Mamiku Gardens (half day)
Today, on this included excursion you travel along the beautiful east coast of St Lucia, stopping briefly at the Dennery view point to take in the spectacular scenery. You then continue on to Mamiku Gardens, set in 12 acres of woodland and encompassing the ruins of an 18th century estate. Take a leisurely stroll and see if you can discover the whereabouts of the Secret Garden. Make sure to visit the ruins of Grandpa’s Old House and learn about the medicinal properties of the plants around you, which are still used in local bush medicine today. Before you return to Bel Jou, enjoy some refreshments at Brigand’s Bar.
Lushan Country Life & Forestry (half day)
Your excursion begins with a short drive to the Union Agricultural Station. After a brief introduction, you enter the captivating Orchid Greenhouse for a guided tour where depending on the season, you may experience the allure of thousands of beautiful blooming Phalaenopsis, more commonly known as moth orchids, Cattleyas and Dendrobiums.
Discover the practices involved in orchid cultivation and see demonstrations on orchid pollination, flower arranging, plant feeding, re-potting and watering.
Then visit the Sapling Shed where you will find out how plants produced in the laboratory via plant tissue culture are prepared for use by the farmers.
Continue on through the countryside to Lushan Country Life. Enjoy a 200-metre trail walk and smell the spice leaves, see the tropical birds and listen to the noises of the forest. Take a moment to soak up the atmosphere at one of the bench stops before walking along the Garden trail. Here you will uncover some of the 134 plant species and natural delights that surround you including ginger, cocoa, cinnamon, mango, cashew nuts and coconuts, to name just a few!
You then return to your hotel in time for lunch.
Please note: You are advised to wear light, comfortable clothes and sandals with rubber soles while on this excursion, as the surfaces you will be walking on vary from grassy and sandy, to gravel and paved.
Plus on holidays of 15 nights or longer
Castries and Pigeon Island (half day)
Take the opportunity on this excursion to combine shopping and history as you tour the city of Castries. Visit sites such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Derek Walcott Square before heading to the bustling Castries Market.
From here, you head north to Pigeon Island, one of St Lucia’s national landmarks, situated near to Pigeon Point Beach. If you feel adventurous, you may like to trek up to Fort Rodney, or you may prefer to sit and enjoy some cool refreshments from the Jambe de Bois on the beach.
Please note: You are advised to wear light, comfortable clothes and sandals with rubber soles while on this excursion, as the surfaces you will be walking on vary from grassy and sandy, to gravel and paved. Sunscreen, swimwear, a towel and a hat or cap should also be taken with you. Beach chairs are available to rent at Pigeon Point for US$2.50 each.