As great as The BodyHoliday was, I was eager to get off property and explore St Lucia. I signed up for the Piton Nature Walk tour since I wanted to take in the island’s famed picturesque views without doing anything too strenuous. This is an excellent itinerary if you only have one day to explore the island.

It took about two hours to get from the resort to the start of the Tet Paul Nature Trail,   including three brief photo stops. If you’re already staying the south, you have even more time to explore each location.

Road to The Pitons

The first stop was at the Morne Fortune lookout point from which you can see sweeping views of Castries, including the cruise ship harbour. Morne Fortune is French for Hill of Good Luck but the area saw more than its fair share of bloodshed during the 1800s as it was the site of several battles between the English and French.

Next it was off to get a look at Anse la Raye, a sleepy fishing village with the most peaceful bay. On Friday nights it comes alive for the weekly fish fry and street party but by that Saturday morning, it was all calm blue water and idle fishing boats.

It wasn’t my first time seeing Petit Piton and Gros Piton but seeing the twin peaks come into view is something special. Situated in a World Heritage Site, the two volcanic mountains that dominate the west coast are easily St Lucia’s most notable landmark. The village of Soufriere, north of Petit Piton, is another St Lucian fishing village.

Tet Paul Nature Trail

The Tet Paul Nature Trail is for those of us who who want Piton views without actually climbing the Pitons, hence the stairway to heaven sign.  You get 360 degree views of St Lucia.

Botanical Gardens and Waterfall

Up next was a quick visit to the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Waterfall, located at the foot of the Pitons. The six acre gardens feature lush vegetation, tropical flowers and medicinal plants which are pointed out by a guide. I didn’t explore the supposedly therapeutic mineral baths but if you’re visiting, it’s worth a try.

Soufriere is home to several of St Lucia’s popular attractions including the drive-through volcano, sulphur springs and Piton Falls. You can also do zip-lining and other aerial activities in the area so there will be no shortage of things to do in one day.

Be sure to take that camera!