Do the Caribbean like Prince Harry

St Lucia

PIGEON ISLAND

There’s no doubt that St Lucia is fit for a king, not to mention a prince, so it’s no surprise that Harry had a ball while he was on the island. He took in many sights including Pigeon Island, a former pirate base turned national park. The 44-acre island is home to two beautiful beaches as well as the ruins of military buildings dating back to the 1800s. There’s also a look-out point at the top of the fort which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the north-west coastline.

PITONS

It’s difficult to mention stunning views of St Lucia without bringing up the island’s two volcanic mountains - the Pitons. Visitors can follow a nature trail to the summit of Gros Piton – which is the biggest and the easiest to climb. The mountains are located in the south-western town of Soufriere, and Harry travelled to the area by boat during his visit. Sulphur Springs, the ‘world's only drive-in volcano’ is another Soufriere must-see. The dormant volcano, which last erupted in the 18th-century, is a favourite with tourists thanks to its hot springs and mud baths, which are located just past the seven-acre crater.

CARNIVALS AND FESTIVALS

Harry was treated to a St Lucian street festival complete with live music and traditional food and drink when he arrived in Soufriere. Unfortunately the island doesn’t throw these types of events for all its visitors (more’s the pity), but carnivals, parades and festivals are a big part of the St Lucian experience. The St.Lucia Carnival takes place in July and it lasts for several days. You can expect non-stop street parties, a carnival queen show and a pageant through Castries. Best of all, the main parade is totally free. Meanwhile the St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, one of the island’s most high profile events, is held every May and has featured the likes of Robin Thicke and Jimmy Cliff.

BARBADOS

BRIDGETOWN

Harry’s currently spending three days in Barbados and he’s got plenty planned during his time here. He’s starting out in Bridgetown, which is the island’s capital and liveliest city. Bridgetown was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012 and it’s filled with historical sites like Chamberlain Bridge, Heroes Square and the Lord Nelson Statue. A visit to Bridgetown wouldn’t be complete without seeing Carlisle Bay. One of the most picturesque spots on the entire island, Carlisle Bay is famous for its crystal clear waters and immaculate white sand, but it’s also a great place to go snorkelling or diving. In fact there are at least five shipwrecks lying at the bottom of its waters.

GARRISON SAVANNAH

Harry just happens to be in town at the same time as the world’s most famous Bajan - Rihanna. The Diamonds singer is headlining The Golden Anniversary Spectacular Mega Concert, and the prince will be among the thousands taking in the live celebrations. The concert is being held at the Garrison Savannah, the famous location where Barbados’ original independence ceremony took place back in 1966. The horse racing venue is situated just outside of Bridgetown and was once a training ground for the regiments protecting the island.

MOUNT GAY VISITOR CENTRE

Like most Caribbean islands, Barbados is very proud of its rum, with Mount Gay being the most well-known. A trip to the Mount Gay Visitor Centre is one of the most fun and interesting ways to get a real taste of it. Here you can learn all about the history of the famous rum, visit a replica rum shop to see how it’s made, and most importantly, everyone gets a free sample.

Fancy checking out Barbados and St Lucia yourself?

Find out more about our holidays to St Lucia and Barbados. Also, you can find out why St Lucia is a chocolate lover’s paradise.

Author: Tamara Hardingham-Gill