This Caribbean Island Offers A Fun Getaway With Amazing Scenery

There are plenty of gorgeous islands perfect for a romantic getaway that offer long sunny days, turquoise water, and endless beaches to lounge on. As a matter of fact, some of the best tropical destinations on the planet can be found right in the heart of the popular Caribbean Sea — including the island of St. Lucia, a favorite among sun-seekers and beach lovers that offers a fun getaway with amazing scenery.

Located in the Eastern Caribbean, St. Lucia lies between the islands of Martinique and Saint Vincent. Reaching this little piece of paradise can be done via numerous international airports throughout the United States, with direct flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to St. Lucia's Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) taking under five hours. Known for plenty of luxurious five-star resorts and consistently ranked as one of the best places to honeymoon, this gorgeous Caribbean destination offers visitors pristine beaches and snorkeling opportunities. With many reef diving sites situated all along the island's volcanic coastline — including the beautiful Anse Chastanet — visitors enjoy excellent snorkeling conditions year-round.

Famed for its two lush, southwestern coast mountains, known as the Pitons, that tower into the blue sunny skies and provide jaw-dropping dramatic landscapes, St. Lucia is certainly one of the most beautiful islands on the planet that deserves to be on your travel bucket list. Although the destination is typically associated with top-tier luxury, planning a visit to St. Lucia's wild and tropical rainforests — or exploring its humble off-the-radar fishing villages — makes a trip to this picturesque Caribbean island worth every penny.

A quick Google search of St. Lucia will showcase numerous photos of its prized peaks: Gros Piton and Petit Piton. That being said, while hiking Gros Piton is certainly one activity you cannot skip out on, each area of St. Lucia offers visitors more than just picture perfect views of the peaks. From the north to the south and east to the west, St. Lucia's landscapes provide endless adventures no matter where you go.

Thrill seekers looking to experience excitement over relaxation can book a guided tour with +Venture ATV. A two-hour-long journey will take you through lush tropical forests, a rum tasting at Saint Lucia Distillers, and a visit to a banana plantation — all while connecting with locals along the way and offering a glimpse into local island life. Meanwhile, if you've got a sweet tooth, why not book a chocolate tour instead? St. Lucia has sprung up on the scene for its chocolate tourism, and the Tree to Bar experience by Hotel Chocolat Saint Lucia allows tourists to craft their own chocolate bar, as well as learn the history of the chocolate industry. A tasty locally sourced lunch is also served, where each dish is infused with cacao directly from the island.

Travelers who like to party should head north to Gros Islet for a lively and traditional event that has spanned over five decades. Held every Friday night around 7 p.m., the town transforms into a bustling street party. Complete with DJs slinging wax and mixing tracks and locals serving up delicious food, people can enjoy the festivities late into the night. Make sure you arrive early and head to Gros Islet Beach to watch the sun dip below the horizon before the party starts.

One of the best ways to enjoy a vacation is diving mouth-first into the local cuisine. The food in St. Lucia largely focuses on seafood, curries, and fresh tropical produce, which creates a melting pot of bold flavors thanks to a strong influence from East Indian, French, and African cultures. St. Lucia's national dish, green figs and salt fish — which combines green bananas boiled with salted codfish — can be found in most local restaurants on the island. For a taste of authentic fare with views of the Pitons and Soufrière Bay, make sure you grab a meal at Sea View Creole Restaurant.

As for accommodation, don't let St. Lucia's pricey resort reputation fool you: travelers on any budget can enjoy the island without breaking the bank. Travelers hoping to plan a budget-friendly Caribbean vacation can experience slow-paced island life at Amazing Beach View Apartments in Castries for around $60 a night. The studio apartment has a balcony overlooking the water with Choc Beach nearby. If you crave affordable luxury, Samfi Gardens arguably has the best view on the entire island. For around $270 per night, guests here are spoiled with stunning Piton views from their private hilltop villa just minutes away from Soufrière.

Whether you want to kick back on the imported white sand of Sugar Beach, go horseback riding along the beach, or grab a drink and take in the gorgeous views of Marigot Bay, St. Lucia has plenty of stunning scenery to enjoy. And if you're up for even more exploring, head inland to check out Anse La Raye Falls or go birdwatching at the Millet Bird Sanctuary & Nature Trail to round out your visit to this breathtaking Caribbean paradise.