Restrictions to Know Before You Go
First off, it is important to remember that these are subject to change, because, as we all know by this point, things are changing so rapidly every day. For us (over Labor Day Weekend), a negative COVID test was required 7 days prior to our departure date. The test had to be a PCR test which means no rapid tests. We thought the 7-day requirement was actually not too bad, especially considering that a lot of places require negative test results 48-96 hours before departure. Considering how long it can take to get the results back, it can make things a little trickier. Our doctor has a lab that get the results back in 24-48 hours, so that makes life a lot easier! Once you receive the results, you will need to email it to the St. Lucian government. Additionally, you will need to submit a Travel Registration Confirmation request form no less than 3 days before traveling to St. Lucia and, most importantly, receive an approval email authorizing you to visit the island as an “International Visitor” before even thinking about heading to the airport for departure. This form can be found on www.stlucia.org. To prove the point, my parents had sent in their negative COVID tests as well as their travel request form but had not received the approval email from the government, and they almost weren’t able to board the plane! Thank goodness we got in touch with someone in a position to help in St. Lucia and they told the flight attendant to let them board as long as they had a copy of their negative COVID tests. In case you have a similar issue (turns out their travel request was simply overlooked accidentally), call this number: US – General Information Toll-Free: 1800 456 3984 | 1888 478 5824. They saved the day literally and you’ll thank me later. LOL!
Upon arrival, it was comforting to see sanitizing stations everywhere and that there was an obvious order of operations established. All passengers will need to go through a temperature check and proceed to a station where they will ask you some general questions like your country of origin, where you are staying on the island, etc. Although they are taking COVID very seriously, it was also nice that (at least for us) this process didn’t take more than 30-ish minutes. Any symptomatic passengers will be isolated and tested at the cost of the passenger. Then, once you get your bags and clear customs, you will need to ride in a COVID-approved mode of transportation, and for us, the only choice was by taxi. We were unable to rent a car, but I am sure that will change along with the expansion of other airport transfer options besides taxis. Our taxi driver was very nice and stopped at a grocery store to get us beer and wine, so we didn’t have to pay resort prices and because international visitors are not allowed to enter any store. ? (Fun fact…our hack whenever we travel is that we also pack 2 bottles of wine each in our checked bags.) Also, taxis are required to leave the windows down while driving and masks are required during the ride.
All COVID-certified hotels are on a list provided by the government here. When we got to the hotel, the staff was there to sanitize our bags and daily screenings were mandatory each morning before breakfast. You are also required to stay at your hotel during your entire visit, except for COVID-approved excursions. So, if you are wanting to get out around the island and visit other resorts and restaurants, this is probably not the optimal time to go. I will say, with their very limited numbers of cases (there was one active case in the whole country when we were there), they are doing an amazing job managing COVID. I will definitely be back some day to do more exploring around the island! On our journey home, the airport has a lounge if you are Priority Pass member. Definitely recommend. They served a surprisingly good meal and drinks.
Tours During COVID?
We had to book our excursions through a COVID-certified company. From what I was told while planning our trip, there was only one, which is Mystic Man Tours, but I am guessing there have to be more options. If you go with them, make sure to ask for Jay and Brad. They were the best! We ended up doing a sunset cruise one night and a ½ day snorkeling excursion on another day. Both were 1000% worth it. Don’t forget your nausea medicine if you get seasick. ?
When to Travel to St. Lucia?
May through June is often labeled the best time to travel to St. Lucia when you consider all the factors. December through April will be the priciest time of the year to go, but the weather during that time is predictably at its best. July through November is hurricane season, so while it will probably be the most cost-effective time to travel to St. Lucia, you definitely have to be careful/lucky. We went in September and there were on and off rain showers daily, but it actually wasn’t too bad. It was, however, extremely hot, especially if you happen to stay at a hotel with no A/C. ?
What to Pack?
BUG SPRAY!!! Lol, but, in all seriousness, bug spray is a must! Sunscreen is a close second place on the list, especially if you are snorkeling or out in the water. Make sure you learn from me and load up on your back when you are snorkeling, because when you’re in the water, your body is a lot more susceptible to sunburn. Let’s just say my back got fried!! Casual clothes. Everything and everyone seem to be very laid back in St. Lucia. All your travel documents and of course, your mask!
Where to Stay?
Rabot Hotel by Hotel Chocolat
So, first and foremost, our hotel was absolutely beautiful. I would venture to say they have some of the best views in St. Lucia, especially of the Pitons. I will probably be staying somewhere that has A/C next time, however. Yes, make sure if you are an A/C person, you check out the amenities of your lodging, especially if you go during the hottest parts of the year. A lot of hotels in St. Lucia apparently don’t have A/C and we were dying. Also, that means lots of bugs since we pretty much had a (stunning) room that was open to the outdoors. Again, it was beautiful, the staff was so helpful, efficient, and nice, and even the food was great, but the heat was a killer! During non-COVID times, if you are not staying there, it would be a great place to grab dinner. From what we have learned, we will probably stay at Sugar Beach next time. My parents stayed at Sugar Beach for a few days after we headed home, and they loved it so much that they are already planning a trip back! Jade Mountain, from what I’ve heard, is also gorgeous, but definitely pricey!
