St. Lucia is truly ideal for lovers of nature and those of you who like a great photo. Its iconic pitons are the perfect backdrop. There are amazing hiking trails and some of its top resorts are on hilltops, providing spectacular views of the clear blue waters below.
Several hotels offer open-air villas, allowing you to sleep under the stars. The top resorts and their best spectacular suites are the subjects of this week’s issue.
1. Jade Mountain
2. Anse Chastanet
3. Ladera Resort
4. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
1. Jade Mountain
Inspectors at Forbes Travel Guide report, “High on a peak in the southern part of St. Lucia lies Jade Mountain Resort. There’s a reason why, year after year, Jade Mountain remains at the top of the list of honeymoon destinations. It’s unlikely you’ve visited a place that provides the setting that Jade Mountain does. The plush resort boasts two beaches, a spa, and a fitness studio.”
They add, “After a few days of relaxation, you might itch to explore the natural surroundings of Jade Mountain up close, such as the drive-in volcano.
There’s an endless number of island activities, including excursions to the rainforest, botanical gardens, and Sulphur springs; hiking and zip-lining; snorkeling and scuba diving; biking and kayaking.”
Galaxy Sanctuary
The Galaxy infinity pool sanctuaries are the sanctuaries numbered JC1, JD1, JE1. They feature 15 feet high ceiling and they are located on the southwest corner of Jade Mountain and enjoy the most commanding panoramic views, plus the biggest square footage with an average of 2,000 sq. ft. and an infinity pool averaging 900 sq. ft.
More Jade Mountain suites.
2. Anse Chastanet
Forbes Travel Guide inspectors say, “The views at the hillside Anse Chastanet Resort will blow you away. In a number of rooms, the fourth wall is removed, thereby thrusting you into the verdant St. Lucia jungle that surrounds the private 600-acre property…That immersed-in-nature feeling helps the individually designed rooms provide an authentic St. Lucian experience. But there are other touches: accommodations are filled with local wood (teak, mahogany, greenheart, red cedar, breadfruit), and bold-colored madras (a plaid-like cotton material) covers the bed pillows, sofa, and light robe.”
While there, “Make time to explore beyond the mesmerizing views, starting at the Soufrière hotel’s two volcanic sand beaches. The popular option is Anse Chastanet beach, known for its great snorkeling and scuba diving. Anse Mamin is a quiet strip of sand where you can go hiking or bird watching along 12 miles of paths, see historical ruins from one of the island’s oldest sugar cane plantations or simply bask in the sun and solitude…A marine reserve hides beneath the surface in the hotel’s bays. Snorkelers and scuba divers will want to dive in: Only 10 yards past the shoreline, coral reefs are home to more than 150 fish species.”
The Beach House
The Beach House at Anse Chastanet is located on the north corner of Anse Chastanet beach where you can sit and relax, looking out over the sparkling Caribbean Sea, watching sunsets year-round from your elevated brick deck in the landscaped oceanfront garden. The interior is bright and airy, bathed in warm Caribbean sunlight shining through its French doors and windows.
The interior decor of the Beach House is a celebration of Saint Lucia’s heritage which saw the island change hands between the French and the British 14 times. From the beach level next to the flower garden, you walk up a few hand-hewn stone steps, across your personal stone-column, gated bridge, onto the brick pathway, with its wind sculpture and antique sundial, leading to your spacious 450 sq. ft. covered patio (1,600 sq. ft. total). To rinse off sea salt and sand, simply dip under the outdoor shower adjacent to the brick pathway. The covered patio has a garden and roses on one side and an herb garden, flowers, and a water feature on the other.
The expansive bathroom off the main living area features two large, rectangular white porcelain pedestal sinks with inset mirrors and glass wall sconces. A large, open custom rose glass tile shower area provides you with two rain showers, a bench, and an additional handheld shower. A cast-iron clawfoot slipper tub is set in front of a garden window with a view of the unique water fountain and pond, with water lilies and Koi fish.
Piton Pool Suite
Exquisitely finished with coralina stone tiles and hand-crafted furniture made from tropical hardwoods the Piton Pool Suite is nestled amidst lush foliage in a private hillside setting, facing towards St Lucia’s famous Pitons mountains and the Caribbean Sea. The spacious bedroom with a walk-in closet opens to a 420 sq. ft. open-walled patio-living room area. The grand bathroom with Piton view features a couples shower with his and hers showerheads. Casuarina has a private 160 sq. ft. pool surrounded by a pool deck of 135 sq. ft.
Upon request, the suite can be connected to a second room, creating an interconnecting two-bedroom two-bathroom suite.
More Anse Chastanet Suites.
