Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

The approach to Jade Mountain says it all … exclusive and private. A steep, winding road meanders along the cliffs of St. Lucia’s Morne Chastenet for what seems like forever then suddenly you enter a kind of natural paradise hugging the side of the mountain.  Out of the car, you catch a glimpse of some quirky colored clay pots harboring tropical shrubs then ascend a steep hill to the expansive grounds of your sanctuary, for that is how it’s described by your butler … yes, your butler, who’s greeting you with a beaming smile.

It’s not a simple thing to explain why a hotel can alter your DNA, but perhaps you’ve heard a story like this before. Rest assured that for the next few days your heart will beat to a different drummer and you’ll be lured into the magic that is Jade Mountain.

During your stay your every whim and wish will be realized by that butler (more affectionately known as your “Major Domo”) as you’re handed a cell phone for speed dialing and whisked to your exquisite chambers. “Just a minute, buddy.” Like Hog Eye, Norma Desmond’s favorite lighting man on the DeMille soundstage in Billy Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard, I’m looking around and thinking … “Jade Mountain, let’s get a look at you!”

Nick Troubetzkoy’s homage to his chosen home of St. Lucia is a striking sight.  Quite like an elaborate tiered wedding cake waiting to be oohed and aahed, the stage-like setting stands grand in the afternoon sun. Remember this series of numbers – 3, 4, 5, 6, 6 – the sequence of sanctuaries from top to bottom, exactly 24, each designed with a completely different personality of its own. A sanctuary is a place that’s sacred and that is exactly how the guest quarters at Jade Mountain will feel after you’ve settled in and turned off the outside world.

The aura begins at the entrances. Sixteen colored glass shards in alternating directions create a sculptural tip that crowns roughhewn rock columns, like bridal figurines topping the cake. A strong artistic visual in the sunlight, the light in the light house so to speak, the columns anchor a series of floating steel and concrete suspension bridges at varying heights.  The bridges are the hotel’s open air “corridors” that lead to the guest quarters, a daring concept that Nick championed for his project.  The organic architectural scheme is matrix like, softened by lush landscaping, gurgling fountains and pools filled with Koi and an undulating stone and wooden structure dominated top to bottom on the exterior by plantation shutters housing the 24 lodgings.

Once inside, prepare to convene with nature and let the public world in or keep it out, your choice. A giant palatial door opens into your sanctuary where an oversized infinity pool tiled in reflective irridescent glass takes center stage.  You’ll be using that a lot, especially after dark. Catch that view of the landmark Piton Mountains.  It’s worth a thousand words. How nice it’ll be to sip your morning coffee while gazing at all the wonders of nature, a gift in the Caribbean. And you’ll be doing a lot of that here at Jade, from your pool in the morning, from your terrace in the afternoon and from your mammoth Chromotherapy Jacuzzi (with fiber optic colored lighting) at dusk.

Jade is a place for special moments, perhaps with that special someone. Let’s just say that the closeness with nature encourages a closeness between people. The fourth wall of your sanctuary is completely open to the elements; a space that’s naturally air conditioned. And what a space it is. Batik pillows rest side by side on the huge four poster bed, hanging ferns sprout insouciantly from masonry walls, and a lamp fashioned from a real tree trunk from Guyana invites inspection. The contemporary colonial furnishings throughout are all individualistic and look hand wrought and when it’s time to clean-up we’re certain you’ll take your time under and in front of all the jets of the open bath’s shower tower (see that, it moves up and down, too). And I have a feeling Nick’s lovely wife, Karolin, had a hand in the choice to install a 9 foot long double vanity with 2 oversized sinks (with the full spectrum of Molton Brown amenities) and wall to wall mirror. It’s practically perfect for primping.  Alas, there’s no need for that at Jade Mountain, as the vibe is relaxed with zero attitude all around. But with all the sublime pleasure this bath provides, there’ll be no getting around inviting company in to join you in the experience. Ever soaked in a Jacuzzi with infinite views of sea, sky and mountains? The burning question is how will you tear yourselves away?

Even hunger might not do it, as with the touch of a button you can have Chef Jonathan Dearden’s sublime creations from Jade Mountain Club arriving at your door within minutes.  So, stay put and have another swim or relax outside on a wicker chaise while your Major Domo sets up everything for a sunset celebration from the privacy of your terrace. Face it, when was the last time you drank Dom Perignon with a selection of canapés?  Just give in to temptation and go all the way.

An incomparable state of liberation is ready and waiting for you at Jade Mountain, not only a unique living experience that allows you to stretch beyond the limits almost floating into the space of the incredible views but also an outstanding service experience that caters to your every need. A work of art as much it is a hotel, Jade Mountain will set your imagination free and the magic you’ve shared here will be remembered until you’re forced to return … perhaps to tie the knot?

*Jade Mountain is a resort within a resort, the sister property to Anse Chastenet, adjoining it just below on a 600 acre beachfront estate. It shares restaurants, activities and a stunning coral sand beach that’s perfect for swimming, boating and diving.  

The resort’s facilities and amenities are endless with 4 restaurants, tennis courts, fitness center, spa, salon, boutique, daily live entertainment and a comprehensive menu of activities that includes watersports, scuba, daily yoga classes, cooking classes, hiking, biking and even a Creole History Class every Friday at 11:30 am. You’ll want for nothing!