THE VIEW from the open wall of our Moon Sanctuary suite seems like pure fantasy. We have an uninterrupted view of the majestic Pitons, two volcanic spears that rise into the clouds. We peer across the enamel blue sea that blends seamlessly with the tropical rainforest beneath us.
We’re awestruck by our early immersive encounter with nature, which we soak up while swimming in our en suite infinity pool, accompanied by the sound of twittering birdsong.
We are staying at Jade Mountain in St Lucia, one of the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands that are drenched in all-year sunshine. This award-winning and sustainable hide-away retreat is located just an hour’s drive away from bustle of Hewanorra International Airport.
The architecturally spectacular Jade Mountain is perched on a steep, forested hillside of the 600 acre estate of Anse Chastanat, its sister resort. Individual walkways connect each of the 29 sanctuaries to the resort’s common areas, with every sanctuary having a unique open exterior wall.
Exterior of Jade Mountain
We have a raised, open-air marble bathroom with privacy-designed toilets, a whirlpool tub and a gigantic shower. The squishy lounging and sunbathing area and the kingsize four-poster bed scream romance – a place where couples come to celebrate milestones and to rekindle their love.
Some guests seeking optimum privacy opt to select their culinary choices from the extensive room service menu and don’t even leave their suite for the duration of their stay. It’s easy to see why.
Our ‘major domo’ (Latin for a chief steward as butler seems too formal for a tropical Caribbean resort) plans our stay, taking care of every need, with impeccable St Lucian warmth and meticulous attention to detail.
We can chill in the sunshine on the resort’s secluded beach and remain horizontal with a couple of massages at the Kai En Ceil spa, or we can be as active as we wish and partake in a variety of pursuits, from sunrise yoga to a host of water sports that include scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding and sailing (the sunset private yacht- charter is not to be missed).
Land-based activities comprise beachside art classes with the talented local artist Sakey, tree-to-bar chocolate experience curated by the in-house chocolatier, escorted jungle bike rides and an exhilarating Piton hike.
Jade Mountain Club Restaurant
We dine at Jade Mountain Club, a pillared, open air restaurant with spectacular views of the Pitons from the almost highest point on the hillside. Breakfast here is a delicious and hearty à la carte affair, accompanied by freshly whizzed-up smoothies and choice of quality coffees.
We relish our lunch at the beachside restaurant, perfect for a crunchy salad, barbecued catch-of-the-day or a speciality burger and heaps of skinny fries.
Room with a view at Jade Mountain
Our preference is to eat while remaining on our beach sun lounger so as not to forfeit time spent by the water’s edge. Some evenings we dine either at Jade Mountain Club, where each plate is worthy of a Michelin-starred accolade, or at Anse Chastanet’s Treehouse restaurant.
One night we eat at the resort’s unique and only vegan/vegetarian restaurant on the island, Emeralds, after which super-talented chef Frank Faucher arranges a personal cookery class. We learn that 40 per cent of the food served at both resorts is sourced from its very own organic Emerald Farm.
Star Infinity Pool Sanctuary
Before we head to bed, we take a midnight swim in our pool and glance at the stillness of the celestial sky. At Jade Mountain we have found our heaven on earth. This is a place where memories are made and where dreams really do come true.
by Amanda Bernstein
Nightly rates at Jade Mountain start from $1,520 (£1,228*) per sanctuary based on double occupancy. Rates are subject to 10 per cent service charge and 10 per cent VAT.
For more information or to book visit jademountain. com
*Prices in pound sterling according to today’s exchange rate