Voted the world's most beautiful island, with 19 acres of
rainforest and an array of outstanding beaches, St. Lucia rivals
the more established Caribbean destinations. Thanks to the 2007
Cricket World Cup, it has received £11 million investment in
infrastructure making it one of the most modern and efficient
islands. Stable government and exchange rates, excellent health
facilities and direct flights from the UK means St Lucia has a lot
to offer both tourists and investors alike. More importantly, its
property prices are around 27% below those on neighbouring Barbados
meaning properties there have excellent potential for capital
appreciation. 3 bedroom villas are available from £160,000
($314,500). Average house prices are around £1,980 ($3,900) per
square metre, whilst condos cost an average £1,170 ($2,300) per
square metre.
Anse la Raye
Anse le Raye is a quarter on the west coast of St. Lucia
bordering the Caribbean sea. As a result, citizens within this
quarter are mainly fishermen and agriculture workers. Anse la Raye
is around a twenty minute drive from the main town of Castries. The
town is home to a weekly seafood market which caters for both
tourists and the locals offering drinks, music, seafood and steamed
fish.
Canaries quarter
The Canaries quarter is a west coast fishing village, favoured
by the locals as the best place to buy cassava bread. The village
is situated along the west coast road between Anse la Raye and
Soufriere. There are many attractive views from most sides of the
village.
Castries quarter
The city of Castries is the capital of St. Lucia. It has a
current population of 67,340 that has been rising steadily over the
past ten years. There is an annual Saint Lucia jazz festival held
on the island and the Castries quarter hosts some of the festival
stages.
Gros Islet quarter
Gros Islet is one of the newest towns on the island of St. Lucia
and has recently gone from being a village to a town after the
increase in tourist interest. A lot of people associate the town
with cricket after hosting part of the 2007 Cricket World Cup. The
town is located to the north of Castries.
Rodney Bay area is a lot more built up than the main town of
Gros Islet making it very popular with holiday makers. It has
variety of shops, malls and restaurants on offer to suit all types
of people. The night life in the summer isn't very busy but during
the winter the resorts are lively with a number of different clubs,
bars and live entertainment. Property in the Rodney Bay is very
expensive and seafront property is owned by hotel and restaurant
developers.
Soufriere
Once the former capital of St. Lucia, Soufriere is now a town
which revolves around its fishing port and growing tourist
industry.
The town has many attractions such as a drive in volcano,
possibly the only one of its kind in the world, historical mineral
baths and the Diamond Botanical Gardens which contains a waterfall
and black sand beaches nearby. The coast near the town is renowned
for its scuba diving and snorkelling facilities.
Vieux Fort
Vieux Fort is the second largest town on the island of St. Lucia
and is home to the country's international airport. The town isn't
known as a popular tourist destination although tourist's interest
is growing. On Fridays and Saturdays the town holds a weekly market
with traditional local produce on sale such as spices and fruits.
The towns itself has had a lot of renovating to make it more
modern, the old town contains few streets with old historic
building to admire although many need restoring.
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