A new “vibe manager” is rolling into Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort in St. Lucia. But that’s not the only way groups are connecting to this vibrant Caribbean destination.
With palm-fringed beaches, rain forest and mountains as backdrop, and a lively culture to boot, here are a few more things to do in St. Lucia for a truly hyperlocal experience of the island.
The Vibe Manager
From developing distinct soundscapes to implementing a strong sense of place, Yasa Sereno, Sugar Beach’s new vibe manager has a history of helping to create multi-sensory experiences for groups.
“Sereno will be helping to create innovative venues for groups and events,” says Andre Boersma, GM of Sugar Beach. “Working with event planners, he will help to devise unique lighting and sound set up that will make events more spectacular. He is also assisting with general resort programming that will enhance the experience of all guests, not just group participants.”
The luxury boutique resort, with over 100 acres of lush tropical forest and sugar white sand at its doorstep, is already known for its inspiring, eco-friendly ambiance and amenities, which include everything from a world-class Rainforest Spa and full PADI dive facility to CSR initiatives.
Overnight Turtle Watching
Grande Anse’s ruggedly beautiful beach is the most important nesting site in the region for the survival of sea turtles. It’s also a great spot for the nature lovers in your group to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand to hatchlings as they make their way to the sea. Staying in tents along the beach, groups will help to measure and tag the turtles during the overnight Debaras Turtle Watch, with the added bonus of dinner on the beach and a true Saint Lucian breakfast in the morning.
Sports Tours
The sport’s enthusiasts in your group may enjoy tours of football, cricket and netball stadiums. Arguably one of the finest grounds in the Caribbean, the Beausejour Cricket Ground hosted the International Cricket Council’s World Cup in 2007. The bookable venues also offer a unique backdrop to galas, dinner parties or other large events, where dining and dancing on the field facilitate memorable moments. Of, course, these are only some of the things to do in St. Lucia for the sports lovers in your group; they can also take to the field and play.
Chocolate Excursions
With thousands of cocoa trees dotting the island, the chocoholics in your group will undoubtedly embrace St. Lucia’s centuries-old chocolate legacy. Many of the island’s resorts and hotels use cocoa in spa treatments and culinary dishes. And although St. Lucia’s Chocolate Heritage Month passed in August, the cocoa train keeps truckin’ on. During a tour at the Fond Doux Holiday Plantation, groups can participate in the traditional “cocoa-rina” dance to polish the cocoa beans. Groups can also hop on over to Jade Mountain Resort’s Chocolate Laboratory for a bean-to-bar chocolate making experience, not to mention other chocolate-infused activities like chocolate sensory tastings and truffle making classes.
Cultural Experiences
St. Lucia’s vibrant creole culture is easily accessible to groups, with a number of authentic experiences showcasing the island’s heritage. Excursions into rural communities offer numerous opportunities for hyperlocal group experiences, from cocoarina dancing and cassava making to tasting Saint Lucia’s local fruits.
For more hyperlocal group activities in the Caribbean, check out “Caribbean Cool: 3 Destinations for Fun Incentives in Laid-Back Surroundings.”
