St Lucia
by David Sutcliffe
"It's all gone Piton"
First of all let me apologise for the obscure joke (above).
The Caribbean has never held any great hold on my travel-heart. I would always look east rather than west for the hotels which inspired me - the ultra modern, ultra chic properties of Bali, Thailand & Malaysia. The Caribbean was just for those who wanted colonial style, flowery, overly fussy hotels.
It turns out, however, that my opinion was based on how the Caribbean was 20 years ago. Since then some of the hotels on Turks & Caicos, British Virgin Isles, Antigua and St Lucia (amongst others) have propelled the Caribbean back into the big league for those looking for the finer things in life.
The first hotel I stayed in was Cotton Bay Village on the north coast. As the name suggests the layout is that of a village, a collection of villas and apartments set around several pools and walkways which meander down to the beach bar and restaurant.
My favourite properties were Ladera and Discovery at Marigot Bay. Ladera is a very intimate resort located on a hillside in southwest St Lucia. With just 27 villas and suites this hotel has won numerous awards and one of the major factors in this is the view. The view from the hotel is the best I have ever seen - you feel as if you could reach out and touch the twin peaks of the Piton Mountains. Just stunning.
Discovery at Marigot Bay is a very contemporary resort unlike any other in the area. The only downside is the lack of a decent beach, but the marina, restaurants and bars more than make up for it.
One property you may wish to consider is Jade Mountain. Now, I don't think you would want to stay for a week or two, but for 1 or 2 nights you would get probably the most romantic room in the world - with just 3 walls it is very much open to the elements, but the view is tremendous - across the water to the ubiquitous Pitons. Just stay in your room for the duration and then move on to Discovery. Bliss.
As well as the superb accommodation there is plenty to do in St Lucia beyond the beach and spas. Zip wiring through the rainforest, a drive in volcano, sailing, hiking, snorkelling and scuba diving are all options.
St Lucia managed to do what I didn't think possible - it turned me from a cynic into a believer.