Enviably located on the western coast of St Lucia, Jade Mountain perches high above Anse Chastanet Bay within a 600-acre tropical resort estate, and overlooking the famous Piton mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you’ve not been to St Lucia before, the hour drive from Hewanorra International Airport gives you an instant flavour of just how pretty and lush the island is – in stark contrast to many others in the Caribbean. As the roads snake around mountains you catch tantalising glimpses of palm-fringed coves, quaint villages and yacht-filled harbours below and grand pastel painted villas nestling above among lush gardens and tropic forests.
As you climb, you catch your first sight of the Pitons which rise steep and high out of the sea, a reminder of St Lucia’s volcanic past. Jade Mountain is the only resort with views of both, sometimes each capped with a cloud.
To reach the resort you leave tarmac and travel on a rather bone-rattling dirt road to reach the main estate entrance where you’re then whisked up to Jade Mountain reception. Stepping on to the towering bridges which connect each villa and restaurant and bar areas you can really see just how incredible and unique this resort is. A design masterpiece and product of Nick Troubetzkoy’s award-winning architecture, built totally in harmony with its natural surroundings.
Luxurious suites
There are 24 luxurious sanctuary suites; Sun, Moon, Star and Galaxy suites boast grand sweeping spaces and extravagantly sized private infinity pools, and the lower down Sky suites feature a two-level room layout, with a raised Jacuzzi tub. Each is unique and juts out away from the mountainside, most reached only by its own walkway. This provides both peace and privacy – making it a firm honeymoon favourite. You will be assigned your own major domo too, to cater for your every need, whether that’s to book an excursion, a spa treatment, a resort shuttle or delicious late night dessert to enjoy in bed!
As you open the door, nothing quite prepares you for what’s inside. The suites are incredibly spacious, and open plan, with a dining area leading to a sleeping area with netted four poster bed at the far side, and lounge space in front, a raised bathroom and an amazing large private infinity pool. What really sets this resort apart from others is how the suites are completely open at the front – there is no wall or windows, just an honestly breath-taking view of the Pitons, lush mountains and forests and sea below. The wow-factor is undeniable.
Close to nature
This also means you have no air-conditioning, just large fans, but generally there is a cooling breeze. Here you really feel at one with nature too – songbirds and cheeky tropical starlings join you in the pool, and sneak your breakfast, and at night, large bat-sized beautiful moths flit around, and the sound of the forest’s insects and frogs at night is astonishing.
If you’re a star gazer, there surely can’t be many places more ideal resort wise, as you can watch the moon rise and set above the Pitons and light up your room with a magical silver glow, and countless stars in the clear dark sky. I made full use of my SkyView app which helps you to identify constellations and stars.
One night all the local area had a power cut, and, being so warm, even in the early hours, having the pool right in your room was perfect for a cooling moonlit dip, gazing out across the sea and majestic huge shadowy Pitons watching shooting stars above to the cicada-like song of the forest’s nocturnal inhabitants. It was truly magical and memorable.
Food and drink
If you can tear yourself away from your sanctuary, Jade Mountain has a wonderful restaurant serving excellent international cuisine and private dining is available in a number of locations including on the Celestial Terrace.
The restaurant shares the incredible Piton views and the terrace is the perfect place to relax, enjoy cocktails and watch the sunset in a blaze of amber and gold across the sea. This is also a matchless place to stargaze from too as it has 360 views. There are plenty of other great places to dine across the resort and estate too.
To do
The resort also has a spa offering a range of excellent treatments, fitness centre and even a chocolate factory. Plus you can also take advantage of sister resort Anse Chastanet’s restaurants, bars, boutiques, art gallery, scuba, bike, water sports and two soft sand beaches, You can simply walk down from your suite or call for a resort shuttle (very handy for the steep walk back!). We appreciate the fact there are no children under the age of 15, so no troublesome toddlers disturbing the peace.
We recommend you book an afternoon’s sailing where you can enjoy snorkelling too, and a sunset sail as to see the Pitons and the resort and island from the water is really quite special. Also if you’re fit and feeling super energetic, enjoy a hike up one of the Pitons where you’ll be able to gaze down on the resort and get a bird’s eye view of your suite. Plus, close by is the quaint local town, unique and impressive Drive-in Volcano (pretty pungent as the name suggests!), and our favourites, a local chocolate estate and also a pretty botanical gardens with hummingbirds galore, and Sulphur Springs mud baths.
This really is an incredibly special bucket list resort and one you’ll remember for years to come, and it’s an absolute must if you’re thinking of holidaying in St Lucia.
Factbox
Nightly rates at Jade Mountain start from $1,845 (approx. £1,519) per night for a Sky Sanctuary on a room only basis. Rates are subject to 20% VAT and service charge.
Address: VW7F+GG3, Mamin, St Lucia
Phone: 1-800-223-1108
Email: jademountain@jademountain.com
Website: jademountain.com
