Sixty million years ago, Nature laid on a spectacular show. It was an extravaganza of epic proportions with a kaleidoscopic refulgence of fiery explosions seldom seen since. When the dust and debris had settled, the result of this upheaval was revealed - a dazzling jewel of an island shimmering in the azure blue of the Caribbean Sea.

This turbulent birth has left Saint Lucia with a fascinating natural legacy. The island is almost entirely volcanic with some of the oldest rock formations found at the extreme northern and southern tips of the island.

More recently - between thirty to forty million years ago - an extended sequence of volcanic activity filled in the Barre de L'Isle (literally the "barrier of the island", a ridge of hills that separates the windward and leeward sides of St. Lucia) and the rocks underlying the east coast from Grand Anse to the upper Savannes Bay.

Here, the main geological structure is a massive, circular depression about 4 miles (6 km) in diameter called the Qualibou Caldera. This enormous defunct volcanic crater was produced either by a major eruption, or the collapse of a large volcanic cone. There is evidence of thirty-three consecutive eruptions in this area with as many as 1,000 years elapsing between each one. These violent explosions carried pumice, ash and pyroclastic ejecta as far as 8 miles (13 km) beyond the volcano's rim.

The caldera then collapsed and set the stage for the emergence of large domes and vast volcanic craters. It was at this moment that the majestic Pitons were formed.

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The central rainforest area, about 18,000 acres in all, is dominated by three giant tree species - the chataigner, gommier and mahoe. This is the home of the St. Lucia parrot and the source of many of the island's rivers.

The forest zones contain an abundant supply of water which is hardly surprising as the island's annual rainfall is some thirty-five billion gallons. However, most of this ends up in the Caribbean Sea, for the impervious volcanic bedrock offers little in the way of storage and rententive facilities.

The beaches of St. Lucia come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Whatever their description, they are all beautiful and they are all free. There are no privately owned beaches on the island. Fifty yards above high tide mark, around the entire coastline, is the Queen's Chain. This is public domain and it means that every single St. Lucian beach is yours to discover.

The busiest is Reduit Beach on the north-west coast of this Caribbean isle. The sea is calm and safe and the sand is golden. Beach chairs and cold drinks are readily available and there is plenty to do. Sunfish sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing and jet skiing are all on offer here. Or you can simply sit back and let the world drift gently by... true Caribbean style.

One long and particularly beautiful stretch of sand is Vigie Beach, less than 10 minutes walk from Villa La Paloma. Before the Gros Islet highway was built and opened up the northern sector of the island, Vigie Beach was the most fashionable place to bathe. Today, despite its central location, it remains more idle, a well-kept secret where there is plenty of room to stretch out and stroll. The Caribbean Sea is wonderfully clean and there is shade beneath the almond trees for picnics.

Whether you are looking for deserted stretches of volcanic black or white sand, beaches who buzz with action; wild and untamed shores on the Atlantic coast or tranquil and clear seas of the Caribbean sea, look no futher, Saint Lucia can provide them all."

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St. Lucia offers myriad opportunities and unparalleled places to explore. Fun-filled activities, exciting discoveries, educational enrichment on the history of St. Lucia and wonderful memories - they are all to be enjoyed on the mystical "Helen of the West Indies"

There are several ways to see the island. If you prefer to do it alone, a rental jeep or car is the answer. Take a good road map and ask for assistance on the way. Be cautious of anybody on the road, we recommend you do not pick up any passengers on your journey. If you want to avoid the larger groups on guided tours, then book a taxi. At Villa La Paloma we can recommend several for you. The drivers have an excellent knowledge of the island and are also good at suggesting "off the beaten track" locations.

There are so many choices of tours to take which we will be happy to recommend on your arrival at Villa La Paloma. For general sightseeing we recommend the day sail to Soufriere on Endless Summer. This tour generally includes the Diamond Mineral Baths, Botanical Gardens and a Waterfall, the Sulphur Springs and the Pitons.

To experience our rainforests, a Jeep Safari Tour is a must. This tour takes you to the rainforest and waterfalls in open-backed, rough road jeeps. Truly a real experience with Mother Nature.

Sightseeing experiences on St. Lucia can be enriching and wonderful fun. Please however, bear in mind that St. Lucian customs may be slightly different to those you are accustomed to at home. Therefore, sit back and enjoy the experience - remembering that life here moves a little more slowly than you may be accustomed to, but then you are on vacation! Relax and enjoy the flow; island life is always always irie.

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Extracted from the "Indigo Guide on St. Lucia", editorial by Caroline Popovic.

Caroline Popovic is a St. Lucian Journalist who lives in Martinique, where she works primarily for French television. She also edits and writes publications in St. Lucia and the rest of the Caribbean.

Photos are property of Island Connection Agency and used here with permission from Island Connection Agency.