If you are arriving at Hewanorra International airport in the south and staying in the north of St. Lucia please consider taking the helicopter transfer.  It costs 120 US dollars per person and whisks you over the island to the Castries airport in about 10 - 15 minutes. 

Apart from the fantastic views and a great way to orientate yourself with the island, you get to Castries/Rodney Bay area at least 2 hours before anyone else from your plane - and believe me they will be having a nightmare trip round the hairpin bends and the mountains along bad bumpy roads after their long flights. The link to website is www.stluciahelicopters.com. Lots of people have asked in the forums about this and everyone who has done it recommends it and we found it well worth the cost . Note that the St. Lucia Helicopters website does not have a secure way to take credit cards over the internet - you can book with any of the tour agencies for the same price.

If you take the helicopter, you can only bring a small bag per person - your other luggage will be brought to your hotel seperately.  Since all of the luggage from all of the people taking the helicopter trip is piled into one van, it can take up to 5 hours to arrive at your resort because the van driver has to stop at every resort along the way to drop off luggage.  Make sure you have your swimsuit and other items you will want to have in the small bag you are allowed on the helicopter.