Although this island is only small it has some of the most stunning and dramatic scenery in the Caribbean, the natural unspoilt beauty of imposing dense mountain ranges, tropical rainforests which are home to wild flowers and birds of paradise and fruit plantations of mango and banana all add to the truely caribbean flavour that draws return vistors back to St Lucia again and again.

A popular holiday destination it is still a long long way from becoming over developed which only adds to the lure of the island, anyone looking for a traditional beach holiday will not be disappointed with the pristine white sandy beaches, year round sunshine, clear warm waters,and mysterious reefs ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving.

The capital city of Castries has great duty free stores and a traditional market, a great place to shop for holiday souvineers, fine clothing and individually cut diamonds. Rum is obviously a good buy and the local Bounty rum is made on the island, visit the distillary and try a sample or two before buying.

Its two main landmarks are the pitons, two soaring peaks that rise up from the sea, located on the South coast these are a big tourist attraction for hikers and climbers, another beauty spot not to be missed is a visit to the worlds only drive in volcanoe crater at Soufriere with its bubbling sulphur springs.

The people here are as warm and inviting as the weather and although English is the native tongue most speak a mixture of French and African call patios. The delicious array of food has a creole feel with fresh spicy ingredients slowly cooked in clay pots and fresh catch brought in by the fisherman such as crab, dolphin fish, flying fish and snapper. Locals fruits are plentiful and you will be offered breadfruit, christophene, dasheen, yams and guava all of which grow all year round in abundance.

The majority of hotels are on the North West coast with stunning beachside locations, most of them are all inclusive and have excellent facilites which cater for all needs and tastes. You will find the best nightlife in Rodney Bay where it gets quite busy on a weekend with a good mix of locals and tourists or visit Doolittle's a great night out with amazing seafood, lots of rum finished off with dancing to an authentic steel band, it is named after the famous film Dr Doolittle which was made here in 1967.

FLIGHT TIME

APPROX 8HRS 45MINS

PASSPORT DETAILS

you need 6 months on a 10 year British passport from the date of return. No visa is required but everyone pays departure tax.