Saint Lucia Holidays

We wondered why John kept so quiet about his trip to Saint Lucia and why he kept insisting that he went back to properly evaluate its potential. Then we saw his photographs and the secret was out. Now there is an office queue to be the next person out there.

Why we like Saint Lucia

For anyone who becomes a little bored with just lying on a beach, Saint Lucia provides enough additional activities to stimulate the mind. The interior is lush and dramatic, the colonial architecture and bright colours of the houses are photographically enchanting and the island is big enough to warrant exploration. Add the French legacy of some excellent restaurants, lovely hotels, white sand beaches and superb snorkelling and diving and it is hardly surprising that we like Saint Lucia so much.

What to expect on your Saint Lucia holiday

At 27 miles long and rising to a height of nearly 1,000m in the centre, Saint Lucia is far from being an isolated patch of Caribbean sand. Add in a history that has seen the island oscillate between being French and British no less than 14 times over 200 years and it is hardly surprising that it remains a cultural melting pot of Amerindian, European and African influences. Authentic Saint Lucian island life can be discovered in the colourful former capital of Soufrière, which spreads back from the seafront up the steep amphitheatre of volcanic ridges that embrace this charming Caribbean town. The French Catholic church occupies a central position and overlooks a mixed collection of colourful houses and shacks, while the twin sentinels of the Piton Mountains stand guard at the bay’s entrance.

Some ideas for a Saint Lucia holiday

• Explore the lush interior with gruelling yet rewarding hikes up the iconic Pitons
• Visit the Botanical Gardens or hire a guide and go in search of the critically endangered Saint Lucian parrot
• Don’t forget 'Fish Friday' at Anse la Raye, a party that rolls into Saturday
• Follow a colonial heritage trail and visit some of the historic plantation houses and fortifications
• You could just sit on a white sand beach and sip rum cocktails

 Beyond the Ordinary

Hike Gros Piton for spectacular views over the island, be warned it's a strenuous climb - ask John!