Luscious St. Lucia by Sandra Mardenfeld

   As a Caribbean island where a coastline of rain-forested mountains often gives way to natural harbors and bays, St. Lucia offers a myriad of possibilities for the honeymooning couple. About 27 miles long and 14 miles at its widest, the lush island sits between Martinique and St. Vincent to the northwest of Barbados. While the Atlantic Ocean laps its eastern shore, the calm Caribbean makes the island's west a peaceful beach retreat. St. Lucia's fertile volcanic soil encourages vegetation, and with all of the banana trees you'll see, it's easy to understand why the island is one of the leading banana exporters in the Caribbean.

   A pastiche of landscape, St. Lucia features many mountain ranges, including "The Pitons," beautiful twin peaks that rise almost half a mile from the sea on the southwest coast. Also in the southwest region are the Diamond Falls, which cascade through sulfur springs that changes the color of its water from yellow to green to purple. Another must-see is the world's only "drive-in" volcano. Cars literally drive along a road that leads into the remnant of a crater. Here visitors can see muddy pools of water bubble as steam clouds shoot almost 50 feet high.

   Rain forests stretch over the island, encompassing some 19,000 acres of mountains and valleys covered with lush foliage, including giant ferns and wild orchids. Look for St. Lucia's own rare and indigenous parrot, the Jacquot, on the seven-mile nature walk or during guided tours offered by the Forestry Department.

   Coral reefs on the west coast are popular for snorkeling and, for intrepid divers, there is an old sunken ship that awaits exploration. Other water sports are available from deep sea fishing to parasailing. For those more land-bound, St. Lucia offers a plethora of activities including horseback riding, tennis, golf as well as numerous plantations and quaint villages for visiting.

   St. Lucia entices your palate with dishes from Caribbean specialties to international cuisine. The local cuisine uses regional Caribbean fruit, spice and fresh seafood at every opportunity. You must try the green figs and salt fish, which are the national dish as well as leafy callalloo soup, dolphin fish (Dorado) and curries that are staples.

   For the most part, the island has a mild climate with an average temperature of 79 degrees. Although June to November is St. Lucia's rainy season, showers are usually brief. A variety of accommodations, from all-inclusive resorts to intimate inns and private villas. If you long for solitude, ask for a suite with your own private pool.

   For more information call: 888-4-STLUCIA

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