SIDERmag

A Travelers Magazine
FALL 2014
$2.95
Being Enchanted in
Zambia Page 38
Fijis Magic of the Trees
Page 17
A Day for the Dead in Mexico
Page 44
13 Moons to your Inner
Happiness page 67
Herbs For All That Ails You
page 59
Scottsdale
Walking the Labyrinth
with Shamans and Lip
Print Readers at Two of
Arizonas Primo Resorts
PAGE 56
IM STANDING HERE
I
n St. Lucia, you will fnd a variety of
activities that take top billing for vis-
itors from adventure to relaxation
to the yearly jazz festival held every April.
For the thrill seeker or the laid back
wanderluster, summer is the perfect time
to set out for an adventure in St. Lucia,
whether its the twin volcano peak, the
rain forest or the Maria Islands Nature
Reserve, which is home to some of the
rarest species of plant and animal life in
the world.
The twin volcanic peaks, called Les Pitons,
rise half-a-mile above the rain forest and
guided climbs are available. While these
two peaks look as if they are next to
each other, dont be fooled as one rises
from the fshing village of Soufriere and
the other from the neighboring village of
Choiseul.
Another must see is the dramatic Piton
Mountains, which soar 2,000 feet above
sea level. Next up, check out the seven-
acre crater billed as the worlds only
drive-in volcano. Called Sulpher Springs,
there are bubbling pools and hot springs
that make for a quick bath in the sulph-
uric water both soothing and medicinal.
The Diamond Botanic Gardens Waterfall
and Mineral Baths, which was built by
King Louis XIV in 1713 is still in existence
From Romantic Nights to
Sun Filled Days in Saint Lucia
BY RITA COOK
and a cascading waterfall shower is, oh so
natural, and good for you as well.
The once capital of St. Lucia is the charm-
ing fshing village of Soufriere. Its here
that history still abounds and unbelievably,
life is still the same as it was 250 years
ago.
At the Morne Coubaril plantation you
can experience what it was like to live on
a plantation. A 400-acre sugar mill, the
property boasts a museum, theatre, bo-
tanical garden and waterwheel.
For the eco-lover stop in at the Maria
Islands Nature Reserve and glimpse the
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IM STANDING HERE
likes of the Kouwes Snake and the Zando-
li Terre lizard. Take note too that St. Lucia
is the only place in the world where these
species can be seen.
Enough sightseeing, take a moment for an
adventure and try windsurfng at Anse de
Sable Bay with soft yellow sand and just
the right steady cross-shore winds.
In August, Saint Lucia will celebrated
Chocolate Heritage Month recognizing
the role cacao and its beloved byprod-
uct, chocolate, has played on the islands
history. Hotels and resorts tapped into
Saint Lucias rich heritage to create truly
astounding chocolate indulgences for
visitors such as decadent chocolate spa
treatments, chocolate heritage tours, and
chocolate menu offerings. Visit https://
www.facebook.com/SaintLuciaTouristBoard/
app_190322544333196 to experience
the interactive Chocolate Heritage Trail
Map.
ABCs hit reality series The Bachelor
also discovered Saint Lucia recently
showcasing just a few of the romantic
locales on the island. As millions of view-
ers saw in the season fnale of the widely
popular reality show, the fery sunsets, se-
cluded beaches, crystal blue waters, and
astounding views of Saint Lucia make it
a true Caribbean paradise for couples to
fall in love.
WEATHER: Rainy Season is from June to November, but showers are brief
any time of year.
LANGUAGE: English is the ofcial language, but a French-Creole patois is
spoken.
POPULATION: 150,000
CURRENCY: The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), which is about EC$2.70
per U.S. dollar. There is also an eight percent tax on food and accommoda-
tions.
For more information visit www.stlucia.org.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: ST. LUCIA TOURISM
The yearly jazz festival is another must
reason to visit and in 2015 it will be from
April 30 to May 15, 2015, revamped, rede-
signed and with a broadened artistic di-
rection, this is one of the Caribbeans pre-
mier cultural events with performances
set against the iconic and historic Pigeon
Island National Landmark backdrop, along
with other scenic vistas across Saint Lu-
cia, showcasing an innovative infusion of
Music and Arts designed to highlight the
islands rich historic and cultural legacy.
Even better, Saint Lucia defnitely has a
reputation as a tranquil, rejuvenating and
even spiritual destination, with a number
of resorts widely recognized for their
world-class spa and wellness programs.
So, from the natural Sulphur Springs baths
to sunrise yoga classes, Saint Lucia has a
variety of unique health and wellness of-
ferings solidifying Saint Lucia as an active
vacation leader with some easy rest and
relaxation to be found as well.
Saint Lucia defnitely has
a reputation as a tranquil,
rejuvenating and even spiritual
destination...
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