Honeymoons

ST LUCIA IS FOR LAVAS

Relax and just go with the flow on this volcanic island

I can't wait to get out of this dress,” says a bride to her new husband as they rush past me up the stairs. I nod sympathetically at their retreating figures.

Although it may be towards the end of the high season – which runs from December to April – the temperature in St Lucia is still a constant 29 degrees, and plenty of wedding couples have a job to stay cool.

Eight hours' flight from London this Carribbean island is a popular wedding and honeymoon destination.

James-Bond-style holiday

Offering a James Bond-style holiday, with fast boats, waving palm trees and stiff cocktails, the 27-mile-long and 14-milewide retreat neighbours the famous tropical islands of Martinique and Barbados.

Each night, dark blue clouds edge across the St Lucian horizon, turning the sky into a vivid sea of colour – the perfect backdrop for a glass of champagne.

You could enjoy relaxing days on the beach

While the temptation to never leave your hotel is strong, you'll find that exploring the volcanos, local fishing villages, botanic gardens and sulphur springs makes that early-evening pina colada all the more rewarding.

Getting around by boat

By far the best way to see the island is by boat.

Our guide suggested we spend our first day near the small southwesterly beach of Anse Chastenet, from which you can take in many of the island's hot spots.

After setting sail one bright blue morning, we gasped as the Pitons appeared on the horizon.

These twin volcanic peaks rise 740 metres above sea level and are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

But don't worry, there's no danger of forgetting to see them while on your trip – Piton is also the name of the local beer.

Some visitors choose the four-hour hike to the top, but the more sweat-averse tourists can enjoy the view from the boat.

Surrounded by green tropical vegetation, they have the look of a Bond villain's headquarters.

Mooring up on shore, we headed to the hot springs that bubble up from the volcanic soil.

Locals bathe in the sulphurous water, which is said to cure arthritis, rheumatism and various skin complaints.

Once back on the boat, snorkelling is a gentle and fascinating way to burn off lunch.

The most popular dive site on the island is a reef near Anse Chastenet beach.

If you're new to water sports, snorkelling is a terrific introduction to the wonders of the deep blue sea.

Join in the Caribbean spirit

One event not to be missed is the Friday night Anse Le Ray beach town barbecue.

After dinner the local 'hop' gets going.

This is a strictly Caribbean affair – the street vibrates to the sound of steel drums and brightly dressed dancers.

When your holiday destination is so small, inevitably the range of demands can quickly reduce to 'Where shall we eat tonight?', 'Would you like another drink?' and 'Shall we go for a swim, now or later?'.

Get active

But for those not content to let their days lap around them like gentle Caribbean waves, there are plenty of other activities – watersports like scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, wake boarding and more.

And then there’s ziplining.

Covering 19,000 acres of the island, the rainforest is a natural habitat for a diverse selection of plant and animals – as well as the odd tourist pretending to be Tarzan.

Ziplining involves sliding along a cable from tree to tree.

Attached by a series of clips to a metal line, we had a five-minute lesson on how to keep straight and control our speed, before being pushed out through the rainforest canopy.

Platforms range from 50 to 495 feet in height.

And, once you've realised you're not going to die, it's an exhilarating experience.

TRAVEL FACTS

Sarah O'Meara was a guest of Complete Caribbean, which offers seven nights' Luxury Included (all-inclusive) at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort in a Grande Deluxe.

Room from £1,475 per person, including flights ex-Gatwick (two sharing).

Honeymooners can book one-bedroom beachfront suites from £2,095. completecaribbean.co.uk and sandals.co.uk