The lowdown: These sister resorts near Soufriere sit side by side – or rather, one above the other. From the dark-sand beach they share, the 50 traditionally Caribbean rooms of Anse Chastanet snake up the first part of the hill across a series of villas, where brightly coloured madras fabrics and artworks set off the whitewashed walls. Above this, the uber-deluxe Jade Mountain is built so that all of its rooms – each with an open fourth wall – has a view of the Pitons.
Anse Chastanet: This charming four-star manages to be simultaneously lively and laid-back. There’s a seaside spa, and two restaurants with varying menus to maximise guest choice. The relaxed beach-side grill offers light meals during the day and both an Indian and a grill menu at night, and Treehouse – the beautiful open-sided main restaurant – overlooks the rainforest and offers world cuisine with a Caribbean edge and a whole separate menu for vegetarians.
Jade Mountain: Though undeniably pricey, this is one of the Caribbean’s very best hotels, and is definitely worth the money. The sanctuaries, as the rooms are called, are stunning – huge spaces with lounge areas, luxury bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, vast four-poster beds and, in 25 or the 29 rooms, private infinity pools. All rooms face the same way so despite the missing fourth wall you never feel overlooked, and are reached by open suspended walkways that criss-cross the rear garden of the hotel.
The Jade Mountain Club restaurant sits at the very top of the hotel, with yet another stunning view. The hotel’s exquisite cuisine can be eaten here, or in the rooms – some guests hardly leave their sanctuary in a week’s stay. The food really is exceptional, with fresh fish and vegetables grown on the hotel’s own farm playing a major role. On the roof of the restaurant is a large terrace, which can be used by guests for sunbathing or stargazing, depending on the time of day.
We loved: Jade has all the benefits of a boutique but with the facilities you might expect from a larger hotel, including its own spa and gym. It’s worth recommending clients go all-inclusive – it’s great value, and they can then eat at any of the Jade or Anse restaurants, giving them a really wide choice.
