11 Best Hotels in Saint Lucia

Located in Val des Pitons, the steep valley between the Pitons and the most dramatic 100 acres in Saint Lucia, magnificent private villas are tucked into the dense tropical foliage that covers the hillside and reaches down to the sea. Villas are enormous, with beautifully furnished bedrooms, walk-in closets, sitting rooms with custom-made furnishings upholstered in white fabrics, amazing bathrooms with soaking tubs, showers big enough for a crowd, and Pitons-view decks with oversize plunge pools. Fourteen similarly appointed beachfront bungalows are steps from the sand, while stylish Sugar Mill rooms have private walled gardens. Personal butlers tend to any request, including unpacking (if you wish), making dinner reservations, and calling the shuttle to take you around the property. The Cane Bar specializes in Southeast Asian small plates, and heftier meals range from breakfast at The Terrace Restaurant and barbecues at Jalousie Grill to candlelit fine dining (think Kobe beef and seared scallops) at Saltwood. Dive or sail; play tennis, beach volleyball, or pool; take a nature walk, climb Gros Piton (with a guide), or chill by the pool. Swimming and snorkeling at the beach are particularly special because of the Pitons views and abundant sea life underwater. The Rainforest Spa—with eight tree house–style gazebos in a rainforest setting—offers body and beauty treatments; there are also fitness classes, a state-of-the-art gym, a yoga studio, and an earthen temazcal (steam dome).

At this laid-back ecoresort on one of Soufrière's most active agricultural farms, nine historic homes salvaged from all around the island have been rebuilt on the 135-acre estate and refurbished as guest accommodations, with luxury bathrooms and period furniture and surrounded by dense tropical foliage and marked trails that meander through the property. In addition, there are 14 air-conditioned one-bedroom cottages, which are private and charming, some with private plunge pools and all with outdoor "rain" showers, and some have kitchens for self-catering. Most of the cottages surround a short circular path that ends at Fond Doux's two restaurants, a three-level pool, the Mama La Terre ("Mother Earth") Spa—which uses local coconut oil, fruit-and-spice potions, and mud from the nearby sulfur springs—and the cocoa farm. It's a completely different type of vacation experience that allows you to soak up the natural environment, engage with local culture, and feel like a part of history.

On 19 acres along the Pigeon Point Causeway at the northern edge of Rodney Bay, this villa resort surrounds a private 34-slip marina where guests can dock their own yachts, literally, at their doorstep. Although the atmosphere is particularly conducive to yachting and boating, landlubbers will find plenty to do: partaking of the 7,000-square-foot spa, socializing at Viscount Lounge, playing a game of tennis, or soaking up the sun on the beach or at one of the pools. Guest accommodations range in size from 950 to 2,300 square feet, and more than half have their own plunge pools. Each unit has a beautifully appointed living room, dining room, and kitchen, as well as one, two, or three bedrooms with en suite baths and an enormous balcony or terrace. You can prepare your own meals, have a "toes in the sand" meal at the open-air Callaloo Beach Bar and Grill, dine at high-end The Palms, or have in-suite chef service for a private dining experience. At sunset folks gather at the Turquoise Beach Bar, overlooking the sea, for a signature cocktail. Guests also get preferred tee times at the nearby golf course.

One of four Bay Gardens properties in Rodney Bay Village, this family-friendly resort has a prime location on beautiful Reduit Beach and its six three-story buildings wrap around a large lagoon-style pool. All suites have living and dining areas, full kitchens, and modern baths; most have views of the sea from the balcony or terrace. Rooms and suites can be combined to make two-bedroom accommodations, with full self-catering facilities in the living area and 2½ baths. Water sports are available on the beach (guests have unlimited complimentary use of Splash Island Water Park just off shore) and you can get a massage or refreshing treatment at La Mer Spa. Dine at Hi Tide beachside restaurant, SeaGrapes Beach Bar and Grill, or any of the excellent restaurants in the Rodney Bay Village neighborhood. The Bay Gardens properties are known for their friendly hospitality; add a beautiful beach to the equation, and this member of the family is definitely a winner.

This popular hotel in Rodney Bay Village overlooks an inviting pool and a separate cozy guesthouse, Kreole Village, at the edge of the property. Coco Palm guest rooms—including six swim-up rooms adjacent to the pool and a dozen spacious suites—are decorated in a colorful West Indies style; extra-large bathrooms in the suites have walk-in showers, claw-foot tubs, and separate toilet facilities—amenities that you'd expect at much pricier resorts. Suites also have pull-out couches in the sitting room and an additional full bathroom, making them perfect for families. The 20 Kreole Village rooms are smaller and wrap around what is more like a comfortable living room than a hotel lobby. Ti Bananne Bistro and Bar overlooks Coco Palm's pool and bandstand. All the action of Rodney Bay Village and beautiful Reduit Beach is within walking distance.