3. Ladera Resort
According to Forbes Travel Guide, “The relaxing getaway, which is found right outside of the town of Soufrière, is set at 1,100 feet above the Caribbean Sea. Situated with views of the mountainous volcanic peaks known as the Gros Piton and the Petit Piton, the property seamlessly blends its natural surroundings and sharp service….The 15-acre property, which was once part of one of the oldest cocoa plantations in Soufrière, offers 37 suites — each with a private pool. Every suite comes with an open wall so you can delight in the beautiful views of everything from the lush rainforest to the gorgeous shades of blue in the Caribbean Sea…Each piece of furniture found on the property has been handmade by master craftsman and property manager, Eustace Augustin. The handy St. Lucian is responsible for the wood tabletops seen in Dasheene restaurant, the front and back bed boards in the suites, the coffee tables, and more. Using a combination of mahogany, red cedar, pitch pine, blue mahoe, and green and purple heartwood from the forest, Augustin and his team make everything onsite at Ladera.”
What’s more, “You will also have access to a wide range of activities, including cooking classes at the luxury hotel’s Dasheene restaurant, rainforest walks with a local guide, or day trips to St. Lucia’s capital, Castries.”
Villa La Fleur
Villa La Fleur boasts a 30 ft. x 30 ft. Great Room, surrounded on three sides with hand-carved tall louvered doors, each opening onto a 10 ft. covered verandah. It is ideal for relaxing and dining with its high vaulted wood ceilings and hand-crafted exclusively designed wood furniture. Guests enjoy an open-air design or all doors can be closed to create a traditional Villa feel. The west veranda offers a breathtaking view of Petite Piton, the Caribbean Sea, and Gros Piton.
The 40 ft. x 12 ft. infinity pool also on this veranda adds to this dramatic view of this luxurious villa, giving the illusion of spilling down the hillside, emphasizing that 1,000-foot drop to the Caribbean Sea below. A fully equipped pool deck with an alfresco dining area and sun loungers creates the perfect atmosphere in which to “work from your villa”, sunbathe, enjoy a little romance or become utterly entranced by the breathtaking Piton and the Caribbean Sea panoramas. The east veranda offers a rainforest view perfect for relaxing and dining.
The great room features an open floor plan with a large dining area, a comfy sitting area with large sofas and big-screen television, and an open plan kitchen that sets the tone for casual dining with a breakfast bar. The kitchen is complete with modern appliances, including a side-by-side refrigerator with an ice maker, stove, dishwasher, microwave, and coffee maker. A Personal Chef and cuisine are available at an additional charge. Just off the great room is a full guest bathroom with access from the hall as well as the pool deck.
At the end of the hall, and nearest the entrance to the Villa, is a master bedroom suite with a private terrace, air conditioning, en-suite bathroom, a hand-carved four-poster King bed, a walk-in closet, safe, wet bar with a small refrigerator, electric kettle and sitting area.
If you are traveling with family or friends there is a second master bedroom suite on the second floor with a private terrace, air conditioning, large screen television, en-suite bathroom, a hand-carved four-poster King bed, a walk-in closet, safe, wet bar with a small refrigerator, electric kettle and sitting area.
More suites at Ladera.
4. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
Forbes’ inspectors’ report, “Resting between St. Lucia’s iconic twin Piton volcanoes and surrounded by rainforest, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort is a visually stunning retreat nestled into the hillside that overlooks its namesake white-sand beach…The former plantation property has been transformed into an ultra-luxe resort that plays up the past (colonial-inspired décor, personal butler service) with thoroughly modern comforts (private plunge pools).”
They continue, “If you can tear yourself away from your plush plantation-style room, you’ll be rewarded with island adventures ranging from beach volleyball and water sports to coastal horseback rides and zip-lining through the jungle canopy. You won’t want for ways to explore the towering Pitons (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and surrounding 100 acres of rainforest…All around the resort, you’ll find places to laze about, but The Palm Court Lounge takes relaxation to new heights with oversized swinging day beds with views of the Caribbean…Personal butler service comes along with every reservation, meaning you can hit one of the two white-sand beaches as soon as you arrive while your butler unpacks your luggage, secures dinner reservations, and brings you a fresh mojito…Water sports abound, including scuba, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking…The resort’s Rainforest Spa is made up of seven treehouse-style treatment pavilions set in the midst of dense tropical foliage.”
Four Bedroom Beachfront Residence
The 4,000 sq. ft. residence features four ocean view master bedrooms. Three master bedrooms have king beds and one master bedroom offers two twin beds. Enjoy 180-degree views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. Transit the private stairs and entrance to Glenconner Beach. Come back for a dip in your 1,164 sq. ft. infinity pool.
There is an outdoor dining and kitchen area, private patio, walled garden, and outdoor balcony terraces, game room with pool table, custom Italian kitchen with Gaggenau & Miele professional appliances, living and dining room with floor to ceiling windows, and sliding doors.
More suites and villas at Sugar Beach.
