CHOCS AWAY

MARK JEFFERIES jets off to Saint Lucia for fun mix of live music, beautiful beaches... and chocolate making

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SAINT Lucia has all the ingredients of other Caribbean islands and the laid-back vibes synonymous with this part of the world. But the cherry on top is the number of things to do, including a brilliant music festival.

Despite being called the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, it mixes genres of music, with performers this year including John Legend, Beenie Man and Earth, Wind and Fire. The music is great and varied, crowds are less hectic than in the UK, and your wellies will definitely not be required!

More generally, the island and its 185,000 population are very welcoming to tourists and after a nine hour flight from the UK, you'll likely be greeted at your hotel with a cool flannel and a fruit or rum punch.

Saint Lucia is 238 square miles of undulating hills, mountains, forests, and of course, beaches of charcoal black or blonde sand.

And if you are not on holiday during the magnificent music festival in May, there is still plenty to do.

Saint Lucia is also home to the island's iconic peaks, the Pitons.

Serious hikers can get up at the crack of dawn to climb these, but the main reason most people head to Soufriere is the waterfalls and sulphur springs.

The latter, just south of the town, is where you can jump into a hot spring and cover yourself in the mineral-rich mud.

Artful decoration of your body in the mud is not essential, but is encouraged, and your skin feels truly fantastic after a dip.

My advice would be to head to the nearby waterfall first so you don’t have leftover mud on your body in photos!

The Sandals Grande St Lucian was my main base, and despite being close to capacity, I always felt like I could find a quiet spot to enjoy a drink or swim away from the crowds.