Those looking to combine the culture of the Caribbean islands with stunning natural beauty should visit St Lucia, according to one travel writer.

Writing for CNN travel, Eileen Ogintz said that on a recent visit to the island she discovered a wealth of natural and unique attractions.
Perhaps the most famous of these is the Pitons Management Area, a designated Unesco world heritage site.

The pitons are two volcanic mountains rising over 700 metres out of the sea. Linked by the Piton Mitan ridge, the pair provide a huge geothermal field which produces hot springs and the surrounding waters are almost 60 per cent covered in coral reefs.

According to Unesco, "The combination of the Pitons against the backdrop of green tropical vegetation...gives the area its superlative beauty."

Ms Ogintz also recommended paying a visit to the inn Villa des Pitons.

"Here we were treated to a gorgeous view of the pitons and the pastel-painted Caribbean houses spilling down the hillside to the coast. As fishing and sailboats bobbed in the water, we feasted on local foods," she explained.