REVIEW: JADE MOUNTAIN, ST. LUCIA

For anyone in need of some truly restorative time away, I could not recommend a trip to St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain more. On a recent trip, I experienced a profound sense of peace that I attribute to being in a place that keeps each guest pampered yet constantly connected to the natural world.

LOCATION: Jade Mountain takes advantage of what is probably the most beautiful part of St. Lucia. Nestled into a verdant hillside, the resort is the only place you’ll get views from every suite overlooking the island’s signature Piton mountains. Architect Nick Troubetzkoy was extremely intentional in every aspect of the resort’s design to ensure it blended seamlessly into the surroundings - even leaving its concrete columns unfinished as they might appear if made from natural rock formations.

Open air rooms, each with their own infinity pool - perfect for catching the sunset!

ACCOMMODATIONS: Each suite - dubbed “sanctuary” here and for good reason - is missing its fourth wall. Instead, guests, upon entering their suite, are greeted with expansive views of the Caribbean Sea and Pitons. A gentle sea breeze keeps temperatures at near perfect levels, and if you ever feel a bit overheated you can simply cool off in your own, private ensuite infinity pool. Yes, you read that right. These rooms are a dream, and I was constantly comforted by this connection to the outside. I even suspect it helped me sleep better during my stay. Between yoga on my private veranda, stellar room-service meals and a private ensuite pool, there’s little reason to step outside your suite for the duration of your stay. But if you do, there’s plenty of activities on offer to keep you occupied.

ACTIVITIES: As you’d expect given the resort’s name, there’s plenty of beautiful hiking trails surrounding the property. In fact, it’s a great way to see and experience how Jade Mountain has achieved such high sustainability standards. For instance, hike to an 18th century reservoir and aqueduct that’s been repurposed to service the resort and ensure no water is diverted from the local ecosystem or nearby town of Soufrière. Or visit the woodworking shop where artisans craft the one-of-a-kind furnishings that adorn each suite. There’s even the beautiful rows of hyacinth lily on a hillside, which you’d never realize doubles as the resort’s chemical-free, sewage filtration system. If you’re not one to nerd out on the inner-workings of sustainable resorts, don’t worry, you can also spend a sunset on the water, sailing beneath the Pitons with a glass of bubbles in hand. Or try their #EatThemtoBeatThem lionfish dinner on the beach, a multi-course meal featuring the invasive species in every course but dessert. Of course, I also recommend trying at least one spa treatment. I opted for a welcome massage in my suite, the perfect way to slough off any stress from COVID-era travel and clear my mind to enjoy the weekend ahead.

STAFF: This was my second visit to the island and its residents’ St. Lucian signature charm was on full display. For someone traveling alone, the bright smiles that greeted me at every turn were a true comfort. I especially loved my major domo, Thomas, who brought my breakfast every morning with a little song and bit of conversation. Every morning he thoughtfully remembered something we’d talked about the day before - whether asking how my morning yoga went or remembering I don’t take sugar in my coffee - the kind of small touch that does so much to make you feel right at home .

PRICE: Suites range from $1,616/night for an all-inclusive plan which includes on-property meals and beverages as well as signature resort activities like guided walks, a tasting experience of their locally-grown chocolate (made right on the property!) or a Creole history class.