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= Tourism in Saint Lucia = Saint Lucia, an island in the Caribbean islands, has a relatively large and lucrative tourism industry. Due to the relatively small land area of the country, most of the governmental promoting is performed by the state operated Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, led by Executive Chairperson Agnes.

Currency
Together with other states in the island chain, Saint Lucia is part of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, whose Eastern Caribbean Central Bank is responsible for a currency union managing the Eastern Caribbean dollar (US$1 = EC$2.7).

Area and location
Saint Lucia has the area of 239 squared miles (620 sq. km.). It is located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, in the windward islands.


 * Coordinates 13°53′N, 60°68′W
 * Population: 158,178 (July 2001 est.) / World Rank: 180
 * Capital City: Castries, northern Saint Lucia
 * Largest City: Castries, population 53,000 (2000 est.)

Tourism industry
Saint Lucia tends to be popular due to its tropical weather and scenery and for its large number of beaches and resorts. Warm sunshine, cozy beaches, stunning natural beauty – all are reason enough to escape the drudgery of winter and all are found in abundance on the unique Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. That is not all the island has to offer, the island has a rich, intriguing history, a flavorful culture, enticing cuisine, exciting sports and adventure activities, and it is known as one of the Caribbean’s most spa oriented destinations.

Ladera Resort is located on a volcano ridgeline, 1,000 feet above the Caribbean Sea, with views of the Pitons. The resort, set on the grounds on one of Soufrière’s oldest cocoa plantations, has just 37 rooms and suites; all have a view of at least one Piton. Each room has its own private heated plunge pool to take in the views from. Local art can be found in the rooms and throughout the resort; this includes hand-carved works in all of the wood (from the headboards and support beams to poolside decorations). All of the bedroom sets, tables and chairs are completely custom.

Dasheene is one of the top restaurants on St. Lucia. Executive Chef Nigel Mitchel and his staff use fresh, local ingredients; the chef prepares “stylish interpretations” of traditional St. Lucian dishes, such as sweet potato and coconut soup, Caribbean lamb salad, roast conch with pickled vegetables, Cajun Creole vegetable bakes, jerk poulet sausage, plantain gratin with coconut rum sauce and more. The restaurant is split into three levels: The Bar, a lunch section (which allows children, for non-hotel guests) and a dinner section. There is also a wine cellar, where guests can book a chef for a private dinner. Guests can build a menu in advance with Chef Nigel and can enjoy dinner for two to 10 people.

The Spa at Ladera has three treatment rooms and an outdoor series of cascading hot tubs in the spa gardens (think pre- or post- massage).

Cap Maison Resort & Spa. The 50-villa resort almost better resembles a Mediterranean cliffside hotel than it does a Caribbean resort. Oceanview Villa Suite with Pool & Roof Terrace. This room has a master bedroom, a living/ dining room, a kitchen and large private verandahs, as well as rooftop space — which offers a private swimming pool, loungers and more. For a private meal, guests can have the resort prepare a barbecue dinner on their rooftop.There are two restaurants on property led by Head Chef Craig Jones: The Cliff at Cap and The Naked Fisherman. The former offers fine dining and a contemporary French Caribbean menu, while the latter serves more casual eats on the beach. Spa treatments, which range from rituals and journeys to body massages, facials and exfoliations, are available in the two treatment rooms, on the villa ter- races, the pool, gazebo or on the beach. Group and private yoga, Pilates and fitness classes are also available. Cap Maison also has a private wine cellar, where guests can enjoy private dinners and events with the resort’s sommelier. There are also two wine tastings offered: A casual, tutored tasting and a fine wine tasting. Cooking classes and more can also be booked for foodies.

Beaches
Saint Lucia is known for the warm scenic beaches some of which are covered in black volcanic sand. The island's beautiful climate, with temperature's averaging at 80°F (27°C) all years, makes the beaches and the water all the more alluring and irresistible. Along with the good weather and the crystal clear water the island is inviting to many water adventures everywhere from snorkeling to jet skiing to parasailing it can all be done on the island.

Other attractions
Although cruises and beaches are what draws most tourists to Saint Lucia, other attractions include:


 * The Pitons, two volcanic plugs rising more than 700 m directly from the sea that form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 * Sulphur Springs - Located in Soufrière, it is the world's only drive-in volcano.
 * St. Lucia Botanical Gardens - This botanical garden has a wide variety of plant species, and a sulfur waterfall.

Saint Lucia, located in the eastern Caribbean Sea between Martinique and Saint Vincent, is the second- largest of the Windward Islands. The interior of the volcanically formed island consists of mountains and hills, and is surrounded by a coastal strip. The cone-like twin peaks of the Gros Piton and Petit Piton are Saint Lucia’s outstanding natural feature.

Cities
View of the capital city of Castries.

Main districts that tourists are drawn to include:


 * Castries
 * Soufrière
 * Marigot Bay
 * Gros Islet
 * Choisuel