One of the most popular of the Caribbean islands, mountainous Saint Lucia offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the region. A beatific place of thick tropical rainforest, rocky mountains, lush valleys and unspoiled beaches, it''s beauty was so prized that in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, it changed hands fourteen times between France and England, both countries desperate to control this idyllic island paradise. St Lucia eventually fell into British hands in 1815 and remained part of the British Empire until gaining full independence in 1979.

Famed for it''s dramatic scenery, the iconic Pitons - two rocky mountains rising out of the sea to the southwest of the island - are St Lucian landmarks that must be seen to be believed. Something of a natural paradise, the island is also home to an almost impenetrable rainforest which covers 19,000 acres of island and contains beautiful flowers such as jasmine, orchids and frangipani as well as a host of colourful birdlife.

A fantastic place for friends or families, St Lucia is thought by many to be one of the Caribbean''s next big destinations - set to rival Barbados when it comes to five-star resorts. There are already some fabulous resorts on the island ranging from cliffside boutique hotels to chic beachfront hideaways, while several new, luxurious five-star retreats are set to open in the near future. All are home to fabulous restaurants and facilities, while some offer great kids'' clubs and family services.

Offering a wide range of attractions, a holiday in St Lucia offers visitors the chance to relax in luxury and get back to nature. Dramatic natural wonders such as the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and the Mount Soufriere volcano are must-visits for any nature-loving travellers, while sights such as the Brig Unicorn, a replica of a 19th century tall ship that was used in the Pirates of the Caribbean films offer a glimpse into the Caribbean''s fascinating history.