Jade Mountain

Anse Chastanet Rd., Soufrière, Soufrière, St. Lucia
Fodor's Choice
Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

Why We Like It

The view, the amazing “sanctuaries,” the view, the huge in-room infinity pools, the view, the restaurant…did we mention the view? It’s all quite superb!

Fodor's Expert Review

This premium-class, premium-priced, adults-only hotel is an architectural wonder perched on a picturesque mountainside with an exquisite view of the Caribbean Sea and the Pitons. Guest accommodations—accessible via a modernistic private bridge system—exude style, luxury, privacy, and comfort in 1,400 to 1,950 square feet of open-concept living space with 15-foot ceilings.

You Should Know Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, but guests are asked to keep their cell phones on vibrate while on the property and not to use them at all in public spaces.

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Room

Two-dozen “sanctuaries” have an entire wall open to the dramatic Pitons view and an enormous and uniquely designed infinity plunge pool that extends from the sitting area onto a balcony that, if you could see it from the outside looking in, might inspire vertigo. Five "sky suites" have similar setups, but a two-person Jacuzzi towers above the living space instead of a pool. Each sanctuary provides complete privacy but differs in layout, design, size, and style. Butlers are unobtrusive but always on call.

You Should Know Guest sanctuaries are techno-free (no radio, TV, or telephone), although a device allows guests to communicate with the service team. Also, the open-wall concept precludes air-conditioning—except in one Sky suite.

Bathroom

Bathrooms vary in layout and design but, like the rest of the sanctuaries, are open-concept—although a half-wall partially encloses the toilet. So consider yourself forewarned if you’re at all modest. Each bathroom has a pair of ultra-modern sinks and a height-adjustable “shower tower” with a rain showerhead, a half-dozen body sprays, and separate hand shower. A pedestal-mounted whirlpool tub, large enough for two, is situated to take advantage of the view. Bath amenities include Frette towels and bathrobes and Molton Brown toiletries.

Tip The tubs have digitally controlled underwater LED lighting—"chromotherapy"—which allows the bather(s) to select therapeutic lighting effects (different colors) that enhance the mind/body experience.

Lobby

The reception area has a guest lounge with telephone, Internet, and other business services. A concierge is available to arrange excursions, car rentals, private dinners, gifts, or anything else guests may request or require.

Pool

There is no communal pool; rather, each guest “sanctuary” has its own.

Spa

Spa treatments are available in the guest’s own sanctuary, in Jade Mountain’s Kai en Ciel boutique spa, at Kai Belte Spa on Anse Chastanet Beach, or at the open-air Kai Mer spa cabana on the hillside. Treatments include classical body and beauty treatments, as well as ayurvedic and holistic services.

Gym

The hotel’s very sleek fitness studio has Cybex cardio and strength machines. Daily escorted walks and hikes are held on the estate. Yoga classes are complimentary, and private yoga instruction can be arranged.

Tip The bike trails at Anse Marin are available to Jade Mountain guests for morning or afternoon jogging. Guests can also rent a bike to explore the trails on their own or join a “jungle biking” tour with Bike St. Lucia.

Dining

Jade Mountain Club, a private, sky-high restaurant for Jade Mountain guests, serves “Jade cuisine”—sweet, spicy, and aromatic—at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fruits, vegetables, greens, nuts, spices, herbs, and chocolate are all sourced from the estate’s own organic farm, creating a truly farm-to-table menu. Fresh seafood, of course, is always present. Given the comfort and style of the sanctuaries, though, it's no wonder room service is so popular here.

Tip For a special evening, request a private dinner on the rooftop terrace—under the starry sky.

Drinking

On the rooftop just above the restaurant, the Celestial Terrace is a perfect spot for a cool drink during the afternoon or a pre-dinner cocktail at sunset; but it's an especially romantic spot for a nightcap under the stars.

Beach

Anse Chastanet Beach, in front of the resort, is a golden-sand beach with lounge chairs shaded by thatched “umbrellas." The beach also attracts people from nearby hotels and elsewhere who come by boat for a day at the beach or, just as likely, to scuba dive. Scuba St. Lucia, a PADI dive center, is based here. The waters just offshore are part of the marine reserve and are full of fish, so the beach is great for snorkeling and swimming. Kayaks, sailboats, and windsurfers are available at the water-sports center. A bar and restaurant are adjacent to the beach. A walkway along the beach brings you to Anse Mamin, a second beach just north of the first.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Be prepared for the bone-rattling dirt road between town and the resort. There is a helipad, so you can get to the airport by helicopter if you prefer. A water taxi offers an alternative way into town. Join a tour or rent a car to access the iconic sites in Soufrière and elsewhere on your own. Opt for a taxi if you want to go north to Anse la Raye, Marigot Bay, Castries, or Rodney Bay, as the mountain road is narrow, winding, and downright dizzying. Land taxis and water taxis are always available. Airport transfers can be arranged (extra cost).

Restaurants

Guests may wander next door to Anse Chastanet (1-minute walk) and enjoy any of its restaurants. The Treehouse Restaurant, just off the lobby, serves breakfast and dinner. At the beach, Trou au Diable is a casual restaurant serving lunch and snacks during the day and dinner some evenings. Some nights, a section of Trou au Diable becomes Apsara, which serves a blend of East Indian and Caribbean cuisines in a romantic candlelit atmosphere. On Anse Mamin Beach, enjoy a burger and beer at Jungle Grill, an open-air beach bar with picnic tables on the beach.

In Soufrière, just past the end of the dirt road leading into the resort, Orlando’s (10-minute drive) specializes in exquisite Caribbean cuisine using local, sustainable products; it’s fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Along the mountain road south of Soufrière, Dasheene at Ladera Resort and Boucan at Hotel Chocolat (20-minute drive)—across the road from each other—offer unique dining experiences: the majestic Pitons view from Dasheene and the chocolate-inspired menu at Boucan. A little farther along, Bamboo & Cocoa Pod at Fond Doux Estate (20-minute drive), a historic plantation, offers a purely local experience—a nice daytime outing.

Each Friday evening in Anse la Raye, a small fishing village a few miles south of Marigot Bay, the main street is blocked off for a street festival, called Anse la Raye Seafood Friday (25-minute voyage). Residents set up barbecue grills and picnic tables and serve up grilled fish, lobster, roasted corn, boiled crayfish, and more. There’s usually live music, too. (Take a water taxi to/from Anse la Raye…the winding mountain roads are dizzying during the day and worse at night.)

Bars

Next door at Anse Chastanet (1-minute walk), Piti Piton Bar, adjacent to the Treehouse Restaurant at the lobby level, is a perfect place to enjoy a cool drink while gazing at the view. For a closer view of the sea, beachside Trou au Diable Bar is open all day and into the evening. It’s recommended that guests not visit local bars in Soufrière.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 758-459–4000