Whether travelers are considering a romantic, boutique hotel or sprawling, family-friendly resort—the island of Saint Lucia has accommodations to meet every taste and budget.
Just north of Barbados, this Caribbean island welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year thanks to its tropical weather, sandy white beaches, lush rainforests and breathtaking mountain views—not to mention the rich cultural history and fresh, local culinary delights.
With such a vibrant tourism industry, there’s no shortage of five-star accommodations to be found throughout Saint Lucia, yet you probably can’t top the cream of the crop with these luxurious hotels and resorts.
Jade Mountain
When designing this idyllic mountain resort, architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with Caribbean nature. And it shows, in each and every detail found throughout Jade Mountain. Each guest suite is accessible by individual bridges, leading to exceptional “sanctuaries” that boast custom infinity pools and rugged stoned-faced columns. With the fourth wall completely absent, these sanctuaries provide stage-like settings for breathtaking views of the majestic Petit and Gros Piton mountains floating above the tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Catering exclusively to guests of Jade Mountain and wrapped around an amazing infinity pool, the onsite Jade Mountain Club restaurant boasts a locally sourced, exotic fusion menu from James Beard Award winner Chef Allen Susser. Guests can also indulge in a cocktail at the resort’s Celestial Terrace, which is ideal for evening stargazing after dinner.
Anse Chastanet
The sister resort of Jade Mountain, Anse Chastanet sits just down the mountain on a 600-acre private tropical estate, bordered by two soft, sandy beaches that protect miles of pristine coral reefs brimming with colorful tropical fish. The unique, tranquil location inspired Troubetzkoy to design a distinctive resort that makes the sounds, sights and smells of nature an integral part of your vacation experience.
This boutique resort boasts just a dozen rooms, which are nestled just behind a line of coconut palms that are found along the beach. While many guests of Anse Chastanet are content enough to lazily idle around the resort—lounging on the beach, getting pampered in the onsite spa, enjoying cocktails at the beachside bar, or what have you—there are also plenty of thrilling land and water activities. The stunning waters make for excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, while the lush tropical ground provide for excellent hiking and birdwatching.
Ladera Resort
Once part of Rabot Estate—one of Soufriere’s oldest plantations that still borders the resort—the Ladera Resort is the pioneer of the open air “three-walled concept” that Saint Lucia has since become known for. The goal of this eco-friendly resort was to put the breathtaking natural views of the Piton mountains and Caribbean Sea front and center, which is reflected in the unique design of Ladera’s 37 room and suites.
Likewise, all guest accommodations are decorated with an unmistakable Saint Lucian flair, featuring immaculate details such as tropical hardwoods, private plunge pools, stone and tile work, as well as art and furniture crafted by local artisans.
The resort’s mission to offer an unparalleled guest experience extends to its award-winning, onsite restaurant Dasheene. Executive Chef Nigel Mitchel has crafted a menu that spotlights fresh, locally sourced produce from island farmers and neighboring plantations. His cooking philosophy is rooted in “stylish interpretations” of native dishes, such as sweet potato and coconut soup, Caribbean lamb, conch, Cajun Creole vegetable bakes, jerk chicken sausage—just for starters.
Cap Maison
Foodies will find haven at Cap Maison, an elegant five-star boutique hotel situated on the northern point of Saint Lucia. In addition to the gorgeous, secluded location with its own private beach area, a strong passion for the culinary arts sets this resort apart from the rest. Attention to detail is key in this family owned and managed property, from the design, to the service and, of course, the food and wine.
Cap Maison features two of the most renowned restaurants in Saint Lucia—the Cliff at Cap and the Naked Fisherman—along with one of the best stocked walk-in wine cellars on the island. Chef Craig Jones, once named Caribbean “Chef of the Year,” oversees both restaurants, in which he puts a focus on local ingredients with a global gastronomy fusion. This dedication to sourcing seasonal local produce is found throughout his menus, right down to the seasonal ingredients found in the daiquiris served up at the Cap bar.
The nearby Rodney Bay and Saint Lucia Golf & Country Club make this location even more desirable, which is why Cap Maison continues to reign supreme as one of the most sought-after resorts on the island.
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
The award-winning Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort is an upscale, tropical resort that caters to both couples and families alike. Like many Saint Lucia resorts, Sugar Beach sits on the site of an 18th-century sugar plantation, in a lush rainforest setting of more than 100 acres.
Spectacular views of the Piton mountains give way to immaculately landscaped grounds, which sweep right down to miles of tranquil, white sandy beaches that border Pitons Bay.
Guests can choose to stay in a variety of luxury rooms, villas and even beachfront bungalows to meet any style or budget. However, all resort accommodations boast personalized modern amenities such as butler service, sprawling bathrooms with walk-in showers and private plunge pools.
