7 Best Hotels in Saint Lucia

The luxurious suites and Balinese-inspired cottages at this inviting boutique resort spill gently down a tropical hillside to a secluded beach on Bonaire Bay, just south of Rodney Bay. The private cottages, constructed of mahogany, stone, and other natural materials, all face the sea to take advantage of the sunset. Surrounded by lush vegetation for privacy, each cottage has a separate sitting room, private plunge pool, a hammock on the patio, outdoor rain shower, and full bar. Four manor house suites have swim-up access to the infinity pool, which also has a natural rock waterfall. The remaining suites also face the sunset and are just as large and luxuriously furnished. Walkways that meander through the property serve as access to the cottages and the beach, where a boardwalk and dock are ideal for an evening stroll or romantic dinner. The open-air Windsong restaurant, high on the hill and a few steps from the lobby, offers an unobstructed view of the sea (or, in the evening, the twinkling lights of Castries) from every table—and, of course, memorable meals.

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.

Rustic elegance is not an oxymoron at this upscale adults-only cottage community that spills down a hillside above fabulous Anse Cochon beach. Negotiating 1½ miles of pockmarked winding dirt road is required to access Ti Kaye from the main road; but when you arrive, all of that is forgotten. Honeymooners, divers, and couples looking for a quiet escape all love it. Gingerbread-style cottages (ti kaye is Creole for "little cottage"), surrounded by lush greenery and furnished with handcrafted furniture, have unparalleled ocean views from their private verandahs—each equipped with a double hammock. Each room has a secluded garden shower, a huge walk-in closet, and wooden louvers in doors and windows to catch the breeze; some have private plunge pools. Take the self-operated tram or negotiate the 166 steps down the cliff to the beach, which is part of the National Marine Reserve and one of the best snorkeling sites in Saint Lucia. Island Divers, a full-service dive shop, is on-site. Free guided snorkel tours are among the amenities, along with use of kayaks, paddleboards, and "water hammocks" (floats). Kai Manje (Creole for "house of eating"), perched on a breezy terrace, serves fabulous food—which is a good thing, since the location is so remote. Lunch is available at Ti Manje beach bar, and twice-weekly wine tastings are held in the award-winning wine cellar. The icing on the cake: Kai Koko spa offers divine treatments using locally formulated products.

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.

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.

This is the second-largest of the three Sandals properties on Saint Lucia and, like the others, is all-inclusive and for couples only. The resort covers 220 acres on a hillside overlooking the sea at La Toc on the southern shore of Castries Bay. Guest rooms are decorated with rich mahogany furniture and king-size four-poster beds. Many rooms have private plunge pools or outdoor soaking tubs. As an added indulgence, you can choose a suite with personalized butler service to attend to your needs, wants, or whims. The main pool, with its waterfall and bridges, and a long crescent beach are focal points for socializing and enjoying water sports. Massages, scrubs, and wraps are available at the full-service spa for an additional charge. Nine restaurants serve Asian, Italian, French, Mediterranean, Southwestern, and Caribbean cuisine, as well as pizza, sushi, and pub-style fare. A dozen bars serve unlimited beverages. A regular shuttle connects all three Sandals properties and the Sandals Saint Lucia Golf and Country Club at Cap Estate.

This intimate boutique resort is set in the rural hills behind Gros Piton, and the rooms and infinity pool are surrounded by a garden of trailing vines and cascading bougainvillea. Each room has a large balcony with a small dining area, hammock, and ocean view, but the outdoor showers are the highlight. The on-site restaurant, Ti Coco, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and all-inclusive packages are available. Though the resort is off the beaten path, reception can help arrange taxis and excursions, and there is a complimentary shuttle to the nearest beach.