I spent only a week on St Lucia, but definitely needed more time! (We were there in the week before the main October half term). One of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, it is located midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent, north of Barbados. St. Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide. It is more like two islands in one. Rodney Bay in the north offers modern comforts amid a beautiful bay and in the south, (where we stayed) is Soufrière; the heart of a gorgeous region of old plantations, hidden beaches and the photogenic Pitons.
We stayed at Sugar Beach – a Viceroy Hotel. Its style, like all Viceroy Hotels, is glamorous and modern; a simply stunning resort, offering the highest levels of luxury in a tranquil rainforest setting overlooking a secluded beach. It is nestled away in the valley of the Pitons within a UNESCO world heritage site in St. Lucia. Recently it was voted 'Favourite Overseas Hotel in the Americas and Caribbean' at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers Awards. It is about a 40 minute drive from the airport.
The lush vegetation and rainforest surrounding the property is absolutely breath-taking and I found the whole place difficult to fault. Wanting to be in charge of our own destiny, we hired a car for the week. This enabled us to not only explore the island at our own leisure but also meant we could dine out of the hotel as we were there on a bed and breakfast basis only. Booking options range from room only to all inclusive.
On arrival, after a very welcome local cocktail, you are issued with a mobile phone with your personal butler’s number programmed in – so anytime you need anything, including a lift to the main resort you simply call. Getting around the resort they use “tuk tuks” or vans, as getting up the hill to where we were staying was a long walk. We loved been driven around the resort.
We stayed in a luxury one bedroomed villa which was gorgeous and very private. We had a private terrace and our plunge pool which was an added bonus! The hotel also has cottages, beachfront villas and Residences all of which are spacious, with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea or the resort’s beautiful gardens. The décor is contemporary, with white four-poster beds (complete with mosquito-netting), and furnishings contrasting with striking dark wood flooring. Our bathroom was massive, with a walk-in shower and a gorgeous freestanding bath. Fabulous touches like a Nespresso machine; bug spray; great selection in mini bar with snacks, BBC news channel!
The resort offers a selection of dining choices. From the best and most elegant restaurant the Great Room, to the Bayside Restaurant or The Terrace for breakfast. We liked the informality of the Bayside Restaurant and we loved the Cane Bar. We met the hugely talented Rob Zii Taylor – an amazing local saxophonist (originally from Lancs) whose music is a modern day R & B twist on Reggae sound. Fantastic!
We also discovered a couple of great local, very reasonably priced restaurants in Soufrière; Orlando’s and La Petit Peak. I would highly recommend both if you aren’t afraid to venture out and if you want an authentic St. Lucian restaurant.
The hotel has the most magnificent Spa. The Rainforest Spa has seven treatment rooms offering more breath-taking views from their unique tree-top locations. It offers a range of treatments and rituals, including a signature Bamboo massage, and a ‘temascal’ or Amerindian steam room.
The beach and pool were also perfect. It was never too crowded. We loved just chilling on the floating circles out in the sea which you could just swim to and relax on. However, I cannot imagine what it is like in peak season – over Christmas and New Year – I guess if you have small children that they would really get looked after – the kids club looks amazing.
This is a superb resort and we had the best time. The staff were excellent and so friendly. I highly recommend this resort for relaxation, impeccable service, fantastic accommodation. In a word, “paradise”!!
GETTING TO ST LUCIA AND GETTING AROUND WHEN YOU ARE THERE
From the UK both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly nonstop to St Lucia from Gatwick. Flying inter-island tends to be with LIAT, which operates much like a bus service hopping from one island to the next.
*WHEN TO GO
St. Lucia is a year-round destination. However, mid-December through mid-April is the most popular time to visit, especially for people from cold climates. Visitors who don't mind braving the summer rainy season will find lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. Visitation also peaks in July when Carnival is celebrated.
• High season: mid-December to early April
• Low season: mid-April to early December
*WEATHER INFORMATION
St. Lucia enjoys a moderate, warm climate throughout the year. However, higher humidity and more rainfall is common from June through to December. August receives the most rain, but is also one of the warmest months. Hurricane season runs from June through to November, but a touchdown is rare. January through to June is the driest period, with average high temperatures of 84 degrees and plenty of sunshine. It is generally considered the most pleasant time to visit.
