If you read travel magazines like I do, then chances are you’ve heard of the famed Jade Mountain Resort in St. Lucia. But let me tell you, going there is an entirely different experience than one could imagine. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Pitons, this boutique property was designed by architect owner, Nick Troubetzkoy, in such a way that you truly feel like you’re the only guests there. With “galaxy suites” as they call them, shaped in a curve around the mountainside, you’ll find only one wall to keep you covered, but you’re not short of privacy as the angles are such that no vantage point allows others to see into the spaces. And no one is permitted onto your bridge to your front door without the appropriate colored flag hanging when your ready to re-join civilization. Can you say honeymoon paradise?!?! 
Those fantastic suites each come complete with an infinity pool, indoor and outdoor furnishings, a fabulous tub for two, and a dedicated butler to cater to your every whim. By day, you’ll lounge in your room’s pool or head down to the beach for a bit of snorkeling and sunning. By night, dinner at the sister property, Anse Chstanet’s beach restaurant, or on the rooftop restaurant of Jade Mountain (with a James Beard award-winning chef) or perhaps a casual in-room yet al fresco dinner for two before you retire to your canopy covered four-poster bed.
It may sound silly on an island as lush and beautiful as St. Lucia, but this really is a hotel room you won’t want to leave. And what better trip to stay in than on your honeymoon? When you need something, anything at all, your smiling, friendly and oh-so warm butler is just a click on your two-way walkie away. I admit, when I visited this one-of-a-kind sanctuary, I was traveling solo (not ideal for a place this special) and even I was content swimming on my deck, reading a book while sipping a fresh island fruit smoothie, and watching the sun come up and go down from behind the curtains on the bed, blissful in a constant state of relaxation. 
But life in St. Lucia isn’t all naps and moments alone together (unless you want it to be). Should you dare to venture out beyond your palace wall, the island is brimming with fantastic adventures and warm new friends to meet. I highly suggest some snorkel time and a trip to the sulphur springs at sunrise where you’ll get a 5-star mud bath and mask au naturel, just as Mother Nature intended, and located in the base of the world’s only drive-in volcano.
Travel Tip: If you’ve got the budget to splurge, opt for Jade Mountain’s helicopter airport pickup and arrive at the resort from high above the Pitons rather than by car. And when you arrive, be sure you’re booked in an infinity pool galaxy suite, it’s well worth it!
…now back to daydreaming about a return trip (plus one).
