Where can you wake up to a symphony of birds and drive through a volcano?!

Saint Lucia is the perfect destination, whether you're after romance, rejuvenation or adventure. A genuine, natural landscape of gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, miles of unspoiled rainforest and the majestic Piton Mountains, are sure to indulge every taste. Natural waterfalls, breath-taking views, friendly locals and authentic culture impress the most travelled individuals for a holiday with lasting memories.

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The perfection of this escape should be shared. Tropical weather, welcoming accommodations, and unexpected adventures await all who travel to this paradise island. Romance can be found at upmarket resorts and intimate inns. Bask together under the Caribbean sun, sail into a champagne sunset, and cuddle beneath the vast starry sky. Discover new romance and re-spark old love over a candlelight dinner on a secluded beach.

Explore

Take a trip to Soufrière, the second-largest settlement on the island. This deep-water port stands at the foot of two extinct volcanoes known as the Pitons. Known locally as Sulphur Springs, dormant Soufriere Volcano is accessible by road. So drive right up to the edge of the filled-in crater, which burbles with steam and boiling mud. Don’t worry about getting lost – you can smell the egg scent from half a mile away. The highlight for most visitors is a dip in the natural mud baths – locals swear by it for complexion enhancement. Rising to 798m (2,619ft) above sea level, these are probably St Lucia's most famous landmarks. The town itself is typically West Indian, a cluster of brightly painted arcaded buildings set against the jungle vista.

Stay Active
Still, what sets St Lucia apart from most of the other Caribbean islands is the sheer range of activities on offer. Other islands may have the sand and the sea views but beach lovers beware, for you might find yourself tempted out of that sun lounger and into the ocean – St Lucia’s coastline boasts coral reefs and a plethora of marine life, making scuba diving and snorkeling popular things to do, and there are plenty of watersports such as kite boarding and windsurfing on offer too.

When the wind is up, the waters off Anse des Sables (Sandy Beach) are dotted with colorful sails as kite surfers skim across the waves. The consistent winds, smooth waters and lack of dangerous obstacles make this a world-class destination for kite surfers from across the globe.

Jungle Adventure
Alternatively, head away from the sea completely and venture into the island’s interior instead. Go hiking through the lush mountains and fly through the dense green canopy of the St Lucia rainforest with a zip line tour. You’ll glide from platform to platform, taking in the leaves, flowers and animals of the forest as you whir past. If that’s not adrenaline-pumping enough for you, there’s a nighttime tour, where you’ll traverse the jungle under inky skies by the light of the moon. For those not so keen on playing Tarzan, there’s a slightly tamer (but still exciting) aerial tram tour. And if you’ve still got the energy to go looking for some night life, there are also regular Friday night parties in the north of the island, where visitors can partake in the wonderful local cuisine, as well as the islanders’ friendliness, hospitality and leisurely lifestyle.

History

Aside from the activities on offer, the other factor that entices tourists is the island's unique cultural heritage, which has a considerable British and French influence still felt today - the island changed hands between Britain and France no fewer than 14 times between 1660 and 1814. The British maintained control until 1979, when St Lucia became independent but this cultural diversity is still evident in St Lucia, from the colonial-style plantations dotted about the island to the French influence felt in the patois spoken throughout the country.

Culture

St. Lucia's culture has evolved from the intermingling of the many different groups of people who have participated in its history. Each has brought different beliefs and traditions, all of which are reflected in the life of the island today. A visitor is likely to drive on the British side of the road to an Indian restaurant in a French town, greeted all along the way in Creole patois.