My husband and are planning a trip to St. Lucia in the Soufriere area. Have looked at renting a home through VRBO. Would like some feedback on the area, hiking, snorkeling, restaurants, day trip ideas, We're thinking about going sometime between mid April to early May for a week. Thanks for your help.

I am a St. Lucian resident in Canada and visit regularly. Soufriere is an excellent choice for all the interests you have listed. I would recommend that you use the provided guides and climb the Gros Piton and take a rain forest hike, also with a good guide. One of the best restaurants is at Ladera Resort. Snorkelling and scuba are excellent in Soufriere.

I have guests that rent my condo in the north that combine both the areas of Soufriere and Rodney Bay where all the excitement and great restaurants are and that is good if you are spending more time.

Your choice is excellent so have a great time there.

I loved this place: http://www.fonddouxestate.com/ It has individual cottages spread out over an old, but working, chocolate plantation. Flowers, fruit trees, and cacao abound. Hiking in the neighborhood. There is a restaurant on the premises, but there are many small, family-owned restaurants nearby, as well as Dasheen at Ladera next door. Very nice!!

Thanks Rogandgee for your input. My husband and I were planning to hike the gros piton with a guide. Do you know where I can find any information guided hikes for both the rain forest and piton? Also how do I find info about your condo?

Sorry for the delay. I am currently in Europe vacationing. Go to www.vrbo.com and use id#564559

As far as the hiking is concerned I am not up to date with such contacts.