Picture relaxing in your private plunge pool, glass of wine in hand, looking out at the sun setting over the Pitons. As you watch the mix of pink and purple on the horizon you can hear the sounds of the night birds mixed with the faintest hint of Creole music playing in the village nearby. Whether you're planning a honeymoon or baby-moon, or a getaway from your job, or you're simply in need of some time for yourself - St. Lucia has a resort that is perfect for you.
This might be the one island that actually has it all. Amazing food, scenery that you might think is unreal at first glance, great drinks, and opportunities for a wide range of activities. It's the perfect destination for pretty much everything.
On top of all that - it's easy to get to. St. Lucia is a relatively quick flight from the US, and there are non-stop flights from eight major US cities.
So - where should you stay? Consider one of these resorts!
Jade Mountain Resort
This resort, located on the quiet South Western coast of the island, rises above the 600 acre beachfront resort of Anse Chastanet (its sister resort). What sets it apart are the incredible jaw-dropping views from their infinity pool sanctuaries - of which there are twenty-four. Crossing individual bridges to access the sanctuaries you'll feel yourself entering another world.
Each of the four sanctuary categories - Galaxy, Sun, Moon, and Star - feature an absent 4th wall that gives you an almost unreal sweeping view of the Pitons and the Caribbean sea, yet the incredible design gives complete privacy to the sanctuary occupants.
Look. At. This. View.
The fifth room category is the Sky whirlpool suites. Located on the lower hillside of Jade Mountain they don't have the infinity pool, but they do have couples bathtubs large enough for two that are raised and provide incredible views thanks to that missing 4th wall and the two-floor room layout of these suites. These suites feature 15ft high ceilings, and are completely private. One of the Sky suites situated on the north-east corner has windows and air-conditioning and can be requested when booking.
That view, though.
Another perk of staying here? You get to eat at Jade Mountain Club - their restaurant that is exclusive to guests only. Its "Jade Cuisine" was created by Chef Allen Susser, a James Beard award winner.
Jade Mountain's main goal, though, is to provide the ultimate level of privacy and service for romance - making it an incredible choice for anniversaries, honeymoons, weddings, or simply if you want to celebrate your relationship. They offer couples spa treatments, private dinner set ups in the sanctuary, on their Celestial Terrace or on the beach as well as private sunset cruises and truly so much more.
A note about this resort: There are no telephones, radios, or televisions in any of the sanctuaries. Guests are asked not to speak on the phone in public areas, and to keep their cell phones on vibrate as well. Telephone services, fax, and business services are all available at the reception, and there is wifi service at the resort and in the sanctuaries.
Sandals Grande
Sandals Grande is one of three Sandals properties on St. Lucia - and the newest. This location has all that you've come to expect from a Sandals property. With perfect views of Pigeon Island (a historic national landmark you can visit), it's on its own peninsula along a mile of gorgeous white sand beach. This allows for two different but equally spectacular views - to the west is Rodney Bay - known for having the calmest water in St. Lucia, and to the east is the Atlantic Ocean - and of course it's all set against the backdrop of volcanic mountains rising from the sea.
As with all Sandals this is an adults-only all-inclusive resort - offering 12 on site restaurants as well as access to the 15 other restaurants at the other two Sandals properties on the island. Premium liquor is included, and what you get is pretty great - but if you're a wine enthusiast it's worth it to upgrade to the to the Manager's Wine list. Other all-inclusives are the activities which include scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaks, sailboats, and water skiing - just to name a few.
When you stay at this Sandals resort on St. Lucia you'll want to take advantage of their Stay at One, Play at Three Exchange Program. With complimentary round-trip transfers between all of the resorts you can experience 27 restaurants, 11 pools and whirlpools, 21 bars, two golf courses, and even the underwater diving at all three resorts.
When you've had all the fun activities you can handle you can retreat to the beach - and if you want to feel just that much more luxurious you can book a private beach cabana - with concierge.
This location does have the coveted over-the-water bungalows and yes, they're fabulous. However, what really sets the Grande resort apart from the others - and what you'll want to be sure to book - are the Rondoval suites. The over-the-water bungalows are gorgeous, and if you really just want to stay over the water you won't regret it, but the Rondoval suites offer true privacy as opposed to the over-the-water which are in full view of the rest of the resort.
