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.

The more adventurous should consider one of the island’s ziplines. I strapped in for the exhilarating Rainforest Adventures experience and found it great fun with a group of friends.

You get hitched up to a series of cables and zip from platform to platform within the tree canopy. And if that sounds a bit much for you, there are other memorable options, like a tram ride or trail hike. Just don't forget your mosquito spray for this one (rainforestadventure.com).

But for people looking for a slightly different pace, you can spend a morning or afternoon away from the beach making your own chocolate at the Howelton Estate (howeltonestate.com).