Coconut Bay is a sprawling (85 acres) family-friendly seaside retreat minutes from Hewanorra International Airport. The ocean views are beautiful and the beach has lovely white sand, but the resort faces the Atlantic Ocean, so swimming in the sea is restricted to an area protected by a man-made reef. Kitesurfing, however, is a huge attraction here. Other ways to get wet include three swimming pools and a water park with a lazy river, waterslides, and swim-up bar. The resort is divided into two sections: Harmony is restricted to adults; Splash, on the opposite side of the property, is a tropical playground for families with kids. The Maria Islands are just offshore, and Saint Lucia's Pitons and other natural attractions in Soufrière are 45 minutes away by car. Tours and adventure outings are easily arranged. Otherwise, you'll have to be content with the activities at the resort—nine restaurants, seven bars, five pools, a full-service spa and salon, water and land sports—plenty to do and plenty of space to do it in.

La Haut is French for "the height," so it's all about the view—the Pitons, of course—plus the appeal of staying in an intimate and affordable family-run inn. Nestled in what was a mountaintop cocoa and coconut estate, the main six-room guesthouse was once the cocoa house, where cocoa beans were fermented and dried; an adjacent cottage had been the copra house, where the coconuts were processed. Rooms are basic, but each has a private balcony with a to-die-for view, king beds draped with mosquito netting, and a small kitchenette. A two-bedroom unit is ideal for families or two couples, while the two-story cottage is honeymoon heaven—gaze at the Pitons, the rainforest, or the sunset from the huge upstairs balcony. Halfway down the mountainside, the owner's residence has six additional guest rooms, an infinity pool, and that picture-postcard view. There is a restaurant on-site, and when guests aren't taking a dip in one of the pools, they're usually lounging at Anse Chastanet beach (a short drive away).

Divers love this place, and everyone loves the location facing the little palm-studded beach at Marigot Bay. Some accommodations are right on the beachfront; others are on the hillside with a sweeping view of the bay. Most units have either a kitchen or kitchenette. Villa accommodations, suitable for families and large groups, have multiple bedrooms and spacious kitchens. Scuba courses and dive trips are available from the on-site PADI dive center; special dive packages include accommodations, meals, daily two-tank boat dives, and all equipment. Otherwise, guests enjoy the pool, hiking up the ridge, or treatments at the spa. DOOlittle's, the waterfront restaurant, is popular with guests who want to escape their kitchenettes, as well as with nonguests and yachties who like the food and the regular live entertainment. Chateau Mygo House of Seafood is just a minute away by ferry. Ferry service is provided, so guests can come and go at will.

This huge all-inclusive resort on 60 acres overlooking pretty Smuggler's Cove is divided into three distinct sections—a family-friendly area, the Diamond Club with exclusive amenities, and the Hideaway adults-only oasis. Rooms are located in eight five-story buildings that surround the main pool and activity area and face toward the beach. The resort's restaurants offer various cuisine choices: Tex-Mex, West Indian, Italian, Japanese, steakhouse, international buffet, sports bar/pub, and a café and gelato bar. In addition, the Chef's Table (extra cost) provides a memorable culinary experience—or opt for room service. There are five swimming pools (two reserved for Diamond Club and Hideaway guests) and a laundry list of activities (aquatic sports, volleyball, ping pong, cooking classes, dance classes, weight training, and more). Libations flow freely from several bars, and there's live entertainment nightly.

Bring an outfit for the weekly White Party, a night of music and entertainment where everyone dresses in white.

This large family-friendly resort at the south end of Reduit Beach is surrounded on three sides by gardens, and since it's all-inclusive and reasonably priced—with lots of possibilities for entertainment—it's a viable choice for an economical family vacation. Deluxe ocean-view rooms face the beach; deluxe rooms face the garden; and premium rooms have a pool or garden view. All rooms accommodate up to three adults or two adults and two children. Dining options include Ocean Beach Grill and Monarch Buffet, which are included in the rates, and La Cuccina (Italian cuisine) and Oriental (Asian cuisine), which cost extra. Enjoy cold drinks at Clippers Swim Up Bar, cocktails at Sunset Bar on the beach, and nightcaps at the Monarch Bar lounge—you'll have to pay for premium brands, though.

Mediterranean-style villas—which are as appropriate for a family or group vacation as for a romantic getaway—climb the hillside on one of Saint Lucia's prettiest bays. The 220 units include 60 rooms, 12 suites, and 148 villas. Some have private plunge pools. Several huge (1,800 to 4,200 square feet) estate villas at the top of the hill each have one to four bedrooms, a private pool, full kitchen, and an amazing view. The resort's reception area opens onto shops, five restaurants, a playground, six pools, and a fitness center with yoga deck. There's plenty to do for adults and kids alike, but definitely take time for a rejuvenating treatment in the spa. Eat in the restaurants, make your own meals, or order room service. Shuttles whoosh you between your villa and the activity areas—including two hillside pools connected by a waterfall.