Getting to St Lucia is getting easier all the time with not one but two airports and a world class harbour that caters for large cruise liners.

Hewanorra International Airport (758-4546355) is located in the south of the Island at Vieux Fort and caters for most of the national and international carriers. The airport is a good one and a half hour drive from the Villa but a helicopter transfer using St Lucia Helicopters (758-4536950 or www.stluciahelicopters.com) up to the George F.L Charles airport in the north takes 20 minutes and offers the opportunity to see the splendour of the Island from the air. Here are a few of the carriers serving St Lucia:

From the UK

From the USA / Canada

George F.L Charles Airport (Vigie) (758-4521156) is located in the north of the Island just outside Castries and a mere 20 minute drive from Villa Pepperpoint. Most local carriers land here and a viable alternative for international visitors is to land in Barbados or Antigua and then ‘Catch the Hop’ over to the George F.L Charles. There are 2 carriers that we have used in the past to good effect:

• Caribbean Star (758-4525898)
• Liat (758-4523051)

(Note: Liat and Caribbean Star have recently merged but are still flying under separate names)

Once on the Island, there is a decent, if not winding road from north to south that is suitable for accessing all the areas mentioned above. Cars drive on the left hand side of the road and it is worthwhile taking plenty of time to get anywhere as most of the local population will certainly do so plus there is always plenty of roadside wildlife to keep you on your toes!

Getting from the airport to the Villa requires either a hire car, from which there are numerous agencies to choose from at the airports, or a local taxi. Also bear in mind that, if you book your holiday through Tropical Villas (www.tropicalvillas.net), they will organise a transfer for you.

Once out of George F.L. Charles Airport, follow the signs to Rodney Bay and Gros Islet until you are well past the Marina on your left. Once the Golf Course is on your right hand side, you will come to a roundabout where you take the 1st road to the left. At a second roundabout take the 2nd road to the right and, after half a mile, take Golf Park Road which is a dirt road off to the right. Go up a short hill, round the corner for about 1 mile and you will come to Villa Pepperpoint which is on the left hand side behind electric gates. Access is by a remote handheld device but you will initially be met on site by a Tropical Villas representative who will be able to show you the ropes.