The luxurious Jade Mountain is one of the most romantic resorts not only in the Caribbean, but the world, thanks to its incredible Piton views and extraordinary design. The 29 enormous suites, called "sanctuaries," are hands down the highlight; through the innovative, open fourth wall, each has a view of a sea from the entire room -- from the canopied bed, raised whirlpool tub, and (in all but the entry-level category) private infinity pool. Organic cuisine is served from a chic open-air restaurant, and guests can expect unwavering peace and quiet throughout (there are no TVs or children). Food is well-regarded and all-inclusive packages add value. Though there is no beach, guests can take a short shuttle ride or hike down to use the two beaches, free water sports, and dive center at sister property Anse Chastanet. All in all, Jade Mountain is well worth the price and bumpy ride to get there. Families -- our couples looking for easier beach access -- should consider Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort.
The luxurious Jade Mountain is one of the most romantic resorts not only in the Caribbean, but the world, thanks to its incredible Piton views and extraordinary design. The 29 enormous suites, called "sanctuaries," are hands down the highlight; through the innovative, open fourth wall, each has a view of a sea from the entire room -- from the canopied bed, raised whirlpool tub, and (in all but the entry-level category) private infinity pool. Organic cuisine is served from a chic open-air restaurant, and guests can expect unwavering peace and quiet throughout (there are no TVs or children). Food is well-regarded and all-inclusive packages add value. Though there is no beach, guests can take a short shuttle ride or hike down to use the two beaches, free water sports, and dive center at sister property Anse Chastanet. All in all, Jade Mountain is well worth the price and bumpy ride to get there. Families -- our couples looking for easier beach access -- should consider Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort.
This luxurious Viceroy is truly a stunner. It has arguably the best location on St. Lucia, right in between the Pitons, St. Lucia's famous volcanic spires, and on a beautiful white-sand beach. Its 79 rooms are minimalistic, chic, and mostly white, and all come with private plunge pools, butlers, and 24-hour room service; the larger villas and cottages offer living rooms and huge bathrooms (some with outdoor showers and hot tubs). Features include a family-friendly pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and free water sports. The romantic tree-house spa is one of the island's best. The resort's restaurants and bars are pricey, but all-inclusive rates are available to help guests keep costs in check. On St. Lucia, only the adult-only Jade Mountain can compare -- but it lacks the on-site beach found here, and its spa isn't as nice.
This luxurious Viceroy is truly a stunner. It has arguably the best location on St. Lucia, right in between the Pitons, St. Lucia's famous volcanic spires, and on a beautiful white-sand beach. Its 79 rooms are minimalistic, chic, and mostly white, and all come with private plunge pools, butlers, and 24-hour room service; the larger villas and cottages offer living rooms and huge bathrooms (some with outdoor showers and hot tubs). Features include a family-friendly pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and free water sports. The romantic tree-house spa is one of the island's best. The resort's restaurants and bars are pricey, but all-inclusive rates are available to help guests keep costs in check. On St. Lucia, only the adult-only Jade Mountain can compare -- but it lacks the on-site beach found here, and its spa isn't as nice.
Featuring just nine villas and cottages, this affordable, fun, and romantic (albeit quirky) hillside resort packs in a lot of personality -- from both the decor and the interesting, attentive owners. It is said to be situated on the highest spot close to the town of Soufriere, and guests will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Piton mountains and the dramatic surrounding landscape. The colorful units -- many of which are quite spacious -- have their own pools and kitchens. Guests can also dine at the on-site restaurant; the notoriously fun happy hours with live music and strong cocktails are not to be missed. Don't forget the bug spray, the "good" camera, and a 4x4 vehicle to get up the hill. Wi-Fi is free. Those who want closer proximity to the beach may prefer the also charming Anse Chastenet or Stonefield Estate Villa, but they're pricier and not quite as intimate.
Featuring just nine villas and cottages, this affordable, fun, and romantic (albeit quirky) hillside resort packs in a lot of personality -- from both the decor and the interesting, attentive owners. It is said to be situated on the highest spot close to the town of Soufriere, and guests will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Piton mountains and the dramatic surrounding landscape. The colorful units -- many of which are quite spacious -- have their own pools and kitchens. Guests can also dine at the on-site restaurant; the notoriously fun happy hours with live music and strong cocktails are not to be missed. Don't forget the bug spray, the "good" camera, and a 4x4 vehicle to get up the hill. Wi-Fi is free. Those who want closer proximity to the beach may prefer the also charming Anse Chastenet or Stonefield Estate Villa, but they're pricier and not quite as intimate.
