A drive-In volcano and 4 other reasons to visit St. Lucia now

Who wouldn’t love a vacation on a postcard-perfect tropical island? When it comes to the Caribbean, you have a lot of choices but the island of St. Lucia is something special. Yes, there are beaches and palm trees and crystalline ocean waves but St. Lucia is nicknamed “Helen of the West Indies” for good reason. This island is out-of-this-world beautiful, with a striking landscape of much more than beaches. Whether you’re a fan of romantic getaways, sun and sand or adventure travel, here are five compelling reasons to visit St. Lucia:

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1. La Soufiere Drive-In Volcano and Sulfur Springs

Steam and the stench of rotten eggs will greet you as you drive through the crater of “the world’s only drive-in volcano.”  A guided walking tour takes you right up to the volcano’s  bubbling mud and sulfur, with just a small fence to separate you from the activity. AlthoughLa Soufriere is dormant. it doesn’t look like it and it forms the hottest and most active geothermal area in the Eastern Caribbean. You can cool off in the sulfur springs and small pools just outside the volcano. The sulfur and volcanic mud is reputed to have healing effects, soothing mosquito bites, arthritis and eczema.

2. The Twin Peaks of The Pitons

The two volcanic plugs that soar up from the sea are the dramatic symbol of St. Lucia and are worth the trip alone. The Pitons are named Gros Piton for the taller 26919 ft. peak and Petit Piton for the smaller,2461 ft. one. They loom all over the island but the best views can be grabbed in the villages of Soufriere and Choiseul. Active travelers can hike the Pitons or swim up to the peaks.

3. Open Wall Hotel Suites

The beauty of St. Lucia completely surrounds you in hotels specially designed to incorporate the island’s natural assets. Forget about gazing out a window, you can reach out and touch the vistas at these hotels, which boast only three walls. Visitors can indulge in the ultimate romantic getaway while absorbing St. Lucia’s legendary beauty. The suites at Anse Chastanet showcase natural beauty with up close views and trees growing in the middle of a few while nearby Jade Mountain boasts infinity pools in each “sanctuary” as well as vistas of the Pitons. Ladera perches on a volcanic cliff surrounded by a cocoa plantation and mountain panoramas.

4. Heritage Chocolate Tours

With a cacao growing tradition that dates back 40 years, St. Lucia is a chocolate lovers dream. Every visitor can grab a taste of this with a traditional cup of morning cocoa tea at any hotel but for full chocolate immersion, a chocolate tour is highly recommended.  Explore the chocolate production process, from cocoa groves to raw cocoa sticks at Fond Doux  Plantation & Resort. You can craft your own chocolate bar at Hotel Chocolat’s Tree to Bar Experience and chocoholics can tour the small chocolate lab and learn about chocolate making techniques for the resort’s signature chocolate bars at Jade Mountain.  Top it all off with a chocolate and wine pairing at Ti Kaye Village Resort.

5. Pigeon Island Park and Beaches

Revel in ocean views, a historic fort and beaches all in one place; Pigeon Island National Park. This 44-acre islet is an important St. Lucian historical site, with the 18th century Fort Rodney, barracks, cannons and a lookout point.  On the south side of Pigeon Island, two small beaches, sheltered by palm trees offer the perfect spot for lounging. Don’t miss Jambe De Bois Restaurant, located on the beach, it serves up hearty portions of local cuisine.

Tagged: Caribbean