The Pitons of St. Lucia seen from boat

The Pitons of St. Lucia seen from boat

By Michelle Blackley, Taking the Kids Correspondent

Beat the cold and head south where an island is waiting to embrace you. A warm breeze, sunny skies and dancing waves create a perfect setting for parents and children alike.

Although St. Lucia welcomes the most visitors during January through April, due to its dry season, a typical tourist scene is not to be found.  The tropical weather and scenery, and numerous beaches are the perfect backdrop for Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in Vieux Fort.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is situated on 85 oceanfront acres, and offers two worlds in one along St. Lucia’s exotic south coast. Located only five minutes from the international airport, this AAA Three Diamond resort features 250 air-conditioned rooms, four restaurants, six bars, five pools, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, full service salon and oceanfront spa, and the island’s largest waterpark. The all-included amenities are designed to please all ages – in its casually Caribbean and family-friendly style.

Sulphur Springs in the Drive Through Volcano on St. Lucia

Sulphur Springs in the Drive Through Volcano on St. Lucia

Nothing beats the winter blues better than a little adventure. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa’s “All-Inclusive Catamaran Land & Sea Adventure” is ideal for families large and small, and for children of all ages. This full day land and sea journey sails from Laborie (transportation is available from the hotel) up the west coast of St. Lucia to the town of Soufriere, home of the majestic twin peaks known as “The Pitons,” two mountainous volcanic plugs and spires (Gros Piton and Petit Piton) a World Heritage Site. The catamaran then heads to a swim stop along the coast of Soufriere. After, a tasty buffet lunch of heritage cuisine is served at The Beacon Restaurant. The Green Fig Salad and Butter Fish are two to try. Tender figs and fresh juice compliment the meal. The friendly service is complimented by a beautiful ambience of nature, seen from below this open-air and bright restaurant.

While in Soufriere don’t miss a guided tour through the world’s only drive-in volcano and sulphur springs. The tour is an education in geology. It’s then a 45-minute scenic drive back to Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa.

See the Pitons, drink the beer

While the kids are enjoying one of the many pools, or hanging out in the “Kids Club,” enjoy a can or two of Piton Beer, found stocked within every mini-bar at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa.

Piton Beer is a refreshing mountain brew that’s perfect for tropical weather consumption and sure to satisfies thirsts. This pilsner lager, made with specially selected malt, hops, yeast and maize