La Dauphine Estate is a three-pearl property that's about a 10-minute drive to Soufriere. The estate includes two colonial-style cottages, and a lap pool. Both cottages have full kitchens, separate living areas, and pretty porches overlooking leafy grounds. While long on colonial charm, the cottages are a bit short on modern conveniences -- there are no TVs, no air-conditioning, and no phones, although they do have free Wi-Fi. The estate's appeal lies in its fertile grounds, which include a working cocoa plantation (tours available) and scenic hiking trails. Not everyone will love the no-frills cottages, but many will appreciate the distinctive setting, pool, and reasonable rates. Travelers might also want to compare prices and amenities with nearby Fond Doux Plantation and Resort.
La Dauphine Estate is a three-pearl property that's about a 10-minute drive to Soufriere. The estate includes two colonial-style cottages, and a lap pool. Both cottages have full kitchens, separate living areas, and pretty porches overlooking leafy grounds. While long on colonial charm, the cottages are a bit short on modern conveniences -- there are no TVs, no air-conditioning, and no phones, although they do have free Wi-Fi. The estate's appeal lies in its fertile grounds, which include a working cocoa plantation (tours available) and scenic hiking trails. Not everyone will love the no-frills cottages, but many will appreciate the distinctive setting, pool, and reasonable rates. Travelers might also want to compare prices and amenities with nearby Fond Doux Plantation and Resort.
Anse Chastanet Resort is a four-pearl hotel located a short drive from the town of Soufriere. Its 49 rooms have oodles of character plus incredible views, and some are partially open air, with only three walls. Set on a hilly property amid hundreds of acres of tropical vegetation, this resort is designed to be in harmony with the natural environment. Several open-air restaurants make the most of the surrounding tropical scenery and there are two picturesque beaches, but not all guests will love the resort’s conscious choice to not have TVs, and there's no pool. Guests might want to compare rates and amenities with nearby Ladera Resort (although it doesn’t have beach access).
Anse Chastanet Resort is a four-pearl hotel located a short drive from the town of Soufriere. Its 49 rooms have oodles of character plus incredible views, and some are partially open air, with only three walls. Set on a hilly property amid hundreds of acres of tropical vegetation, this resort is designed to be in harmony with the natural environment. Several open-air restaurants make the most of the surrounding tropical scenery and there are two picturesque beaches, but not all guests will love the resort’s conscious choice to not have TVs, and there's no pool. Guests might want to compare rates and amenities with nearby Ladera Resort (although it doesn’t have beach access).
The Hummingbird Beach Resort is a two-and-a-half-pearl hotel located in Soufriere, on the island’s west coast. The hotel’s 10 rooms are tidy and many have superb views of the Pitons, but their dated decor could use an update. Hummingbird’s modest array of amenities includes a breezy restaurant that attracts non-guests, a cool batik gallery, and an outdoor pool facing the Pitons. The location is tough to beat -- it’s right on the beach and within walking distance of the town’s restaurants and shops. Marigot Beach Club in Marigot Bay offers a solid alternative for budget-conscious guests, but it doesn’t have Hummingbird’s Piton views.
The Hummingbird Beach Resort is a two-and-a-half-pearl hotel located in Soufriere, on the island’s west coast. The hotel’s 10 rooms are tidy and many have superb views of the Pitons, but their dated decor could use an update. Hummingbird’s modest array of amenities includes a breezy restaurant that attracts non-guests, a cool batik gallery, and an outdoor pool facing the Pitons. The location is tough to beat -- it’s right on the beach and within walking distance of the town’s restaurants and shops. Marigot Beach Club in Marigot Bay offers a solid alternative for budget-conscious guests, but it doesn’t have Hummingbird’s Piton views.
This budget-friendly five-room inn along Soufriere Bay has no gym, no spa, and no pool -- in fact, the only extras are direct access to a subpar public beach and a breezy restaurant and bar. Rooms are average in virtually every way, except for the incredible views of Petit Piton, which appears at arm’s length from every room's private balcony. Travelers looking to be pampered should head elsewhere, but adventurous couples and families on a budget will find the Still Beach House’s location exceptional and its accommodations satisfactory. Vegetarian meals are cooked upon request, and a good variety of options exist for all meals. Plus, the inn is within walking distance to Soufriere, so there's lots of local flavor to be found.
This budget-friendly five-room inn along Soufriere Bay has no gym, no spa, and no pool -- in fact, the only extras are direct access to a subpar public beach and a breezy restaurant and bar. Rooms are average in virtually every way, except for the incredible views of Petit Piton, which appears at arm’s length from every room's private balcony. Travelers looking to be pampered should head elsewhere, but adventurous couples and families on a budget will find the Still Beach House’s location exceptional and its accommodations satisfactory. Vegetarian meals are cooked upon request, and a good variety of options exist for all meals. Plus, the inn is within walking distance to Soufriere, so there's lots of local flavor to be found.
La Haut Resort is a two-and-a-half-pearl hotel located on a 52-acre property outside the town of Soufriere. The hotel’s 17 guest rooms have a faded charm, and all include Piton view balconies as well as kitchenettes; not all rooms, however, include air-conditioning and TVs, and the decor could use an update. Striking mountain, Piton, and ocean views add appeal to the hotel’s unassuming restaurant and two pools. There’s no beach on the property, but La Haute provides free shuttle service to Soufriere and Anse Chastanet Beach. Other freebies include breakfast and tours of the hotel’s plantation. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities with Hummingbird Beach Resort, which is within walking distance of town and offers beach access.
La Haut Resort is a two-and-a-half-pearl hotel located on a 52-acre property outside the town of Soufriere. The hotel’s 17 guest rooms have a faded charm, and all include Piton view balconies as well as kitchenettes; not all rooms, however, include air-conditioning and TVs, and the decor could use an update. Striking mountain, Piton, and ocean views add appeal to the hotel’s unassuming restaurant and two pools. There’s no beach on the property, but La Haute provides free shuttle service to Soufriere and Anse Chastanet Beach. Other freebies include breakfast and tours of the hotel’s plantation. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities with Hummingbird Beach Resort, which is within walking distance of town and offers beach access.
Boucan by Hotel Chocolat is a luxury hotel located on a historic cocoa estate outside Soufriere. The hotel’s 14 Lodges and Luxe Lodges are full of understated glamor, with plantation-style slatted shutters evoking a sense of place -- plus all have eye-popping views of Petit Piton. True to its name, chocolate plays a role in almost every element of the hotel, most notably its popular restaurant that attracts locals and non-guests with its “cacao cuisine.” There’s a sleek infinity pool, a splendid spa, and an overall atmosphere of exclusivity. The lack of in-room air-conditioning and TVs won’t appeal to everyone, and there’s no beach (although the hotel provides free daily shuttles to one nearby). Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort offers an excellent alternative for travelers looking to stay right on the beach.
Boucan by Hotel Chocolat is a luxury hotel located on a historic cocoa estate outside Soufriere. The hotel’s 14 Lodges and Luxe Lodges are full of understated glamor, with plantation-style slatted shutters evoking a sense of place -- plus all have eye-popping views of Petit Piton. True to its name, chocolate plays a role in almost every element of the hotel, most notably its popular restaurant that attracts locals and non-guests with its “cacao cuisine.” There’s a sleek infinity pool, a splendid spa, and an overall atmosphere of exclusivity. The lack of in-room air-conditioning and TVs won’t appeal to everyone, and there’s no beach (although the hotel provides free daily shuttles to one nearby). Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort offers an excellent alternative for travelers looking to stay right on the beach.
The Downtown Hotel is an older, two-pearl property located in downtown Soufriere. The hotel’s 18 guest rooms are past their prime, offering worn-out decor and minimal amenities. Units do have nice views of the coast or surrounding town, but balconies are unfurnished. All come with AC, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, kettles, and fridges. Aside from free Wi-Fi, this hotel lacks any amenities, making rock-bottom rates its most appealing feature. While the hotel’s central location is convenient for exploring the attractions of south St. Lucia, the neighborhood is a tad seamy. Guests with flexibility in their budget should try Hummingbird Beach Resort instead -- the higher rates are well worth it.
The Downtown Hotel is an older, two-pearl property located in downtown Soufriere. The hotel’s 18 guest rooms are past their prime, offering worn-out decor and minimal amenities. Units do have nice views of the coast or surrounding town, but balconies are unfurnished. All come with AC, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, kettles, and fridges. Aside from free Wi-Fi, this hotel lacks any amenities, making rock-bottom rates its most appealing feature. While the hotel’s central location is convenient for exploring the attractions of south St. Lucia, the neighborhood is a tad seamy. Guests with flexibility in their budget should try Hummingbird Beach Resort instead -- the higher rates are well worth it.