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| Aerial view of Anse Chastanet Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet |
Located on one of the Caribbean’s most dramatically beautiful islands, St. Lucia is a mix of French and British influences, completely brought together into one distinct West Indian culture, unique among the islands. This resort attracts young, affluent, vacationers who come here to dive, relax on the two beaches and luxuriate among the jungle blooms and stunning views of this romantic 259 hectare/600 acre estate.
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| A resort within a resort, Jade Mountain Photo courtesy of Jade Mountain |
Used as one of the settings for ABC’s TV show, “The Bachelor”, Jake Pavelka and Vienna ended their romantic date by checking into a suite in Anse Chastanet. This property is perfect for those who want to stay at the resort and relax instead of touring the rest of the island. The service here is impeccable – the staff seems to specialize in finding new ways to spoil their guests.
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| Romantic dinner on the beach Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet |
Anse Chastenet offers 49 individually designed rooms, 37 of which are scattered about a lush hillside, and 12 of which are nestled within a tropical garden at beach level. An even 120 stone steps descend down the rugged hillside to sea level. The use of local woods and other local products in the room decor and furnishings are emphasized. Cushions and bedspreads are made from colorful cotton fabrics called madras, the island's "national cloth." Even the resort’s bathrobes are locally made and have become popular.
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| Premium Room Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet |
The furniture has been individually designed and handmade in the region with the exclusive use of the island woods such as teak, mahogany, green heart, red cedar and wild breadfruit. All rooms have fridges, electric tea/coffee makers and wall mounted hair dryers, and in-room safes. Deluxe and Premium rooms also have irons and ironing boards.
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| Deluxe Beachroom Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet |
Facilities at the 600 acre resort include soft sand beaches, 12 miles of walking and hiking trails in the Anse Mamin valley, 3 restaurant locations serving a variety of menus, 2 bars plus the Jungle Grill at Anse Mamin, and excursions. Also available is a car rental desk, 2 beachside boutiques, the Kai Belte Spa, Scuba St. Lucia, a watersports center, an art gallery, library, Bike St. Lucia and now also Kayak St. Lucia. There is wi- fi available near the reception area and there are also computers for the guests.
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| Couple snorkeling Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet |
The full-service spa features numerous treatments, including massage, reflexology and aromatherapy. Guests can also enjoy treatments at Kai Belte Spa while overlooking the main beach. Hiking and biking on 20 km/12.4 mi of jungle trails, along with bird-watching and visits to colonial ruins, which are drawing enthusiasts these days. Yoga, snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking are among the more popular activities, with full-day and half-day excursions available for guests who wish to explore farther afield on this pretty island.
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| Dining with a spectacular view Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet |
Nestled deep in tropical foliage, the standard, superior, deluxe and premium rooms afford views of the garden, the sea or the Pitons that outshine the unpretentious decor. A hike up those stone steps takes guests from the Caribbean to all of the rooms (except beachside deluxe rooms).
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| Pampering on the beach Photo coutesy of Anse Chastanet |
Cooled by ceiling fans and sea breezes, and beamed or frescoed ceilings, with white walls, and floors of terra-cotta tile or tropical hardwoods with straw matting. Common throughout are refrigerators, coffeemakers, safes, king, double or twin beds, and shower-only baths with hair dryers. No rooms have air-conditioning, TVs, phones or Internet access (but an Internet cafe is on-site), which some guests miss.
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| Restaurant with beautiful view Photo coutesy of Anse Chastanet |
Standard rooms are the smallest and have garden or partial sea exposures. These are rustic and unimpressive, save for the views; do not expect luxurious comforts. Superiors are octagonal or rectangular hillside rooms with wraparound balconies.
The much larger beachside deluxe rooms are a stride away from the surf. Also overlook tropical gardens, but best of all are the enormous hillside deluxe and premium rooms, which are typically open-sided with sprawling balconies facing the Pitons. Turndown service provides mosquito nets for beds.
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| Hillside Deluxe Room Photos courtesy of Anse Chastanet |
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| Infinity Suite at Jade Mountain Photo coutesy of Jade Mountain |
Not for the weak of heart or unsure of foot, this dramatically perched hotel is a hot spot for romantics and divers and an excellent choice for those willing to forgo phones and TVs for serenity, seclusion, spectacular scenery and superb service. Children younger than age 10 are not welcome.
A breathtaking resort for those expecting more nature than luxury, this establishment is worth the visit no matter what the guests' interests are.
Information courtesy of Anse Chastanet Resort.
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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@delsoldestinationweddings.com or phone 403-477-0643.