St. Lucia is impossibly beautiful, particularly when it comes to the island’s south-west corner. Here the hills are draped with astonishingly lush rainforests, the bougainvillaea seem bigger and brighter than anywhere else and the views of the Caribbean Sea are perfectly framed by Les Pitons mountains. Indeed, it is particularly hard to focus upon anything but the panoramic vistas here and, for once, the hotels have little choice but to take on supporting roles.

Luckily, our featured properties Ladera and Jade Mountain are well aware of what takes centre stage around here and chooses to complement, rather than compete with, their show-stopping surroundings. They take on the guise of romantic hillside hideaways and are suitably tranquil bases from which to explore the nearby volcano, waterfalls and crystal clear waters. The scent of adventure is subtle yet unmistakable around here and, you never know, you may even be inspired to try your hand at
scuba-diving

On the other hand you may simply prefer to spend your time in the north of the island and just take a day trip to the scenic splendours down south. Although the area is a tad less exotic and a fraction more developed, proximity to Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay and the duty-free shops of Castries, not to mention the island’s only18-hole golf course, means it still has enormous appeal. The fact that its first-class resorts vary from the lowkey East Winds Inn to the high-profile LeSport means everyone can find something to suit.

BRITISH AIRWAYS AND VIRGIN ATLANTIC FLY THREE TIMES A WEEK FROM GATWICK - THE FLYING TIME IS 9 HOURS AND HONEYMOONERS WILL BE PLEASED TO KNOW THERE ARE ALWAYS DEPARTURES ON SUNDAYS! VIRGIN ATLANTIC ALSO OFFER FLIGHTS FROM MANCHESTER ON THURSDAYS.