Monday Escape: Gros Islet, St. Lucia
Gros Islet is the newest town in St. Lucia, having been recently promoted from a village to a town. And we can’t think of a better way to anticipate the new year than to entice you with a new tropical island paradise.
Occupying the Caribbean island’s most northern points, the Gros Islet region is the happening place to be in St. Lucia. It lies north of Castries, the capital of Saint Lucia, and features the Friday Night Street Party, which is its major tourist attraction. Who wouldn’t want to live somewhere there’s always a day of the week set aside for street parties?
Also known as the jump-up, the Friday Night Street Party encompasses several blocks, which have to be informally cordoned off with the stalls of street vendors. Steamed fish, barbecue chicken and St. Lucia’s own Piton beer can be purchased from these vendors. Music can be heard through the old fishing village, and locals and tourist both dance in a central cross section in the small streets to the sounds of calypso, zouk, reggae and R&B.
All this place needs to be the quintessential island paradise are great beaches. And lucky for you– Gros Islet has them too. There is a small beach at Gros Islet, but there are larger beaches and several large tourists resorts within walking distance to the north. Heading south, past the marina, the main beach on the west coast is Reduit Beach. The beaches on the east coast are exposed to the Atlantic wind, but are still largely untouched.
Rodney Bay Marina is located to the south and becomes a hub of activity when the Atlantic Ralley for Cruisers (ARC) finishes there in December. Catering mostly to the tourism populace, the areas surrounding the marina contain shops, malls, restaurants and night clubs that fall on the higher end of the spectrum compared to other local enterprises. Land value here is also high.
One sight you don’t want to miss coming here is Pidgeon Island National Park, just to the North of Gros Islet. Enjoy its peacefulness and wildlife if you want to get away from the raucous nightclubs.
Adventure sports enthusiasts will especially enjoy the kite surfing scene, and you can even take kite surfing classes at a school just for kite surfers on the regions east coast.
There’s something for everyone in this small little island town. And yet it’s small enough to get away from it all too. Sounds just about right following the celebrations of New Years, eh?
You’re absolutely right Brian. Gros islet is a quaint and very picturesque town with quite a buzz of activity.
Pigeon Island national park is definitely on of the main St Lucian landmarks in Gros Islet. It’s also a favorite place to visit for many who buy St Lucia real estate in the north. I’ve got to say that it is one of my favorite place to visit in St Lucia. If you’re living in St Lucia or just holidaying, it’s definitely one of the place on the island that you should visit.
there is so much to do there. Climb the fort, and enjoy the vantage point that British Soldiers like Sir Admiral Rodney enjoyed during the war. Visit the museum and learn about the island’s rich history. Walk through the park and look at the colonial structures.
Whether you’re alone or in company, it’s a great place to be. If you’re alone, watch and listen to the drone of the waves as they crash against the rocks, or lap up quietly against the sand; read a book, sun tan, soothe. It’s also a great family outing, enjoy a wonderful picnic or play ball with the kids. It’s perfect for a romantic stroll with that special someone, find a quiet restaurant and enjoy a glass of wine or your favorite Caribbean cocktail; sit on the pier and let your feet hang over the water while you catch a stunning St Lucia sunset; or watch the twinkling lights of yachts anchored under the silvery light of the moon as it dances with the gentle sea currents.
I’ve lived in St Lucia for over 30 years now, and it still warms up my spirit like the first time I saw it. It’s still one of my very favorite places on the island.
So if you’re thinking of buying St Lucia property, then I would definitely recommend Gros Islet.