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This is no ordinary Caribbean vacation. You can blissfully bask in the sun on pristine silky shorelines and cool off in gentle seas as you would in any tropical island getaway. But in Saint Lucia, those rejuvenating joys are only the beginning of an even greater adventure.

Saint Lucia is a land of lush tropical rainforest and white sandy beaches, of thundering waterfalls and towering green mountains. Winding roads here lead to intimate inns and resorts of distinction, as well as to family-oriented hotels rich with activities and water slides. Price? From budget to top of the line. You'll find a similar diversity with food. Enjoy local seafood and barbecue at the Friday night "jump up" while jamming to sweet Caribbean music, or indulge in a world-class gourmet dinner that is masterfully produced from locally caught lobster and fish along with organic island produce. The flavors of India, the West Indies, Mexico, America and Great Britain are among the international options.

While gorgeous stretches of coastline are the destination's most alluring feature for vacationers, the range of activities is astounding. Visitors can zip line over the rainforest, drive ATVs through rugged terrain or watch for tropical birds, whales or turtles. The diving is sensational, as are the heavenly spas and leisurely sunset sails along the east coast. The therapeutic waters of the Soufrière Sulphur Springs, one of the few drive-in volcanoes in the world, are known to have healing powers; the iconic twin peaks, the Pitons, serve as the backdrop.

Colonial charm influenced by a rich history contributes to Saint Lucia's intrigue. At one time, the island was rich in valuable sugar and piqued the interest of the Spanish, British and French. Today, visitors stroll among remnants of plantation homes in areas such as Fond Doux and Balenbouche.

Whether you lodge in a bustling town, on the beach or along a mountainside, you’ll be enchanted by this truly special destination.

To learn more, call 800-456-3984 or visitstlucianow.com

Ladera introduced its dramatic Paradise Pavilion for unbeatably beautiful weddings in May 2010, cementing its status as an exceptionally romantic resort.

Like the hotel itself, Ladera's Paradise Pavilion melds nature and nurture. Offering a breathtaking view of Saint Lucia's mountains, rainforest and sea, the 1,200-square-foot landing on the rainforest ridge is constructed of local materials. Tropical greenheart wood, multihued cut stone and ceramic tiles crafted by Saint Lucian artisans form a ceremony and reception area that melds into the surrounding magnificence. As many as 100 guests can join your celebration here.

In addition to doting service, couples getting married on the new structure reap luxury too. The bridal party will ready itself in Hilltop Dream Suite #X8, reached via a lush private pathway flanked by fountains and a reflecting pool. It turns into a honeymoon suite at night, featuring polished tropical woods, fine linens, a pillow menu, absolute privacy and, like each of Ladera’s 32 villas and suites, a missing western wall; each hideaway opens to the mountain air and unrestricted vistas. With private plunge pools and no electronic disturbances such as TVs, Ladera is the ultimate eco-lodge.

Excellence is the mantra at Ladera, and, in its quiet natural way, the resort pampers at every turn. Its intimate Ti Kai Posé Spa offers treatments created with riches from its lush volcanic surroundings; guests are always welcome to soak in the new healing sulfur bathing pool. Dining is incredible, with healthful, flavorful, farm-to-table creative West Indian meals served in T’cholit bar and the award-winning Dasheene Restaurant. The stunning infinity pool overlooks the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. Breakfast and afternoon Breeze tea service are complimentary every day. The resort also offers semi-weekly mixology classes, a fully stocked library, a new fitness center, snorkel gear and Saturday morning Soufrière market tours followed by cooking classes.

866-290-0978, ladera.com

Long a beautiful and pampering resort set into more than 100 stunning beachfront acres between the iconic Pitons, the Jalousie Plantation, once an 18th-century sugar plantation, is being reinvented. Following a $100 million enhancement, this “plantation elegant” resort hotel will reemerge as the ultra-exclusive Tides Sugar Beach in 2011.

No need to wait for a visit. Already halfway through its revamping and a member of the Viceroy Hotel Group's "chic-by-theshore" collection, the Jalousie offers an activity-filled vacation with top-of-the-line amenities in a natural rainforest setting – with its own soft and white stretch of beach. A staff “rummelier” (rum guru), private tree-house massage rooms and personalized tasting menus are just a few hints of what awaits.

The Jalousie truly excels in every area. Original guest rooms and villas offer French- Caribbean charm, and new luxury villas come complete with iPod docking stations, Egyptian cotton linens and butler service. Meals can be relaxed and consist of grilled fish or a wood-fire pizza by the swimming pool and the calm waters of Anse des Pitons. Or, you can splurge on mahi-mahi with green fig mash and tropical salsa by candlelight in the Great Room.

Beverages range from tea served with sweets and finger sandwiches in The Palm Court to rum tastings care of that Rummelier in The Cane Bar and cocktails in the cutting-edge Late Night Bar.

