33 Best Hotels in Saint Lucia

Tidy housekeeping cottages with gingerbread-laced facades are steps from the beach at this family-run establishment 3 miles (5 km) north of the airport in Castries. The self-catering one- or two-bedroom units are cozy and fairly close together, but each has a fully equipped kitchen, handcrafted wooden furniture, and a large balcony (with a hammock) facing the water, guaranteeing glorious sunset views. A pair of cottages date back to World War II (they were dismantled and moved here in 1958 from Beanfield Air Base in Vieux Fort). One of those cottages was occupied several times over the years by one of Saint Lucia's two Nobel laureates, the late poet Sir Derek Walcott. This place has lots of repeat guests—couples, families, and groups of friends. The Honeymoon Cottage is a duplex; the sitting–dining room and kitchen are on the ground floor, and a spiral staircase leads to the upstairs bedroom and bath. Coconuts, a small open-air restaurant, serves meals on 24-hour notice. There's also a small pool, mini-mart, and laundromat for the convenience of guests; a supermarket, bank, post office, and other shops are nearby.

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.

Five miles (8 km) south of Castries, this laid-back villa resort climbs the hillside overlooking what author James A. Michener called "the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean." Bedrooms are decorated in a contemporary style with dark furniture, creamy upholstery accented with colorful cushions, a comfy bed with pillow-top mattress, and dark hardwood flooring. Oversize bathrooms have walk-in rain showers and double basins set in slate vanities. Suites have a separate living room with a sofa bed, open-plan kitchen that's fully equipped with modern appliances, dining area, and a smart TV. All rooms have a private balcony or deck and complimentary in-room refreshments; 25 of the suites have private plunge pools. Dining concepts include fine dining at 14°61°, all-day dining at Hurricane Hole Bar and Restaurant, poolside sushi at Le Bateau, a special dining experience at Rum Cave—where you can also sample premier rums and cigars—or arrange a private dinner on your own terrace or patio, in the romantic tree house, or within the peaceful Alexandria garden. Add to that the full-service spa, a gym, yoga deck, two pools, and the amazing marina view and you'll be hooked. You might even consider chartering a yacht at Marigot Bay Marina. A little ferry makes the two-minute voyage across the bay to the beach and an additional restaurant and bar.