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Craving an active holiday or fitness-focused adventure? Enjoy spectacular hikes amid botanical wonderlands and relaxing post-workout soaks in geothermal pools on the lush Caribbean island of Saint Lucia.
Whether you’re looking for an active and outdoorsy getaway – filled with hiking and waterfall spotting – or a restorative break, sprinkled with therapeutic experiences to soothe hardworking muscles, the blissfully botanical island paradise of Saint Lucia awaits.
From swimming in the mineral-rich seawater and hiking under waterfalls to learning about the island’s diverse botany and enjoying fresh, local cuisine, we’ve rounded up the top fitness and recovery focused activities to weave into your Saint Lucia travel itinerary…
Get active in the great outdoors
Get your legs burning and discover the island’s lush rainforest on a 3.5-hour hike through the Edmund Forest Trail. Led by local guides from either Rainforest Adventure or St Lucia Birding and Wildlife Ambassadors, you’ll be treated to an abundance of flora and fauna as well as the cascading En Bas Saut waterfalls.
Looking to stretch your legs on rest day? Some hotels (including Rabot by Hotel Chocolat) also offer guided forest bathing walks: unlike sweaty and vigorous hiking routes, these mindful strolls beneath the towering trees are designed to help you slow down and soak up your surroundings through all your senses.
If you’re into bird watching – or fancy giving this mindful and calming practice a go – Saint Lucia is also filled with myriad species of colourful birds. 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!
Hike to the 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. Plus, the hike to get there is sure to give your cardiovascular endurance and leg strength a boost!
A trip to Saint Lucia is not compete without booking a tour to discover the natural wonders, from the Diamond Waterfalls and Toraille Waterfalls to the Piton Falls and Superman Falls. Be sure to also visit the Latille Waterfalls and Gardens for a peaceful escape complete with crystal clear waters and perfectly tended gardens.
Enjoy a post-workout soak in the sulphur springs
Achy legs post-hike? Found in the community of Soufriere – where you’ll also find the world’s only drive-in volcano! – the world-famous Sulphur Springs in Soufriere are mineral-rich geothermal mud pools perfect for balneotherapy, the healing practice of bathing in therapeutic waters.
Managed by a not-for-profit organisation called the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, it is thought that a dip in the sulphur springs for three consecutive days rids one of negative energy and blockages while soothing hard-working muscles after a strenuous workout. What’s more, the mud can help to detoxify the body while also helping to heal sunburns, eczema, joint pain and more.
Sea swimming and thalassotherapy
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.
Discover the island’s botany on the Botanical Trail
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. Visitors can see locally prepared treatments used widely in hotel spas around 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.
Nutrition and 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.
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 an active and outdoorsy getaway or a foodie adventure, Saint Lucia has got you covered. Find out more about Saint Lucia’s health & wellness offerings and plan your trip at stlucia.org
