Day 1: Home to Gros Islet
It was below zero in Detroit so we had lots of layers that we probably didn’t need. We got to the airport before check-in and security opened at 3:30 AM. Our flight to Miami was late. It didn’t impact us because I’d changed our connection to give us more time but lots of others on the flight were stressed. We had a long walk in Miami then a one stop train ride to a satellite terminal. A nice American Airlines maintenance guy was headed in the same direction and volunteered as an unofficial guide. Our flight to St Lucia was also late. Due to a gate change they had to tow a plane over. But there were only 64 of us on the flight so boarding was swift and the flight was comfortable and relaxed. We each had a row to ourselves. We really like the American Airlines cookies. And they’re vegan!
All of that kind of messed up our arrival in St Lucia. (Well, that and the fact that I forgot to give them our new flight number.) They didn’t know what flight we were coming in on so the driver had to wait. Plus I forgot to check entry requirements so we had to stand around filling out paper forms instead of doing them ahead of time online.
Flight changes also meant an extra night in Gros Islet so check-in at Coco Palm was as confusing as I expected. First we had to do two transactions. Then they said we’d have to check out and back in again, then said we could stay in the original room. So it all worked out. Our welcome rum punch was tasty!
I had booked a reservation at a restaurant down on the beach. I forgot how early it gets dark in the tropics. The walk to dinner was pretty easy but the area was mostly small businesses so it was kind of dark and deserted but didn’t feel dangerous.
Day 2: A Walk on the Beach
We started the day with arrival errands: an ATM for some local cash — St Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar, which is pegged at US$2.70 — and the supermarket for rum and beer. Both were within easy walking distance.
We dropped our drinks off at the hotel and walked down to Reduit beach, where we met Moofie (that’s what it sounded like?), the friendly and welcoming beach chair vendor.
We spent the rest of the day lounging by the pool and had dinner in the hotel restaurant, Ti Bananne.
Day 3: A Day at the Beach
The walk from the Coco Palm hotel to the beach is short but not sweet. The road was muddy but not bad for walking. They were doing construction down by the beach and the egrets were following the equipment around.
We spent most of the day at the beach, where we paid $20 for chairs and an umbrella. We saw the odd beach vendor. The only persistent one was a guy asking for donations.
We ate dinner at Wings n Tingz where we were accosted by a hungry kitten. So far we’ve found people very friendly and helpful.
Day 4: By the Pool
It rained off and on most of the day by the pool, then almost constantly after 5:00 PM. Good thing we didn’t plan on going to the street party tonight. We had dinner at the hotel again, where a bat the size of a dinner-plate flew by. No one screamed so maybe Steve is the only one who saw it.
Day 5: Another Walk on the Beach
We walked the beach down to Spinnakers. It was a nice distance, not too strenuous. We didn’t even get our feet wet. We got down to the pool and just got edged out for a gazebo seat. We did find two loungers in the shade of trees. We saw a discussion about saving chairs. Pizza for dinner at Amici’s. Steve bought a nose clip at the store across the street. He’s going to see if that improves his snorkeling experience.
The beach fills in when there’s a cruise ship around.
Day 6: Another Day by the Pool
Breakfast is included here so seating at breakfast can be tight. This morning we were seated in the far cabana by the pool. We shared it with a nice couple from Norwich. We decided on snacky food for dinner so we walked over to the supermarket and bought rolls, salami, cheese, and cookies. And beer. More off and on rain today. We had a couple of rum punches down by the pool and saw a cool crested Antillean hummingbird. Yes, we had to look him up.
We thought this egret looked funny walking on a hedge.
Day 7: Another Relaxing Day
We took another walk today, down the street to Spinnakers and beyond, then back along the beach. We sat by the pool for a while but it kept threatening to rain so we went upstairs.
We are having continuing towel drama. The hotel ran out of hand towels, then washcloths, now today pool towels. That and being crowded at breakfast are the only downsides, though. Snacky food for dinner again.
Day 8: A Last Day by the Pool
Pool day today. We started in the restaurant since that was the only available shade then scored a double lounger later. Had a last dinner at the restaurant. And one last delicious Mudslide for dessert!
Essentials
Lodging
Most lodging I found in the area was either very expensive or far from the beach, shops, and restaurants. Coco Palm was more than we usually spend but great value, and easy walking distance to Reduit beach, the supermarket, and numerous restaurants. Our room and bath were spacious, clean, and comfortable, with seating for dining and lounging. No outdoor terrace, but sliding doors gave the same effect, and we had a great view. (And since we had a corner room, we had two!) Nice restaurant onsite. Outstanding friendly and helpful staff. I would stay here again. We got the bed and breakfast option; they also offer an all-inclusive rate.
Dining
We ate at the Coco Palm restaurant, Ti Bananne, three times. The only reason I would go elsewhere is if you wanted something not on the menu, like pizza. We had their crab cakes twice, they were so good. Also very nice fish, lamb shank, and short ribs with coconut rice. We liked the welcome rum punch so much we ordered it for dinner.
We had a nice meal at Spinnakers on the beach, though service was slow even by island standards. Good fish cakes, fish, and shrimp. We enjoyed the Big Bamboo drinks. Wings n Tingz is more of a takeout spot though we ate at once of the picnic tables outside. The sauces served with our grilled breast and wings were good, as were the potato wedges and plantains. Service was nice and friendly too. We had a capricciosa pizza with excellent thin chewy crust and garlic bread at Amici.
Transportation
Our host in Soufrière owns a taxi company so that’s how we got to and from the airport, and from Gros Islet to Soufrière. We were able to walk to everything around Gros Islet.