Wellness in Saint Lucia: relax, explore and soak your stresses away

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Relax, unwind and reconnect with nature on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia – home to healing waters, lush rainforests and awe-inspiring waterfalls. If you’re craving a restorative wellness break, complete with awe-inspiring views of natural wonders and rejuvenating therapeutic treatments, the botanical island paradise of Saint Lucia awaits.

From soaking in geothermal pools and listening to cascading waterfalls to trying your hand at chocolate making and enjoying fresh, local cuisine, here are our top tips and recommendations to keep in mind while planning your wellness escape.

Unwind in the natural springs

Managed by not-for-profit organisation Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, the world-famous Sulphur Springs in Soufriere are the perfect for some balneotherapy – the healing practice of bathing in therapeutic waters. A dip in the sulphur springs for three consecutive days can help to rid the body of blockages and negative energy.

What’s more, soaking in the mineral-rich geothermal mud pools can help to detoxify the body while also helping to heal sunburns, eczema, joint pain and more. A must-visit for any wellness enthusiast!

Slow down with forest bathing

While there are many guided hikes on offer throughout the island, several local hotels (including R’abot by Hotel Chocolat) have also started offering guided forest bathing walks. Slow down and reconnect with nature during this mindful activity, which offers a sensory immersion into the island’s lush greenery.

Discover the island’s botany

With more than 1,300 species of wild flowering plants and 150 species of fern in less than 620 square kilometres, Saint Lucia is a botanical paradise. For hundreds of years, these plants for traditional medicine and wellbeing. In fact, many species are widely used in wellness treatments by hotel spas across the island.

Take a tour along the Botanical Trail to discover beautiful gardens and parks across Saint Lucia, where guides can show you some of the most important plants for natural health remedies and medicines – from immune-boosting lemongrass to stress-busting Santa Maria.

Try a spot of bird watching

Did you know, bird watching has been proven to help you feel centred and calm? One recent study found seeing and hearing birds helped to improve participants’ mental wellbeing for up to eight hours. With myriad species of colourful birds wherever you look, Saint Lucia offers a perfect location for this mindful pastime.

Head to the Millet Bird Sanctuary, or stay at the Fond Doux Eco Resort, Anse Chastanet or Jade Mountain, and see what you can spot!

Soak up the sea’s benefits

Thalassotherapy is the therapeutic use of seawater, along with marine products such as seaweed, plankton, algae and mud. For centuries, people have taken to the sea to nurse all manner of ailments, from easing stress and improving circulation to relaxing muscle pain and soothing skin conditions.

With clean beaches, mineral-rich waters and a thriving sea moss industry, Saint Lucia offer an ideal spot to try out this therapy for yourself. What’s more, some resorts on Saint Lucia, such as The Body Holiday, offer specific thalassotherapy treatments to help you fully reap the benefits.

Learn about local cuisine

Fuel your workouts – while experiencing authentic, local cuisine – with a range of wellness-focused restaurants, dining experiences and cooking classes. Learn more about where your food is coming from with a visit to the farm-to-table I-TAL restaurant at The Body Holiday or the Helen’s Daughters Farmhers’ Market. If you’re a fan of chocolate, you’ll love the Bean to Bar Tour at Project Chocolat. Or, if you want a true immersion into the local cuisine, be sure to book in for a food tour, cooking class or rum tasting experience.

Listen to the waterfalls 

From the Diamond Waterfalls and Toraille Waterfalls to the Piton Falls and Superman Falls, Saint Lucia is home to an abundance of natural waterfalls. The glorious sights and exhilarating sounds of waterfalls have been proven to increase mental clarity, create emotional stability and support physical and mental wellbeing. After you’ve taken in the grand spectacle, we recommend taking a moment to sit quietly, close your eyes and simply listen to the rushing waters.

Be sure to also visit the La Tille Waterfalls and Gardens for a peaceful escape complete with crystal clear waters and perfectly tended gardens.

Go on a hiking adventure

Stretch your legs and give your mental and physical wellbeing a boost on one of many hiking trails dotted around the island. Led by local guides from either Rainforest Adventure or St Lucia Birding and Wildlife Ambassadors, we recommend the 3.5-hour hike through the Edmund Forest Trail, where you’ll be treated to an abundance of flora and fauna as well as the cascading En Bas Saut waterfalls.

Plan your trip to Saint Lucia

The island is home to a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury resorts to self-catering rentals. Plus, daily flights are available with British Airways.

If you’re looking for a true wellness immersion, be sure to check out TheLifeCo St. Lucia: opening soon, this healing sanctuary is designed to reset your health, renew your spirit, and elevate your life, complete with physician-supervised therapies and diagnostics, evidence-based detox and nutrition programs, and holistic mind-body healing.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat, an outdoorsy getaway or a culinary adventure, Saint Lucia has got you covered. Find out more about Saint Lucia’s health & wellness offerings and plan your trip at stlucia.org