Wellness Travel In St. Lucia: Hotels, Sights & Restaurant Recommendations

Travel can restore your well-being. We're here to help you on that journey with Well-Traveled, a go-to destination for travel recommendations and tips. 

A paradise that must be experienced to be believed, the Caribbean island of St. Lucia deserves its acclaim as a "must-visit" destination. Home to the world-famous Pitons, two volcanic spires that jut out from the waters, and other awe-inspiring sights, it's an absolute feast for the eyes. 

While it's known as a relaxing romantic getaway (it often takes the top spots of best honeymoon destination listicles), it's actually something of a burgeoning hot spot for ecotourism and wellness enthusiasts. It makes sense: The island's flourishing terrain provides ample incentive to get outdoors and explore—and the views inspire feelings of awe and wonder. 

Here, how to indulge in both relaxation and adventure. 

Relaxation and breathtaking views should be your top priority when staying in St. Lucia. Here, some hotels that can offer you just that. 

Known for the luxury wellness and spa resorts in some of the hottest destinations, Zoëtry's St. Lucia outpost in Marigot Bay is an idyllic home away from home. (Worth noting: Marigot Bay is considered the most beautiful bay on the island and is actually a hurricane haven during storm season.) The airy, spacious rooms overlook Marigot Bay, one of the island's docking stations for luxury yachts and sailboats. 

No matter how you utilize your time there, you're sure to enjoy yourself: Lounge about by their two pools, enjoy curated, locally sourced meals at their several restaurants, take a short boat ride over to the beach area, or take an excursion or two (of which they have many). 

A must-book during your stay for any beauty and wellness enthusiast: a treatment at their Spa Village. Here, they offer deluxe skin care offerings and body treatments. For example, the Detox Marine Essence treatment combines an invigorating scrub and soothing algae-based topical treatment to holistically treat the skin and the body. 

If a pure wellness getaway is what you're after, this hotel delivers just that. Located on the far north side of the island, BodyHoliday is a destination for relaxing your mind, recharging nutrition, and revamping your overall well-being. The hotel has a wellness clinic, which can help tailor your experience and stay to your needs—along with the group classes, spa, and assortment of bars and restaurants. In addition, they host "theme months" in case you're after something more specific, such as yoga or sailing excursions. 

You must explore the island's lush beauty: 

You cannot visit St. Lucia without basking in the majesty of the Pitons. The twin peaks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and undoubtedly the most famous symbol of St. Lucia. They even appear on the local beer, Piton, which is a delightful lager you can find at any bar—and certainly worth having yourself a can.

There are a few ways to experience their magic. The first is to hike around the Gros Piton or even all the way up to its summit. (Hiking its neighboring mountain Petit Piton is not open to the general public, as it's much more challenging and doesn't have marked trails.) You can book a hike through most hotels or travel groups. For those who love being on the water, I recommend a boat or catamaran tour, where they'll take you along the coastline. Again, you'll likely be able to book this through your hotel or travel group. 

The Sulphur Springs Park is located just inland of the capital of Soufrière. Here, you can take a guided tour inside the volcanic crater (so you're literally driving into a volcano), where steam and sulfur vents out of the terrain. A word of warning: Be prepared for a strong smell.  

After checking the sulfur springs, go detox at the mud baths. A collection of several mud pools, the baths are gently warmed by the geothermal energy and feel like you're indulging in a hot tub. A not-so-small bonus: This natural beauty treatment will leave your skin soft and rejuvenated. You can rinse off there or take another stop at Toraille Waterfall to wash off in the mineral waters. 

For ecotourists and foodies, check out the world-famous chocolatier Hotel Chocolat's Project Chocolat on the Rabot Estate, where regenerative, organic farming is helping restore the land's natural biodiversity. Take a tour to learn how chocolate is grown, hike the lush landscape, and eat local bites with a cocoa-dusted flare. 

While the tropical island is more conducive to cozy coves and smaller beaches, the largest and most tourist-friendly beach is Rodney Bay. Here, you can lounge on the golden-white sands, swim in the warm blue waters, or partake in watersports like snorkeling or kayaking. The beach and marina are home to several restaurants and nightlife options as well, should your day at the beach turn to a night out on the town. 

Get a taste for the island with these spots. 

Located in Marigot Bay, this restaurant is prime real estate if you want to kick back, have a drink, and watch yachts go by. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and keeps open for late(ish)-night drinks. Stop next door at Coco Cafe for homemade ice cream and banana bread. 

For an almost unbelievable view of the Pitons, visit this loftily located dining experience. Book ahead and ask for a seat on the patio, where you can overlook the mountains. From Executive Chef Nigel Mitchel, the restaurant serves locally sourced fare, native ingredients, and traditional recipes. 

Located on the far north end of the island (just past Rodney Bay) is this lively beach hang. Perched right on the water and nestled in a charming cove, this is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. Here, you can enjoy Creole dishes and fresh seafood. 

Make sure you come prepared for sun and watersports.

St. Lucia is a bucket-list destination for a reason: The lush island offers views beyond comparison. It's also a perfect place to come rest, reset, and thrive.