The 2023 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Fest was one for the books. Merging the upbeat sounds of the Caribbean with Afro beats and even rock, the occasion introduced out hundreds of avid music lovers to the nation’s Pigeon Island. Held from Could 5-14, 2023—with a lot of the musical acts performing Could 11-14, 2023—pageant goers have been handled to the sounds of among the world’s prime artists and teams.
EBONY was entrance row middle for all festivities, and we even spent a bit of additional time exploring all the pieces this stunning island has to supply. Get into this insider’s recap, together with, the most effective moments from the 2023 jazz fest, our favourite actions and eating places, in addition to a few of our prime suggestions for lodges and resorts.
If Saint Lucia has been in your journey bucket record, or it is certainly one of your favourite trip spots, take a look at this curated information on all the most effective issues to see, do, and eat whereas there.
Ayra Starr, Shaggy, Sting and extra tear down the stage
After a three-year hiatus, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Fest returned with a bang. The multiday occasion introduced abilities like Cece Winans, Shenseea, Buju Banton and extra. However, the true highlights have been Saturday and Sunday night time, the final two evenings of the occasion.
Saturday was themed. ‘World Beats’ night time, and it was actually an ode to the Mom Continent. Though inclusive of artists globally, the night time was devoted to among the prime Afro beat abilities of as we speak. Nigerian sensation C Kay gave an brisk efficiency earlier than ending together with his viral TikTok hit, “Love Nwatiti.” Worldwide Afro beat artist Ayra Starr additionally took the stage, performing a number of of her prime songs for the multi-thousand particular person crowd. The Afro beats night time closed out with crowd favourite Kassav.
The ultimate night time, was an evening of legendary proportions—actually. A considerably uncommon pair, however very shut pals, reggae artist Shaggy and rock legend Sting teamed up for an almost 2-hour set. Performing their particular person hits, however with twists to incorporate the opposite. Attendees sang together with almost each track all the efficiency. Simply after the present, the 2 artists introduced their very own particular collaborative US music pageant that may happen in Philly on September 9, 2023.
The place we stayed
When you arrive into the island, take the quick cab experience to the ferry dock to hop aboard the Enjoyable To See Island Ferry Service for a scenic, and enjoyable experience to your native lodging or lodge. Stopping on the main ports, it is an effective way to get the island vibes going early, with limitless native beer and comfortable drinks. Oh, and when you’re onboard, say hello to Captain Bradley, a proficient licensed native boat driver expert at dealing with the water vessel.
Saint Lucia is a magical island, so it’s extremely laborious to pick a ‘unhealthy’ lodging. For the occasion, we stayed on the host lodge, Windjammer Touchdown Seaside Resort in Castries. It was a brief 20-minute water taxi experience away from the jazz pageant, and almost everybody concerned within the occasion additionally stayed on the large all-inclusive property. With beautiful luxurious villas that tuck into the luxurious mountainous backdrop, Windjammer is unquestionably the place to be if you wish to deal with—and pamper—your self.
A few of our different favourite properties on the island are all Black-owned. Sol Sanctum is Saint Lucia’s latest boutique lodge within the Rodney Bay space and is devoted to offering the best stage of zen by way of recent vegan breakfast and each day wellness lessons. Bay Gardens Seaside Resort—additionally in Rodney Bay—is a shocking beachfront lodge full with a spa, watersports, scrumptious native delicacies and extra. Stonefield Villa Resort is a shocking family-owned property tucked away amidst the tranquil inexperienced hills of Soufriere, Saint Lucia’s volcanic area.
The place we ate
Conch fritters, recent fruit daiquiris, rum punch, grilled fish, and extra. These are only some of the mouthwatering dishes we indulged in throughout our go to. In case you’re a foodie, you recognize Caribbean islands all the time ship on taste and spice. For this journey, we principally stayed within the Soufriere, Castries and Rodney Bay areas.
In Sourfriere we had a homecooked lunch at an area hidden gem within the downtown space. Stone Yard Restaurant & Bar had among the finest fresh-squeezed ardour fruit juice, grilled BBQ hen and macaroni pie that we have ever tried. In Rodney Bar, a favourite was Spinnakers. The jumbo coconut shrimp, lobster, and grilled Mahi Mahi are definitely worth the journey. In case you’re in Castries, contemplate dinner at The Windjammer Resort’s Higher Deck Restaurant, a premium steakhouse eating expertise.
Finest issues to see and do
At the beginning, you are on an island so a correct seashore day have to be within the playing cards. If you’re in Rodney Bay, however not at a beachfront lodging, you should buy an all-inclusive day go from Bay Gardens Seaside Resort. You will get a seashore lounger, lunch, and extra.
For a little bit of journey, head to Soufriere to the drive-in volcano and take a dip within the mud baths. They’re mentioned to have a number of well being and wellness advantages, particularly for individuals who endure from pores and skin points or irritation. Instantly after, and a brief drive away, head to the Toraille Waterfall for a stunning pure incidence.
In case you like a little bit of flip up and social gathering along with your island trip, a tour with Knotty Lady excursions is the way in which to go. With countless rum punch on deck, this boat tour stops at among the finest snorkeling spots on the island whereas retaining the tunes going all the day. It is a tremendous approach to spend your time exploring the island by boat.
