St. Lucia

Dotted with luxurious boutique hotels, this Caribbean destination is tailor-made for lovebirds and adrenaline junkies. Those in search of relaxation will find it on the island’s unspoiled shorelines (specifically Reduit Beach and Anse Chastanet). Meanwhile, adventure-seekers can test their limits climbing the Pitons or zip lining through the Chassin region’s rainforest. The dry season, December to April, is the most popular (and expensive) time to visit, but budget-conscious travelers can find superb weather and cheaper room rates if they arrive in May or June.

Why Go To St. Lucia

Lush, unspoiled St. Lucia has a growing fan base. Some of its vacationers are music lovers, letting loose at the springtime St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, or adrenaline junkies, testing their limits climbing The Pitons or zip lining through the Chassin region’s rain forest. Others are honeymooners, unwinding on one of the island’s chalky beaches or holing up in one of its isolated resorts.

But what if you don’t fall into any of these categories? Don’t worry: St. Lucia refuses to be pigeonholed as any “type” of Caribbean vacation. Plus, you also don’t have to spend a lot of money (its reputation as a luxurious hideout is only somewhat warranted). To discover some of the island’s indescribable charms, you’ll have to visit for yourself. Start your mornings basking in an orange-tinted Soufrière sunrise then round out your evenings at an evening “jump-up” (or dance party) along Gros Islet.