May 13, 2004 -- St. Lucia is one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations. White-sand beaches, unspoiled countryside and top-notch tourist hotels combine to make this mountainous teardrop pure paradise.
Paradise just got a little cheaper thanks to the island-wide "Great Deal in Paradise" promotion, which knocks 25% off rates at hotels, restaurants and attractions between August 15 and December 15.
This promotion is a little disingenuous, because St. Lucia's rainy season runs through the fall and can be accompanied by the occasional hurricane. In other words, St. Lucia hotels don't fill up between August and December anyway, so they can afford to cut prices. But this promotion pulls prices even below normal low-season levels.
Of participating hotels, the biggest prize is Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia's top resort. Rooms there normally start at $255 a night in November and December. The promotion cuts that to $191.25.
Budgeteers might prefer the Bay Gardens Inn, where room prices start at $90. With the 25%-off deal, that's just $67.50/night.
The sports and entertainment oriented Club St. Lucia by Splash, the family-friendly St. James Club Morgan Bay Resort, the isolated Stonefield Estate Villa Resort, the luxurious spa resort LeSPORT and the ultra-glamorous Windjammer Landing are participating in the 20%-off deal, too.
All these hotels offer various multi-night packages, as well; check with the individual hotel to see if they'll knock 25% off any given package.
Of Frommer's-reviewed restaurants, the reasonably-priced and friendly Lime will give you 25% off with this deal. (Seven other restaurants we haven't reviewed are also on board.)
The savings don't end with housing and food. Five car rental firms, including Hertz and Avis, and four tour operators covering both land and sea are also pledging to give you 25% off all bookings.
To get your discount, mention to your hotel or travel agent that you'd like to participate in the "Great Deal in Paradise" promotion. When you arrive at your hotel, you'll get a coupon book you can use with restaurants, car rental firms and tour operators.
For a full list of participating hotels, restaurants, and car rental companies, head on over to www.stlucia.org/greatdealinparadise.