if st lucia is a consideration, i would suggest rodney bay, though you will be disappointed if sxm is on your must do list.

been to both, love sxm and mostly hang around orient bay though do visit many island high points.

st lucia is much more relaxed, low key, safe, and quiet.

in rodney bay, when i asked where all the action was, i was informed that the big hotels complained about the noise from the bars years ago and therefore they shut down early in order to enable the resorts to make their fortunes.

it is nice, but quiet compared to sxm.

during my stay the surf on rodney bay was viscous and not at all enjoyable. in fact, one girl almost drowned and was ambulanced to the hospital. i am not at all comfortable with that level of undertow at the shoreline.

the island itself is safe, serene, and picturesque. much more so than sxm.