It’s no wonder that the independent isle of St. lucia is a destination of choice for ABC’s romantic reality series The Bachelor. Located halfway down the Eastern Caribbean Windward Islands chain, this is a small, dreamy island known for wild orchids and giant ferns, vividly plumed tropical parrots and volcanically formed coastal peaks.

And we haven’t even mentioned coral reefs that are a snorkeler’s heaven and misty rain forests for hiking and eco-gazing. Morgan Bay, one of the all-inclusive Almond group of resorts, is nestled in a private cove on St. Lucia’s northwest coast. Its 250 oceanview rooms and suites are surrounded by colorful gardens, and there are water sports galore—think sailing, kayaking, snorkeling and banana-boat rides. on-site is an array of dining options and swimming pools.

There’s enough to keep kids and their parents busy—or lazy—for days at the resort, but don’t miss other island attractions. Among them: a cruise to historic Soufrière, with views of the majestic mountains and a visit to Sulfur Springs and an ancient volcano; a thrilling zip-line course (older kids and up) and an aerial tram ride at castries waterworks rain-forest reserve.

Now part of the British Commonwealth, St. Lucia was passed back and forth between England and France 14 times. Combine these European influences with the indigenous Arawak and Carib Indian tribes and you have a melting-pot culture represented by the charming, colorful St. Lucians of today.

Essentials
For kids: Nursery (ages 0–2); Kids Club (ages 3–teen), including games, music, crafts, cooking and more; water sports; child-friendly pool and restaurant. For moms: Massages, hydrotherapy and more in the full-service spa; adults-only pool; tennis clinics; nightly live entertainment. Info: Inclusive from $218 per person per night; 800-425-6663, almondresorts.com