St Lucia Holidays

In fact, the variety within this small island is so great that the difference between the north and south makes it seem like two islands in one. The north is busier and more developed, and has the golden beaches and a much wider selection of restaurants and bars. The south, and particularly the south-west, is more scenic and tranquil, and has the bulk of the really upmarket places to stay.

The Scenic South-west

The part of the island that draws the most visitor activity is the south-west, around the Soufrière area, where you behold the iconic Pitons, which in many ways have become a symbol of St Lucia. The twin volcanic peaks rise steeply from the ocean floor to heights of over 2,500 feet, their foliage-covered slopes towering majestically over the southern coast. You can climb them, either independently or with a guided tour -- though in the heat and humidity it is not an easy ascent -- or simply drink in the amazing view.

At the heart of this stunning region of mountains, old plantations and hidden beaches is the sleepy fishing port of Soufrière, the island's oldest settlement -- a typically Caribbean town, with its brightly painted old wooden buildings contrasting with the rainforest backdrop. Here you find Mount Soufrière, considered the world's only drive-through volcano, and also known as Sulphur Springs, because the volcano emits sulphurous gases rather than lava. Visitors can view bubbling pools and hissing fumaroles, and bathe in therapeutic springs.

Close to Soufrière is the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, located in a sheltered gorge, the waters of its shimmering falls laced with minerals that cause the colours to change constantly between golden, black and green throughout the day. Of all the island's waterfalls, this is the most spectacular. The gardens are full of tropical blooms and foliage, planted among coconut, cocoa, mahogany and red cedar trees.

Beautiful Beaches

Despite the many competing attractions, it would be a pity to miss out on St Lucia's plethora of beautiful beaches, with a diversity to suit all tastes. The most popular beach is Reduit in the north-west, loved for its amber sands and matching sunsets, and its abundance of lush greenery for shelter from the sun. It is considered the best beach for water sports, and is close to Rodney Bay, the island's main resort, with bustling activity and nightlife.

A more peaceful and sheltered alternative is Anse Chastanet, with a superb coral reef and the best for diving and snorkelling, as well as enjoying stunning views of the Pitons. Marigot Bay, just south of the capital Castries along the central western coast, is arguably the most beautiful bay on the island, with steep lush hillsides plunging straight down to the idyllic palm-fringed beach, and anchored yachts bobbing in the azure wanters.

An Unspoilt Island

St Lucia has been one of the less well-known islands of the Caribbean, but now greater numbers of people are being drawn to its stunning attractions. Despite its increasing popularity, most of the island remains totally unspoilt, with little of the bustle found in more established Caribbean destinations. At any time of year, you can expect the warmest, friendliest and most relaxed welcome, a superb selection of places to stay, and probably the widest choice of sights to see and things to do in the entire Caribbean.