St Lucia

St. Lucia has to be one of the most dramatically stunning islands of the Caribbean. The luscious rainforest interior is dotted with beautiful orchids and fields of banana, coconut, mango, and papaya trees that garnish the incredible twin peaks of the Pitons towering 798m above sea level and dominating the island. Fringing this tropical gem are incredible beaches and idyllic hidden coves. With the clichéd powder white sand, clear blue waters and swaying green palm trees, the beaches of St Lucia sound too good to be true - but you'd better believe it. The resort of Cap Estate is set on one of these amazing stretches of sand with all the trappings of an exotic Caribbean paradise. There is an incredible range of water sports to enjoy, and is ideal for both couples and families alike. The beach is safe and enclosed and at night there is plenty of nightlife to entertain the troops.

Around the coast to the west are the other resorts of Rodney Bay and Reduit Beach. Again, set on stunning beaches hugged by the gorgeous greenery of the interior, these resorts are slightly quieter and more laid back than Cap Estate. The emphasis rests mostly on relaxation in the sun, with a generous helping of evening entertainment, including some limbo dancing and a scattering of local bars. There is plenty to do such as snorkelling and scuba diving amongst the colourful coral reefs or even indulge in some hiking and bird watching. There are also a number of old fortresses, small villages, and open-air markets to visit, not to mention the world's only drive-in volcanic crater.

Castries, St. Lucia's capital is also worth a brief visit. Although it was virtually destroyed by a blaze in 1948 and all is relatively new, Columbus Square is definitely worth checking out. The Cathedral and the covered market paint a picture of the delightful village of days gone by, contrasted by the busy port bursting with duty-free shoppers, creating a fascinating, paradoxical image. Perhaps not the most exciting of capital cities, Castries does provide a great starting point.

If you're into festivals and celebration make sure you visit the island at the beginning of February to join in the fun and frolic of Carnival , St. Lucia's annual event of the year. Costumes, music and food alike are alive and kicking during festival time. Join in with the performers, revellers and expansive smiles that flood the streets. This is definitely a time of year where the more the merrier is the key to a successful event. Other festivals held throughout the year include Aqua Action Watersports Festival in May, Fishermen's Feast in June and on December 13 celebrate the nation's most important holiday, St. Lucy's Day.

St Lucia is one of the relatively under developed and less commercialised islands of the Caribbean and due to this it has a unique atmosphere of peaceful and natural calm unlike some of it's floating neighbours. See for yourself, St. Lucia is definitely worth a trip.

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