Fodor's Expert Review Anse Chastanet Resort

Spectacular individually designed rooms—some with fourth walls wide open to the stunning Pitons view—peek out of the thick rainforest that cascades down a steep hillside to the beach. Deluxe hillside rooms have a balcony, tile floors, handmade wooden furniture, madras fabrics, and impressive artwork. Piton pool suites each feature a four-poster bed, bathroom shower for two, and an 8-by-16-foot private pool. A dozen rooms are at beach level, and a separate beach house is special, indeed. None of the rooms have a TV—and only beachfront rooms have air-conditioning—but they all have free Wi-Fi. So it's delightfully peaceful here; basically, it's an adult-oriented environment (kids must be age 10 or older; age 6 or older July–September). Diving, jungle biking through the estate's 600 acres, and ocean kayaking are premier sports activities; chocolate lovers will enjoy the on-site Bean to Bar plantation tour. Rejuvenate afterward at the Kai Belté Spa. Be prepared, though, for the bone-rattling dirt road between town and the resort and the steep climb to most rooms. There is a helipad, so you can get to the airport by helicopter, if you prefer. A water taxi offers an alternate way into town, or you can simply revel in the gorgeous isolation. Shuttle service is available to negotiate the 100 steps between the beach and the hillside rooms.