Frequently asked questions
What is St Lucia Unplugged?
St Lucia Unplugged is a 7-day, small-group adventure and wellness retreat in St Lucia, South Africa. It’s designed for people who want to disconnect from busy modern life and reconnect with nature through curated wildlife experiences, beach time, and relaxed downtime. Everything on the ground is planned and hosted so you can arrive, switch off, and enjoy the week.
What is the group size?
Each retreat is capped at 8 guests to keep the experience personal, relaxed and well-organised.
What does a typical day look like?
Days usually include one main experience (such as a safari drive or estuary cruise), plenty of downtime, and optional group meals in the evening. Some mornings start early (especially safari days), while other days are slower. You’ll receive a full itinerary overview before arrival.
Who is the retreat for?
This retreat is for people who want meaningful travel — nature, wildlife, adventure and proper rest — without the stress of planning every detail. It suits solo travellers, couples, and friends who enjoy a small-group atmosphere and a hosted experience.
Is it suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. The retreat is designed to feel safe and welcoming, with shared experiences during the day and private rooms to recharge.
What is included in the retreat price?
Your retreat package includes:
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Airport pick-up and drop-off from King Shaka International Airport (Durban) within the scheduled transfer windows
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Accommodation at Livingston Lodge (private ensuite room)
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Daily breakfast
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Room servicing during your stay
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All scheduled activities, including:
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Hippo & Crocodile Boat Cruise
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Safari game drives (including a Big 5 safari experience)
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Night safari
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Beach & bush horse ride
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Cape Vidal beach/snorkelling day
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Ethical elephant interaction
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What is not included?
The following are not included:
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International flights
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Most lunches and dinners
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Alcoholic drinks and additional beverages
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Optional add-on activities not listed in your package
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Personal spending (souvenirs, extra snacks/drinks, tips/gratuities)
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Visa/passport costs (if required)
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Where do we stay?
We partner with Livingston Lodge in St Lucia. It has eight bedrooms (four in the main house and four outside), comfortable communal areas, a lounge with TV, and outdoor spaces including a pool, veranda/patio and braai area. All rooms are air-conditioned and serviced daily.
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Which airport do I fly into?
You’ll fly into King Shaka International Airport (Durban).
How much should I budget for lunches/dinners and extras?
As a guide, budget around £10–£25 per day for lunches/dinners depending on your choices, plus any drinks and personal spending. If you prefer to dine more often in restaurants or drink more frequently, budget a little more.
Is there Wi-Fi?
The lodge does offer Wi-Fi. St Lucia Unplugged encourages a lighter, more present approach to phone use — but you won’t be cut off if you need to check in with home.
What are the airport transfer times?
To keep transfers smooth for everyone, we operate a scheduled pick-up window:
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Arrival pick-up window: 12:00–16:00 on day 1
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Departure shuttle: departs for the airport at 10:00 on the final day
If you arrive outside the pick-up window, we can help arrange a third-party transfer at an additional cost.
What if my flights change?
If your flight details change, please let us know as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate changes, but transfer arrangements may be affected if you fall outside the scheduled windows.
How do booking and payments work?
You secure your place with a deposit when you book online. After booking, we will email you separately with a payment link/invoice for the remaining balance. The remaining balance must be paid within 60 days of booking (and in any case before the retreat begins).
Can I pay the full amount upfront?
Yes — you’re welcome to pay in full at any time.
What happens if I miss a payment deadline?
If a payment is overdue, we’ll contact you to resolve it quickly. If the outstanding balance is not settled within the stated timeframe, your booking may be cancelled and the space released to another guest (deposit terms apply).
Is the deposit refundable?
Deposits are generally non-refundable because they secure your place on a limited-capacity retreat. In some cases, we may allow a one-time transfer to a future retreat date with sufficient notice. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
What is your cancellation policy?
In short: the closer the cancellation is to the retreat start date, the less likely we can refund, as we’ll have already committed to suppliers and reserved your space.
How physically demanding is the retreat?
The retreat is designed for a wide range of fitness levels. Activities involve normal walking, getting in and out of vehicles/boats, and general outdoor movement. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us before booking so we can advise what’s realistic.
Do I need experience for the horse ride?
No. The horse ride is suitable for beginners through to experienced riders. Guides will match pace and instruction to your comfort level. Note, there is a 85kg weight limit.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Wildlife sightings vary, but St Lucia and the surrounding reserves are known for hippos, crocodiles, birdlife, zebra, antelope, and other species. Safari days are focused on Big 5 viewing, but sightings can never be guaranteed — that’s part of what makes it real.
Is the elephant interaction ethical?
We only support welfare-led experiences where animals are cared for and the interaction contributes to their ongoing wellbeing and the salaries of the guides and staff responsible for their care. We do not support abusive practices.
What food is included?
Breakfast is included daily. Other meals are flexible so guests can choose what suits them (and budget) — we can recommend great local restaurants and options in St Lucia.
Can you cater to dietary requirements?
We’ll do our best to accommodate common dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, allergies), but options can vary. Please tell us your requirements in advance so we can plan accordingly.
What should I pack?
You’ll receive a full packing guide closer to departure. In general: light layers for early morning game drives, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for evenings.
Is travel insurance required?
We strongly recommend travel insurance for all guests, including medical cover and cancellation protection.
How do I contact you?
You can reach us via email at info@stluciaunplugged.co.uk or through our Instagram page. We aim to respond within 24–48 hours.