Tropic Breeze founder, Jo Plummer, recently travelled to St Lucia, spending a few nights at Anse Chastanet, a very unique and individually styled resort with a real emphasis on the natural beauty of the island and the surrounding landscape – a perfect escape. She also visited Jade Mountain, it’s sister resort with striking architecture and luxurious suites. The two resorts offer breathtaking views over the Caribbean Sea and the Pitons.
If you would like further information about Jo’s visit or a quote, please call her on 01752 880 880 or email [email protected]
Sitting just below Jade Mountain on the hillside is Anse Chastanet. I love the uniqueness of this resort, especially the way rooms have been designed to incorporate nature such as one of the deluxe hillside rooms which winds around and exposes the tree that stood here originally. Each of the 49 rooms are individually designed to make the most of the views of the famous Piton mountains and Caribbean Sea. Each has their own individual style incorporating bright colourful fabrics with the local wood.
Jade Mountain is still one of the most amazing resorts I have ever visited. Having the opportunity to return here was a real treat, and a reminder at just how special and exclusive this spot is. The accommodation on offer is beyond luxurious with the 15ft ceilings and the open-ended space which gives you uninterrupted views of the Piton mountains. The property regularly features in Conde Nast and other inspirational travel publications, and it is easy to see why. Architect and designer Nick Troubetzkoy has created 29 incredibly breath-taking sanctuaries (many with their own infinity pools) each reached by their own private bridge making this the ideal location to celebrate a special occasion or to treat your loved one.
While staying at Anse Chastanet I spent some time with Chocolatier Peter in Jade Mountain‘s Chocolate Lab. There are over 2,000 cocoa trees on the estate which are harvested to create the chocolate used in both resorts. This is sold locally, but also incorporated in chocolate infused dishes and cocktails served daily. There is even a chocolate spa treatment , the mocha massage – a chocolate lover’s dream, without the calories! Due to current restrictions, events and group classes are limited, however Peter is very happy to showcase the way they make the chocolate . I spent a very happy couple of hours learning how it is made and got to create my own chocolate bar. It may not have been as professionally made and beautiful as the creations he makes, but I was very proud of it.
A real treat was to be invited up to Jade Mountain for lunch. I was hosted by Karolin Troubetzkoy, wife of architect and designer Nick Troubetzkoy, who I have known for many years. The Jade Martini’s tasted even better than they looked, and an obvious photo opportunity was not to be missed! Jade Mountain really does offer one of the most breathtaking views in the Caribbean, and you can instantly see why it was featured in the TV Series, Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby.
I was fortunate enough to be in the resort while they were holding one of their ‘Lionfish Friday’ events down on the beach. This species is known for their impressive appetite and their ability to expand their stomach to up to 30 times its natural size, however this has a devastating effect on the coral reefs with up to 80% of fish in a coral reef being consumed within a matter of weeks. With very few predators of its own, the culinary team at Anse Chastanet started running the event to help reduce the population of the species in the area. I have to say I was a bit hesitant at first as the fish itself has this tarnished reputation and for divers in particular, I was more aware of their venomous fins which can cause nasty swellings and breathing difficulties. This event helped change my opinion on that though. The five course ‘Eat Them to Beat Them’ menu included a Lionfish and Avocado Mousse and a Banana Leaf Grilled Lionfish with Crispy Pork Belly which was delicious.
No visit to St Lucia would be complete without a few hours spent snorkelling or scuba diving. Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet are located on the edge of one of the most scenic and ecologically rich locations the Caribbean has to offer and has been recognised as part of the Soufriere Marine Management Area. Whether you are a confident PADI qualified diver or a novice looking to explore the underwater world, the resorts diving center, Scuba St Lucia, are on hand with expert knowledge of the area to point you in the right direction. There is an easy-accessible dive and snorkel site teaming with marine life and colourful corals right off the shore – many guests have even been lucky enough to spot seahorses here!
If, like me, you love to get out of the resort to see a little more of the countryside, I highly recommend ‘jungle biking’ around the ruins of the 18th century plantation estate, Anse Mamin. These unique trails through the tropical jungle span around 12 miles and have been designed with both beginners and seasoned riders in mind. For those who prefer a slightly slower pace, the resort offers several great walking tours which you can do with or without a guide. On this trip I took the opportunity to walk up through the old sugar estate which I thoroughly enjoyed.
On the last night of my stay, I went out on the resort’s double decker catamaran, Miss Babsie, for the weekly jazz and champagne sunset cruise. I thoroughly enjoyed the live saxophone session and the relaxed atmosphere with guests dancing on the upper deck, schools of dolphins moving across the horizon and of course sipping champagne as the sun went down. The resort also offers guests the opportunity to do half day or full day sailing excursions on their 42ft yacht, Suzi Q.
I would highly recommend Anse Chastanet to anyone looking to really experience the stunning scenery and marine life that St Lucia is so well known for, and add a night or two at Jade Mountain as a real treat at the end of your trip. A Tropic Breeze client recently returned from her 60th birthday celebrations in resort, here is what she had to say:
‘The room at Jade Mountain (JA5) was amazing with a wonderful private infinity pool – we have never had such an amazing room with fantastic views of the Pitons. The staff, including butler service, were amazing and friendly, we felt totally pampered which was ideal for a 60th birthday celebration. We would definitely return to Anse Chastanet / Jade Mountain in the future.’
– Lorraine, November 2020
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Author KatieCategories Caribbean, News, Reviews