Gaze on the natural beauty of St Lucia's twin peaks from this luxury Jade Mountain perch

 

Let an architect loose on a Caribbean island and expect the unexpected.

Jade Mountain, designed by Nick Troubetzkoy, a Russian-Canadian architect hailing from the west coast of British Columbia, is unlike anything I have ever seen.

Situated a bumpy two-mile drive uphill from the town of Soufrière in St Lucia, Jade Mountain, a futuristic building that looks a bit like a spaceship, is made up of rugged stone-faced columns set among lush gardens with individual walkways crisscrossing each other – think Spaghetti Junction in the Caribbean.

There is a reason behind the clever design – and that’s to offer guests total privacy when you are in your “Sanctuary”. Yes, forget rooms here – each guest has their own Sanctuary, where no one can see you, which is great as it means you can prance around naked, skinny dip in your private infinity pool and do whatever else you want to do without anyone looking in.

With no fourth wall at the front of your Sanctuary, you really are at one with nature here, with just a mosquito net separating you from the elements.

 

Thankfully, there’s nothing to be too worried about – the odd mossie, but other than that, you simply hear the noise of crickets and tree frogs at night, and the singing of birds (including the odd hummingbird) waking you up in the morning.

Each Sanctuary varies in size but ours was a large open space featuring bedroom, living area, bathroom/shower area and pool with 180-degree views towards both the bay and the twin peaks known as The Pitons – a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The infinity pool features special mosaic tiles chosen for the way they reflect light underwater, along with chromotherapy lighting (also in the bathroom), which guests can adjust to suit their mood.

As if this place wasn’t romantic enough, at night it’s truly magical, with candles lit all around the pool and the open nature of the space also makes it perfect for stargazing (Jade Mountain made it on to Architectural Digest’s list of top 20 stargazing destinations in the world).

Aside from TVs and radios (don’t panic – there is Wifi), the Sanctuaries offer every luxury – rain showers, whirlpool baths in the bathrooms (with the added bonus of Molton Brown amenities) and even your own “major domos” to cater to your every need.

With the option to eat in, including a six-course gourmet menu paired with wine, you may not actually feel the urge to go anywhere else for the duration of your stay but if you do choose to, you can dine at the Jade Mountain Club, which caters exclusively to resident guests.

The food is a modern fusion of traditional Caribbean influences, with tropical flavours, but given a modern twist and presented with finesse. There’s live (understated) entertainment in the adjoining bar most evenings, ranging from jazz to a classical acoustic guitarist.

Wherever you are at Jade Mountain, the views are spectacular but the most stunning view has to be from the Celestial Terrace – perfect for watching the sunset while sipping a cocktail or for watching the stars after dinner.

If you’re into health and wellness, you can choose from a range of spa treatments – available either in your Sanctuary or in the boutique spa Kai en Ciel.

The menu includes both classical body and beauty treatments, as well as ayurvedic and holistic services. Complimentary yoga classes are available and private yoga lessons can be arranged at the fitness studio, which also features cardio and strength equipment.

Jade Mountain is part of the 600-acre estate that is also home to sister property Anse Chastanet and guests have access to all the amenities and activities on offer there. It’s just a five-minute walk downhill but if you’re feeling really lazy, you can always opt for a shuttle to take you there.

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