TRAVEL
A TALE OF TWO MOUNTAINS , TWO RESORTS AND TWO INCREDIBLE HOLIDAYS ...
JADE MOUNTAIN & ANSE CHASTANET , ST LUCIA
THINK DREAM HOLIDAY AND SUN , SEA , AND SAND WILL MORE OFTEN THAN NOT COME TOP OF THE LIST . SO IT WAS HARDLY A TOUGH DAY AT THE OFFICE TO HEAD OFF FOR A WEEK IN THE TROPICAL SUNSHINE OF BEAUTIFUL ST LUCIA ’ S WEST COAST . THROW IN RUM AND CHOCOLATE , AND YOU ’ RE REALLY TALKING MY LANGUAGE . SO WHEN YOU ADD AWARD-WINNING FINE DINING , A STAUNCH COMMITMENT TO NATURE , SUSTAINABILITY AND DESIGN , UNRIVALLED HOSPITALITY , AN INFINITY POOL OF DREAMS , AND THE BEST VIEWS ON THE ISLAND , IT WAS SAFE TO SAY I ’ D FOUND PARADISE ... BY SAMANTHA READY
As a hotel owner , to boast St Lucia ’ s much-loved beachfront position of Anse Chastanet AND the island ’ s most acclaimed and secluded resort , Jade Mountain , while also commanding the island ’ s best views of its emblematic twin peaks , The Pitons – which not only herald your arrival at the wondrous , eastern Caribbean isle , located around nine hours flying time from London Gatwick courtesy of British Airways , as they appear majestically from the port side of the aircraft as you circle around the west coast of the tropical island for landing , but also worshipfully bedeck the nation ’ s flag – you need to command an incredible location , a forward-thinking approach to hotel design , and an utter commitment to exceptional hospitality .
Facts not lost on Russian-Canadian architect-owner Nick Troubetzkoy and his artist , tourism champion and philanthropist wife Karolin , who , having chanced upon the original incarnation of the beachfront Anse Chastanet in the 70s , made , much to the bemusement of the locals , the brave ( or stupid , depending on who you asked at the time ) move to secure not only the handful of beachside villas of the original offering , but also its accompanying 600 acres of beachside terrain and the vast swathes of untouched tropical jungle , rocky cliffside and uncharted lands that swept upwards beyond it .
As a guest , to enjoy such secluded wonder , unrivalled service , top end hospitality , stunning views and a beach so beautiful that the island ’ s other hotels of note transport their guests there on daily catamaran cruises to snorkel , you have to brave the journey .
Located in the town of Soufriere , known for its pastel rainbow-coloured buildings , bustling markets and incredible local fish , the transfer by chauffeur from the airport to the harbourside town is around an hour ; and then you face the climb . The road up to the resorts is bumpy at best and downright terrifying at worst . Ascended at ease , of course , by our St Lucia Tourism Authority registered taxi drivers , who navigate the winding turning , gearbox busting ( true story !) climb with the ease of a trip to shops , it ' s a well known local fact that despite the millions of dollars poured into the resorts and it ' s incredibly luxurious appeal , the road * (* read track ) has been purposefully left unfinished , some say as a nod to Troubetzkoy ’ s unwavering devotion to the natural landscape here , others as a deterrent to unwanted visitors , either way , buckle up , ‘ enjoy ’ the ride and know that you are about to be ultimately rewarded ! And of course if the ride doesn ’ t appeal , you can always choose to arrive by helicopter …
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