Families and couples will find ample opportunity for adventure. In addition to standard (and exhilarating) Saint Lucia activities such as hiking Gros Piton or trekking to the Sulphur Springs, guests here can work with a personal trainer, play tennis or beach volleyball, participate in Caribbean dance classes, take a guided plantation walk and enjoy yoga and Pilates classes. As for that clear sea, divers can explore underneath via the on-site PADI dive center while others try sea kayaking, snorkeling, Hobie cat sailing, windsurfing and night fishing. The National Marine Reserve is just offshore. Market tours, game nights and Creole classes are among the other diversions.

Punctuate it all with getaways to the Rainforest Spa, where organic island produce like aloe and cocoa are used to heal in tree-house treatment rooms perched above a volcano-warmed stream. Sign up for the Sulphur Seduction and you’ll visit the island’s Sulphur Springs and volcano, take a mud bath in mineral-rich volcanic mud and receive a scrub down under a warm waterfall.

Heaven? Its name is changing, but your delight will remain the same. 800-235-4300, thejalousieplantation.com

Tranquility. Romance. Adventure. Blend the trio as you’d like at Anse Chastanet, a stunning 600-acre resort hotel designed to meld into Saint Lucia’s luscious scenery. From its two calm beaches to its 49 waterfront and hillside rooms, Anse Chastanet is an inspiring combination of eco-tourism and luxury lodging.

While many guests choose to do little but sun themselves on the silky sands and undergo enticing spa treatments, those with a yen for activity needn’t leave the property. This island hideaway boasts its own 12 miles of walking and hiking trails, including some that meander through the remains of an 18th-century plantation; free guided tours are held regularly. Anse Chastanet is home to Bike Saint Lucia, Scuba Saint Lucia, Kayak Saint Lucia and a water-sports center, each offering top-notch instruction and equipment. Guests are welcome to take a day or sunset sail on Searenity, the house 42-foot yacht, and Lucky T, a 60-foot double-decker catamaran. Its Jazzy Champagne Sunset Cruise is especially popular. For quieter moments, peruse the expanding portfolio of works in Anse Chastanet’s art gallery and pick up an intriguing read in the hotel library.

Lodging is special here, where each guest room has its own blend of colorful madras fabrics and furnishings crafted from island woods such as teak, red cedar and wild breadfruit. Eye-popping vistas are standard, whether of the Piton peaks, the lush rainforest or the Caribbean Sea.

Dining is tended to with equal care. Much of Anse Chastanet’s food is grown organically on the premises and on the hotel’s own farm. These lovingly raised fruits, vegetables and herbs appear in the Tropical World Cuisine of Treehouse Restaurant, in the vegetarian fare at Emeralds, in the American/Caribbean/ Creole offerings at Trou au Diable Beach Restaurant and in Aspara, which fuses the flavors of East India and the Caribbean. 800-223-1108, ansechastanet.com

For an even more indulgent experience, lodge at Jade Mountain, an exclusive mountaintop resort located within Anse Chastanet. Here spacious duplex SKY suites and enticingly romantic Infinity Pool Sanctuaries offer the ultimate in privacy and luxury. You’ll hear no phones, TVs or computers at Jade Mountain. Instead, you’ll be cooling off in your own individually crafted glass tile mosaic pool, which offers unrivaled vistas of both Pitons. After dark, fiber-optic lighting allows you to illuminate your pool in an array of colors. The pools meld seamlessly with the sanctuaries, beautifully adorned rooms furnished with tropical hardwoods and missing a fourth wall, so those stunning views are yours to enjoy day and night. Just ask via electronic call button and the doting staff will arrange for meals and spa treatments in the privacy of your accommodations.

While Jade Mountain guests are free to enjoy all the restaurants, activities and amenities of Anse Chastanet, they have access to areas available only to guests lodging in the 29 Jade Mountain hideaways. Jade Mountain Club features a restaurant, a lounge, an infinity pool and a private spa. The restaurant features the foods of Chef Allen Susser, an award-winning chef whose staff uses organically raised foods to create three meals every day. Breakfast might include freshly squeezed exotic juices, homemade granola and farm-fresh eggs. For dinner, the bold flavors of Susser’s modern fusion cuisine are simple yet sensational; options might include dorado and kingfish ceviche followed by Lucian coffee beancrusted filet mignon with Roquefort potato rösti and rum au poive, or passion fruit and sesame-glazed scallops with toasted walnut couscous and mango salsa.

Stargazing and cocktail-sipping are regular pleasures on the Celestial Terrance, where shooting stars are frequent entertainment. The chefs will serve you a private dinner here upon request. Jade Mountain holds culinary weekends with Allen Susser featuring topics such as Discover Chocolate and Mango Madness.

800-223-1108, jademountain.com

Dramatic mountains. Breathtaking scenery. Invigorating physical challenges. The ultimate in luxury. Saint Lucia offers far more than a simple beach vacation.