Saint Lucia, a Caribbean island where tourism is still thriving

Some photos of holidaymakers enjoying themselves on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia that appeared on social media recently attracted worldwide attention. While tourism destinations the world over are shut due to the pandemic, Saint Lucia is witnessing non-stop celebrations. A medical report issued by the island's authorities explains why this is so. 'Saint Lucia Island – a place where no COVID-19 death has occurred,' it says. No wonder, there is such a big demand to visit the island that bookings for the next six months are full.

The geography of Saint Lucia includes the sea as well as mountains. An area that witnessed the domination of the French and British colonists in the past, Saint Lucia's highlight are twin volcanic mountains named Pitons. Facilities on the island include a hotel, ground, and wide roads. Visitors arriving at Hewanorra International Airport would be received by a cab sent by the hotel.

Victoria Bisheroff, a tourist to Saint Lucia, has shared her experience on social media. "The car travelled slowly along the steep road from the airport. The setting resembled a horror movie. Every car honked loudly as another vehicle passed. It might seem to be a warning sign but isn't. The talkative drivers, in fact, sound their horns as a way of greeting other drivers," she writes.

On the way to the hotel from the airport lies Smugglers' Cove, a restaurant frequented by truck drivers. Sandwich and juice form the menu at the eatery, which is designed like the hideout of a gang and is surrounded by an expanse of sand.

Another 30-minute drive would take passengers to the Gros Islet hotel, which is on the northern tip of the island. There are around five shops in the area, which is the main town of Saint Lucia. This part of the island is crowded on Fridays. People celebrating their weekend turn to Duke Palace from here.

The attraction of Duke Palace is the live barbecue is available there. Fresh fish is barbecued along with a sauce made with garlic, shallots, and butter. Nearby, on the roadsides, tourists can engage in the shopping for handicrafts. A little further, there is an area where people can be seen dancing and singing even in the times of the pandemic.

Beyond this place are a long line of buildings painted with white colour. They are the houses in Saint Lucia and each dwelling has a compound, garden, and swimming pool. The pedestrian path ends at the top of a hill, where there is a restaurant. From the hilltop, called Sunset Viewpoint, the wide expanse of the sea and the horizon could be observed.

One of the most beautiful spots in Saint Lucia is Port Rodney, a fort built by the British in the eighteenth century in an area of 44 acres. A causeway was built from the fort to the mainland. Another attraction on the island is the Lushan Country Life Nature Park. Tourists can stroll along a coconut grove, break a coconut on the rocks and savour its tender flesh.

An independent nation in the West Indies, Saint Lucia was known by names such as Hewanorra and Iyonola when it was ruled by the French and the British. The British compared the island to the Greek heroine Helen, who was considered the most beautiful woman on earth. Meanwhile, some French sailors who saved themselves from drowning by swimming to the island after their ship was wrecked in the Caribbean Sea called the island Saint Lucia as they reached the shore on the day of the feast of Saint Lucy.