Things to do and see in Soufrière

This working plantation grows cocoa beans, coconuts and sugarcane and welcome visitors to demonstrate the processes used. There are some gorgeous tropical gardens here, as well as an example of a traditional St Lucian village. You’ll also find a creole restaurant and gift shop. Join guided tours on foot or horseback or have a crack at high octane activities like whizzing through the air with St Lucia Ziplining.

The Soufriere Volcano in Sulphur Springs Park is the Lesser Antilles’ most active geothermal area. It’s also home to the only drive-in volcano in the Caribbean thanks to a road that traverses the crater. Though the last eruption was yonks ago, sulphur is still vented into the air and bubbling pools of water. Take a soak in the warm pools and a dip in mud baths and marvel at Mother Nature’s powerful handiwork.

You’ll find the reserve at the foot of Mount Gimie, which is the highest peak on the island. Follow the Enbas Saut Trail for 600 or so steps down to the waterfall, have a swim and wander back up again, with the option to extend the walk with forest trails if you fancy. Look out for the St Lucia Parrot and don’t miss the staggering viewpoints along the way.

Pack your camera for the amazingly colourful Diamond Falls, where minerals in the river - copper, sulphur, magnesium, iron… - have created a burst of different colours in the rock. You can take a dip in the hot spring baths here, which were famously once used by King Louis XVI’s troops. Or follow the nature trail to the old mill and waterwheel which date back to the 1700’s.

One of the biggest waterfalls on St Lucia, the Toraille drops 50ft or so. You can swim in the natural pool, and pack a picnic to tuck into on benches overlooking the falls.

With water so warm it’s like having a shower, the Piton Falls have the nickname of the ‘warm mineral falls’. Stand underneath and you get a marvellous massage from Mother Nature.

While the original Lady of Assumption church was built in the late 1700’s, an earthquake and growing population led to the rebuilding of the current catholic church which dates back to 1953. The neo-gothic structure with its wooden ceiling and stained-glass windows is worth a visit, whether you’re joining locals for mass or just having a walk around.

Covering 135 acres, the Fond Doux plantation is over 250 years old and has held onto the French colonial feel. On its famous heritage tour, you can get involved in the process of chocolate creation, whether it’s cocoa harvesting, drying or cocoa dancing. Learn about local plants, fruits and trees and hike a spectacular rainforest trail as you look out for hummingbirds and other indigenous species.