We return to Jade Mountain, ready to immerse ourselves once again in a luxury resort experience unlike any other – a place that might just be the ultimate destination for holiday travel in 2024. Jade Mountain, perched high above the Caribbean, offers an atmosphere steeped in mystery and romance, with amenities purposefully understated to encourage full immersion in the natural beauty around you. The suites – or “sanctuaries” – defy convention with their open design and the notable absence of televisions, allowing each moment to unfold against the mesmerizing backdrop of St. Lucia’s volcanic Piton Mountains and the Caribbean Sea.
Each of the resort’s 29 sanctuaries features a graceful blend of elegant, natural aesthetics, with handcrafted wooden furnishings, draped four-poster beds, and plush chaise lounges. The in-room infinity pools, found in all sanctuaries except the “Sky” category, are tiled with stunning recycled glass mosaics that shimmer with each ripple, reflecting the deep blues of the St. Lucian sky and sea. These heated pools extend to the edge of each sanctuary, offering a seamless view of the UNESCO-listed Pitons, captivating guests from sunrise to sunset – even during brief, misty rain showers.
Visionary architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy designed Jade Mountain to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior. Many sanctuaries have only three walls, and some just two, allowing unobstructed views and inviting nature’s serenity into the room. The fourth wall is open to the elements, so hummingbirds may dart in during a morning coffee on the terrace, while the warm island breezes carry the scent of tropical blooms. The sanctuary’s cooling ceiling fans maintain a pleasant temperature and keep mosquitoes at bay, providing an enjoyable al fresco experience without interruption.
Privacy is paramount at Jade Mountain. The unique tiered architecture ensures complete seclusion, making it an ideal haven for honeymooners, celebrities, and guests who seek intimacy alongside luxurious comfort. Attentive butlers and staff are discreetly at hand, so be sure to place the “do not disturb” sign on your door before enjoying a relaxing soak in the infinity pool.
For couples and families seeking memorable adventures, Jade Mountain and its neighboring resort, Anse Chastanet, span over 600 acres of lush jungle to explore. A short journey down to Anse Chastanet’s crescent-shaped beach rewards guests with calm waters ideal for snorkeling, while a cliffside path leads to Anse Mamin, a secluded second beach surrounded by verdant coconut palms. The resort’s efficient transportation – including water taxis to Anse Mamin – ensures guests have access to both beaches.
Those with a taste for adventure can join guided tours of the nearby Anse Mamin Plantation, where knowledgeable guides bring history to life amidst the remnants of an 18th-century sugar plantation. Bike trails crisscross the area for invigorating jungle rides, or guests may \walk through the tropical landscape, encountering vivid red ginger flowers and small, curious lizards.
From Anse Chastanet beach, Jade Mountain’s Scuba St. Lucia offers five-star snorkeling and scuba experiences, guiding guests through vibrant coral reefs at the base of the Pitons and beyond. Water sports abound with kayaking, sailing aboard the resort’s private yacht Serenity, and deep-sea fishing. For a relaxed evening, guests can savor a jazz-themed sunset cruise on the 60-foot catamaran Scuba St. Lucia.
Dining at Jade Mountain is a celebrated experience led by renowned Executive Chef Allen Susser. Known for his “Jade Cuisine,” Chef Susser crafts menus that highlight the flavors of the Caribbean, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many grown right on the property. From multi-course tasting menus to private, candle-lit dinners overlooking the Pitons, the culinary journey here is nothing short of exquisite.
Jade Mountain presents a rare opportunity to experience ultimate seclusion and romance, with no detail overlooked and every moment steeped in the beauty of St. Lucia’s landscapes and culture.
Crossing the resort’s pinnacle infinity bridge, which overlooks Mr. Troubetzkoy’s’ cliffside paradise, The Pitons, and the Caribbean Sea, guests enter the Jade Mountain Club. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails, the Jade Mountain Club is a romantic oasis of calm. During my brief stay, I relished breakfast and dinner at the Jade Mountain Club, opting for the Jungle Bar and Grill’s ‘best beach burger’ one day and a waterside lunch the next.
At my early morning breakfast, I felt as if I was waking up with the Pitons. With each sip of locally grown coffee, the light on the Pitons and the bay became more pronounced as the sun rose over the eastern mountains. With an extensive menu of offerings that included seafood delicacies, fine baked goods, a bevy of rich sauces over eggs, gorgeous fresh fruit and berries, and delicious health and energy selections I found the temptations overwhelming. There’s an air of friendliness and casual comfort during breakfast at the Jade Mountain Club which is welcoming, relaxing, and remarkable in light of the precise service and formal presentations. James Beard award-winning chef Allen Susser has created ‘Jade Cuisine’ for the Jade Mountain Club. Executive chef Stefan Goehcke’s innovative fusion of the Caribbean’s richly diverse cuisines with seasonal and local products and produce is elegant in its refrain as the chef allows the inherent flavors to prevail over secondary seasonings. Dinner is a marvelous affair, often lasting nearly 2 hours and including an amuse-bouche, fine wines and spirits, and divine desserts. My course selections included the Caribbean flared Foie gras with plantains, truffle risotto, and then a delicate sautéed Lionfish – each dish was perfect! Highly personable, to the guests who want to engage, and respectful of guests who want romantic privacy the wait staff seems to move with seamless synchronicity through the open-air dining room. Cocoa trees are grown on the resort’s estate and at the onsite chocolate lab, the cocoa is processed into the chocolate served, and sold, exclusively at Jade Mountain. Needless to say, I choose a chocolate dessert to cap my culinary experience. The Chocolate Laboratory offers guests the opportunity to participate in making chocolate and chocolate fanatics can indulge themselves with chocolate body treatments at the resort’s spa.
After dinner retreat to the Celestial Terrance, located on the structure’s rooftop and accessible from the Jade Mountain Club, for a nightcap under the stars. To the sounds of infinity pools cascading waterfalls, lush palms responding to the gentle breeze and the call of the jungle fauna guests can admire the moonlight that outlines The Pitons. Alas, let it be said that even the youngest guest at Jade Mountain Resort will not want for television in the room. After a day full of activities and fine dining the evening serenity of the sanctuaries, with views to the darkness and the stars above, is alluringly restful. Jade Mountain Resort. Please visit our exclusive Jade Mountain Resort gallery. Story and Photography by David Lewis Taylor.
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