The Travel Advisors here at Royal Treatment Travel recently traveled to Saint Lucia to explore the three Sandals Resorts located on the island. We couldn’t travel to this beautiful destination without experiencing the island though! In order to make the most of the time, several of us decided to experience one of the many excursions offered. Here is our review of the Soufriere Experience.

Booking and Preparation

Our adventure began even before we set foot on the island, with a seamless online booking process for the Soufriere Experience through Island Routes. Upon arrival at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, we found our excursion paperwork conveniently waiting for us in our resort rooms. The excitement of the upcoming day was palpable as we gathered in the resort lobby at 8:45 am, signed a few forms, and headed to the beach where JJ’s Speedboat awaited us.

The Journey Begins

JJ’s Speedboat picked us up right from the Sandals Grande St. Lucian beach, setting the tone for an exhilarating day ahead. As we cruised down the west coast of St. Lucia, the stunning scenery unfolded before our eyes. The majestic twin peaks of the Pitons dominated the landscape, a true testament to the island's natural beauty. Our first destination was Soufriere Harbor, where we docked and transferred to a shuttle van.

The Drive-In Volcano and Mud Bath

The shuttle whisked us through Soufriere to the famous drive-in volcano, an extraordinary experience unique to St. Lucia. Here, we took a therapeutic dip in the mineral-rich mud baths, a highlight of the tour. A local artist painted us with the mud, and we posed for some unforgettable bucket list photographs. The feeling of the warm, mineral-laden mud was both relaxing and rejuvenating, and washing it off under the Toraille Waterfalls was pure bliss.

Creole Buffet Lunch

After our invigorating mud bath, it was time to refuel. We enjoyed a freshly prepared creole buffet lunch, a feast for the senses with its rich flavors and vibrant colors. The food was delicious, showcasing the best of St. Lucian cuisine and providing the perfect break in our day of adventure.

Snorkeling at Anse Cochon

Back on the boat, we made our way to Anse Cochon for some light swimming and snorkeling. The clear waters and diverse marine life made for an enchanting underwater experience. Whether swimming or simply lounging on the boat, everyone in our group enjoyed this leisurely stop. We all agreed that this was some of the best snorkeling we had ever done. The fish were so plentiful and the cliff edge created a chasm for an even more exciting experience.

Return to the Resort

As our excursion came to an end, we cruised back to our resort with hearts full of memories. Along the way, we enjoyed endless beverages, including a local favorite, a delicious rum punch concoction. Our tour guides, including the delightful Queen Bee, ensured we had a fantastic time. Queen Bee’s local knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, dance moves and dedication to our group's enjoyment truly made the day special. Our captain, Captain Stan, kept the boat cruising safely to each destination and our tour guide, Chocolate Thunder, knew each of our names and could recite fun facts about each place we called home.

Photography and Memories

Sandals provided a private photographer, Lenny, who captured both staged and candid moments throughout our trip. From the breathtaking views of Gros and Petite Piton to the sulfur baths and the falls, every significant moment was documented. We had the option to purchase professional photos, but Lenny was also happy to snap shots with our cell phones, ensuring we had plenty of memories to take home.

Final Thoughts

Each member of our large party agreed that the Soufriere Experience was worth every penny. The reasonable rate charged by Island Tours, coupled with the outstanding service from our guides and the incredible sights we visited, made for an unforgettable day. We made sure to tip our hosts generously, as their efforts truly elevated our St. Lucian adventure.

If you’re looking for an excursion that combines natural wonders, local culture, and a touch of luxury, the Soufriere Experience with Island Tours is a must-do. It’s a day of exploration and relaxation that showcases the very best of St. Lucia.

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