St Lucia

Lush and wild, St Lucia's mountainous interior is covered by a thick rainforest. Strung along the leeward (Caribbean) coastline from Marigot to Rodney Bay are a string of resorts aimed at both couples and families. While the island is one of the Caribbean's most popular honeymoon destinations, it draws a wide range of holidaymakers who are looking to do more than simply lie at the beach. St Lucia's iconic Pitons, twin volcanic peaks that frame a picture-perfect bay, also draw divers who want to explore the steep drop-off lined with coral and sponges. While far from picturesque, the capital, Castries, has an exceptionally large market offering locally made crafts and other products. And after dark, who can resist the Gros Islet ‘Jump-Up', a sometimes raucous street party with pulsing music and delicious (and inexpensive) food and drink.

The island draws a mix of Americans and British holidaymakers and honeymooners, particularly during the high season from December through April, when the temperatures are comfortably warm but still tolerable. The period from June through November is the Caribbean hurricane season, which can have periods fine, sunny weather, but is also prone to periods of both high heat and humidity.

St Lucia is one of the Windward Islands in the Caribbean. The primary airport, Hewanorra, is at the southern tip of the island, approximately 65km (40 miles) south of the main resort area; the transfer takes about 90 minutes.

Most of the island's resorts are strung along the northwest coast of the island, from Marigot Bay to Rodney Bay, a few minutes' drive north of the capital, Castries. A few resorts are strung along the hilly coast mid-island, near the town of Soufrière.

The best beach on the northwest coast is golden-sand Reduit (pronounced red-wee) Beach on Rodney Bay. St Lucia is a volcanic island, so the sand tends to be coarse and the water not absolutely clear. Further south, beaches have darker, volcanic sand. The most dramatically beautiful is Anse des Pitons, which is directly between St Lucia's famous Pitons on Jalousie Bay.

St Lucia's verdant rainforest beckons to be explored, or sailing trips will take you along the leeward coast all the way to the famous Pitons. The twin mountains can even be climbed by the daring and physically fit, though a guide is required. Several working plantations now welcome visitors for tours and a lunch of local foods.  And the island's active ‘drive-in' volcano can also be visited on regularly scheduled tours.

Since all the large holiday resorts are set directly on the beach and offer organised programmes for children, the island is an ideal family destination. Kids especially enjoy a trip aboard the Brig Unicorn, a modern replica of a historic sailing ship that was used in the film Pirates of the Caribbean.

Castries has a sprawling craft market, where you can buy such locally produced spices as cocoa, nutmeg, and vanilla essence, as well as locally made wood carvings, brooms, and other affordably priced souvenirs. There are also several duty-free shopping malls in the Castries and Rodney Bay areas. Locally made batik and silkscreen fabrics are of good quality; names to look out for include Caribelle Batik and Bagshaw Studios.

The island's best party is the Friday-night Gros Islet Jump-Up, when the streets of the small town just north of Rodney Bay are turned into a large dance party. Expect to hear loud, reggae-influenced dance music. This is one party that is not just for holidaymakers, as it is equally popular with locals, who come to dance, mingle, and eat and drink from the well-priced stands selling barbecue chicken and fish.

While resorts will give you a proper full English breakfast, do take time to check out some of the local specialities such as curried chicken and goat, lambi (conch), and the many fragrant, locally grown tropical fruits. A liquid from a green coconut, chopped off at the end, is a refreshing and cooling beverage.

The island's roads can be tedious and difficult to drive, so most holidaymakers stick with guided tours, particularly for longer trips to the south. It's possible to rent a car after buying a temporary driving permit (approximately £10/US$20). Mini-buses follow regular routes and provide efficient, safe, and inexpensive public transport, particularly if you are just looking to travel from your resort to the nearest shopping centre; pay with local currency.

The 40-minute flight from the Vigie Airport near Castries to Barbados makes it possible to do a day tour and return in time for dinner. St Lucia is well connected to other Caribbean islands by reasonably priced flights for those who wish to spend a few days on more than one island.

Few experiences are more relaxing than sitting on the terrace of Dasheene Restaurant at the Ladera Resort, 3km (2 miles) south of Soufrière, sipping a Piton beer, and watching the view between the twin mountains 500ft below.

St Lucia - Hewanorra (UVF)