Travel searches and bookings are spiking for trips to the Caribbean—one of the few places in the world open to American visitors. Travel writer Katherine ParkerMagyar launches our weekly #HAPBoutiqueCaribbean series with a piece on the best hotels on the island of St. Lucia.
Rabot Hotel
5 Stars | Website | Hewanorra International Airport
25 | 1 outdoor pool; Free WiFi; Bar | 1
Gros Piton; Anse Chastanet Beach; St Lucia Sulphur Springs
The Rabot Hotel sits on 140-acres of sacred ground. Literally. The cocoa estate, est. 1713, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Book one of 14 private eco-lodges and enjoy the sunset from your personal verandah before heading to the elegant restaurant for cacao cuisine (and cocktails) beneath the stars. And don’t leave before making your own chocolate! The Tree-to-Bar experience is the sweetest way to learn about St. Lucia’s history and culture.
Sugar Beach
5 Stars | Website | Hewanorra International Airport
96 | 1 outdoor pool; Nightclub; Beachfront; Spa | 3
Gros Piton; Anse Chastanet Beach; Tet Paul Nature Trail
The luxury villas and beachfront bungalows at Sugar Beach are a tropical paradise found. The 100-acre property features a white-sand beach nestled between the Gros and Petit Pitons, and no shortage of activities—from sunset sails to Piton trails, and treetop massages at the Rainforest Spa. Dine in the Great Room to appreciate the resort’s spectacular collection of modern and contemporary art—from local artists to Andy Warhol.
Jade Mountain Resort
5 Stars | Website | Hewanorra International Airport
29 | Beachfront; Free WiFi; Outdoor activities | 0
Soufriere Beach; Malgretoute Beach; Tet Paul Nature trail
Perched along St. Lucia’s southwest coast, Jade Mountain is one of the most luxurious hotels in the Caribbean. The 600-acre property boasts direct access to two of the loveliest beaches on the island— Anse Chastanet, and Anse Mamin—as well as a boutique spa and James Beard-winning cuisine. The open-air accommodations (three-walled, of course) feature sparkling infinity pools with sweeping views of both Gros and Petit Piton.
Ladera Resort
4 Stars | Website | Hewanorra International Airport
37 | Beachfront; 1 outdoor pool; Spa | 1
Malgretoute Beach; Soufriere Beach; Anse Chastanet Beach
Ladera Resort is a jungle-flanked hideaway perched 1,000 feet above sea level—and yes, the views are magnificent. So magnificent, in fact, that to obstruct them would be a sin. So it’s unsurprising that Ladera pioneered the open-concept resort—each suite has only three walls, opening up directly to a plunge pool and majestic views of the Caribbean Sea. You will never want to go back to four-walled living again.
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