They say it's what's on the inside that counts - and with its lush island interior, St Lucia is more than a pretty face. Beyond the gorgeous beaches, explore colourful villages, sprawling banana plantations and hot sulphur springs. Hike to the top of the pointy Pitons; two volcanic plugs that dominate the spectacular skyline, or head inside the world's only drive-in volcano.
The exotic landscape of St Lucia is home to steamy rainforests, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Discover rainbow coral reefs beneath turquoise waters and look out for endangered turtles. Of course, we wouldn't blame you if you wanted to spend your holiday in St Lucia simply unwinding on the beaches; they're all pristine sands and palm trees – exactly what you'd expect from a true Caribbean retreat.
The beachfront hotels here are simply stunning and we've handpicked some of our favourites to make your stay in St Lucia phenomenal.
St Lucia's tropical climate means that temperatures are warm all year round, but the best time to visit is between November and April.
When you think of a Caribbean holiday, you think of kicking back. There's plenty of that to be done in St Lucia, but you'll also find a whole lot more. First up, the water sports here are simply brilliant – and so is the marine life. The sports on dry land are superb too, with excellent golf courses and hotel fitness facilities. Inland, explore the dramatic scenery by horseback, bicycle, jeep or on foot. The landscapes are amazing and we love the drive-in volcano at Soufriere.
Many hotels in St Lucia are all inclusive, meaning you can enjoy top notch cuisine from the comfort of your own hotel. Don't miss freshly caught seafood or the local, spicy, Creole cuisine. The rum cocktails are pretty delicious too.
If you're looking for a quiet evening of hotel-based entertainment, that's no problem. To experience the vibrant nightlife of St Lucia, head to bustling Rodney Bay, where seafront clubs and bars buzz until sunrise. The packed cultural calendar in St Lucia includes colourful carnivals and the world famous Jazz Festival.
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct travel insurance and vaccinations and / or special medication for your destination. Please consult your GP for advice at least one month ahead of travel. It is essential that you meet the visa and passport requirements for your chosen destination. Visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (http://www.fco.gov.uk) website for up to date entry requirements listed by country.