My pick is the Beachfront Rondoval Butler Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary. I almost feel like I can stop right there. I mean, doesn't its name say it all??
This luxury suite is just a few steps from the beach with views of Rodney Bay, and it offers a completely furnished private veranda with a hammock, outdoor shower, jacuzzi, and private plunge pool. Inside you'll find living and sleeping areas along with an en-suite spa-style bathroom featuring a Roman soaking tub, walk-in shower, and double vanity.
Oh, and did I mention that it comes with the service of a personal butler and 24-hour room service???? This resort really does have it all.
Ladera
Ladera is a gorgeous resort situated on a volcano ridgeline - its unique location making it the only resort on the island located directly on a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It sits 1000 feet above the sea allowing for truly breathtaking views of the Pitons. The resort is committed to being eco-friendly and was constructed with locally harvested tropical hardwoods, stone, and tile. All furniture is made on site by St. Lucian artisans. This give the resort a true romantic and intimate feel.
Spa treatments are either in-room so you can indulge in a massage while enjoying the views of the Pitons or you can book one of the three private treatment rooms and enjoy the hot tubs in the spa gardens either before or after your massage. (You can also of course use the hot tubs at any time during your stay).
Ladera is home to the award winning Farm to Table Dasheene Restaurant - which offers wine cellar experiences and "Book a Chef" dining as well.
This entire resort is incredible - they also offer sunrise meditation, complimentary foot massages, garden tours, and their own special sunset tradition. But what makes this resort truly special are the accommodations. All 37 accommodations include butler service and incredible open air views with the West side of each unit remaining open - allowing for truly incredible views. There are two larger villas, and a variety of suites - all with individual gorgeous aspects to ensure you'll have trouble forcing yourself to leave your room!
One standout room category are the Suites at Paradise Ridge which offer 1,400 to 1,900 square feet of living space as well as panoramic views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. The suites include an open-air bedroom with four poster King bed and open sitting room as well as heated pools and swings.
No matter which category you choose - you won't be disappointed!
Anse Chastanet
If you need to bring your kids with you, but you'd still like some romance on your vacation (if you can ditch the kids for a bit 🤣) consider Anse Chastanet. It is the sister resort of Ladera, located on 600 acres bordering two beaches, and it does allow children ages ten and over.
Anse has emphasized the use of local woods, cloth, and products in its design, decor, and furnishings - just like its sister resort. The care and consideration taken truly shine throughout the resort.
To Note: There are approximately 100 stairs leading from beach level to mid-hillside level - which makes the property potentially more difficult to navigate for those with mobility or cardiac problems. However, there is a complimentary shuttle service from beachside to hillside level that will provided anytime it is requested.
Anse offers plenty of activities - yoga, snorkeling, scuba diving, tennis, sunset sailing, sea kayaking, jungle biking, hiking and bird-watching - to name some of them.
As it's located on the coastline this is a perfect resort for sun bathing and swimming. The resort also has two bays which are part of a designated marine reserve - which results in miles of colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. This is a resort that offers activities right on site (snorkeling and scuba diving are directly offshore) as well as easy to schedule excursions that we can set up for you before you go.
Incredible dining is another plus of this resort. Anse Chastanet offers some of the best dining on the island - from the terrific St. Lucian-Indian option Aspara, to the vegetarian Emerald's. There are hillside as well as beachside locations, private dining, and the laid back Jungle Grill. All of the resorts receive organic ingredients from Anse Chastanet's own resort farm in the Soufriere hills.
Anse has 49 completely individually designed rooms divided into seven categories. 37 rooms dot the hillside at various levels, while 12 are in a tropical garden at the beach level. Each room offers something special, but my pick for the most interesting would be the Piton Pool Suite - Casuarina. This special room is hidden among the foliage in a private hillside area facing toward the Pitons mountains and the sea. It has a large bedroom with a walk in closet, and a 420 square foots open walled patio-living room area. It also has a private 160 square foot pool. This suite can also be connected to a second room - creating a two bedroom two bathroom suite.
Have you decided where you want to stay??
St. Lucia clearly has no shortage of incredible resorts. It is also overflowing with culture, history, activities, and excursions. Keep an eye out for future blog posts where we explore all this amazing island has to offer!
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