A rundown of St Lucia’s finest hotels and restaurants
St Lucia Tourist Board June 2006 press release
Travellers preferring luxury accommodations that integrate the natural surroundings and rich character of a destination will appreciate the genuine, laid-back luxury of St Lucia. The island blends authentic Caribbean style and hospitality with world-class resorts and spas, top-rated restaurants, golf, yachting and more, making it an ideal destination for even the most discerning travellers.
ACCOMMODATION
All situated along the serene Caribbean coast, St Lucia’s finest accommodations vary from traditional luxury to architectural marvels with only three walls providing an unobstructed view of the sea or signature Piton Mountains. Décor at many of the upscale properties includes hand-carved, locally made furniture and artwork for an authentic Caribbean feel.
St Lucia’s most lavish and elegant resorts in the south end of the island near Soufriere include the following:
Anse Chastanet – Recognized as one of the most romantic resorts in the world, Anse Chastanet offers 49 rooms, some with only three walls, overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the Piton Mountains. No two rooms are the same, each featuring handmade furniture and fabrics, as well as original artwork. The resort has two restaurants and bars: With its romantic, candlelit ambiance, the Piton Restaurant on the hillside serves breakfast daily and a five-course dinner five nights a week. The beachfront Trou au Diable Restaurant and Piton Bar serves lunch daily and dinner two nights a week. Guests looking for a tranquil getaway can relax in private beach cabanas, shop in the beachside boutiques, enjoy a spa treatment at the Kai Belte Spa and/or peruse the hotel’s art gallery. More adventurous guests may enjoy the jungle biking, sea kayaking and scuba facilities. For more information call (758) 459-7000 or see their listing under St Lucia accommodations at www.caribbean.com.
Jalousie Plantation – The St Lucia-based SunSwept Resorts acquired the Jalousie Resort & Spa from Hilton International effective May 31, 2005, and renamed it The Jalousie Plantation. Located along the Caribbean coastline surrounded by white-sand beaches and set between the beautiful Piton Mountains, the property includes 65 villas, 35 villa suites and 12 additional guest rooms. Renovations to the existing villas and guest rooms are being planned and a centre of well being will be created after the completion of the renovations in 2007. Those travelling by yacht enjoy docking in the serene bay and visiting the hotel’s world-class spa. Tennis courts, a pool, fitness center, putting green, hiking trail and watersports facilities are also on the premises. Helicopters can land at the on-site helipad making airport transfers or aerial island tours easily accessible. Parents looking for a few minutes on their own will appreciate the resort’s full-service children’s centre. For more information, call (758) 456-8000 or see their listing under St Lucia accommodations at www.caribbean.com.
Ladera Resort – One of the most sophisticated resorts in the Caribbean, Ladera sits perched 1,100 feet above the sea on the hillside between the two Piton Mountains. Each of the six villas and 18 suites at Ladera Resort has an open wall to expose incredible views of the Pitons while maintaining guest privacy. Rooms are furnished with exquisite antiques and handmade crafts, including impressive four-poster beds and delicate conch-shell faucets. Many suites include waterfalls leading to a private plunge pool and private garden. The hotel’s considerate staff can arrange activities, including horseback riding, spa services and boat charters. Ladera is home to the award-winning Dasheene restaurant (see dining section below), considered among the best restaurants in the Caribbean. For more information, call 1-800-738-4752 or see their listing under St Lucia accommodations at www.caribbean.com.
Stonefield Estate Villa Resort – Located just south of Soufriere, the estate’s plantation house and cottages are surrounded by lush, tropical greenery, yet sufficiently separated to ensure complete privacy. Each cottage features antique furniture, high ceilings, fans, fully furnished kitchens and bedrooms with full bathrooms. Some of the cottages offer intimate, outdoor garden showers. The on-site Mango Tree restaurant serves savory St Lucian specialties with an emphasis on fresh fish and locally grown vegetables. For more information, call (758) 459-5648 or 459-7037, or see their listing under St Lucia accommodations at www.caribbean.com.
Ti Kaye Village – Located north of Soufriere in Anse Cochon situated along a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Ti Kaye Village has 33 secluded, airy cottages each featuring a four-poster bed, a veranda with a two-person hammock and a private indoor/outdoor garden shower lined with tropical plants. Cottages are centered around the main pavilion with its restaurant, bar and freshwater pool, all with a panoramic view of the sea. Ti Kaye’s hospitable and friendly staff can arrange for land and sea excursions, including a dive at the Lesleen M shipwreck in the bay, whale-watching, sunset cruises, golf, yachting trips and helicopter tours. For more information, call (758) 456-8101 or see their listing under St Lucia accommodations at www.caribbean.com.
St Lucia’s most lavish and elegant resorts in the north end of the island, near Castries, include the following:
The Body Holiday – Voted one of the “World’s Best” and the seventh best spa in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine, this all-inclusive property is both an active resort and serene spa retreat. The hotel’s tranquil Oasis Spa boasts 39 treatment rooms and an official Clarins Salon. Spa lovers will enjoy customizing their “body holiday” by choosing their room, bathrobe size, tee times, relaxation activities and spa treatments before arrival. Activities offered include watersports, golf, tennis and yoga. Tao (see dining section below) is one of two restaurants on-site. For more information, call (758) 450-8551 or see their listing under St Lucia accommodations at www.caribbean.com.
