East Winds Inn doesn't try to compete with the mega all-inclusive resorts on St. Lucia. Instead, the intimate, 30-room, upper-middle-range all-inclusive caters to guests who want to relax in a quiet location without constant attention. It lacks amenities such as a gym and spa but offers a laid-back vibe among lushly landscaped gardens. Guests hide out in air-conditioned, cottage-style rooms, snorkel the reefs from the lovely gold-sand beach, and lounge at the pool, where they can also mix their their own cocktails at the swim-up bar.

Opened in December 2007 as St. Lucia's first private residential yacht community, The Landings is one of the island's most luxurious boutique resorts. Upon entry, it’s obvious that the developer spared no expense in the construction of the pavilion lobby, which boasts towering ceilings, polished marble floors, and a carefully curated decor that’s understated and elegant. Most of the owners of the development’s 72 residences choose to place them in the rental program. The spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas cater to families and traveling couples, offering a homey atmosphere that is quieter and more personal than nearby mega-resorts -- just don't expect a huge list of activities.

The newest of the three Sandals resorts on St. Lucia, Sandals Grande is a 301-room, upscale, couples-only resort that's set on a peninsula adjacent to Pigeon Island, a historic national landmark. Its signature pool with a huge tower and swim-up bar is the center of the action, a place where young honeymooners mix and mingle. Three other (quieter) pool areas, a slew of water sports (including unlimited scuba), a beautiful spa, and 12 restaurants, including an authentic British Pub, help keep guests occupied. Club Level and Butler Level rooms are available for upgraded service.

This 95-suite upper-middle-range resort delivers on location -- it's steps from Reduit Beach and close to Rodney Bay Village. A stylish swim-up bar services a lagoon-style pool ringed by palm trees and cushy white loungers and day beds, which are spaced far enough apart for privacy. The resort offers three restaurants, but the most intimate is the Beach Shack, an open-air pavilion right on the beach. Some of the spacious suite-style rooms have terraces with dead-on views of the sea, but the rooms do show hints of wear and tear with scuffed floors and spots on the rugs.

Coco Palm is an 83-room budget-oriented boutique hotel with style and service you'd expect at higher priced, beachfront hotels. It features a huge free-form pool, French Caribbean style decor, and the option to book with or without an all-inclusive plan. Rooms are cheerful and tropical, and some have terraces with pool access. While not on the ocean, it is a short walk to Reduit Beach and close to the amenities of Rodney Bay Village, St. Lucia's entertainment district.

The tiny, upscale Villa C'est la Vie is located in a residential neighborhood of St. Lucia, offering five rooms that in total can sleep 10 to 12 guests. The rooms have an elegant design, adorned with local wood and offering spacious living areas and bedrooms that all come with a balcony and private bathroom. Expansive grounds include a swimming pool and pathway to a rocky, albeit secluded, waterfront for swimming and snorkeling. Breakfast is included in the rate; a private chef can be hired to prepare other meals in the fully equipped kitchens, or there are dining options within driving distance. The property's peaceful, intimate vibe is certainly a standout, but families with kids may prefer the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort nearby, which has a ton of features.