If St. Lucia is the perfect destination, Windjammer Landing is the ideal headquarters for your family vacation on this island.  Located near the capital city of Castries on gentle Labrelotte Bay, the resort's secluded white sand beach is surrounded by 55 acres of landscaped greenery and flower-lined brick paths.  Tucked high into the hillside above the beach, you will find charming red-tiled roofed villas which offer privacy and create the feeling of seclusion.  You can choose from among single hotel rooms, and one to four-bedroom villas.  All villas feature sun decks with ocean views and fully-equipped kitchens, and many also include private plunge pools.

A 24-hour shuttle service transports you between your villa and the main dining and activities areas near the beach.  Casual dining options range from Café Labrelotte, a coffee/ice cream shop and Internet café, to Jammer's, the popular lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks place, where hungry kids consume huge plates of spaghetti, and the service could be improved.  Embers BBQ Grill is a beachfront option and Papa Don's Taverna features pizza, pasta and Mediterranean specialties.   Its hillside location provides the extra bonus of a spectacular view of the island of Martinique, 25 miles from St. Lucia.  Dragonfly serves a plentiful breakfast buffet with many kid-friendly choices, and in the evening is transformed into an elegant restaurant featuring tasty Euro-Caribbean fare with a touch of Asian influence.

Windjammer Landing is both elegant and casual, offering excellent facilities and service in a low-key atmosphere.  It's perfect for refueling, far from the hub-bub of larger resorts.  There's lots to do if you choose, and the published list of daily activities typically includes beach aerobics and aquacize, tone and stretch classes, beach soccer, mixology classes and hikin.

Watersports range from lying on the beach and swimming in the gentle water or pools, to kayaking, sailing, waterskiing and windsurfing, or to snorkeling and a PADI scuba program.  Equipment and supervision are top notch, with the friendly Urban Augustine winning the Caribbean Hotel Association's "Supervisor of the Year" award in 2005.

If you're up for some tennis, there are two lighted courts, and if golf is your game, you can play at a country club nearby.  The Gym opens daily at 6am, and a sunset cruise is the perfect way to end your day.

Windjammer's Serenity Spa has recently doubled in size.  Therapeutic treatments include hydrotherapy and eucalyptus steam rooms and a Jacuzzi.  A full array of skin and body treatments, manicures, pedicures and hair styling are available in the spa, or in your villa, poolside, or on the beach where the gentle breezes will add to your experience.  I hope you enjoy a cleansing and healing facial (done with marine ingredients) as much as the one I received from Yvette, who made it the best I'd ever had!  Choose either a half-hour or 50-minute Swedish or Deep Tissue massage, or a full hour Couples massage with your partner. 

While you're involved with all that Windjammer offers, don't worry about your kids.  The Jacquot Fun Club (named after the Creole word for the St. Lucian Parrot) is open seven days a week and is complimentary for 4 to 12-year-olds.  This is the headquarters for playground play, nature walks, boat rides, swimming and other interesting on and off-site activities.  The new Teen Club offers 13 to 18-year-olds water polo, sports, contests and a Teens Disco.  Even infants and toddlers are cared for by specially trained caregivers, as 20 hours of complimentary nanny service is included in the Family Package.

While exploring the island, you will discover some of its English and French roots, and have a chance to meet many warm and gracious St. Lucians.  Tours and excursions can be arranged by the resort, or, the on-site car rental agency will outfit you so you can explore on your own.  Either way, don't miss the "walk-in" volcano, the peaceful rain forest, whale watching, horseback riding, jungle biking or an island cruise.  Remembering the sight of the Gros and Petit Pitons, the dramatic twin volcanic outcroppings which have become the symbol of St. Lucia, will always  remind you of your perfect vacation on this beautiful island.   

Windjammer Landing St. Lucia, W.I. www.windjammer-landing.com; 800/WLV-RESORT, 758/456-9000 $$$ - $$$$ for a two bedroom villa      A    A    A-    A- Extra Credit:  20 hours of one-on-one infant care makes bringing baby a breeze. Comments:  Serene setting makes for a real break from stress.