Jade Mountain Resort – St. Lucia - Review 2023

What to Do

While it’s very natural, and completely encouraged that you do nothing at all except soak in your infinity-edge swimming pool overlooking the gorgeous views of the Pitons, there are myriad activities that draw guests out onto the 600-acre Jade Mountain property, and beyond into the island.

Lounge on two natural, soft-sand beaches down the hill from Jade Mountain, from which you can snorkel the abundant coral reefs. Beach service at Anse Chastanet Beach includes beach chairs, minted cooling spray, towel service, fruit kebabs, and sorbet. The second, more laid-back beach, Anse Mami, is accessible via the resort’s shuttle boat, or a ten-minute walk along the coastline.

Go scuba diving (or learn how at the Scuba St. Lucia PADI scuba center). Head out onto the ocean for deep-sea fishing. Kayak along the coast, go sunfish sailing, or try windsurfing. Take a day or sunset sail on the resort yacht or a “Jazzy Sunset Cruise” on the 60-foot Miss Babsie catamaran.

At the resort, you’ll find tennis courts, complimentary yoga classes (private sessions available), and a Cybex fitness studio. Top-of-the-line Cannondale mountain bikes are available from the Bike St. Lucia Jungle Biking Center for further island exploration.

Guests are invited to visit the resort’s organic farm, Emerald’s, about 20 minutes away from the resort in the Soufriere Hills. See more than 1,000 cacao trees that provide the beans used in the resort’s Chocolate Lab, the organic vegetable garden, colorful flowers, fruit orchards, and more.

For help arranging activities or tours, or for inspiration, the Jade Mountain concierge is available 24/7. Ideas include visits to the rainforest, the botanical gardens, the drive in volcano, and Sulphur Springs, as well as guided hiking up Gros Piton mountain and shopping trips by boat to the island’s capital. 

Birdwatching is also a big draw on the island, with the island holding six single-island endemic species, including the island’s national bird, the St. Lucia Parrot.

Jade Mountain’s boutique spa, Kai en Ciel, the Kai Belté spa located on Anse Chastanet beach, and the Kai Mer spa cottage are all available to guests for spa treatments. If preferred, treatments may be enjoyed in the privacy of your infinity pool sanctuary. Classical body and beauty services, as well as ayurvedic and holistic services, are on the carefully curated spa menu.

Jade Mountain guests also have access to the activities and facilities of neighboring Anse Chastanet.

While not everyone would consider it a drawback, and in some cases, would consider it a plus, it bears mentioning that you’ll have to put in a concerted effort to get to Jade Mountain. Arrival requires an hour-plus-long drive on windy roads (most guests opt for a taxi, private driver, or a helicopter ride to the Jade Mountain helipad). What’s more, once you’ve gotten here, you’ll be required to navigate the admittedly eye-catching and surreal architecture of the eco-conscious resort, which includes numerous stairs and catwalks (and no elevators). Simply put, it’s a laid-back, luxury island oasis for young-ish active adults who don’t mind their romance with a side of ruggedness.

What to Eat & Drink

Guests appreciate the cost-effective all-inclusive meal plan option, though you can also opt for a breakfast and dinner plan. The Jade Mountain Club, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is the main restaurant, wrapped around the infinity pool and catering only to resident guests. James Beard Award-winning Chef Allen Susser is known for his modern fusion cuisine, melding cultural and seasonal influences with unique techniques. Live entertainment is available on some evenings, which may range from the island’s best jazz musicians to a classical acoustic guitarist.

Prefer to dine in your own room or in a private space? Guests are able to enjoy Chef Susser’s “Jade Cuisine” through a variety of special dining experiences. The Celestial Terrace is set above the Jade Mountain Club and boasts an excellent sunset-viewing and stargazing location. Or, enjoy room service in your own space with a six-course menu with wine pairings and, if you wish, guitarist accompaniment during dinner.

Several culinary events and classes are also on tap, including “Cooking Paradise,” “Mango Madness,” “Spices of the Caribbean,” and “Discover Chocolate,” with Chef Susser and his culinary team. Want to learn to cook, or watch as a gourmet meal is prepared before your eyes? Opt for the Chef on Wheels program in the privacy of your Jade Mountain sanctuary, during which the cooking will be brought right to you.

Don’t feel like leaving your sanctuary? Let our Executive Chef bring his exciting Jade Cuisine right into the privacy of your Jade Mountain sanctuary. Whether you would like a private one hour cooking demonstration or whether you want the chef to prepare a gourmet meal in front of your very eyes, this can all be arranged.

Guests are also invited to stretch their dining experiences to the sister resort Anse Chastanet, which is easily reached on foot or via resort shuttle. The resort offers the Treehouse Restaurant, where breakfast and dinner menus feature modern Caribbean specialties, the Piti Piton Lounge with a vegetarian/vegan menu, the Trou au Diable Beach Restaurant with lunch options, an Indian fusion dinner menu, and the relaxed Jungle Bar and Grill on Anse Mamin beach (private beach dinners are available at both Anse Chastanet beaches).

Room Guide

How can one not be wooed by resort accommodations that are referred to as “sanctuaries” instead of “rooms” or “villas”? At Jade Mountain, you’ll stay in one of four categories of infinity-pool sanctuaries, 24 in all, and all a vision of local luxury with tropical hardwood and coral plaster walls. Each is a spectacular display of artistry and architecture, designed to embrace an unparalleled Pitons and Caribbean Sea view. The most dramatic views are from the highest rooms, and those on the corner.

The overly spacious sanctuaries feature an open floor plan in which the bedroom, living area, and private infinity pool meld together across platforms that feel as if they’re floating above the island’s lush landscape. Fifteen-foot ceilings and an open wall to the view, draw the outside in and make for an airy space, while still allowing privacy.

Rooms have 4 categories – Star, Moon, Sun and Galaxy – differentiated by the square footage of the living/sleeping space and the size of the infinity pool. There are also 5 Sky whirlpool suites with a large bathtub for two, but these have no private infinity pool.

All accommodations intentionally have no televisions, radio, or telephone in the sanctuaries. Though there is in-room and reception area Wi-Fi.

Galaxy Sanctuaries: Located on the southwest corner of the resort, these sanctuaries offer the best panoramic views of all the room categories and have the biggest square footage (averaging 2,000 square feet with an infinity pool averaging 900 square feet).

Sun Sanctuaries: Located on the corners of the northeast and southwest sides of the resort, these sanctuaries offer a panoramic 270-degree view, 1,800 to 2,000 square footage of living space, and an infinity pool averaging 900 square feet.

Moon Sanctuaries: Located on various levels of the resort, these sanctuaries offer 1,600 to 1,950 square footage of living space and an infinity pool averaging 650 square feet.

Star Sanctuaries: Located on various levels of the resort, these sanctuaries offer 1,400 to 1,800 square footage of living space and an infinity pool averaging 450 square feet.

Sky Whirlpool Suites: Located on the lower hillside level of the resort, these suites feature a large chromotherapy bathtub for two that is open to the views, but they do not have a private pool. The Sky Suites feature 15-foot ceilings and an open wall to the views, and average about 1,650 square feet. The Sky Suites have a two-level room layout, with a large and comfortable living space. One of the Sky Suites is situated on the northeast corner of the resort, with windows and air-conditioning, and is only available upon request.

Special Experiences

As secluded as Jade Mountain may feel, it’s as easy as looping in the helpful concierge if you’re feeling active or are interested in a peek around the island. There are numerous excursions available, from an hour or two, to all day.

If you like to kayak, the resort can arrange for several guided options. One of the most basic options is a leisurely paddle along the coast of Soufriere Bay to Grand Caille Point and one of the island’s popular dive sites – Fairlyland – then continue on to Hummingbird Beach. Those seeking a more challenging experience can head across Soufriere Bay to Petit Piton.

Explore on two wheels on a jungle biking trip that includes the grounds of an 18th-century French plantation estate. There are 8 miles of trails to explore, suitable for experienced and novice off-road bikers, alike.

Chocolate is a big deal at Jade Mountain (and Anse Chastanet), stemming from the thousands of cocoa trees on the resort estates, including those at Emerald’s organic farm in the nearby countryside. The resorts make their own Emerald Estate Chocolate, and you can participate both in the making and tasting of the chocolate at the Chocolate Laboratory. There’s everything from chocolate sensory tastings to education estate trips to chocolate truffle-making classes. Keep an eye out for chocolate-inspired menu items and cocktails in the restaurants and cocoa-influenced spa treatments.

And more! From Diamond Mineral Falls and Diamond Waterfall guided hikes, naturalist-guided beach walks, shopping trips, ziplining tours, rum plantation visits, Piton climbing adventures, dolphin- and whale-watching trips, golf, helicopter tours, and horseback riding, the staff at Jade Mountain are eager to share their beautiful resort and beloved island with their guests.

A variety of themed all-inclusive packages are available at Jade Mountain that include additional amenities and activities.