Also home to Jade Mountain, Anse Chastanet is bordered by two sandy beaches and a protected marine reserve on one side, while on the other the plants and flowers are nurtured in abundance, with tropical scenes punctuated by the resort’s own plantation and home grown produce.
Owned by an architect with a passion for nature the hotel itself brings the outside in. Native botanicals tumble over the sides of suite balconies, views of the Piti and Gros Piton mountains are showcased through panoramic windows and staff can reel off the names of the island’s flora and fauna on a guided walk around the resort. Divers can enjoy spectacular underwater sites straight from the beach while those who prefer a less energetic holiday itinerary can snooze in a hammock between coconut palms swaying in the Caribbean tradewinds.
Although children are permitted to stay at the resort during certain times of the year – check with your Travel Seen specialist for details – Anse Chastanet has a grown-up vibe with romantic details aplenty.
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Stay
As standard guests can expect: Molton Brown amenities, complimentary Wifi, ceiling fans, an in-room fridge, and hot beverage making facilities. Interconnecting two-bedroom two-bathroom suites are available on request and all rooms have outdoor space in the form of either a balcony or terrace.
Expect plenty of room, bold artwork, furniture and features made from locally sourced materials and views to stop you in your tracks.
Eat
Emerald’s restaurant is vegan and showcases the best of the resort’s organic harvest. Jungle Grill is a laidback affair on the beach – think red snapper ceviche and Creole chicken burgers – while fine dining is firmly on the menu at the open-air Treehouse.
At Trou au Diable restaurant there’s beachside lunch during the day, with cocktails and evening themes after sunset - Apsara East Indian Caribbean fusion being a particular favourite.
Explore
Few Caribbean hotels can compete with the setting of Anse Chastanet. Within its 600 acres and two beaches there’s plenty to do on site, including a visit to the iconic Jade Mountain and learning about the resort’s sustainability focus.
But for those who fancy exploring the island there’s sulphur springs, lazy rivers, drive-thru volcanoes, jungle zip-lines and World Heritage Sites to encounter. Head out to sea on a sunset cruise, taste Creole cuisine served with a coconut cocktail and spend the day at nearby Soufrière shopping for souvenirs and wandering the Saint Lucia Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens.
Why here?
Kai Belte (Creole for house of beauty) is the beach level spa, featuring an open-air hair and nail salon and a menu of natural therapies and individualised treatments with products by Aromatherapy Associates and ingredients from the resort’s Emerald Farm. Yoga classes are also available.
Around the resort there is lots to discover, including organised birdwatching, nature walks, jungle biking and hiking.
Don’t miss two very unique attractions within Anse Chastanet: its organic Emerald Farm where much of the ingredients used at the restaurants is produced, and the Chocolate Laboratory where homegrown cocoa is used to create tasty treats.
Our take
Hot off the press is news that the resort will be offering complimentary art classes twice a week with one of the island’s up and coming artists and art teachers, Naja Misaki Simeon aka Sakey. Spend an afternoon painting on the estate or take your passion a step further with a private class.
If ‘doing nothing’ (as the hotel so perfectly puts it) isn’t your idea of an authentic Caribbean break then you’ll be wowed by the activities on offer. A Travel Seen favourite is the Chocolate Laboratory, or for something equally as naughty there’s craft brewing. Balance out the indulgence by learning all about St Lucia’s natural medicines at the indigenous healing circle of plants on the resort’s Emerald Estate Organic Farm.
