CASTRIES, ST.  LUCIA

We board our bus for a scenic drive to the south-eastern side of St Lucia. As we leave Castries, we will discover Morne Fortune – dotted with historical remnants that are evidence of this site’s important military role – and notice the abundance of banana palms of the Cul de Sac plantation.

Passing through the centre of the island, we will traverse the cool mountain ranges, which are covered with the Barre de L’Isle rainforest. Shadowed by great trees, we will admire the foliage of the arboraceous ferns and other plants, which are picked out by spots of tropical sunshine. Via a wooded road, which passes through a typical example of St Lucia’s dry forest, we reach Mamiku Gardens. Located on a working family plantation, owned by the Shingleton family since 1906, the beautiful gardens overlook picturesque Praslin Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Upon arrival at the gardens, we will be welcomed by the owner of the gardens. Our visit begins with a walk along a flagstone path through Mystic Garden and Secret Garden on our way to Grandpa’s Old House and Herb Garden. Numerous plants surround us, such as red pentas flowers, dracena, hybrid orchids, jasmines, vines, heliconias, gingers and many colours of hibiscus. Our guide will provide interesting information about local cures found in the Creole Bush Medicine Garden. Following our Bougainvillaea Walk, we arrive at a snack bar for a short rest, whilst we enjoy a refreshing juice made from fruits grown on the nearby Mamiku Plantation.

The second half of our tour starts with a gentle climb to Tamarind Hill, where we will find magnificent views of Praslin Bay and Frigate Island. Baron de Micoud, French Military Governor of St Lucia formerly owned the estate during the 18th century. The famous general, Sir John Moore, set up a British military post at the plantation house during the war between the English and the French at the turn of the same century. Our guide will explain the dramatic history of the site, which is currently undergoing archaeological excavation.

We continue our walk down another path, through cool and shady woodland, to The Casse, where a small stream bubbles and fragrant Victoria’s Garden is tucked away. Our walk ends with a chance to browse in the gift shop, before departing for the return journey to our ship.

TOUR NOTES: Passengers are advised to wear comfortable shoes for this tour, as it involves a significant amount of walking (approximately 90 minutes, however there are rest stops to break up the duration), some of which is over uneven ground, and there are steps and inclines to negotiate. Throughout the gardens there are many rustic benches where you can pause for a while and admire the wonderful views. What is seen in the gardens is obviously dependent upon the season. Please note that the content of this tour is subject to change. Don’t forget your sun protection. It may also be worth coming prepared for a tropical shower. Insect repellent could prove a handy addition to your bag. Walking sticks are available.

TEXT IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLISHING