During our latest shoot in St Lucia we stayed in several different resorts but for me,
Jade Mountain, near Soufriere in the south of the island really stood out.
Opened just last year, this is an extraordinary hotel in all senses of the word. Set above the long established and popular Anse Chastenet Resort, Jade Mountain rises up from the very top of the hill like some sort of Thunderbirds docking station. The main part of the building connects to the slope by mean of concrete bridges which are actually all individual pathways leading to your suite. The hill side face of the building is a mass of dark wood louvres with almost hidden doors but, beyond those doors are the most breathtaking suites I have ever seen.
For a start, each of the 24 suites is huge (the largest is over 2000 sq ft). They are all of course achingly stylish, they each have a large, totally private infinity edge pool but the most stunning feature is that the 4th wall is completely open and offers uninterrupted views out to sea and across to St Lucia's iconic twin Piton mountains. There are no phones, no TV and internet access only in reception - this is about pure escapism and tuning in to nature in the most luxurious and decadent fashion. The open wall means that you fall asleep to the nightime orchestra of the forest below, you wake to the sound of birdsong and you lie in your wonderfully comfortable four poster bed watching dawn break over the Pitons.
On hand to cater to your every whim is your 'major domo' - a personal butler who will unpack for you, iron your clothes, book any trips you might want, organise room service if you can't make it up to the Terrace Restaurant, in fact they will do anything you ask. Its the ultimate in understated decadence and, due to the high level of privacy provided by the location and the nature of the suites, its fast becoming a favourite with celebrities. Discretion is the watchword of Jade Mountain's amazing staff although one did let slip to me that Johnny Wilkinson has been recent guest.
Of course, it doesn't come cheap - expect to pay around £3-4000 for 7 nights. But, for a spectacular Caribbean wedding location, romantic honyemoon or indulgent hideaway - look no further!
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