LITTLE BEAUTY S
St Lucia
St Lucia’s stunning natural backdrops, sandy beaches and exclusive hotels have long attracted romantics, but it’s also the ideal suggestion for families and adventure seekers, says Liz Gill
48 June 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
t. Lucia is so beautiful and has been so fought over – the island changed hands 14 times between
the British and the French – that one historian dubbed her ‘The Helen of the West Indies’. Although a mere 27 miles long and 14
wide miles, this Windward Island’s landscape includes a central mountain range, a rainforest, cascading waterfalls, cool streams and warm springs. There are beaches with white sand, beaches with black sand, long curving bays and tiny intimate coves. On one coast is the dramatically
vigorous Atlantic, on the other the silky Caribbean. And all this is crowned by the iconic twin peaks of the Pitons. Such natural appeal coupled with
pampering and indulgent hotels has meant that the place has long been associated with romance. But although its popularity as a destination for weddings and honeymoons remains strong, there is also a growing trend to emphasise its wider appeal. The island is, in fact, a good ‘all-
rounder’ that’s just as likely to appeal to families, older couples and singles as it does to young romantics. It offers great sailing, snorkelling and diving: the terrain is as mountainous underwater as it is above and the marine life can be spectacular. There is adventure in the form of horse-riding, paragliding, deep-sea fishing, wind-surfing, mountain climbs and rainforest treks. Visitors interested in history can take
a ‘heritage tour’ of the capital Castries, walk around Pigeon Island, once home to the British garrison, or visit one of the restored old plantations. There are smart shops and
restaurants in Rodney Bay and across the island small cafes and rum shops provide opportunities for the traditional Caribbean pursuit of just chilling out. The island also boasts the world’s only drive-in volcano, near Soufriere. The St Lucia Jazz Festival which celebrated its 20th anniversary this May, is an established internationally acclaimed big name event, but there’s plenty of
From here to infinity at Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort. The Mediterranean-style property overlooks Labrelotte Bay in the north of the island
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