St. Lucia
- Mardi The Aura Dealer
- Jan 20, 2022
- 5 min read
Spoke some things into the universe and they appeared...✰✰✰
This was my first international flight of 2020. Ironically, 7 years prior I manifested St. Lucia as one of my bucket-list destinations. Not sure why I finally decided to go during a global pandemic, but it turned out to be fantastic. Three Covid-19 tests, two authorization forms, a missed flight, and a few hotel cancellations later, I made it there! *FYI: I took 3 tests in the states just to be on the safe side because I did not know the turnaround time for the results.* Yes, the anxiety was real!
Initially, I stumbled across this flight in August for approximately $390 when it's usually $1,500 and up. Of course, I seized the opportunity to visit this beautiful island. I'd miss a whole day dealing with airport issues, so I was ready to explore as much as I can. As I descended, I was ecstatic.
It’s a hour drive from UVF airport which is located on the south end of the country. SLU is on the north end and is mainly for small carriers. Drivers were informative as they drove us through the town. Being the maverick that I am, of course I tried to convince him to stop but he pleaded that he’ll get into big trouble.
Usually, when I visit the Caribbean islands, I prefer to dwell in traditional settings or family-owned establishments. I love living like a local and embracing the culture. However, due to the travel restrictions, I ended up staying at a villa resort which turned out nice. The country has a short list of Covid-19 approved facilities that can accommodate visitors while traveling.
I originally booked Samfi Gardens which is a family owned hotel with all the traditional amenities that I prefer, but still offers a great view. As time drew closer to my trip, I was notified that the hotel is not a Covid-19 approved facility. With a quick change, I ended up booking Hotel Chocolat at the Robat Estates. The place is referred to as The Chocolate Factory; well known for their inclusion of cacao in all of their ingredients.
Pictures of chocolate cocoa beans everywhere throughout the estate.
Welcome to the new normal of the world... Due to the recent covid restrictions, visitors are required to stay in their hotel accommodations the entire time. Visitors aren’t allowed to congregate with the locals or venture out to the surrounding community. A mask is required the entire time while touring the hotel grounds (except for dining). Hand sanitizer is equipped everywhere and regularly washing your hands is recommended.
As always, when being assisted by our melanin brothers and sisters from the Caribbean island, it feels like you’re being spoiled. Their grace and candor is what makes you feel the love and gratitude. Note to travelers: Please tip these workers, because their efforts go a long way and their hospitality is impeccable.
I could wake up to this everyday. A terrace view directly facing one of the volcanic mountains and looking over the small town of Soufrière. This trip came at the perfect time as a relaxing get away from the chaos. The sun seems to set earlier here as opposed to other countries where I would capture sunlight on the sea until 9:30 PM. However, witnessing the golden hour was timelessly beautiful. No television, No A/C, just natural breezy air and views. Going to sleep every night to the peaceful sound of nature as the birds chirped and the reptiles hissed, it’s as if I escaped into a rainforest.
Listen, I despise walking barefoot but during this trip it was necessary. A nature lover’s paradise. We literally lived in the middle of a rainforest. There would be sporadic bursts of rain for 5 minutes and then the sun will magically reappear. Sun and rain simultaneously creating the perfect balanced picture.
If you know me well, you should know I love plants, especially a nice bamboo or beautiful orchid. I learned that Bamboo is St. Lucia’s national plant. However, it is not originally grown in the country. The bamboo was brought by the Chinese and has many uses like scaffolding or food purposes.
Most of the popular excursion tours are also closed during this time. Tours are conducted at the discretion of the providers and availabilities according to social distancing guidelines. I was able to experience Sulphur Springs and it’s amazing mud bath that revitalizes the skin. The water is a mixture of fresh water, sea water, and green water from outside bodies. All of these merge by flowing into the water basin and never dries up. There are approximately 18 Lava Domes which helps boil the emerging waters. One is specifically referred to as Gabriel’s Hole. A true story told of a young tour guide who jumped into the volcano’s settled area during a tour and created the hole by accident. He survived, but suffered second degree burns from the incident.
You see that mountain pictured behind me? Yes, it is a dormant volcanic mountain but it is still alive. According to the tour guide, our hotel is literally 12km within the volcano so we’re living in it. There are several volcanic mountains throughout St. Lucia. The last eruption was almost 200 years ago! The activity intensifies from gravity associated with the full moon like a geyser. The volcano collapsed inside of the town because it imploded instead of exploded which created Sulphur Village.
I kept wondering what smelled so horrible while walking up the steps. The tour guide, Suzette explained that the rotten egg smell is a good sign that the volcano is not erupting any time soon. Like in Pompeii, the people do not live in fear of an eruption, but Suzette expressed that: “If you stop smelling that scent, then you better run for dear life.” The intense gas will kill you first before the actual eruption. The history of St. Lucia is something to appreciate as the natives proudly speak about their country.
As I’ve mentioned before, I love to support the locals, eat street food. I didn’t get a chance to eat the countries delicacy which is salt fish, bread fruit, and boullion. They also have conch which I looovveee but the country is adamant about the current restrictions.
Hotel Chocolat has its own restaurant, Boucan. The chef at this restaurant proved me wrong about thinking all hotel meals are bland. Toast is served before every meal and includes 3 different chocolate spreads, butter, and dips. Breakfast is complimentary. Fresh fruit, eggs, smoothies, and a host of other scrumptious foods with a hint of cacao infused in it. Surprisingly, it is still mango season. The mangos were better than the kind that I’ve eaten as a true Miamian. For lunch, I could not believe I literally spent $30 on a burger, but it was soooo good. The meat quality was excellent. I usually don’t eat pork, but the grilled bacon was a nice touch. I always went the pescatarian route for dinner. The scallops were seared to perfection. All of the peppers, veggies, and spices were seasoned with no need of extras. I tried an al le cart side of mashed potatoes, but it was infused with white chocolate. Yes, it tastes like it sounds, disgusting! Lol... that concoction should be taken off of the menu. I’m pretty sure some others may love it. The dessert menu has an extensive amount of chocolaty sweets, but I landed on the Mousse Cake which was a chocolate craze frenzy. Boucan definitely earned each award that was displayed amongst it walls.
Ending my trip was bitter sweet...
Sailing on The Serendipity with some cool locals, listening to Bob Marley and letting the homemade Mystic Punch kick in for the vibes. While watching the sunset, I saw the clouds formed what resembled a Phoenix bird. I shed a slight tear in remembrance of my late best friend and the significant irony of this moment. These are the memories that cannot be captured by camera, but by sight and stored into your personal memory vault. As we disembarked, I silently uttered: “I finally made it!”
Comments