Adventure, indulgence and relaxation: 7 reasons to visit St Lucia
VOLCANIC mud baths, epic rainforests and choccy heaven... this isn’t just any Caribbean island
VOLCANIC mud baths, epic rainforests and a chance to make chocolate – this isn’t just any Caribbean island, says Lifestyle Director Farzana Ali.
There's more to this idyllic destination than picture-perfect beaches, turquoise waters and clear blue skies.
Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both – St Lucia ticks all the boxes.
1 Rainforest zip lines
Think of the Caribbean, and white sandy beaches and turquoise seas will inevitably pop into your head.
While St Lucia does have both of those in abundance, its mountainous landscape is also home to a wealth of lush greenery.
One of the best ways to enjoy it is to head to Castries Waterworks Reserve and book yourself on to an aerial tram tour with , £55.
Seated in an open carriage, you slowly ride through the trees all the way up to the forest canopy, learning about the different species of birds (including the tropical hummingbird), insects and plants that live here.
Or if you’re feeling brave, zip line through the forest. A £65 ticket also gets you the tram ride and a guided walk.
2 Underwater treks
Not done your PADI? No worries – with St Lucia Snuba Adventure at Pigeon Island you can try , £62.
A cross between snorkelling and scuba diving, you swim deep underwater with a breathing mask that’s attached to a floating air tank.
Non-swimmers can explore Pigeon Island on a , £67, where you walk along the seabed to see tropical fish, sea urchins and even coral.
It involves special shoes and a space-style helmet that blasts in air at high pressure to keep water out and allows you to breathe.
Word of warning: it’s not for the claustrophobic.
Both experiences last around 25 minutes.
3 Fun Fridays
St Lucians love food and partying, and Friday’s the night for both.
There’s a family-friendly fish fry in Anse La Raye, or hit the Gros Islet jump up.
Expect locals, loud music, dancing and stalls with snacks such as skewered chicken – and plenty of rum.
Prefer a sit-down meal? at Cap Maison has the best seafood.
When you’ve had your fill, kick back at . Rooms cost from £120 a night.
4 Volcanic baths
, near former capital Soufrière, sits in a dormant volcanic crater.
As the name suggests, the area is rich in sulphur and that means it smells pretty pungent – think rotten eggs.
Thousands of rotten eggs.
Once you’ve done the short tour, jump into the hot water bath before slathering on the soothing mud that locals say is sure to leave you looking 10 years younger.
Bear in mind it can stain, so wear your darkest bikini.
Entry costs £7.50.
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5 Grown-up time
While there’s plenty of adventure to be had, is the perfect place for some R&R.
Overlooking Anse Cochon cove, the adults-only resort is beautifully secluded.
Rustic-chic cottages, some of which boast private plunge pools and hammocks, have four-poster beds and outdoor rain showers.
If you can drag yourself away from your room, try a treatment, from £80, at the Kai Koko spa.
And book a two-hour sunset cruise, £40, with canapés, fizz, great views and maybe even dolphins.
Rooms cost from £138 a night*.
6 Picture-postcard Pitons
The Pitons – two volcanic mountains dominating the south-western horizon – are arguably the most famous sights in St Lucia.
And while you can take a hike up (the smallest is 743m), there’s a much easier way to enjoy them – by heading to .
Nestled in the bosom of this UNESCO site, you can bask in the West Indian sunshine with a Piton on either side of you and white, powder-soft sand under your feet.
When hunger strikes, make your way to the resort’s Bayside Restaurant where you can feast on the ceviche trio of octopus, shrimp and mahi mahi.
It’s so tasty, even fish haters will enjoy it.
Need to burn off some of those delicious calories?
The nearby , £7, takes around 45 minutes to walk and offers impressive views of these unusual, majestic mountains.
7 Choccy Heaven
A chocolate tour is a real treat and there’s only one place you should do it – the .
The Tree-To-Bar experience, £63, starts with a walk around the cocoa groves so you can learn how the pods are grown and harvested.
You then get the chance to plant your own tree, before you retreat to grind cacao nibs and set a bar of choccy.
Warning: eating chocolate will never be the same again once you’ve made your own.
Plan your trip with the .
*Summer sale runs July 16 - October 31, 2016. Minimum three nights. Book by June 30, 2016.
