Tourism mostly English and American is the primary source of income for St Lucia and has given life to various types of structures recently. The major part of which are situated along the Caribbean coastline of Castries and Gros Islet, even if there is no lack of luxury resorts in the more picturesque southern part of St Lucia. The choice of accommodation is truly vast, from hotels, luxury resorts to the guest houses for the traveler with a limited budget or those who want a more direct contact with the locals. Private villas and apartments represent a valid choice in St Lucia and an alternative to hotels and are found all alone the coastline of the Caribbean. The tourist seasons are divided in winter, summer and festive. In St Lucia, other than the periods of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the first week of May is also considered high season as this is the first week of the St Lucian jazz festival.

Hotels and guest houses, are doted all over the island of St Lucia, they offer a wide choice of types and price ranges; For the major part they are modern many with swimming pools, some are old habitations or old homes converted into hotels. They offer rooms, studios, bungalows and cottages (with a bathroom or fully equipped) they are usually of a good standard. Here is an indication of prices per night in the winter season 2011/12. Prices start at 40US per room with bathroom for 2, 80US for a studio for 2, 80/130 US for a bungalow or cottage. Some structures ask for a min of a 4 night stay or one week. The hotels and guest houses in less exclusive areas tend to be further away from the sea front but could satisfy a lower budget.

The choice of renting a private villa in St Lucia doesn’t necessary bring with it sky high prices. Different villas and cottages exist also only for 2 people with a budget of around 700US a week. With 1800/2000US you can rent an optimum villa in a magical setting. For a large villa you can expect to spend about 4000US. For apartments the choice starts from 45US a night for the standard and 80US for a superior.

More and more numerous in St Lucia are the luxury hotels and resorts with spas and wellness centers for a total relax holiday with maximum comfort, in exclusive areas besides exuberant beaches. The largest US hotel groups and large investors are represented at St Lucia with one or more than one hotel. The quality of the hotel services has given rise to a curious industry which is that of the honeymoon and wedding celebrations in St Lucia. Today the strength of the Euro offers an opportunity to be able to have a holiday on a Caribbean island like St Lucia, primarily geared towards luxury tourism, enjoying a structure of services on an optimum level and with a large saving in comparison to yesteryears. The prices start from not less than 250 US for 2 people per night.