St Lucia in October: Resorts, Weather and Things to Do
My first-hand experience of St Lucia’s resorts, tropical weather and the island’s best experiences beyond the beach.
I’ve just returned from St Lucia after visiting a range of resorts and exploring more of the island. We travelled in the first week of October, and one of the biggest surprises was just how quiet many of the resorts were. With low occupancy, excellent service and temperatures in the mid-30s, it was a wonderfully relaxed time to visit, although we did experience some heavy rain. Here’s what I discovered about visiting St Lucia in October, from choosing the right resort to getting out and exploring.
Which St Lucia resorts stood out?
I stayed at Windjammer Landing, Secrets, East Winds and Zoëtry, as well as visiting several other properties. Seeing resorts in person makes a real difference when recommending somewhere to a client. Two hotels can look equally appealing online but offer very different experiences once you're there.
East Winds and Zoëtry were my personal favourites. They offer quite different experiences, but both left a real impression on me.
I also loved StolenTime, the sister resort to BodyHoliday. It's a great option for those who want their holiday to combine relaxation with activities, rather than spending all their time beside the pool or on the beach.
Sugar Beach was another highlight, with its spectacular setting between the Pitons. It's a beautiful place, although it sits at a considerably higher price point than many other resorts on the island.
I also visited Cap Maison, Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain, The Landings and a number of other hotels. Each has its own character, and the right choice really depends on the kind of holiday you're looking for and your budget.
Things to do in St Lucia beyond the beach
There is plenty to explore away from the resorts, too.
One of my favourite experiences was an ATV tour into the rainforest, which included a stop for an amazing Creole meal. It was a brilliant way to see a different side of the island.
We also took a boat from Castries to visit Sugar Beach, Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain. Seeing the coastline from the water gives you a completely different perspective on the island's dramatic scenery.
Other highlights included wandering around Castries market, experiencing the Friday night street party and spending a wonderful Sunday afternoon at The Naked Fisherman.
I also tried the Bean to Bar experience at Hotel Chocolat, following the journey from cocoa to chocolate. It's a lovely option for anyone interested in local produce and something a little different from the usual beach day.
These experiences reminded me that St Lucia isn't just about choosing a beautiful resort. There's a lot to discover if you want to get out and explore.
Is October a good time to visit St Lucia?
My experience was overwhelmingly positive. The resorts were quiet, the service was excellent and most days were hot and sunny. However, we did have one day of torrential rain, and October is within the Atlantic hurricane season, so there are no guarantees.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere and are happy to accept some weather uncertainty, October could be worth considering. If uninterrupted sunshine is your main priority, I'd look at the wider seasonal picture before deciding when to travel.
The other important consideration is choosing the right resort. St Lucia has everything from relaxed, intimate properties to larger resorts with extensive facilities, as well as some very high-end options. The best fit depends on whether you want peace and quiet, activities, romance, adventure or a mixture of everything.
Planning a holiday to St Lucia?
Having visited a range of resorts and experienced some of the island's activities first-hand, I can help you work out which areas and hotels are best suited to you, rather than simply choosing from photographs and online reviews.
If St Lucia is on your wish list, get in touch with me through my Travel Counsellors profile and let's talk about the kind of holiday you'd love.
Mikki Marshall
Your Independent Travel Counsellor
