Saint Lucia Is Booming: The Caribbean Island Just Had a Major Tourism Surge
The Pitons. The rainforest. The chocolate. Saint Lucia has long been a sought after place to visit in the Caribbean, from luxury resorts like Jade Mountain to romantic boutique hotels like the Hotel Chocolat.
And demand for the self-styled “Helen of the West Indies” continues to grow, Caribbean Journal has learned.
Tourism growth in Saint Lucia is sizzling
Saint Lucia recorded significant tourism growth in 2024, according to newly released data from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, highlighted by increases in both stayover and cruise arrivals.
The island welcomed a total of 435,659 stayover visitors between January and December, a 14.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. It marked one of the strongest year-on-year performances in the Eastern Caribbean.
Saint Lucia is hot on land and sea
Cruise tourism also posted robust numbers, with 723,500 cruise passengers visiting the island over the same period, a 17.6 percent increase year-over-year. The growth in cruise arrivals reflects both an increase in ship calls and larger-capacity vessels docking at Port Castries and Soufrière.
Tourism officials attributed the upward trend to targeted marketing campaigns in key source markets, increased airlift from North America and Europe, and continued investment in the island’s hotel and cruise infrastructure.
The gains come amid sustained interest in Saint Lucia’s diverse tourism offerings, from luxury resorts and wellness retreats to adventure and heritage-based travel. The island has also seen strong momentum in the romance market, particularly for destination weddings and honeymoons.
More hotels on the way in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia’s tourism sector remains a key driver of its economy, and officials say the destination is well-positioned for continued growth in 2025, with new hotel developments underway and additional flight service expected to launch later this year.
That includes a pair of highly anticipated hotels: the soon-do-debut Secrets St Lucia resort, the second Hyatt Inclusive Collection property on the island (along with the existing Zoëtry on Marigot Bay) and, a resort that we’re particularly excited about, the new Sapphires Sands luxury villa resort, part of the family-owned Bay Gardens Resorts portfolio. The latter is opening in December and already taking bookings, as Caribbean Travel Advisor reported.
So what about where to stay on the island if you’re planning a visit right now? Here are three places our editors have stayed at and recommend strongly.
Anse Chastanet: Where Nature Meets Design
Perched between two beaches and the UNESCO-listed Pitons, Anse Chastanet is a sanctuary for travelers seeking both serenity and adventure. Architect Nick Troubetzkoy’s eco-conscious design invites the outdoors in—some rooms have open fourth walls, letting the sea breeze and birdsong become part of your stay. The resort’s 600-acre estate includes jungle biking trails, a coral reef just offshore, and the Emerald Estate organic farm, which supplies ingredients for its four restaurants. Don’t miss the on-site Chocolate Lab, where you can taste and craft tree-to-bar chocolate using cacao grown right on the property.
Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa: Family-Friendly Fun in Rodney Bay
Located on Reduit Beach, Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa offers a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere with a local touch. Guests enjoy complimentary access to Splash Island Water Park, non-motorized water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking, and a variety of dining options featuring authentic St. Lucian flavors. The resort’s all-inclusive plan includes meals, drinks, and even a “Dine Around” program that lets you experience local restaurants. With its prime location in Rodney Bay Village, you’re steps away from shopping, nightlife, and cultural experiences. Rooms starting at $150.
Rabot Hotel by Hotel Chocolat: A Cacao Lover’s Dream
Set within a working cacao estate, Rabot Hotel offers a unique blend of luxury and sustainability. The 25 open-air lodges provide stunning views of the Pitons and the surrounding rainforest. Guests can indulge in chocolate-infused spa treatments, participate in the “tree-to-bar” chocolate-making experience, and dine on cacao-inspired cuisine at the on-site restaurant. The hotel’s commitment to ethical cacao farming and immersive experiences makes it a must-visit for chocolate enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers alike. But the biggest story isn’t the chocolate. It’s the infinity pool, one of our favorites in all of the Caribbean. Rooms at $492.
