Virgin Voyages' guide to Castries, St. Lucia

It’ll be next to impossible not to be taken by the sea of brightly colored houses and swarming shops that pepper the bustling coast as you approach Castries. One of Castries’ most distinctive facts is its unique background with volcanos, in fact, the island of St. Lucia itself was formed almost entirely by the volcanic activity of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, making their sulfur hot springs, sprawling coral reef and drive-in volcano some of their most admired attractions.

On a journey to Soufrière, you'll witness the majestic Pitons commanding the coast while heading to Hot Sulphur Springs. Take a dip inside the warm, bubbling craters, with mud rich in volcanic minerals (and, some say, age-defying properties) covering you from head to toe. After this time of restorative contemplation, you'll visit a sugar mill — one of the few with remains of the past — where you'll get to soak up the local culture with some history and a traditionally prepared meal.

Gros and Petit Pitons are dormant volcanic peaks plunging out of a coral reef in the gem-toned waters below. You’ll hike through different ecosystems, including a rainforest trail and even boulders, walking in the footsteps of the native Arawaks who roamed the land circa 200 AD while observing the endemic fauna and wildlife encountered along the terrain. After working up an appetite, lunch will be served at a resort nestled between the mounds, overlooking stunning vistas of Jalousie Bay.