Now called Saint Lucia, the Helen of the West, the island was first known to its Indigenous people as IOUANALAO or HEWANARAU — the Land of the Iguanas.
Beyond her lush mountains, hidden waterfalls, and the iconic Pitons that makes Saint Lucia one of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking islands, she carries a sacred past. IOUANALAO’s spirit lives on — etched on stone, whispered through stories, and felt in the rhythms that connect the people to the land.
Begin your adventure by flying into Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort. Direct flights to UVF depart from New York, Atlanta, Miami, London, and Toronto. To snag the best fares, plan ahead and book early.
Travel time
Miami: 4hrs | New York: 5hrs | Toronto: 6hrs | UK: 9hrs
Most regional flights come into George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU), also known as Vigie Airport, located in Castries.
Barbados: 0.5hr | Trinidad: 1h | Antigua: 1hr | Sint Maarten: 1.5hr
For regional travelers, L’Express Des Îles warmly connects Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe, conveniently stopping at the Castries Sea Port (LCCAS).
Travel time
Martinique: 1.5hrs | Dominica: 4hrs | Guadeloupe: 6hrs
The best lodging for the festival is in Rodney Bay and surrounding areas in Gros Islet. There is accommodation ranging from hotels (both all-inclusive and European Plan) to AirBnbs, and villas.
Transfers from Hewanorra (UVF)
Taxis from the UVF airport are a 1.5 – 2 hour drive to the north of the island where the festival is taking place. Prices will range from $25-30 USD per person (for a group over 3 persons) to $150 USD per person.
Taxis from the Castries Ports
A taxis from SLU and the sea port to Rodney Bay will be a 20-30 minute drive, and will range from $25-35 USD.
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