There lies a quiet, breezy tropical island surrounded by consistent warm temperatures, crystal clear tourqoise waters, cobalt blue skies, gorgeous beaches and the friendliest people in the world. She is easily recognized by her striking twin cone-shaped peaks soaring up from the sea and known as one of mother nature’s finest "natural" creations. There's magnificent tropical rainforests, wild orchids, giant ferns, breathtaking waterfalls, ancient mineral baths and succulent tropical fruits and brilliantly-plumed tropical birds. Although a popular get-a-way destination for the wealthy, this secluded, unspoiled country is still relatively unknown, this is St. Lucia.

At about 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, St. Lucia’s stature belies the statistics and literally kisses the sky. With a central mountain range that reaches as high as 3,145 feet, you can actually hike, bike and horseback ride across endless, winding countryside. Incredible lush landscape introduces you to multi-colored flora and rich tropical vistas that permeate your senses with sights, sounds and scents so exquisite that they will never be forgotten.

St. Lucia possess a true tropical rainforest - 19,000 color splashed acres filled with vivid flowering vines, luxuriant greenery, bamboo, close to 30 species of birds, and a whole menagerie of spectacular fauna. And with 29 miles of trails running through this natural wonder, you can completely immerse yourself in the very soul of this remarkable environment. Indulge in the rainforest and treat yourself to an experience you will treasure forever. From bubbling waterfalls to sightings of the rare and unbelievably gorgeous St. Lucian parrot, the Jacquot, you will surely have some once-in-a-lifetime stories to tell when you get home!

Boasting a drive-through volcano, St. Lucia’s exotic beauty truly captures the luxuriant allure of the Caribbean. From the distinctive twin peaks of Les Pitons to the cascading majesty of Diamond Falls and the translucent turquoise sea that frames it all, St. Lucia dazzles the eye as it seduces the body and spirit.

Soaring green mountains that seem to splash down into an emerald-green sea...and once you’ve gazed at the world famous peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, you won’t be able to tear your eyes away. These majestic cones offer a glimpse into the volcanic origins of St. Lucia, a tantalizing taste of the dynamic forces that formed this beautiful island and that animate her still to this day. Hints of St. Lucia’s fiery nature can be found in the exotic dark sand that covers some of St. Lucia’s many alluring beaches and in the warm sulfur springs that bubble up from deep within the earth. Here you can bathe and take advantage of the soothing waters that have even been rumored to have a therapeutic effect. Those with more adventurous spirits can get as close as you’d ever want to nature’s explosive power with the world’s only “drive-in volcano.” Just another sign that, when you visit St. Lucia, you are entering a universe unlike any other.

Even sea creatures are beguiled by the glory of St. Lucia. That must be why St. Lucia is renowned as one of the top sites for whale watching in the entire world. Every year over 20 species of whales are sighted from this island’s pristine shores. From humpback, pilot and sperm whales to spinning and spotted dolphins, you too can observe these colossal mammals as they cavort and frolic in their natural habitat, drawn, just as we are, by the almost mystical call of St. Lucia.

A place so filled with natural splendor that everywhere you look your eyes fall upon yet another glorious sight. St. Lucia truly is a tropical paradise beyond compare. Offering an almost endless stream of activities to whet your appetite for adventure, relaxation and good old, simple, fun, this lovely spot will enter your heart and never ever leave. READ MORE

HOW TO GET TO ST. LUCIA

by plane or boat? banana boat?

NEWS

NEW YORK, USA: The Caribbean's positioning as a valuable and viable brand took a major step forward this month with the launch of the Caribbean Tourism Development Company's (CTDC) new consumer travel site www.CaribbeanTravel.com.