Saint Lucia, island of romance. A dreamy fantasia dotted with couples' hideaways and honeymoon havens. But a place to take your kids? Actually, yes. With a third of visitors from the UK each year in family groups, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority showcases deals, activities and events for families this summer.

This jewel of the Caribbean is bursting with stuff to do for toddlers, teenagers and everyone in between. With a third of visitors from the UK each year in family groups, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority unveils seven reasons to visit Saint Lucia this summer, including deals, activities and events.

 1. ENTICING OFFERS:

Newmont Travel is offering a selection of amazing hotel packages with great facilities for children. With prices starting at £3,398 for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children) Bed and Breakfast in August at the Bay Gardens Inn, Rodney Bay Castries. This hotel has great facilities including a children's swimming area, children's playground and an entertainment programme. Or try one of the island's most popular All-Inclusive resorts Starfish St Lucia with Kids' club starting from £4,369 for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children). Both offers include Virgin Flights from LGW with a checked in bag 23kg.

For more information call 020 8920 1144 or go to  https://www.hotelsofthecaribbean.co.uk/holiday-types/

2. SUMMER FESTIVAL:

The Roots and Soul Festival returns as part of the Saint Lucia Summer Series from August 23rd to 25th. This three-day popular music event takes place in Pigeon Island park and welcomes 80s soulster Leee John from Imagination and rising performer and poet Curmiah Lisette, both of whom have Saint Lucian heritage. The festival closes with British reggae and pop legends UB40 who are regular visitors to the Caribbean and supported the Hurricane Relief efforts in 2017.

For more information go to https://eventssaintlucia.com/saint-lucia-summer-festival/saint-lucia-roots-soul/

3. A COCONUT LESSON:

At Marigot Bay Resort & Spa families can sign up for Marigot Moments which allows guests to enjoy seven experiences in seven days. Start with learning how all parts of the coconut tree can be used for health purposes. Every bit of the coconut can be used as a drink, fiber, food, fuel, utensils, musical instruments, and much more. Take part in an interactive session for both adults and children. Other experiences include spa treatments (for the children too), yoga and Pilates, insider view of the Marina with the Dock Master, cooking demonstration and a garden walk.  

Valid for stays from now until October 30, 2019 in all room categories, For more information, visit www.marigotbayresort.com/offer/7Experiences-7Days

4. LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE:

Family fun in Saint Lucia starts on the beach. From building simple sand castles to sea shell gathering expeditions, there's plenty to do on the coast for kids of all ages. The island has the Caribbean's best water park. Located at Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa, Splash Island Water Park features dozens of inflatable obstacle courses in the sea, including trampoline challenges, climbing walls, slides and swings. If your children are interested in marine biology, take them to Anse Chastanet Beach, one of the best shallow water snorkeling locations in the country. The area around it is roped off from boaters, keeping the water calm and safe for people who want to swim.

https://www.stlucia.org/experiences/nature-adventure/water-adventures

Getting out on a boat is the best way to see the stunning landscape of Saint Lucia. For families staying at Cap Maison, a luxury five-star boutique hotel in the north, they can make full use of the hotel's own 46-foot motor yacht and spend a day at sea.

For more information go to www.capmaison.com or call 020 8977 6099.

5. KIDS' CLUBS

Many of the popular resorts have excellent kids' clubs. Here's a couple with standout programmes. In the north, The Royalton Saint Lucia has a Seaside Summer Camp where kids can discover Saint Lucian culture. The Seaside Summer Camp gives kids the unique opportunity to learn about local cultures through exploration and play for 4-12 year olds.

In the south of Saint Lucia, you'll find Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort. Not only is there a children's club for 4-12 year olds, but tweens are also catered for. With 40 different activities in just one week, your children can try science, fish feeding, archery, rock painting, bonfire storytelling and nature walks. For the older group hiking, learning Patois or a talent show are on the list.

For more information go to https://www.royaltonresorts.com/royalton/special-occasions/seaside_camp 

https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugar-beach

6. CHOCOLATE!

Home to one of the world's best independent chocolatiers, Hotel Chocolat has its plantation on the island. Visit the The Rabot Estate where you can plant your own family cocoa tree and find out how chocolate is made. Also in the south, you can witness the original Cocoa Dance at Fond Doux as part of the heritage tour. The Anse Chastanet hotel has its own chocolate lab for guests to explore. And in the North, try The Howelton Estate near Castries for their own bean to bar experience.  

https://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/hotel-restaurants.html

https://www.fonddouxresort.com/activities/heritage-tour/

http://www.howeltonestate.com/

7. EXPLORE THE ISLAND

There's a lot of fun to be had beyond the beach. Try ziplining through the rainforest on one of the island's three courses. Visitors can also try the Sky Tram at Babonneau which takes you above the tree canopy.  Spend a morning horseriding through the Morne Coubaril Estate or enjoy the hustle and bustle of browsing the market at Castries.

ENDS

For more information please contact Liz Fay at SLTA UK, lfay@stluciauk.org.