Castricum(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Castries, the top choice for a charming canalside stay is Hotel de la Paix, nestled along the historic Castries Canal. This boutique hotel features handcrafted wooden interiors, private balconies overlooking the water, and daily boat tours arranged through the property. Guests enjoy fresh local seafood at the on-site restaurant, La Barge, which serves dishes inspired by Creole cuisine. The hotel also offers guided walking tours of the colonial-era district, highlighting landmarks like the Castries Market and Saint Lucia’s Parliament Building. Its peaceful ambiance makes it ideal for travelers seeking both culture and tranquility.

The Old Town District of Castries provides the most authentic local experience. Wandering its narrow cobblestone streets reveals colorful Creole houses, bustling street vendors selling fresh tropical fruits, and lively jazz music drifting from open-air cafes. Visitors can explore the Castries Central Market, where locals barter over spices, fish, and handmade crafts. Don’t miss St. Lucia’s National Cultural Centre, located just steps away, which hosts traditional drumming performances and dance workshops. Staying in this area allows easy access to community events, family-run eateries, and hidden gem bars offering rum tastings and live reggae sessions.

Visitors to Castries can participate in a Creole Cooking Class at the L’Anse Chastanet Cultural Garden, where they learn to prepare iconic dishes like jump-up and green figs stew using local ingredients. Another highlight is attending the Castries Carnival Street Parade, held annually before Lent, featuring vibrant costumes, steelpan bands, and dancing in the streets. For art lovers, the Hillside Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions by Saint Lucian painters. Additionally, guests can join a sailing excursion to nearby Pigeon Island, where they’ll hear tales of pirate legends and enjoy panoramic views of the island chain.

Yes, Castries boasts several romantic retreats perfect for couples. The Ocean View Inn offers secluded oceanfront suites with private plunge pools and candlelit dinners on the terrace. Each room features floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Caribbean Sea, ideal for watching sunsets. The hotel also provides complimentary champagne upon arrival and couples’ spa treatments using locally sourced coconut oil. Nearby, Villa Soleil offers a rooftop infinity pool and intimate garden dining under the stars. Both properties emphasize privacy, luxury, and personalized service for an unforgettable romantic getaway.

Absolutely, Castries is highly accessible for self-drive travelers. Rental cars are readily available at Hewanorra International Airport, and most hotels—including Hotel de la Paix and The Ocean View Inn—offer free parking. The city’s main roads are well-maintained, and scenic routes lead to attractions like Pigeon Island National Park, Diamond Falls, and Anse Chastanet Nature Reserve. Many hotels provide detailed driving maps and GPS-guided itineraries. With minimal traffic congestion and clear signage, renting a car allows visitors to explore off-the-beaten-path villages, hidden beaches, and local farms at their own pace.

Nearby must-visit landmarks include the Castries Market, a vibrant hub of local trade and culture; the Saint Lucia Parliament Buildings, an architectural gem with neoclassical design; and the National Trust Heritage Site, home to 19th-century colonial homes and gardens. Just a 15-minute drive away is Pigeon Island, a protected nature reserve with hiking trails and stunning coastal views. The Hillsborough Waterfall, accessible via a short scenic drive, offers refreshing swimming spots and photo opportunities. All these sites are within a 20-minute radius of major hotels, making them easily reachable for day trips or evening strolls.

Castries hotels often serve a Caribbean-style breakfast buffet featuring fresh tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and pineapple, alongside local staples such as bake and shark (fried dough with spiced fish), plantains, and freshly baked bread rolls. Many include a selection of local coffee and dolce (sweet milk drinks). At The Ocean View Inn, guests enjoy a continental spread with organic eggs, yogurt made from local dairy, and house-made guava jam. Seasonal highlights may include coconut pancakes during summer months or rum-infused fruit compote in winter, all prepared with ingredients sourced from nearby farms.

Yes, Castries has several business-oriented hotels equipped with modern meeting spaces. Hotel de la Paix features a climate-controlled conference room seating up to 60 guests, complete with high-speed Wi-Fi, AV equipment, and breakout areas. The hotel also offers corporate packages including catering, printing services, and translation support. The Ocean View Inn provides a boardroom with panoramic sea views, ideal for executive retreats. Both properties offer dedicated event coordinators, secure parking, and proximity to the Castries Business Hub and Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce. These amenities make them ideal for small conferences, team-building events, and client presentations.

Hotels in Castries offer expert travel planning assistance. Hotel de la Paix provides customized itineraries tailored to guest interests—whether it’s a beach day at Anse Chastanet, a hike through Mount Gimie, or a visit to the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. Staff can arrange guided tours, rental vehicles, and even exclusive access to local festivals. They also supply digital travel guides with maps, opening hours, and safety tips. Some hotels partner with local tour operators to offer bundled experiences like snorkeling trips, cooking classes, or sunset cruises, ensuring a seamless and memorable day out.

Yes, many Castries hotels cater to families with children. The Ocean View Inn offers spacious family suites with cribs, baby-proofed rooms, and a supervised kids’ club featuring storytelling, craft sessions, and beach games. The hotel also provides a family-friendly menu with soft foods, fruit platters, and healthy snacks. Hotel de la Paix organizes weekly family activities such as traditional drumming workshops and pirate treasure hunts around the harbor. Both hotels feature safe, shaded pools and playgrounds, and staff are trained in first aid and child care. Parents can relax knowing their children are entertained and well looked after.