compassionate leave bereavement The Barre de l Isle Trail is a rigorous hike along the barre, or ridge, that divides the eastern and

After Easter week, prices begin to decrease until they bottom out during hurricane season in late summer and early fall. You ll be able to find airline tickets, cruises, car rentals, and resort packages at bargain rates, but be aware that some businesses close during this down-time. If you can live with the downside, or consider the possibility of a hurricane an exciting lure, by all means take advantage of the low-season bargains.

The Barre de l Isle Trail is a rigorous hike along the barre, or ridge, that divides the eastern and western parts of the Central Forest Reserve, which covers the middle of the island. Expect to spend an hour or two on the 2km/1.2m (one way) trail, and another couple of hours if you choose to climb 438m/1,437f Morne La Combe. It s a good use of a full morning. There are fantastic views at four observation points along the ridge, and you have a fair chance of spotting a St. Lucian parrot. From the top of La Combe, you can see 950m/3,116f Mount Gimie and both the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

767-449-7998, http://stonedge.free.fr Eight rooms $ The charming owners of this new lodge are Belgian (Didier) and Dominican (Viviana), giving the place a unique mix of styles. Three guest rooms are located in the main house, which is on a hill overlooking the Caribbean. The double rooms overlook a large living area that is decorated in a rustic fashion with a vaulted, exposed timber ceiling. Five additional rooms are set in side-by-side, brightlypainted bungalows a short distance down the hill. All units have private baths and wall fans. Guests get acquainted while swimming in the pool and playing a round of golf on the crazy 18-hole mini course laid out on one side of the house. A balcony restaurant serves meals, and a TV in the lounge carries satellite channels. Pick up souvenirs and gifts in the boutique, which carries Caribbean art.

767-449-8181, fax 767-449-8182 www.natureislanddive.com/accomodation.html Two apartments $$$ The energetic couples compassionate leave bereavement who run Nature Island compassionate leave bereavement Dive (see page 74) own these cottages by the sea just outside Soufri re. The two units, one above the other, are self-contained, surprisingly elegant, and very spacious. The upper unit has one bedroom and a queen-size sofa bed in the living room.