We're planning another trip in December and are considering either St. Lucia/Martinique or a return to St. Martin/St. Barts. We've been to St. Martin twice, and I really like being able to drive around the island and explore different restaurants and beaches. From what I've read, St. Lucia seems like an island where you spend most of your time at whatever resort you choose and don't really leave (unless it's for an organized activity or tour). I prefer smaller hotels and communities with restaurants that are independently run (we usually stay near Orient Village), so if this is the case with St. Lucia, it may not be an ideal choice.

Has anyone spent time on both islands? If so, are there options in St. Lucia that are comparable to Orient Village or maybe the St. Jean area of St. Barts?