The Brits go to Tuscany in the summer; the Italians go to Elba. 

Looks like the Italians are on to a good thing!

One of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets, the Tuscan island of Elba is the perfect destination for an Autumn walking holiday, as the summer crowds have long departed and the temperature has dropped to a comfortable level. It is also when the Tuscany Walking Festival takes places allowing participants to discover the natural and historic treasures of the island free (or, in some cases, a few Euros).

If visitors travel in September and October, they have the chance to join one of the Tuscany Walking Festival events, whether it’s a hike to the English Fort built in 1700, a moonlit silent walk appreciating “mindfully” the late night smells and sounds of Marciana, watching the annual bird migration or keeping fit with Elba No Limits as they take participants on a walk incorporating an open-air gym session, there really is something for visitors with every kind of interest.

​‘It’s like a Mediterranean village’, I said as the taxi passed through the entrance to Windjammer Landing, the unique resort hotel in St Lucia, and I spotted the Mediterranean roof-tiled buildings. Indeed, that is how its designer wanted it to look and it certainly worked.
 
Situated at Labrelotte Bay on the north west coast of St Lucia, stunning Windjammer Landing is built on the side of a hill on an island where peaks rise to over three thousand feet, It’s a delightful mix of hotel room and villa accommodation offering guests the option of self catering with breakfast, or all-inclusive. The A I package covers all meals at its five restaurants, wines by the glass as well as cocktails and premium spirits. It also includes motorised and non-motorised water sports as well as kids’ clubs and tennis clinics.

​Home for my stay was a gorgeous two-bedroom villa at the top of the hill with stunning views out to sea from the patio and pool. The villa included two bathrooms, a large and comfortably-furnished lounge and a huge kitchen-diner with American-size cooker, microwave, fridge freezer, washing machine, tumble drier, a comprehensive range of kitchen appliances and loads of crockery and cutlery. I could easily have moved in on a permanent basis!

​A fleet of air-conditioned shuttle vehicles is available on demand to save guests negotiating the steep roads leading down to reception and the beach. Next to reception is a sun-lounger area and pools for those that don’t want a dip in the sea.
 
Lining the beach are a number of restaurants. Light and airy Dragonfly is where breakfast is served as well as dinner and, on Tuesdays a great Caribbean buffet, whilst Jammer’s offers casual lunch and dinner as well as a welcome and shady bar. Along the beach past the ice-cream parlour I discovered Embers.  It’s a great place for lunch in the shade and offers a menu ranging from light bites to substantial meals. 

​Another great discovery was 96 degrees, a circular bar just along the beach from Embers and ideal for guests looking for a quiet drink and a break from the hot sun. It’s one of those friendly bars where guests quickly fall into conversation with others whilst enjoying a cool beer or cocktail. 

Just up the hill from reception I enjoyed an authentic Italian dinner at Papa Don’s, rightly popular with guests and again served by the ubiquitous air-conditioned shuttles.
 
In the unlikely event that it decides to rain for longer than a few minutes, the hotel has a comfortable seating area and a library stocked with good books. There’s also a shop, Windmart, where guests can stock up on things they need to save leaving the resort. 

With a spa, gym, tennis courts, water sports and kids’ club, there’s plenty to keep guests of all ages occupied, and a range of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. What more could you want!