Marigot Bay Holidays

Marigot Bay is so tucked away, you could easily miss it if you didn’t know where to look. The dainty seaside settlement is midway up St Lucia’s west coast, on the edge of a sheltered inlet. Tree-cloaked hills rise up on either side of the bay, and a handful of swanky hotels take up residence close to the shoreline. Traditional seafood restaurants spread out along the seafront, as well.

The deep waters of this bay mean it’s no stranger to visiting boats, even when you flick back through the history books. British and French ships are said to have hidden here to evade each other during the Battle of St Lucia in the 1700s. These days, things are more serene – catamarans, yachts and sailboats outnumber the local residents, and you can even take sightseeing sailing trips to the island’s famous Piton Mountains.

It takes just under half an hour to drive north to the island’s cultural hub, Castries. It’s the capital, and one of St Lucia’s biggest towns, and boasts well-preserved colonial buildings and a bustling marketplace. It’s also fringed by La Toc Beach, one of the top beaches around. Closer to home, the nearest beach is a bit of an adventure spot. One of the best ways to reach it is by kayaking along the Roseau River, which winds between tangled mangroves.