Fodor's Expert Review Jade Mountain

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.

Photo: Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

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.

Photo: Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

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.

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.

Photo: Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

pool

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

Photo: Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

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.

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.

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.