ST. LUCIA: SHOPPING

Castries, the island's largest town, is also its top shopping area. Here you'll have a choice between malls and markets for everything from fine jewels to handmade crafts that capture the island spirit.

Gablewoods Mall, located near Sandals Halcyon, offers many gift shops such as Island Cotton.

Pointe Seraphine is the island's duty-free port. Here you'll find well-known chains such as Little Switzerland, Colombian Emeralds and Benetton. (Remember to bring your passport and return airline tickets to take advantage of the duty-free shopping. Items can be taken with you at point of purchase.) Pointe Seraphine is open weekdays, and on Saturdays, until 1 p.m. only. Like most shops in St. Lucia, the mall is closed on Sundays.

Outside of Castries, make a stop at Caribelle Batik for handmade batik shirts, wraps, and scarves. In Choiseul, stop by the Choiseul Arts and Crafts Center. This town is known as the crafts center of the island, and here you'll find straw, wood, and clay handcrafts, all manufactured locally.

Another local item that's a good reminder of your vacation is perfume. Caribbean Perfumes, located in Castries, captures the scents of the islands with perfumes for both men and women. Caribbean Perfumes are sold at shops across the island, including most resort gift stores.