St Lucia holidays

St Lucia is really an island of two halves. The north, broadly speaking, is more built up and lively in character. Not only will you find the majority of the island’s hotels here, but it’s also where you’ll discover the best of its nightlife. In particular, St Lucia is famed for its two Friday night street parties – at Gros Islet’s ‘Jump Up’ and Anse La Raye’s ‘Fish Fry’. Head here for a late one with the locals.

The more mountainous south is quieter and greener, and is home to the instantly recognisable double Piton peaks. Here, you can hike in the rainforest or even drive into a dormant volcano, past bubbling sulphur pools. There are fewer local settlements in this area and hotels tend to be secluded, high-end hideaways with deluxe spas largely catering to couples looking for a more laid-back experience.

Of course, being a Caribbean island, St Lucia is a good choice for a chilled out beach break. The beaches in the north are golden, with those further south taking on a silver-dark tinge thanks to the island’s volcanic origins.

Offshore life is vibrant too, with numerous catamaran cruises in the daytime for snorkelling. Beneath the surface, you’ll find a vivid world inhabited by colourful corals, schools of squid and darting reef fish. Divers can scuba among green and hawksbill turtles, and visit the wreck of a freighter 9m (30ft) below the surface.