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Visiting St Lucia

Visiting St Lucia

by James Drakeford

With dramatic mountains, tropical rain forest, hot mineral springs, pure white sand beaches and clear blue water – Saint Lucia is one of the most picturesque of the Caribbean Islands.
 
The Pitons

The Pitons are visible from virtually every part of the island.  Not only are they the most photographed landmark in Saint Lucia but they also rank among the most iconic sites in the whole of the Caribbean.  Admire the two towering volcanic plugs from afar against the backdrop of green tropical vegetation and a varying topography combined with a marine foreground which completes this areas superlative beauty.  Afterwards, get up close to this UNESCO World Heritage Site by climbing to the very top of the 771 metre Gros Piton or alternatively get your snorkel on and explore the myriad of reef fishes, turtles and beautiful coral formations.
 
Plantation Tour
 
Head out to the rugged and beautiful east coast where you can travel through the banana plantations and unspoilt villages of the Cul de Sac valley.  In fact, visit any of the plantations across the east and you will be replenished with luscious rainforest vegetation, incredible hikes and mouth-watering fruit crops.  However, plantation tours on the west are equally attractive.  The Marquis Estate is the largest estate in Saint Lucia and offers a fascinating insight into the production of present export crops while La Sikwe Historical Sugar Mill & Plantation has a splendid 400-acre estate set in a botanical garden.
 
Vieux Fort
 
Vieux Fort is the second largest town on the island and is the home of Saint Lucia’s international airport.  While most travellers tend to stay on the west coast, Vieux Fort is starting to attract people eastwards.  Visit the two small islands off the coast of Vieux Fort: Maria Island, a nature reserve that is home to the Kouwes Snake – noted as the world’s rarest snake – and the Zandoli Te, a blue-tailed ground lizard which can only be found on this island.  Frigate Island, a National Park and protected area where you can spot masses of frigate birds while relaxing on the nearby sandy beach.
 
Round Up
 
Saint Lucia has enough scenic locations to fill the memory card of a thousand digital cameras while engraving a million more magical moments in the memory of its guests.
 
Where To Stay: The Jalousie Plantation
Set over 100-acres of lush rainforest on the site of an 18th century sugar plantation, the lushly landscaped grounds sweep down to the stunning white sand Sugar Beach and the glimmering Caribbean Sea.  All of the resort’s villas and villa suites provide spectacular views of the magnificent Pitons.
 
Where To Eat: The Cliff at Cap
The Cap may not be the best hotel, but it is home to one of the most highly sought after tables on the island.  Its open-sided cliff-top gourmet restaurant offers fancy cooking using the most extravagant ingredients such as foie gras and lobster while the unobstructed views towards Martinique to the north and Pigeon Island to the west really do ‘cap’ off this dining experience.
 
What To Do: Watersports
Watersports and underwater activities are among the most popular choices on Saint Lucia, but the island is also an attractive destination for rock climbers, hikers, mountain bikers and those who are looking for land-based activities in the Caribbean.

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