I’ve just returned from a holiday with Sarah, my ex-girlfriend, in St. Lucia. We stayed away from the tourist resorts, as far as possible, we ate Creole food, went scuba diving and walking in the rainforest. We explored the Soufriere volcano and we bathed in tropical waterfalls. Paradise. But why do I say ‘ex-girlfriend’? Well, when we were in St. Lucia, and frolicking under a tropical waterfall, I went down on one knee and proposed to her. I am the luckiest, and happiest, man alive. Sarah said yes. So she is no longer my girlfriend – she is my betrothed. Or fiancée as she would have it, but she is partly French.
We stayed in a wonderful guest house with an odd name – Talk to Me Cool Spot. If you stay in St. Lucia you owe it to yourself to stay here. It’s a beautiful guest house overlooking Soufriere, run by a lovely couple called Andrea and Michael. They genuinely care for their guests and they go far beyond the call of duty to make them happy. Additionally, I can honestly say that the best meals I had in St. Lucia were cooked by Andrea – and her breakfasts are stunning. They can advise you on the fun things to do, and if your chosen activity is not within walking distance then Michael is an excellent taxi driver – unlike many St. Lucians he doesn’t drive like a lunatic, so there is no reason to fear for your life! After Talk to Me, we stayed in the highly recommended Foxgrove inn. Despite the plaudits, it was only so-so in quality. Not unfriendly, but not hugely friendly either. Oh, and the food was pretty dreadful too (except the soups, which were quite nice). To add insult to injury, it’s on the side of the island where there’s bugger all to do. So, if you’re planning to visit St. Lucia, your first stop should be Talk to Me in Soufriere. Enjoy that for a week or two, and then go home. There really is no need to go anywhere else!