St. Lucia

Against the bright blue of the Caribbean, the lush Piton Mountains are iconic of St. Lucia. Together with the ocean, they capture the distinctive landscape of the tropical island. Much of the 240-square-mile island is consumed in dense rainforest and sweeping mountains, leaving much of the interior of the island void of development and people. Locals are concentrated around the capital city of Castries and most hotels and resorts surround the city. On the west coast of the island, visitors can view the Pitons from their rooms or their spots in the sand. While the island is a perfect retreat for those looking for seclusion, it’s also a perfect playground for adventure goers, with everything from windsurfing to hiking on this compact, lush tropical escape.