Anse Chastanet Resort

Tranquility, Romance, Adventure: You can still find the Classic Caribbean at Anse Chastanet on St. Lucia's quiet southwestern coast where two magical peaks, the Pitons, leap from the sea and the mountains are covered with luminous greenery. Architect owner Nick Troubetzkoy believes passionately in nature. So, he created a hotel that makes the foliage and the flowers, the perfumes, and the peaks, the sea, and the bird song an integral part of your vacation experience. The estate encompasses 600 lush tropical acres bordering two soft sand beaches. The resort's two crystal-clear bays are part of a designated marine reserve protecting colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. A dozen rooms are tucked in behind the coconut palms that line the beach and the remainder tiptoe up a flower-decked hillside, taking advantage of the captivating scenery all around. And while the sensuous seclusion of the rooms provides some guests with the perfect excuse for lolling away the day on the balcony, others head out to partake in the many activities on offer; yoga, snorkeling, scuba diving, tennis, sunset sailing, sea kayaking or jungle biking, hiking and birdwatching among the ruins of an 18th-century colonial plantation.