East Winds Inn – Tucked away on eight acres of tropical gardens, East Winds Inn is located between Castries and Rodney Bay on tranquil La Brelotte Bay. This upscale, all-inclusive hideaway consists of one mini-suite and 15 single-story cottages, housing two guest rooms each. Two French chefs operate the open-air, beachfront restaurant, which features nightly entertainment and a menu that changes daily. East Winds has a free-form swimming pool, a beachfront bar and an open-air cottage where guests can play games, read or just relax and enjoy the views. The accommodating staff strives to exceed all guest expectations and will arrange for conveniences, including picnic baskets, spa services and scuba trips. For more information, call (758) 452-8212 or see their listing under St Lucia accommodations at www.caribbean.com.
Windjammer Landing – Brick paths meander through the lush hills linking Windjammer Landing’s Mediterranean-style villas and main facilities. The secluded white-stucco villas feature private sun terraces surrounded by trees and flowering bushes. At the heart of the property guests will find sandy beaches, three swimming pools, five restaurants, floodlit tennis courts, a fitness centre, a market and the newly upgraded Serenity Spa. This family-friendly resort offers nanny service, a children’s centre, teen centre and kid’s pool, as well as land and watersports. The whole family can even be pampered at Serenity Spa, which features spa treatments for children. For more information, call (758) 452-0913 or see their listing under St Lucia accommodations at www.caribbean.com.
Rendezvous – This intimate couples-only resort is nestled on seven acres of beachfront tropical gardens. Newly refurbished in January 2003, Rendezvous’ rooms, many with patios and large hammocks facing the ocean, were designed to enhance the romance of the couples’ getaway. This all-inclusive property offers 100 spacious guest rooms and suites, two freshwater pools, tennis courts, three bars, a spa and fitness centre. For more information, call (758) 457-7900 or see their listing under St Lucia accommodations at www.caribbean.com.
Royal St Lucian – Located on Reduit Beach, one of St Lucia’s prettiest beaches, the Royal St Lucian resort offers 96 spacious, ocean-view suites featuring cozy seating areas and large sundecks. The property underwent a major renovation in 2002, including the addition of a stately marble lobby. Facilities include free-form pools, a spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, two restaurants and two bars. The dedicated staff arranges land and watersports activities, evening entertainment and children’s activities to ensure a pleasant stay. For more information, call (758) 452-9999 or see their listing under St Lucia accommodations at www.caribbean.com.
DINING
St Lucia’s cuisine consists primarily of international and Creole dishes using fresh local fish and produce. Many of the island’s finest restaurants feature exquisite views of the lush Caribbean landscape. With a wide range of upscale specialty restaurants featuring French, Italian, Indian, Chinese and traditional American cuisine, the food is sure to please all palates.
Some of the island’s best-loved restaurants in the south near Soufriere include the following:
Dasheene – Located at the Ladera Resort, this open-air dining room is built like an elaborate tree house. The restaurant’s award-winning chef, Orlando Satchell, was invited to cook at New York City’s James Beard House in 2003. Although the food is outstanding, many flock to Dasheene for what is arguably the best sunset view in the Caribbean. For more information, call (758) 459-7323.
Kai Manje – Ti Kaye’s hot new chef, Paul Yellin, has quickly made a name for himself by preparing meals for celebrities and politicians, including British PM Tony Blair. Yellin recently released a Caribbean cookbook in conjunction with Mount Gay Rum, “Mount Gay Infusions.” At Ti Kaye, Yellin continues his explorations into fusion food, blending Caribbean and international flavours and recipes. For more information, call (758) 456-8101.
Favoured restaurants in the north include the following:
Chic – Opened in 2002 in the upscale Royal St Lucian hotel, Chic features stunning décor and an innovative menu. This exceptional restaurant offers international cuisine, fine wines and sophisticated service. For more information, call (758) 452-9999.
Tao – Named by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as one of the 60 “Hot Tables” in the world, Tao at The Body Holiday at Le Sport overlooks Cariblue Beach. Diners feast on Asian-fusion cuisine with a Caribbean flair while enjoying tropical breezes and sunsets. Tao is known for its stylish ambiance with an accent on art and music, complemented by top-notch service. For more information, call (758) 450-8551.
The Coal Pot – A local favourite, the Coal Pot’s ambience is as unique as its cuisine. The open-air, wood-and-stone structure in Vigie Marina has been a historical pillar for 35 years. Chef Xavier Ribot blends exquisite French fare with a large splash of Caribbean flavour using fresh local ingredients. This quaint restaurant has an extensive wine list and displays the works of local artists. For more information, call (758) 452-5566.
The Great House – Located in an original plantation house on the Cap Estate, the atmosphere of the Great House is a combination of Caribbean tradition, elegance and romance. The menu changes nightly, offering traditional French cuisine and original dishes infused with a spicy Creole flavour. The Great House lives up to its name with superb service, delicious food and a welcoming ambiance. For more information, call (758) 450-0450.
Dragonfly at Windjammer Landing – Director of Culinary Services Bobo Bergstrom was recently named Best Individual Chef at the 2003 Taste of the Caribbean competition. At Dragonfly, Bergstrom blends the best of Euro-Caribbean and Asian cuisines to create fusion specialties that are among the best on the island.
One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies’ Lesser Antilles, St Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is halfway down the eastern Caribbean archipelago. The “Helen of the West Indies,” St Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains – recently named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO – a tropical rainforest and one of the world’s few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, a variety of heritage tourism sites, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual St Lucia Jazz Festival in May.
Disclaimer: The information in this article/release was accurate at
press time; however, we suggest you confirm all details and prices
directly with vendors.
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