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NICK TROUBETZKOY'S ANSE CHASTANET, ST. LUCIA T he Anse Chastanet Resort is the only property on St. Lucia that offers views of both the Petite and Gros Piton mountains. Two white sand beaches and 600 tropical acres make this hotel unlike anything you've ever seen before, with most rooms open to the elements and the sounds of the rainforest As you near Anse Chastanet, the first beachside hotel to rise on Saint Lucia's dramatic southwestern coast, the bumpier the ride becomes. You'd have to be fast asleep not to be excited about approaching this wonderfully remote resort, which offers a return to a classic Caribbean vacation that's hard to come by elsewhere. In addition to the property's unsurpassed location, which is a private estate with 600 acres of lush tropical foliage bordering two pristine Caribbean beaches, there is also a coral reef just offshore. Among the resort's properties are the historic plantation of Anse Mamin and the Emerald Estate, where the resort grows its own organic produce. This hotel is among the most idiosyncratic and unique in the Caribbean. To owner and architect Nick Troubetzkoy, the key concept behind his creation is that everything should fit into the beautiful, natural surroundings. This is why there are no swimming pools on Anse Chastanet - if you want to swim, you go into the sea. There are several activities available to guests, including yoga and jungle biking. Since the surrounding area is a marine reserve, scuba divers will especially enjoy the property's location. The Kai Belté Spa offers wellness treatments for those more interested in relaxing by the water rather than diving beneath it. Rooms Across the property, 49 rooms are decorated with traditional Caribbean attire and original artwork, providing seclusion from day-to-day life without the need of televisions and radios. The Beach Deluxe rooms and The Beach House are the only rooms with air conditioning. In contrast, the hillside rooms feature an open layout without a fourth wall, allowing natural breezes to aerate the rooms and allow rainforest sounds to fill the air. Scattered up the hillside are the Standard, Superior and Deluxe Rooms with views over the jungle, with the views getting better the higher the room category. Located directly on the beach and overlooking the glittering Caribbean Sea, we stayed at The Beach House. In this landscaped oceanfront garden, watching the sunset from an elevated deck was a truly memorable experience. Food & Drink There are several restaurants at the hotel, from the Treehouse to the Trou Au Diable beach restaurant to the Jungle Grill at Anse Mamin. There are special menus at each of the property's gastronomical outlets, transforming them into 'two-in-one' restaurants: that way, even guests staying for longer periods of time can always find something new. A range of private dining experiences are also availble (see overleaf). Our verdict Located between rainforests and stunning beaches, this enchanting beachfront resort offers a blissful escape from everyday life. From silvery sands for sunset strolls to walls that open to the outdoors, luxury is in the details at Anse Chastanet. This spectacular hillside setting offers the perfect location for a peaceful retreat, an active outdoor holiday or a romantic getaway. Amazing Destinations 59

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