St. Lucia: The 10 Best Ways to Spend a Long Weekend

St. Lucia, voted the world's top honeymoon destination in 2018, is breaking its own tourism records as more travelers discover its sandy coves, lush rainforests and clear waters. April to June is a great time to visit while the weather is wonderful and the winter crowds and prices are down.

Formed by long-ago volcanic eruptions, the Pitons are St. Lucia's most stunning feature. Take a boat to see this World Heritage Site and photograph their lush, green silhouettes, highlighted by the blue Caribbean Sea. If you're in good shape, hike the larger of the two, Gros Piton, a moderately easy climb. It's the only Piton hike sanctioned by the St. Lucian government. An experienced guide is highly recommended for steep Petit Piton, which challenges even the pros. Once you're up, the views are incredible. Be safe, and research the hikes before you go.

Rainforest cycling and jungle biking are fantastic ways to experience St. Lucia's natural beauty. Adventure Tours offers a rainforest mountain bike tour; book ahead, as it fills up fast with passengers from cruise ships. This four-hour tour, rated moderately challenging, takes you through lush forest trails to spectacular Dennery Waterfall. Bike St. Lucia's tours wind past tropical vegetation and 18th-century ruins on the Anse Mamin Plantation, part of Anse Chastanet Resort. There are miles of trails suitable for novices or experts and a training area for learning and practicing off-road skills. Advanced bikers can try Tinker's Trail, designed by world champion racer Tinker Juarez. It's a thriller, complete with tight switchbacks and gasp-inducing hills.

Harbor Club, on beautiful Rodney Bay, makes an ideal base for exploring St. Lucia over a long weekend. Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, the resort features four full-sized pools, four restaurants and 115 rooms and suites, some with swim-up access. Catch a free water taxi to nearby Pigeon Island, a national landmark with a beautiful, sandy beach and a historic fort. Later, head to Rodney Bay to shop, dine and visit vibrant, late-night bars. Save time to play blackjack, roulette or the slot machines at Treasure Bay, St. Lucia's only casino.

From Harbor Club, board a luxury catamaran at Rodney Bay Marina for the resort's signature sunset cruise down-island. The sky turns coral-pink, yellow and red as the sun sinks and crew members pass around small bites and glasses of wine, rum punch and other libations from the open bar. Relax in a bean bag on the netting between the hulls and watch the waves splash below your feet, or get up and dance when the captain cranks up the music. The three-hour cruise is offered on Thursdays through Saturdays; check the website for times and prices.