This Caribbean vacation getaway has a rich history of French, English, and African settlers that have all contributed their unique traditions and essence to the St. Lucia. The fertile, volcanic soil of the island shields an abundance of fresh produce including several different types of banana, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, passion fruits, guavas and coconut.

St. Lucia resembles nearby Dominica in its mountainous, volcanic appearance. In fact, its two most widely known landmarks are Les Pitons, twin mountain peaks that drop dramatically to the water’s edge near Anse des Pitons on the island’s west coast. St. Lucia offers an adventure experience for everyone. Take a hike along twenty-nine miles of trails throughout the rain forest.

Its 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 is the sort of island that travellers to the Caribbean dream about–a small, lush tropical gem that is still relatively unknown. Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, with a shape that is said to resemble either a mango or an avocado. In St. Lucia, there are plenty of options.St. Lucia possesses a true tropical rainforest – 19,000 colour 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. St. Lucia was first settled by France in 1650. During French rule, it used the same flag as Martinique, its neighbouring island to the north. St. Lucia’s economy was originally built on its agricultural exports. For over 200 years the island’s main export was sugar; however bananas took over in the 1950’s.

St. Lucia was originally inhabited by the Arawak, who were driven out by the Caribs before the arrival of Europeans. Accounts differ as to the first Europeans to visit St. Lucia harbours a variety of awesome, unique beaches that beg to be explored. The easiest to reach from the port is Pigeon State Beach, about 20 minutes north of Castries.

St.Lucia has a very Creole flavour. There is also Indian culture and so curry is a prominent spice. The food consists of root tubers to green bananas. St. Lucia has the usual variety of Caribbean things to do, mainly water sports but also hiking, ATV rides and horseback rides. But it also has unique attractions that emphasize history, culture and the island’s natural environment.

St. Lucia’s abundant tropical fruits include mangoes, papayas, pineapples, soursops, passion fruit, guavas, and coconuts. Local chefs combine the island’s fresh produce with a wide variety of equally fresh seafood to create tantalizing curries, Creole-style entrees, and pepperpot stews. St. Lucia’s beauty is unmatched by other islands. Its culture is a unique fusion of French, British and African traditions, and its population of approximately 160,000 people brings the island’s beauty and rich heritage to life.

St. Lucia is an increasingly popular honeymoon location, and not without reason. St. Lucia has everything most newlyweds could want, with romantic sunsets, picturesque beaches, and wonderful history and culture. Sean Wells