Celene Duffy (Key Account Manager, APG Ireland) & the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority are hosting a fam trip of Irish travel trade to the sandy shores of the Caribbean Island with Virgin Atlantic. ITTN’s Shane Cullen along with Aisling Marie Devoy (American Holidays) Kayleigh Walters (Best4Travel), Natalie Mary Creavan (Cassidy Travel), Gemma Fee (Club Travel), Sarah Brady (Barter’s Travel), Mandy Walsh (Travel Counsellors), Joanna Gomez (Travel Focus) and Brendan Breen (OROKO Travel) are the fortunate travellers along for the journey.
Babonneau for Ziplining Through the Rainforest
Rainforest Adventures creates unique and memorable experiences that inspire a sustainable use of the environment and an appreciation of the local culture while positively impacting local communities.

Situated in the highland community of Chassin, in Babonneau, Rainforest Adventures St. Lucia offers visitors a unique opportunity for full immersion in the island’s vibrant rainforest life.



Guests can wander the nature trails, soaring up and away through the forest canopy on gondolas, or try the thrill-seeking on a zip line, gliding from platform to platform, high through the lush rainforest.



There are various activities and our group was booked for the Adrenaline zip line tour. It is not for the faint of heart. The tour starts innocuously enough with a short walk through a peaceful part of the tropical rainforest and then ramps up quickly. There are 16 platforms set high up in the trees and 8 zip lines connecting the platforms for a thrilling adventure through the wilderness of St Lucia.
https://rainforestadventure.com/st-lucia-travel-tour


The adventure takes about 2 hours. The ziplines are not suitable for under 5-year-olds, pregnant women or anyone with back or neck injuries – there are no age restrictions for exploring the park. Wear closed toe shoes (i.e. no flip flops, high heels or sandals).


For a full list of requirements and how to book, check out https://rainforestadventure.com/package/adrena-line-canopy-tour/



Bel Jou & Stolen Time by Rendezvous, St. Lucia
A balmy sunny day awaited the group with our itinerary incorporating hotel visits of the Bel Jou and Stolen Time by Rendezvous both located on the north of the island approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from the airport. To make the experience a little bit more special you can avail of a helicopter transfer that only takes 10 minutes and costs $189 per person (this is available during daylight hours only).
Hot Stuff at the Bel Jou Hotel, St. Lucia
An evening of Caribbean BBQ at the locally-owned Bel Jou Hotel awaited. The group stayed in this all-inclusive, adults-only hotel and savoured the Caribbean flavours of an evening BBQ. After the flavourful spicy Caribbean cuisine, guests were treated to a flame show, fiery limbo dancing and fire eating.






The evening temperature was in the mid-20s and a light sea breeze provided the perfect atmosphere for a feast and festival on the island of St. Lucia.

The sun rises fast in St. Lucia and the morning view from my balcony in the Bel Jou offered lush palm trees, a pristine pool and a clear view of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Bel Jou Hotel – Virgin Atlantic rates this property as a 3.5/5 flag property.
Quaint and cute hotel with Caribbean-style decor, the property offers 76 rooms, all air-conditioned with private balcony (like mine) or patio. There is a choice of rooms in the main building or garden bungalows. Dean, hotel manager for the property, told us the hotel offers a 4 star experience with 5 star service.



This is a locally-owned, lead-in property catering for adults only. The two pools are set in lush, tropical gardens, ideal for escaping the hum-drum of life at home. The hotel is on a hillside though a complimentary shuttle takes guests to Castries City and Vigie Beach (5 days a week between 9 am – 4 pm).



After our transfer we were warmly welcomed and enjoyed a buffet dinner and the following morning, a buffet breakfast at the Bel Jou. The offering is relatively limited but great quality and very tasty.



The property offers all-inclusive packages and has 3 restaurants – Verandah Restaurant & Bar (buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner), Kilibwi (fine-dining experience), Lulu’s Cabana Restaurant(day-time snack bar), 3 bars including a self-service poolside bar and a coffee shop.


The main market for this property is the UK, with the USA coming in second.

StolenTime Saint Lucia by Rendezvous
This is a plush, adults-only boutique hotel earning every one of its 5-stars. This is relaxed ultra-luxury and, unsurprisingly attracting wedding and honeymoon clients.



It is a beach-front property with extensive spa and wellness services plus a broad range of activities available such yoga, archery, pilates, water aerobics, tennis with an on-site tennis pro, motorized and non-motorized water sports and much more. There is even daily scuba diving with for both certified and beginner divers. Guests get 3 free dives if qualified.





Within their collection of 100 rooms, there are five distinct room types available, and they also provide options for single-room rates


There are 3 restaurants and 3 bars to choose from including a Champagne bar. The stunning terrace restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with no reservations required. The Thyme Restaurant (à la carte dinners) require reservations with French-style cuisine (no restrictions on number of visits).





The all-inclusive offering includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The beverages have premium brands and wine by the bottle at dinner. There is even a daily “Bubbly Hour” in the Champagne Bar.





This property stands out as something truly special, offering the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. I for one would love to return.