Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2016 | Page 376

Welcome to ST. LUCIA The ultimate dream getaway for Canadians F rom the alluring Piton Mountains to the picturesque landscape of the Pigeon Island, travellers to Saint Lucia are mesmerized by the raw beauty of this Caribbean island. With a tropical rainforest, one of the world’s few drive-in volcanoes and breathtaking backdrops at every glance, Saint Lucia is the ultimate destination for Canadians looking for their next exotic getaway. After a long winter, a recent study by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board found that sun-starved Canadians are ready to bask in the Caribbean sun and hit the beach the moment they arrive. In fact, the survey found nearly 40 per cent of Canadians pack a bathing suit in their carry-on just in case their luggage doesn’t make it through. Saint Lucia’s natural landscape of gorgeous palm-fringed beaches provides Canadians with the ideal destination to relax on the beach and build lifelong memories. Recognized as the Caribbean's Leading Honeymoon Destination by the World Travel Awards for four of the last five years, Saint Lucia has a natural ambiance that is perfect for an unforgettable destination wedding, Caribbean honeymoon or romantic weekend getaway. Saint Lucia may be filled with soft sandy beaches, turquoise water and striking sunsets, but the island has plenty to offer travellers looking to explore more than the beach. The beauty of Saint Lucia provides the perfect backdrop for adventure: mountains to climb, rainforests to explore, and an underwater world to discover. Travellers can traverse the golf course, bike along the steep mountain trail, jog along the beach like Usain Bolt, or dance under the Caribbean stars. For those interested in nature’s wonders, Saint Lucia possesses a topography and ecology of stunning 372 beauty matched by no other location in the Caribbean. The island's pride in its natural resources is evident in the country's ongoing protection and conservation efforts. All sorts of nature hikes, tours, and programs have been developed to showcase these peerless assets, allowing visitors to enjoy the island without harming its complex and fragile environment. For Canadians, travel to this exotic gem is as easy as the light Caribbean breeze with non-stop flights from Toronto and Montreal and numerous connectors across the country. Whether you're seeking a relaxing, tropical getaway or a more adventurous, active vacation, Saint Lucia is the ideal place for an exotic getaway. For more information on Simply Beautiful Saint Lucia, visit www.stlucia.org