Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is the Caribbean's most dramatically beautiful island — a volcanic landscape of twin Piton peaks rising from the sea, dense rainforest covering the interior, sulphur springs still bubbling from ancient volcanic activity and beaches of both white and black sand framing it all. It has been called the Helen of the West Indies, fought over by the French and British 14 times in its colonial history, and it remains an island worth fighting for.

The Pitons — Gros Piton and Petit Piton, UNESCO World Heritage twin volcanic spires — are the most iconic image in the Eastern Caribbean. Hiking Gros Piton rewards with views that encompass the entire island and stretches of ocean in every direction. Below, the Soufrière area offers the world's only drive-in volcano, botanical gardens and hot spring baths that have been used since the 18th century.

Saint Lucia has developed a reputation as the Caribbean's most romantic island — and the landscape makes the case effortlessly. Couples come for the intimate resorts, the candlelit dinners overlooking the Pitons and the dramatic scenery that makes every photograph look like a painting.