From romantic resorts to adrenaline-pumping action and steamy soca dancing, this tropical gem will have you in raptures. Janine Kelso reports
Everything about St Lucia is exotic – even its quirky shape, which is said to resemble a mango
Although the island is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, it is peppered with picture-perfect beaches and lush rainforest, all overlooked by the dramatic Piton peaks.
Situated 100 miles northwest of Barbados and 21 miles south of Martinique, St Lucia forms part of the Windward Islands.
Voted ‘the world’s leading honeymoon destination’ in the 2007 World Travel Awards, this is the fifth time the accolade has been bestowed on St Lucia.
The award comes following the opening of a number of five-star romantic properties on the island last year, such as Discovery at Marigot Bay and Jade Mountain at Anse Chastanet.
Private marina resort The Landings in Rodney Bay, which opened in December 2007, unveiled its second phase last month, including new accommodation, an additional restaurant, pools and tennis courts. With 60 additional one, two and three-bedroom villa suites, the resort now has a total of 122 suites.
The island has seen an increase in visitors from the UK year on year, particularly from the north of England, where access has been made easier with the recent re-introduction of a direct Manchester-St Lucia flight with Virgin Atlantic.
Where to stay
Families will love the three-star all-inclusive Coconut Bay Resort and Spa, which has a fun-packed water park with slides and a kids’ club and pool.
Sprawling across 85 acres, the resort is attractively laid out with a great choice of authentic Caribbean food and lively bars serving up any cocktail that takes your fancy.
Couples seeking an intimate hideaway should opt to stay at the Ladera Resort, which enjoys sweeping panoramic views over the Pitons. Each of its 19 spacious suites have private plunge pools, two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
For a romantic getaway, Sandals has three couples-only resorts in St Lucia. Those with a penchant for golf should try Sandals Regency St Lucia Golf Resort and Spa, as it has a nine-hole course. Rooms have king-size four-poster beds and many have private plunge pools. The spa offers massages for two.
By day
Nature lovers should make a beeline for the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths to wander among the stunning flowers and foliage of the oldest estate in St Lucia. Dating back to 1785, there are mineral baths and a stunning waterfall, which promise to refresh and rejuvenate.
Pretend you’re Tarzan or Jane and glide through the rainforest canopy on a series of ziplines. Using a system of harnesses and pulleys, speed from platform to platform while gazing at the view below.
Power through old-growth rainforest, cliff tops and a banana plantation on a quad bike for the ultimate adrenaline rush.
The bubbling muddy pools of the sulphur springs merit exploration. Join a guided tour for a fascinating talk about this geological wonder – said to be the world’s only drive-in volcano. Hold your nose, though: the smell of rotten eggs can be overpowering, although it is thought to be good for asthma and sinusitis.
It’s also possible to bathe in the warm but murky pools, said to ease arthritis and skin problems.
By night
Lively evening entertainment is provided by most of the all-inclusive resort hotels in the form of steel bands and limbo dancing.
Many have clubs on site, too. Shake your booty like a local by trying out Caribbean dance styles such as calypso or soca. But watch out, these dances involve close physical contact and can get pretty steamy.
Foodies can learn about Caribbean cuisine by popping along to the Food and Rum Festival.
Taking place from January 15-18 in Pigeon Point, the event will showcase the island’s best chefs and rum experts. Highlights include rum tastings and chef demonstrations, but live concerts on the Saturday and Sunday night.
Music enthusiasts will love the St Lucia Jazz Festival, due to take place next year from May 1-10. Most of the entertainment takes place on the main stage at Pigeon Island which plays host to afternoon and evening performances.
Last year’s headliner acts included Wyclef Jean, Dionne Warwick and er, Michael Bolton.
Festooned with Christmas lights all year-round, Auntie Debbie’s restaurant, in Vieux Fort, is renowned for its tasty home-made fare which includes a wide array of delicious fish dishes.
The lowdown
Who: Virgin Atlantic flies direct to St Lucia from Gatwick three times a week and once a week from Manchester, while British Airways flies twice a week with a stop in Antigua
Flight time: London to St Lucia takes eight hours, 45 minutes
Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollars, but US dollars are widely accepted
Time difference: GMT -4 hours Weather: Hot year-round, with heavy rainfall from June to November
