from. Exotic fruits like bananas, coconuts, and pineapples can be seen growing all over the Island allowing you to visually demonstrate bananas don’t grow in supermarkets!
What to do
Saint Lucia offers many activities suitable not just for children but for families with children. Scuba diving, kayaking and sailing are all activities the whole family (not just the kids) can enjoy and bond over. A particular (and personal) favourite with families is the Balenbouche Estate. This old sugar plantation will turn your kids into little explores as they safely adventure through the grounds and investigate the old mill ruins which are buried in the jungle.
Despite all the family activities available, when on one of the most romantic islands in world perhaps you take advantage of the kids clubs available in most resorts and enjoy a romantic dinner for two.
Do you think they will give you tickets for 5 so as to provide a more accurate review of travel? It’s funny how living in south Florida has turned off my interest in visiting the islands. I guess coming from NY and the murky water and seeing the clear water here and clean beaches, I am set. I do love that tree in the photo, and I bet your tree living son would too.
this place looks amazing. i would love to take the kids there. it seems like there is quite a bit of stuff for the kids to do!!!
Looks so pretty Ahh i would love to go there