Lush winter holiday in St. Lucia

Glance out of the aircraft window as you prepare to land at St. Lucia's main international airport and you will see for yourself just why this is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean islands.

Unlike other Caribbean destinations much of the island is both mountainous and covered in a cloak of dense rainforest, with no shortage of dramatic natural wonders, such as the precipitous volcanic cones of the iconic Pitons, which rise up out of the sea on the south-west corner.

We checked in at the St. James Club, Morgan Bay and were ferried by buggy to our large and comfortable hilltop room. (1131)  We weren't totally prepared for the view that greeted us when we pulled open the curtains and stepped on to the balcony.  Idyllic doesn't quite cover it. Such a fabulous balcony with an amazing sunset.

It was heaven to be back in St. Lucia.  To dip my toes in the warm Caribbean sea and to feel the sun on my back.  Lush winter.  Constant sunshine, (except on our last day when St. Lucia was crying because we had to leave), cocktails, gentle waves lapping against the sand some days or fun surf on other days.

We made good use of the sun loungers throughout our stay.  But there's more to the beach than just sand, and in addition to reading and reposing we swam, water skied and I joined the Aqua Aerobics class whilst Phil took out one of the hobie cats.

For an adventure we joined Joys Cruise.  We  first did a cruise with Joy 25 years ago with the children.  The eight seater boat has now been replaced with a fast catamaran which can now take 28 passengers and we were picked  up from the beach at 8.30 a.m. We headed out past the docked cruise ships in Castries and were on our way.

Do you remember the scene in Pirates of the Caribbean?  The Curse of the Black Pearl where Jack Sparrow sees the skeletons of three pirates hanging from an arch?  There weren't any skeletons hanging from the arch the day we were there, but we did see some cliff divers who were happy to show off for us.

Next stop was Marigot Bay, also known as Hurricane Hole.  If you are old enough to remember the 1967 version of Doctor Dolittle you will be familiar with Marigot Bay as it was featured in the movie.  Marigot Bay is also known as Hurricane Hole because, due to the high cliffs surrounding the bay, this little inlet is virtually safe from any damage from hurricanes.

Heading back out to sea we were so lucky to see a large pod of young dolphins.

Our next stop, Soufriere.  But before we arrived, we got our first glimpse of The Pitons.  They are magnificent.  Petit Piton (on the left) Gros Piton (on the right).

We stopped alongside a cliff with a narrow opening running the length of the rock.  A faint screeching was coming from the opening.  We were at the bat cave, home to hundreds, if not thousands of bats.  Looking carefully, we could see some flying around inside.  Fortunately, none left the cave!!

After docking at Soufriere we were met by our taxi driver who would take us on our land journey.  Our next stops included Sulphur Springs for a mud bath, a visit to a waterfall, lunch at Joy's house and snorkelling between the Pitons.

As we drove up the mountainside, I caught a whiff of rotten eggs - Sulphur Springs, the mud bath couldn't be far away.

When we arrived at Sulphur Springs we stripped down to our swimming costumes and were led to a large square pool filled with grey (muddy looking) water.  The water was hot - 30 degrees.  (A warm bath before we slather ourselves with volcanic mud).

A few minutes later, we climbed out and slathered each other with the volcanic mud.  It is said after a treatment with this mud, you will look ten years younger and your skin will be baby soft.  I don't know about looking younger, but I did notice my skin was much softer afterwards.

Once the mud dried some, we went back into the pool with the muddy water to rinse the mud off before heading back to the van for our next stop - the power shower!

The water surrounding the waterfall we went to was much colder than the mud bath pool although after the initial shock, it felt good.

I wasn't too brave when it came to the waterfall (didn't want to lose my contact lens), but I did get under the outer edge.  Phil, however, enjoyed the full experience!

Once everyone had had time in the waterfall our next stop was lunch at Joy's house.  Joy's wife and daughter prepared a delicious spread of Lucian food.  But before lunch, we were treated to a tour of Joy's beautiful garden which he planted himself 25 years ago when he built the house.

After lunch we went back to the boat and headed to a marine reserve for some snorkel time at the base of the Pitons.  The view was amazing.

All too soon it was time to head back home.  But first, the tunes were turned up, the rum punch or beers were passed out and the party began!  A great day out.

Another fabulous holiday at The St. James Club.  All the staff are so friendly.   We didn't want to pack to come home.