Luscious St. Lucia

with Martha Chapman

How many destinations can say they've been given the accolade "One of the Top 5 Places to See in your Lifetime"- by Oprah Winfrey, no less?

Lucky, luscious St. Lucia.  The island that many consider the most romantic in the world is home to the majestic twin mountains, The Pitons, which evidently mightily impressed La Winfrey.  That, and much more.

"Like all the islands, we have sun, sea and sand," Alison Theodore,
Marketing Manager for St. Lucia told a Toronto-area group of agents
recently. "But we also have 19,000 acres of lush rainforest - and a huge
array of activities and attractions for your clients."  These include new
soft adventures such as ziplining, rainforest trams and catamaran tours.

Other island news includes the re-opening of Rendez-Vous, a couples-only resort which this week will unveil its massive refurbishment including a fab new spa; and lots of lift this winter from ACV, Sunquest-Holiday House, Sunwing, Transat and WestJet.

As one who has enjoyed several unforgettable evenings at the Friday Night Jump Up street party in the town of Gros Islet - and whose hearing has almost recovered from the music that pounds from refrigerator-sized speakers in the street - I know that St. Lucia has some great traditions for visitors too. Excellent scuba diving at the foot of the Pitons. Creole cuisine to die for. The very hip and cool Rodney Bay area where you can walk to all kinds of bars and restos. Oh, and some of the smoochiest resorts in the Caribbean. After all, St. Lucia has won World Travel Awards for top wedding and honeymoon destination.

And if your clients are a little hesitant to book UVF because of the
famously long transfer from the international airport to the resort area in
the north, Alison Theodore (such a saleswoman!) has the answer:  "Tell them it's a free excursion.  What other airport transfer gives you a comprehensive look at the island, from the rainforest and through banana plantations - and with wonderful ocean views?"