Unspoilt St Lucia is absolute heaven

Paradise on Earth in St Lucia.

I’ve been to many Sandals properties over the years and they never fail to please.

During a miserable British winter there are few places on earth I’d rather be than in one of their all-inclusive Caribbean resorts.

With wall-to-wall bars, restaurants, pools, sporting activities and the beach, what’s not to like, especially when it’s all pre-paid in the one-off price?

Last month, hubbie took some much-needed leave and we splurged on a week at Sandals La Toc in St Lucia. We had the luxury of butler service throughout our time, and I have to say, this is the ultimate spoiling.

Your man (or lady) is on call from 7am-10pm daily and their role is to ensure everything runs smoothly and you don’t have to worry about getting up to book a sunbed or your table at a restaurant. (They will also, if you wish, pack and unpack for you, but I’ve never been keen on the thought of my undies being rummaged through, so I’ve yet to take advantage of that part of the Downtown Abbey lifestyle.)

The butlers have it all down to a fine art, and on day one you’ll return from a hard day at the pool to find champagne on ice, and a rose petal bath ready and waiting for you. There will be flowers on the bed, too it’s so romantic!

Billing itself as a Golf & Spa Resort, Sandals La Toc is unique in that it offers a wide range of activities, dining options and pampering to suit everyone’s idea of a Caribbean getaway.

The 9-hole golf course is one of only two on the island. Sadly for us it rained every day (mind you, it was warm rain), but in-between the downpours we braved the golf course.

Not surprisingly it was pretty waterlogged (they don’t major on drainage in this part of the world), but it was an enjoyable experience.

Tennis, aerobics, a gym and water sports are also all on offer with impressive facilities and instruction at hand.

Sandals also operates two other resorts on St Lucia The Grande and Halcyon Beach and with the “stay at one, play at three” offer there is the chance to explore these resorts as well.

This makes St Lucia one of the best islands to choose as you can effectively move between their three resorts for sunbathing, activities and meals.

The clientele is exclusively adult, with a mixture of American, Canadian and Brits.

Although there are many young honeymooners, when we went, couples in their 50s and 60s were the norm, and it’s all very friendly.

With more than five fine dining options available you are guaranteed to find something to suit your taste.

My favourites were the French-themed La Toc Restaurant with fantastic haute cuisine, and the Japanese Kimonos offered teppanyaki chefs cooking your order right in front of you.

The standard of food and service is truly 5-star, explaining the high level of repeat business that Sandals enjoys.

St Lucia itself is a beautiful, vibrant island with healthy doses of French and British colonial influences.

The Aerial Tram tour at Rainforest Adventures St Lucia transports guests up and away from the heat and bustle of the lowlands to an ecological park located in the heights of St Lucia’s forest reserve.

Sixteen open-air gondolas ascend silently through the rainforest, offering magical views of nature in all its majesty. Towering trees and countless birds are described by an experienced nature interpreter.

The descent gives a bird’s eye view of the rainforests St Lucia offers and a spectacular panoramic vista of the north of the island.

Babonneau sky trams in the rainforest cost $72. See rainforestadventure.com.

The other excursion we took was the new fun, safe and environmentally friendly Segway X2, LucianStyle.

You glide along the scenic nature trail up beautiful Mount Pimard and enjoy breathtaking views of the island’s dramatic west coast.

First it’s lessons and practice time on the “Segway Practice Track” and then it’s a long gentle glide up the extensive groomed nature trail system while the informative guides talk about everything from the beautiful flowers and butterflies to the battles between the English and French.

The cost is $85 US per person. The tour runs everyday at 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm.

The website is lucianstyle.com where the tour can be booked directly, as well as all other tours on the island.

Factbox

For further information, go to stlucia.org or call the St Lucia Tourist Board on 020 7341 7000.

Sandals Resorts is offering 7 nights staying at Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa from £1,635 per person. Price includes Luxury Included accommodation, return flights from London and resort transfers, for travel dates May-June 2014. For further information or to make a booking contact Sandals Resorts on 0800 597 0002 or visit sandals.co.uk.

Virgin Atlantic fly five times weekly to St Lucia from London Gatwick. Prices start from £312 plus £329 tax. For more information, check out the website at virgin-atlantic.com or call 0844 209 7777. If you can afford it the extra legroom and service in Economy Plus is well worth it. Prices start from £577 plus £432 tax.