Essentials
- City
- Anse La Raye, Anse La Raye Quarter, Saint Lucia
- Population
- Approximately 6,500
- Internet Speed
- Starlink is best for nomads (150 Mbps); local Flow/Digicel fiber reaches 50 Mbps in central areas.
- Currency & Banking
- Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). 1 USD ≈ 2.70 XCD. US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist spots.
- Tap Water
- Not recommended for direct consumption; use filtered or bottled water (approx. $2.50 per 5L).
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G (UK style) sockets.
- SIM Card
- Digicel or Flow Saint Lucia. A 30GB 30-day plan costs approx. $160 XCD ($60 USD).
- Banking for Expats
- Bank of Saint Lucia (BOSL). Wise and Revolut work at Scotiabank ATMs in Castries (20 mins away).
- Accommodation
- Local guesthouses and Airbnb villas overlooking the bay.
- Cashless Friendly
- Limited. Cash is essential for local markets and small bars; cards accepted at major resorts nearby.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb and local listings like 'Ti Kaye Resort & Spa' for luxury short stays.
- Budget Accommodation
- Riverside Guesthouse (approx. $65 USD/night).
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Anse La Raye Village for culture; Ti Kaye/Anse Cochon for beach access.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- The hillside 'Petite Riviere' area for better views and quieter work environments.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- None in the village. Best option: Blue Coral Mall Workspaces in Castries (12km away, $25 USD/day).
- Best Cafe for Work
- Roots Bar (beachfront) - quiet during weekday mornings with decent Wi-Fi.
- Networking Events
- Friday Night Fish Fry - the primary social hub for locals and expats to connect.
- Social Events for Expats
- Saint Lucia Digital Nomad Facebook Group; meetups often happen at Marigot Bay (15 mins away).
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No apps like Uber. Use 'Lucian Ride' (local app) or private drivers (approx. $40 USD to Castries).
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Wayne’s Motorcycle Rentals in Gros Islet (delivery can be arranged for approx. $50 USD/day).
- Best Beach Nearby
- Anse Cochon Beach (stunning snorkeling, accessible by boat or 4x4).
- Top Regional Airline
- InterCaribbean Airways and LIAT 2020 via George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU).
- Top International Airline
- British Airways, JetBlue, and American Airlines via Hewanorra International (UVF).
- Highway Access
- Located directly on the West Coast Road connecting Castries and Soufrière.
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- No trains. Primary hub is the Castries Bus Terminal (Route 3A serves Anse La Raye).
- Public Transport Passes
- No passes. Pay cash to driver; $3.50 XCD per trip to Castries.
- Regional Travel
- Yellow Minibuses (Route 3A) for local travel; Water Taxis for scenic coastal trips.
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Owen King European Union (OKEU) Hospital in Castries (approx. 25-minute drive).
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- The Spa at Ti Kaye Resort (offers yoga sessions overlooking the ocean for approx. $25 USD).
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Outdoor 'Street Gym' near the pier; closest full gym is Labowi Fitness in Castries.
- Laundry Services
- Self-service laundry at local 'Wash & Lather' shops in the village (approx. $20 XCD per load).
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- 758ToGo (limited delivery to Anse La Raye, mostly services Castries/North).
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Green Fig (banana) and Saltfish - the national dish.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Roots Rock Vegan (Ital food) - local Rastafarian plant-based meals (approx. $25 XCD).
- Best Dessert Spots
- Local bakeries selling 'Creole Bread' and guava turnovers.
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Anse La Raye Local Market for fresh produce; Massy Stores in Cul de Sac for groceries.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- ShopBox Saint Lucia (freight forwarding for Amazon/US orders).
- Grocery Delivery
- Island Delivery SLU (custom orders via WhatsApp).
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Front Street - famous for the Friday Night Fish Fry street party.
- Local Brewery
- Antillia Brewing Company (located in Rodney Bay, but Piton Beer is the local staple available everywhere).
- Wine Bars
- Ti Kaye Resort Wine Cellar (one of the largest collections in the Caribbean).
- Street Food Stalls
- The Fish Fry stalls - Lobster, Conch, and Snapper grilled on the street.
- Popular International Cuisine
- Kai Manje (International/Creole fusion at Ti Kaye).
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Anse La Raye Falls (Venus Descent); the colorful colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception.
- Museums & Art Venues
- Eudovic's Art Studio (Wood carving gallery nearby in Morne Fortune).
- Historical Sites
- The ruins of the old sugar mill in the Roseau Valley nearby.
- Religious Sites
- Anse La Raye Catholic Church (established 1765).
- Annual Events
- Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (May); Carnival (July).
- Cultural Districts
- The Village Square - the heart of local community life.
- Theater Venues
- Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) in Castries.
- Local Markets
- Anse La Raye Craft Market (best for handmade straw goods).
- Music Scene
- Live Soca and Reggae during the Friday Fish Fry festivals.
- Street Art
- The sea wall murals depicting local fishing life.
- Cooking Classes
- Ti Kaye Resort offers Caribbean 'Creole Cooking' masterclasses.
- Art Galleries
- Island Cultures Gallery (souvenirs and local paintings).
- Historic Buildings
- Traditional wooden gingerbread-style houses along Front Street.
- Local Heritage
- Fishing heritage - watch the blowing of the conch shell when fresh catch arrives.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Millet Bird Sanctuary (15 mins inland) - home to endemic species.
- National Parks Nearby
- Pigeon Island National Landmark (45 mins north).
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Anse Galet trail - a rugged path leading to secluded coves.
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Anse La Raye Overlook on the main highway toward Soufrière.
- Birdwatching Locations
- The Roseau Dam area for viewing the Saint Lucia Parrot.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Anse Cochon Beach (with permission from the resort or local guides).
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- FedEx/DHL office located in Castries.
- Tech Repair Services
- The Computer Store in Castries for laptop/phone repairs.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Community Centre courtyard (bring your own paddles).
- Language Classes
- St. Lucia Alliance Française in Castries (Kwéyòl and French classes).
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Anse La Raye Public Library (limited hours, very quiet).
- Community Centers
- Anse La Raye Disaster Shelter and Community Center.
- Gaming Lounges
- None; limited to local bars with video slots.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Treasure Bay Casino in Rodney Bay (approx. 50 mins away).
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,200 USD per m² (Village center fixer-uppers).
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,800 USD per m² (Hillside land + construction).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,000 USD per m² ($120,000 for 60 m²).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,600 USD per m² ($96,000 for 60 m²).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $1,900 USD per m² ($152,000 for 80 m²).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,500 USD per m² ($120,000 for 80 m²).
- Corporate Tax
- 30% (Standard); IBCs may have different rates.
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 15% (Can vary by tax treaty).
- Tax System
- Territorial/Remittance basis for non-domiciled residents.
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 30% for income over $30,000 XCD.
- VAT
- 12.5% (Standard rate).
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- No specific CFC legislation currently in place.
- Property Tax
- 0.25% for residential property.
- Property Transaction Tax
- Stamp duty varies: 2.5% to 10% for the vendor; Aliens Licensing Fee for buyers (up to 10%).
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Digital Nomad Visa (Live It program) allows 1 year stay; income from abroad is generally not taxed locally.