Words by Becky Poostchi
With the UK firmly in lockdown once more, when better than to start fantasizing about an escape to the sun? Now has never been a better time than to indulge and spoil yourself, therefore we have crowned 2021 as the year of the destination holiday.
Saint Lucia can be classified as one of the success stories of 2020. Managing one of the lowest cases of Covid world-wide, the island has handled the crisis in an exemplary fashion, making it one of the safest places to visit in the world.
Whilst much of the island is very laid back and casual, St Lucia holds some prime luxury hotels, in exclusive bays and hillsides. The island takes its luxury seriously and the perks that come with it are more than worth it.
One of the best places in the world to treat yourself and splash some cash, this is the ultimate destination for anyone in search of major relaxation and a little decadence. From exclusive dining to jungle adventures, there’s something here for everyone, and where better to start than with an elegant five-star hotel?
We’ve rounded up the top three luxury hotels in St Lucia that will make the perfect tranquil base for your extravagant trip. All that’s left to do is to get booking, you deserve it!
Jade Mountain
A stay at Jade Mountain is to experience the height of St Lucian luxury. Boasting the most impressive views on the island, this hotel is as luxury as they come, but with an impressive eco conscience. This unique property is Russian/Canadian architect Nick Troubetzkoy’s love affair with the natural beauty of the island and is geared up for ultimate privacy.
Don’t fancy the bumpy ride in from the airport? This hotel boasts the island’s only private helipad for exclusive guest use. The 24 open-plan rooms each having their own personal access bridge, infinity pool, butler, bat-phone for 24-7 assistance, and are aptly referred to as sanctuaries.
The sophisticated design of the rooms leaves them windowless and open to the elements, but with the climate in St Lucia, days are typically filled with blissful sunlight, however a quick downpour can be dramatic and exciting.
This hotel leads the way when it comes to diligence, resourcefulness and sophistication and their sustainability and eco/social responsibility surpass most high-end hotels. The estate run Emerald Farm helps the hotel and local communities be self-sufficient and eliminates the island’s needs to import much of the food and flora from abroad, reducing their carbon footprint further. You can even make your own chocolate with the Jade Mountain team from beans from their own farm cocoa plantation.
Despite the breath-taking views and elegant rooms, Jade Mountain is famous for its exemplary service. Let the staff here lead the way in looking after you and you won’t be left wanting. Without doubt this is one of the most breath-taking places you will ever stay, Jade Mountain may be modern in style but has a strong Saint Lucian signature.
Most likely to see: A-list celebs, architects, Apple CEO’s.
Sugar Beach
Sugar Beach has been hailed as one of the best places to stay on the island. Nestled between the Piton mountains, the estate boasts 100 plus acres which run down to a palm-backed beach of blinding white sand.
The hotel group Viceroy is synonymous with high-end taste and design and their St Lucia enterprise does not disappoint. Ninety-six rooms, cottages and villas are dotted around the hillside with private plunge pools, and are all butler serviced. Choose a luxury beach front bungalow for maximum comfort.
Zone out in their Rainforest Spa or snorkel on their protected marine reserve for some of the best diving on the island, and if you have a passion for design, Vicory hotels never disappoint. The hotel offers enriching panoramas of the Piton mountains, adding to the truly intimate and relaxed experience whilst remaining one of the most tranquil places on the island. If you’re looking for stunning views, and minimal design, then look no further than Sugar Beach.
Most likely to see: Famous actors with their families, fashion designers, supermodels.
viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugar-beach
BodyHoliday
BodyHoliday is the quintessential break for people with strong 2021 body goals. Shake off that Covid fatigue and feel the full force of freedom in the sunshine; daily classes and wellness treatments will have you feeling your best in no time at all!
Set in 32 acres of lush tropical gardens, BodyHoliday boasts the largest spa in the Caribbean. Body ‘guards’ help you choose from a personalised rejuvenation plan, whether it be to shape up, learn a new skill (like archery and scuba diving) or a yoga and wellness schedule. Take it up a notch with their full Body Science programme – perfect for executives with little time to have a full state of the art optimum health check. Join a beach fit class at 7am and train with Olympians specially flown in throughout the year.
Indulge in your 2021 healthy eating goals here, with the choice of fresh juices and salads from the Wellness café or visit Tao, their Asian/sushi restaurant. A special vegan Ital restaurant is set in the grounds, where you can eat homegrown produce from the estate.
This hotel is great for singles – buddy up with your own personal Body-guard through your stay who will help make introductions to other like-minded execs with similar interests. Stay in the penthouse suite or splash out on one of the private family Oasis villas.
Most likely to see: Hollywood agents, casting directors, Olympians training on the beach.
To do
St Lucia’s natural wonders, from its volcanoes and beaches to its hot springs and cocoa plantations make the island a perfect destination for adventure as well as luxury living.
Assuming you know the luxurious chocolate brand Hotel Chocolat sold all over the world? It originates here in St Lucia! The luxury British chocolate firm Rabot Hotel From Hotel Chocolat has transformed St Lucia’s oldest cocoa farm into a chocolate lover’s dream, and is well worth a visit.
If you’re feeling adventurous then take a zipline through the rainforest, or a nature trail and hike if that sounds too energetic. Sulphur Springs drive in volcano is a great experience – choose the honeymoon package for the full immersive experience, or make your Instagram the envy of all your friends with a private horseback ride on the beach with Sandy Hoofs St. Lucia.
At Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens you can indulge your inner botanist, where the richness of the land and jungle are showcased, while jungle biking offers you the chance to follow trials set by famous mountain bike riders in the jungle.
Main image: BodyHoliday complex