*CROWD INFORMATION
St. Lucia usually doesn't get very crowded, even in the peak of high season when the island is full of visitors. However, several annual events attract big crowds, including the St. Lucia Jazz at the beginning of May, Carnival in June and July, the St. Lucia International Billfish Tournament in September and the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers transatlantic yacht race in December.
*CLOSURE INFORMATION
Most venues, hotels, and shops remain open year-round. A few properties may close temporarily for renovations from August through October.
*WHEN TO SAVE
Despite higher airfare due to fewer flights, the summers are the best time to visit on a budget. Hotels heavily discount their rates and offer reduced-rate packages due to the low visitor levels. Prices in the winter escalate to compensate for the lag in summer tourism.
*WHEN TO BOOK
Book three months in advance for winter vacations. The best prices on airfare, hotel, and car-rentals are offered between late August and October.
*Information provided by the St. Lucia Tourist Board.
JADE MOUNTAIN AND ANSE CHASTENET
Jade Mountain Resort
Whilst in Saint Lucia we took the opportunity to visit Jade Mountain and neighbouring Anse Chastenet resorts for the day. I had always wanted to see Jade Mountain. It consistently gets voted one of the best Caribbean Resorts. It truly is architecturally astonishing and has incredible views of the Pitons and Caribbean Sea. Architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy has created an exceptional property which works in complete harmony with its natural surroundings. Bold architectural design includes infinity pool sanctuaries, stone columns and individual bridges make for a truly unforgettable stay.
Guests can expect their accommodation to include grand sweeping spaces, private infinity pools, a dazzling kaleidoscope of colours and all set against the stunning backdrop of the magnificent Piton Mountains. Jade Mountain is the perfect place to relax with a sunset cocktail as you watch the sun go down over the sparkling Caribbean Sea. The Jade Mountain Club is the perfect place to sample ‘Jade’ cuisine prepared fresh to order by James Beard Award Winning chef Allen Susser.
A wide range of spa services can be enjoyed at the Jade Mountain sanctuaries or at Kai en Ciel boutique spa and fitness studio.
We saw the most amazing suite with a private infinity pool to die for. The ultimate honeymooner’s hideaway! It has 29 suites, 24 with infinity pools and 5 with Jacuzzis. Suites have only three walls, offering open-air, panoramic views. Wonderful! I love the fact that all accommodation are techno-free (no radio, TV, or telephone), although Wi-Fi is available.
Any guest staying at Jade Mountain can take advantage of the facilities at the neighbouring Anse Chastanet resort, including its two private beaches, the spa, restaurants, water skiing, snorkelling, kayaking and scuba facilities, and cycles for hire. Located on a hillside beach, Anse Chastanet has only 49 rooms, each designed uniquely and hidden away on a tropical garden or dotted around the hillside. One of the ‘World’s most romantic getaways,’ this intimate hideaway is the perfect retreat for couples looking to escape.
We had lunch at the completely laid back Jungle Beach Bar & Grill, located on the second beach of Anse Mamin. The burgers are renowned and were simply delicious! If you are a chocolate fan the resort operates its own organic farm and chocolate laboratory making chocolate from their own estate beans. Guests can buy, taste and participate in the making of the chocolate.
The staff here were exceptional and for a once in a lifetime experience, whether it be for a engagement, honeymoon or special birthday anniversary Jade Mountain is a magical place and a must!
CAP MAISON
One of the highlights of my recent trip to St Lucia was a 30 minute powerboat ride from Sugar Beach – a Viceroy hotel where we stayed, up to Cap Maison for an overnight stay. I have always wanted to visit this gem of a hotel, in particular as clients and colleagues alike have always raved about it. I was not disappointed.
Cap Masion
The hotel is owned by an experienced and renowned Caribbean hotel family who have so lovingly and stylishly created one of the most gorgeous boutique resorts on the site of their beautiful waterfront former home Saman House. Cap Maison is most certainly a highly personalised and sophisticated home away from home. It offers fabulous comfort and judging from the people we met and talked to who were staying there it’s a place that makes you want to return again and again. The repeat business percentage speaks volumes about the hotel.
It is situated on a cliff top high above Smugglers Cove Beach on the north-west of the island. Along with the exquisite sunset, you can even see the island of Martinique.
