Around the resort is a mix of wood carved treehouse structures and palm-fringed beachside huts , home to reception and the aptly named Treehouse restaurant , a 5 * PADI scuba centre , beachside spa , and an arts centre where guests can join painting masterclasses on the sands , respectively .
There are two crystal-clear bays , both of which are part of a designated marine reserve protecting miles of colourful coral reefs . One is right at the foot of the some 70 steps that navigate the cliff face from reception , two of the resort ’ s restaurants and the open-sided elevated bar that offers amazing sunset views across the beach . The other is tucked away round in another sandy bay , accessed by the hotel ’ s own speed boat shuttle or a meander along the former 18th-century colonial plantation ’ s beachside path .
Stay at the former and pick up a paintbrush , bask in the sun , paddle on a kayak , snorkel the reef in search of turtles , dine in the laidback tradewinds-cooled beachside Trou Au Diable Beach Restaurant , or sup a freshly mixed cocktail at the bar or palm-fringed umbrella-covered loungers .
Venture to the latter and you ’ ll not only find a quieter secluded bay , but also find the resort ’ s worst kept secret , the Jungle Grill , which offers a range of inspired burgers such as the grilled chicken sandwich with rum-grilled pineapple , cornichon pickles and organic mixed greens ; and the Angus beef burger with pickles jalapenos , plantain maduro and home BBQ sauce , alongside divine plantain chips , sweet potato fries and jungle cookies featuring yet more of that estate chocolate ...
A stay here wouldn ’ t be complete without a venture out on the water . We opted for the afternoon snorkelling trip , where we were measured for fins , provided with snorkelling gear and enthusiastically led to one of the resort ’ s awaiting dive and sail boats for a sail around to the bay . The trip not only provided stunning views of the Pitons , the bay of Soufriere and of Jade Mountain perched on its hillside , but also a wonderful guided snorkel tour back to resort along the stunning colourful coral reef , where we bobbed along seeking out reef fish and the resident turtles before retiring back to our beachside umbrella for one final island rum and glorious Piton sunset .
It really was paradise .
Samantha Ready stayed at Jade Mountain , a beautiful resort rising majestically above the 600 acre beachfront estate and the resort of Anse Chastanet , comprising 24 open-air Infinity Pool Sanctuaries and 5 Sky Jacuzzi Suites – each of which is a carefully designed , individual work of art and architecture . Prices for a Star Sanctuary start from $ 1,915 (£ 1,536 ) per night for two people sharing . To book , visit www . jademountain . com .
Followed by Anse Chastanet which sits on a 600-acre estate on St Lucia ’ s south-western coast close to the awe inspiring Piton Mountains , comprising two soft sand beaches bordering on pristine coral reefs and 12 miles of hiking and biking private resort trails running through the remains of an 18th-century plantation . Prices for a Premium Room start from $ 1,045 (£ 838 ) per night for two people sharing . To book , visit www . ansechastanet . com .
Travel to St Lucia with British Airways from London Gatwick in around 8 hours 30 minutes from just £ 522 return . To book visit www . britishairways . com .
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