St. Lucia

St. Lucia's island's iconic twin peaks – Gros Piton and Petit Piton – are the postcard-worthy mountains that perfectly symbolize this high-reaching and lushly forested destination. Many of the island's resorts have been built to take advantage of the elevated skyline, constructed with enormous windows, balconies or – in some cases – only three walls. The resulting jaw-dropping views never seem to get old.

But there's plenty to do besides taking in the panorama. St. Lucia boasts the world's only drive-through volcano. Visitors can walk past bubbling mud pits and steaming fumaroles. Nearby, Diamond Waterfall is a kaleidoscope of colors as it cascades into a silvery pool below. The town of Soufriere in the southwest, the first settlement on the island, is nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano.

On the way to Vieux Fort, the southernmost town, stop by Choiseul for the island's best collection of local art. Woodcarvings and straw baskets abound. Some of the island's best beaches lie between Castries, the capital, and Gros Islet in the north.

ECO-ADVENTURE AND WATER SPORTS

Snorkeling (Anse Couchon), diving (Anse Chastanet), sailing (Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay), waterskiing (Choc Bay), windsurfing (Cas en Bas) and fishing (Soufriere Bay) are all possible on St. Lucia, as well as golf at the Cap Estate Club in the north, and bird watching at the Castries Waterworks Forest Reserve, where the once-fragile St. Lucian parrot is now beginning to thrive. And on an island this lush, why wouldn't it?

HISTORY

The peaceful Arawaks were the first to pitch their tents on St. Lucia. The warring Caribs came next and chased them away. Later, the Caribs killed the first British settlers as well. In the latter years of the 17th century, the British and French traded St. Lucia back and forth 14 times before the British took possession in 1814. By then, sugar plantations were well established. In 1979, the island was granted independence.

DON'T MISS

– Motor through the Caribbean's only drive-in volcano
– Soak in the Diamond Mineral Baths, built by Louis XVI for his troops
– Search for the St. Lucian parrot in the Castries Waterworks Forest Reserve

• Tourist Information: 888-4-STLUCIA
• Website: www.stlucia.org
• Language: English and Kweyol
• Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$)
• Taxes: Airport Departure Tax - US $21.00 (EC$54.00), payable on departure at all airports. It is payable in cash only. On hotel and restaurant bills there is a Government tax of 8%. A service charge of 10% is also applicable. In some instances these charges are included in prices quoted, so it is best to clarify. The prices on labels in shops are what you pay.
• Electricity: 220 volts/50 cycles, with square three-pin plug. A few hotels do run on 110 volts; check before you plug in. Adaptors are generally available at the hotels.
• Documents: Entry requirements are a passport or proof of U.S. citizenship with photo ID, and return or onward ticket