It has just 49 rooms and suites all with air-conditioned bedrooms, beautiful balconies or verandahs with comfortable rattan furniture, Jalousie louvre doors, handmade tiles and ceramics which all add to the beautiful Spanish-Caribbean style. We were treated to an Oceanview Villa Suite complete with private pool– sheer luxury!
After having been met and greeted by the delightful Jasper Kok, the executive assistant manager and after we had checked into our amazing suite, we were whisked off down to the impressive Cellar Maison for our own private wine tasting before dinner – I was in my –element!
The hotel has been ranked as one of the top in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure 2014 World’s Best Awards, and has been named a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award Winner for the third consecutive year. We were treated to both French and California offerings – Pouilly Fume being one of my absolute favourite wines in the world!! There were over 2,000 bottles in the temperature controlled Cellar including rare champagnes, grand cru Bordeaux, fine Burgundies and orange wines. We learned about pairing the wine with food. We loved the Sommelier, Robinson (Robbie) George, and I would certainly recommend this experience if you stay there.
We had dinner and the most exquisite BBQ at the relaxed Caribbean vibe Naked Fisherman Beach Bar & Grill located at the pretty and secluded Smuggler’s Cove Beach just below the hotel. Rumour has it local fishermen have fished naked down at Smugglers Cove for many years in an effort to save on laundry. It was with this in mind The Naked Fisherman Beach Bar & Grill was born!
After one of the best night’s sleep, we enjoyed breakfast in the Cliff at Cap Restaurant which has the most gorgeous unobstructed views towards Martinique to the north and Pigeon Island to the West, and surrounded by the magnificent Caribbean Sea. After a thorough hotel inspection of all room types, we spent the day on “Naked Fisherman” beach with one of the best amenities for me – your sun bed mattress becomes a floating lilo – utter bliss!!!
Before we left we spent some time at the pool relaxing on the most sumptuously comfortable sun beds I have ever laid on. We met some honeymooners from New York who told us they had literally found the hotel of their dreams!
My husband was impressed that golfers can book a round at the St Lucia Country Club – the 18-hole championship golf course nearby and was sorry that he had missed out!
I was most impressed with the bar near the reception, which is run on an honesty basis. I have only ever seen this in another privately owned hotel on Majorca – so fantastic and what a great touch?
Why I would recommend Cap Maison (apart from it being probably one of the most stylish, hideaways in an amazing spot I have ever seen!)?
• Location: complete privacy but also conveniently located for bars, restaurants and various activities: golf (3 mins), water sports, kite surfing (5 mins), horse riding (5 mins), hiking, tennis (5 mins), Gros Islet Street Party. Rodney Bay is only a 10min ride by taxi if you fancy a night out, where you will find a wide range of restaurants and bars.
• Breath-taking ocean views and romantic sunsets: a definite wow factor!
• Style and architecture: a genuinely stylish boutique hotel with attention to detail in all corners and niches and a warm feel with lots of wood, colour and natural materials.
• Largest Villa Suites in the Eastern Caribbean with unique private rooftop swimming pools.
• Food and beverage: Cliff at Cap is now a restaurant in a hotel and not a hotel restaurant – definitely one of the hottest tables on the island if not the region!
• Spa Maison: branded by Sothys – an exclusive Parisian spa product company – who also train the therapists with very different, signature treatments.
• Very pretty and secluded cove with excellent house reef and snorkelling.
• Service: intimate family owned and conceptualised property with corresponding personal and individualised service and an “off the menu can do” attitude led by an experienced boutique hotel manager.
• Rock star amenities: technology better in room than anywhere else in St. Lucia (iPod stations, BOSE systems, stereos, TVs, internet), luxurious Italian bathroom amenities, private chef option, online fridge packages and gym.
• Walk in wine cellar: for private dinners and tastings.
• Cap Maison 1: resort has its own luxury 46 foot Sea Ray motor yacht available exclusively to Cap Maison guests for half, full and offshore trips (a great wedding present also!!)
• Rock Maison: made famous by the Sunday and New York Times, a rock out to sea with a champagne zip line, perfect for yoga, sunset drinks, weddings.
My Top tip – take a helicopter transfer - it is well worth it after a long flight.
