Nestled on St. Lucia’s south-western Caribbean coastline, the Jade Mountain luxury resort is a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating the island’s stunning scenic beauty.
When architect Nick Troubetzkoy arrived in St. Lucia in 1970, he was so blown away by the beauty of the landscape and the warmth and character of the people that he never left.
The Russian-Canadian saw the island’s unlimited potential immediately, describing it as a “Caribbean paradise one must experience personally to fully appreciate and understand.” His love for the island inspired him to dream up and build one of the Caribbean’s most iconic luxury properties, Jade Mountain Resort.
Rising majestically above the 600-acre beach front resort of Anse Chastanet on St. Lucia’s south-western coastline, Jade Mountain Resort is like something straight out of a James Bond film. A hymn to organic architecture, the resort comprises a series of hanging levels crafted in great hunks of local stone that appear to spill out from the headland, with suspended elevated bridges leading to each of the 24 suites, known as “sanctuaries.” Inside each room there are few right angles and no windows, at least in the traditional sense. Instead, the free-flowing interior is completely open to the elements, ushering in the panorama and bringing guests as close to nature as possible.
Vision of luxury
It’s the island’s only resort property with the iconic view of both the Piti and Gros Piton mountains floating on the Caribbean Sea. The stupendous vista is visible from each of sanctuary, offering a sense of space and drama yet further enhanced by soaring 15-metre high ceilings and private infinity pools. Troubetzkoy’s vision of a uniquely natural resort means that there are no clocks or in-room televisions here, just the movement of the sun to help guests navigate the time and the hum of birds for company. Even the most seasoned luxury traveller will struggle not to be seduced by the outrageous charm of this place.
This theme continues throughout and “majordomos” (stewards) are always on hand to show guests around or assist in any way they can. The epitome of grace and style, all Jade Mountain staff echo the unique DNA of this property with a distinct service style – guests are welcomed into a very happy family. The staff go above and beyond to ensure everything exceeds expectations and will arrange anything from in-sanctuary photoshoots to commemorate special dates, to reservations at any one of the resort’s four restaurants, not to mention treatments at the Kai en Ciel spa. This is luxury without pretension and there are no dress codes or silly airs and graces. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the resort as if it was their own.
Cocktail hour
The resort’s chic Jade Mountain Club rooftop restaurant offers unparalleled cuisine. The resort grows its own organic produce on the historic plantation of Anse Mamin and the Emerald Estate, showcased in a perfectly executed exotic fusion menu that would rival the food at any Michelin-starred restaurant, washed down by an epic cocktail list (try the ginger margarita) and elegant wines. Diners are serenaded by the quintessential tinkle of steel pans while the night sky comes alive with stars: bliss.
Regardless of indulgence, the morning after the night before at Jade Mountain is always a thing of beauty. The sun rises over the Pitons heralding the start of another idyllic Caribbean day – and with it the dilemma of either breakfast in bed or yoga on the roof. Either choice is a winner. The huge estate comprises two beautiful, natural sand beaches for repose and an abundance of pristine coral reefs to explore, with activities such as deep sea fishing excursions, speed boat trips to the capital, and hiking tours up Gros Piton mountain available to book. Additionally, Jade Mountain guests have full access to all facilities of sister resort Anse Chastanet, which occupies a magnificent stretch of beach and offers more incredible dining experiences at the likes of vegan restaurant Emerald’s, as well as some of the punchiest cocktails on the island at the beach bar. There’s a boutique too, so it’s a good idea to bring a credit card. Too much sun? Collapse for a massage at the boutique spa or get creative with cocoa at the chocolate laboratory using beans grown on the estate. However guests choose to spend their time, they cannot fail to be moved by the soul and spirit of Jade Mountain.
Nightly rates at Jade Mountain start from around £850 per suite based on double occupancy; jademountain.com.
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