NEW YORK, United States – Once again, U.S. News has ranked the best hotels in the Caribbean using a comprehensive methodology that aggregates the opinions of travel experts and guests. Two St Lucia properties are in the Top 10.
Some 288 hotels in the region were evaluated to identify the top hotels and resorts, with review-based websites, guidebooks and magazines analysed to compile a list of properties that consistently receive approval from critics and travellers.
Each hotel on the resulting list of the top 10 properties in the Caribbean for 2015 is said to stand out from its peers “thanks to its memorable ambiance, upscale amenities and exemplary service.”
Jade Mountain in Soufriere may have slipped from the No. 9 position it held in 2014, but this St Lucia standout remains a favourite among critics and guests, winning accolades such as the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award and coveted AAA Five Diamond Award.
Lauded for their innovative design, Jade Mountain’s “sanctuaries” boast an open wall (think a patio without the door), offering an unparalleled view of the Piton Mountains. The hotel is not directly located on the beach (reserve a room at the resort’s sister property, Anse Chastanet, if you want to be closer to the shoreline), but guests don’t seem to mind. Visitors cite Jade Mountain’s unbeatable views, attentive service and ample wellness amenities (like the Kai enCiel spa and private yoga sessions) as reasons for a repeat visit.
Giving Jade Mountain a run for its money, was East Winds Inn which traded in the silver badge it earned last year for gold in 2015. Claiming the title of Best Hotel in St. Lucia, East Winds Inn appeals to travellers looking for a boutique hotel experience. Thanks to its limited capacity (just 30 rooms sprawled across 12 acres), previous guests say the hotel staff provides personalized service not often seen at larger resorts.
Aside from the staff’s attention to detail, travellers also praise the resort’s eatery, the Flamboyant Restaurant. Reviewers compliment the fresh, local cuisine and variety of dishes — a factor many visitors consider paramount if staying in St. Lucia for more than a few days.
The No. 1 hotel in the survey was. Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic