Crystals St Lucia

This resort is anything but boring, and even the arrival to the hotel makes that apparent. Guests will have to guess which unmarked gravel driveway to take to arrive (it's a good idea to get specific directions from owners Monica and Martin if renting a car). Then, prepare for a steep and bumpy incline; this is said to be the highest property in St. Lucia, after all. Getting there is just part of the adventure for mot of the 25- to 40-year-olds the resort tends to attract. They're usually the type who prefer to stray from the norm (and stay far away from those bland mid-range beach resorts in Rodney Bay). 

The hotel interiors reflect its bohemian spirit with colorful details, funky fabrics, and Hindu and Buddha statues; Monica collects items on her many travels, and she's often more than happy to share their stories. Guests can expect a warm welcome, which includes hugs, a strong rum punch, and tour of the property. The terrace has a tree-house-like feel and breathtaking views, and there are even more stunning views from the top deck of lush tropical foliage and the magical Piton mountains.  

At such a tiny property, some socialization is to be expected -- both with the charismatic owners and the other guests. It's common for guests to befriend the owners and each other, and Monica, Martin, and Martin's daughter Jessica receive rave reviews from the many guests who are made to feel like family. (Their two dogs also add to the home-like experience.) But those seeking alone time can easily find it in this peaceful and natural setting, and the spacious villas and cottages were designed with privacy in mind. Each day starts with breakfast delivered to the room, and afternoons can be spent lazing around the private pools (every room has one), hiking, or hitting the beach. In the early evenings, guests and staff come together for more of that lethal rum punch at the tree-house bar where dancing may ensue to the rhythms of a local band, of which the owner Martin is a member. For guests who want to keep the party going, Martin might be willing to personally drive them down to one of the local bars to party the night away. So guests can make of Crystals what they will -- for some, Crystals is highly romantic, and for others, it's quite a blast. 

This small property near St. Lucia's southwestern Caribbean coastline boasts some incredible views, especially from the upper deck, built higher into the landscape. It should come as no surprise that the land is largely cut off from the mainstream resorts in St. Lucia. This has its advantages, to be sure, but it also requires an adventurous, and at times terrifying, drive from Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort. Roads around the island are filled with hairpin turns, massive potholes, and serious inclines -- and the last part of the journey will require heading up a steep, one-lane dirt road. If you do rent a car, be sure to get four-wheel drive and exercise caution. For this reason, many guests choose to take a taxi or arrange a private driver, though this can get expensive. 

This area of St. Lucia doesn't offer much in the way of touristy dining, shopping, or nightlife, which is why many choose to stay here to begin with. Once you're at Crystals, you'll likely stay here for most of the trip, unless you're exploring the authentic town of Soufriere (a seven-minute drive), hitting the beach (Anse Chastenet is about a five-minute drive) or taking a guided tour to Tet-Paul nature trail, the Diamond Falls, and La Soufriere Sulphur Springs. Those who want want upscale dining options can head to nearby luxury resorts like Ladera and Viceroy -- both 15 minutes away by car. Other than this, the resort is cut off from virtually everything and everyone. The only connection it has to the outside world comes from tree frogs singing their nightly chorus. 

Spread out across this natural landscape, and oozing with personality, are nine rustic and charming villas and cottages, each with a different look, name, and feel. Each contains unique furnishings gathered around the world by the owners (mostly Monica, who has a keen eye for unbelievably cool furnishings, textures, and colors). What they do have in common are spacious quarters, spacious sundecks with full-sized private pools (one unit has a plunge pool), and kitchens. Some units have better vantage points of the Pitons, while others have an enormous amount of living space. 

One-bedroom units like the Sugarcane and Lemongrass are suited for romantic couples, and two-bedroom units like the Papaya (which has among the best views of any unit) and Mango are best suited for small groups. The largest unit is the Orange Palm, which features three bedrooms. Note that while there is air-conditioning, it is in the bedrooms only, though the hillside position makes for nice breezes. This eco-friendly hotel runs on rain water, and guests are encouraged to be thoughtful about their water consumption in the bathrooms. Like the rooms themselves, every bathroom is different, but all have showers (no tubs); Papaya's master bedroom has a fabulous outdoor shower. There is no Wi-Fi in the villas, but it's free in the lounge. The jungly location means guests may encounter the occasional inset or gecko, which for some will be part of the charm, and the jungle noises at night are soothing for many. 

Upon arrival, rooms are stocked with a bottle of Champagne, coffee, teas, milk, sugar and drinking water. Those who plan to cook should pick up some necessities at the store, such as charcoal and lighter fluid for the barbecue, and coffee filters for the coffee machine.   

Though there's no beach on-site, guests can access beautiful golden-sand beaches in about a five-minute drive. Anse Chastanet Beach is a 17-minute drive. It is flanked by the resort of the same name, making public access challenging but not impossible; guests can access this stretch of beach by way of water taxi. It includes a restaurant, a PADI dive center, and superb snorkel opportunities, as the marine reserve just offshore is home to over 140 fish species.

Rooms have free beverages on arrival, but guests will likely want to head for the grocery store to stock the kitchens. There is a restaurant built into the mango trees called TreeTop with more of Monica's special decor touches, which can easily transport guests to South Asia when the candles are lit. Guests can dine on-site in small parties, while another section of the restaurant offers large party reservations for weddings and groups. Six nights a week, the hotel offers fun happy hour cocktail parties, which are known to get guests mingling. Staff can easily recommend the best restaurants around town, while others choose to stay in and cook themselves. Breakfast if served daily at no charge and delivered each morning to the villas; the spread typically includes fresh-baked breads, scrambled eggs, coconut pancakes, and tropical fruits, like mango and papaya, which are grown on-site. 

Wi-Fi (available in the common spaces only) and parking are both free.