Last month Luxury Travel Magazine published its top 10 list of ideal vacation spots for travellers looking for a tropical Christmas holiday. Interestingly, the Caribbean island of St. Lucia took two spots in the list, coming in at number ten and number one. Both resorts are part of the famed 600-acre Anse Chastanet region which enjoys government protection and recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The number ten slot went to the Anse Chastanet St. Lucia Resort, a boutique hotel located near the northern limit of Anse Chastanet. The waters just off this particular area are well known for great scuba diving and snorkelling. In fact, many of the best reefs are just meters off the beach with very easy access for guests. The beach has been protected and preserved and is open for public access. As for the hotel itself, it's been noted for its unobtrusive nature which highlights the surrounding area's natural beauty and incorporates it into the design and architecture.

A few miles down the road is the Jade Mountain resort, the destination that took the number one slot on the list. Jade Mountain has stunning views of the Pitons as well as an overall environment which truly capitalizes on the beauty of the Caribbean. The resort is also known as one of the most romantic in the area for honeymoon couples. It is one of the most popular wedding and honeymoon destinations on St. Lucia's West Coast.

Luxury travellers, who typically seek out holidays in the Indian Ocean or Caribbean destinations like Jamaica, will be pleasantly surprised the first time they experience St. Lucia luxury holidays . Most of the resorts on the island are considered world-class and provide accommodations and service on par with any other high-end destination. Yet the one thing this island nation offers that can't be found anywhere else is its volcanic mountains.

St. Lucia is the most mountainous island in the Caribbean and features its own drive-in a volcano. It is one of only two such volcanoes in the whole world. In addition, the island offers world famous botanical Gardens and its famous of Sulphur Springs. With so much geographic variation, natural wonder, and opportunity to enjoy the majesty of nature, St. Lucia is the perfect destination for families or couples looking for more than just relaxing days on the beach. Not that time on the beach is unavailable -- indeed, it is plentiful. But St. Lucia offers so much more.

It is no accident that St. Lucia took two positions on Luxury Travel Magazine's top 10 ideal vacation spots list. It is an up-and-coming tourist destination quickly making a name for itself in the hearts and minds of the most discriminating travellers. If you've not yet been to St. Lucia you owe it to yourself to do so as part of your 2012 travel plans.

For St. Lucia luxury holidays contactAirworld Tours , the UK-based luxury holiday company offering the best in Caribbean and Indian Ocean travel.