If you're looking for the ultimate Caribbean retreat, put St Lucia – a paradise isle where natural beauty abounds – right to the top of your list! Admire the island's famous towering twin volcanoes, the Pitons, learn how to rustle up traditional Creole cuisine and taste exotic fruit and local rum. You can try out your bartering skills with a visit to the markets in its capital, Castries, or maybe head off on a whale-watching cruise. Enjoy a thrilling safari by land and sea, with rainforests, waterfalls and the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters just some of the highlights, and then get away from it all as you soak up the sun on stunning white-sand beaches.

• • Bay Gardens Hotel
  • The Rodney Bay Gardens hotel is a boutique tropical retreat situated in the heart of Rodney Bay Village on the Reduit beachfront, ideal for island explorers but also sets the scene for complete tranquility. During the days you can relax by the pool, where you’ll have a choice of 2 outdoor pools, or you can explore the surrounding areas where you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to white sandy beaches, fantastic scenery and restaurants and bars.
    
    
    
    Hotel facilities include:
    
    
    
    
    • Hotel restaurant
    
    
    • Hotel Bar
    
    
    • Swimming pools
    
    
    • Sun terrace with sun loungers and parasols
    
    
    • Reception with currency exchange
    
    
    
    
    Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi and a private balcony or terrace with views of the lush gardens, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryer, cable television, mini fridge.