NICK TROUBETZKOY'S JADE MOUNTAIN, ST LUCIA Y ou won't find anything like Jade Mountain anywhere else in the world. This is the very definition of what one might expect 'Paradise' to look like. Twenty-nine breathtaking rooms and suites, private infinity pools, and world-class dining await in this little private paradise tucked away in the Piton Mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jade Mountain is located a few levels above sister resort Anse Chastanet and guests can enjoy its facilities and two beaches. To reach the resort, you must take a bone-rattling dirt road adventure up to the main estate entrance, after which you are whisked up to the Jade Mountain reception. As you cross the towering bridges connecting each villa and the restaurant and bar areas, you can really appreciate how incredible and unique this resort is. A masterpiece of design and architecture by Nick Troubetzkoy, built to harmonize with the natural environment. As a travel writer, I've been to the Caribbean many times, and have stayed in some of the best hotels in the world, but Jade Mountain blew me away. In fact, it is the only hotel where my wife and I stayed in the room for an entire day and night. The weather was perfect and there was plenty to do, we simply wanted to make the most of our time in the sanctuary. Jade Mountain has impressive and pioneering green credentials. At the time of its opening, the resort was far ahead of its time. A sophisticated - and sustainable - irrigation system was designed by Troubetzkoy more than 20 years before the site was developed. An organic farm and orchard are located on-site, and locals make up most of the hotel's 500 employees. Rooms Jade Mountain's sanctuaries are spread over six levels, each with its own stunning infinity pool where you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the ocean. A butler is provided in every suite, and days can pass in indulgent seclusion with stunning views of the world famous Pitons. The four-poster beds are draped in mosquito nets, given the open-air nature of the architecture. To maintain a calm, tranquil environment, no radios or TVs are provided in any of the rooms. You will find everything you would expect from a five-star hotel, including a stocked wine fridge, a mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, as well as a tablet for ordering room service, activities and spa treatments like the full body massages we had in the comfort of our room. Food & Drink In an elegant and serene setting, the open-air Jade Mountain Club restaurant provides fine dining, and the Celestial Terrace is perfect for stargazing late at night. Featuring an extensive wine list and changing menus every day, the quality, service and experience here was exceptional. Guests also have unlimited access to the restaurants at Anse Chastanet, including the more casual Treehouse, a beachside eatery where you can eat Caribbean-style food with your toes in the sand, and a daytime bar with the island’s best grilled burgers. You can also give your butler a call for 24/7 for room service. Our verdict In terms of visual appeal, Jade Mountain Resort is straight out of a James Bond film, while in terms of service, it's a honeymooner's dream. Every detail has been meticulously planned to create the ultimate once in a lifetime getaway. With its breath-taking location on sloping shorelines of St Lucia, the space-age Jade Mountain epitomizes luxury island living. I can best describe our stay at Jade Mountain with one word: Wow! Amazing Destinations 65
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