Suzibean,

I'd love to hear about your trip when you get back!

SNWhitman,

It sounds like we had the same experience with these two resorts. I would so like to go and stay at Anse Chastenet. If we went back to Ladera I would probably visit to watch the sunset.

Daffy

StJohn_Dude, are you considering booking a plunge pool suite at Jade Mountain? or a room at Anse Chastenet with a view of gardens, gardens and ocean, or gardens, ocean and Pitons? Views vary greatly at Anse Chastenet dependent on the category you book.

smwhitman,

"Net net, we were incredibly disappointed with Ladera, and blown away with Jade Mtn/Anse Chastanet... the differences in the accommodations, friendliness, service and activities were literally an order of magnitude."

I'm really sorry to hear of your disappointment with Ladera :-(.

What room category did you book or stay in at Ladera?

And if you don't mind this foreword question ... would you mind sharing what your cost was per night for the Jade Mountain Suite?

Hi Daffy -

I'll be sure to let you know how it goes -- I am axiously awaiting departure, even if it means we have to get up at 3:30 a.m to catch our flight!! I've never stayed at a place that does not have the comforts that we take for granted, so this will truly be an experience in relaxation, island activity and spectacular scenery.

Jade Mountain -- wouldn't that be an amazing place to stay -- maybe if we ever win the lottery some day. I'd like to at least climb up there and take a peak! I looks beatiful.

SMWhitman - I look forward to reading your reviews!

Suzanne

Just back from both. Here's your answer - stay at Jade Mtn (AMAZING ROOM), head to Ladera (AMAZING VIEW) one afternoon for drinks. I promise you, that's the way to go.

Just read the previous response - the question is more about how much you are willing to pay. We are just back from a two week honeymoon in the area and stayed at Crystals (fantastic) but we explored the entire area. We were told that the fabulous Jade mountain suites at Anse Chastenet costs approx $900US a night - a lot of money! Can't comment on the quality of rooms at either place as not seen but been to both for eating and looking round.

Views - better at Ladera (stunning close up view of pitons which really can't be seen properly from Anse Chastenet beach area as round headland). Both have wonderful view from higher up where most of the suites/rooms are.

Food - again far better at Ladera, good at Anse Chastenet but no wow factor.

Location - Ladera is more reachable as on main road from Vieux Fort into Soufriere, whilst Anse Chastenet down a very bumpy 10 min drive. Be aware that this may not be a factor as Soufriere is very underdeveloped (due to the fact that most tourists just stay in their own hotels or visit other resorts), you will need some transport to go to anywhere otherwise you are relying on very expensive taxis or trips arranged by your resort. Mystic Man Tours in Soufriere is excellent for various boat packages although local Francis will take you at a cheaper rate if you are just wanting to beach hop via boat. Both hotels are located between the beach and rainforest so are both lush and tropical (this means both have mosquitos, tree frogs and all manner of jungle bugs - unavoidable).

Activities - most hotels offer the same trips to the main sites (sulphur springs, diamond botanical gardens). Again is much cheaper and you get to see/experience more doing all this on own with jeep (four wheel drive is a must). Marigot Bay, Anse La Raye Friday night fish fry and Fond Doux plantation are all worth a visit. Anse Chastenet has reputedly much better snorkelling and scuba diving plus has the added bonus of the jungle biking activity to Anse Mamin beach (fantastic and not to be missed - $45US per person).

Hope this helps and have a fantastic time whatever you decide.

Hello,

My wife and I are considering a trip to St. Lucia in late March or April. We really like what we have seen and read about Jade Mountain online. We like the idea of a small all-inclusive resort that will allow us to leave the rest of the world behind.

We are hopping to get some input about the resort. I understand there is some construction underway, but it should be finished by February. Does anyone have info on this? We love the idea of the missing 4th wall, but that brings up some questions. How bad are the bugs in Late March or April? How hot does it get around that time? Are the suites constructed in a way that provides adequate privacy for a couple of 40 something romantics? And I understand that training on the Stairmaster might be helpful for getting to the beach. Is that a real problem or no big deal?

We would love to hear input form those who have stayed at Jade Mountain or Anse Chastanet.

Corp Pilot -

Stayed at Anse Chastanet in early December, and spent two nights visiting new friends up in Jade Mountain. If you go there, there is no doubt will will get that feeling of leaving the world behind.

If you book at Jade Mountain, you will have no problem being 'romantic' despite an open wall! The open wall accommodates the patio that faces the Pitons and the infinity pool, so you can soak in the magnificent views. The bed is tucked further inside, and you will likely not hear anyone, nor them you. In fact, you may feel completely secluded there, and may never want to leave. Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain accommodate many honeymooners and couples, so romance and relaxation is in the air.

Construction at Jade Mountain is progressing, and when I was there, the new deadline was March. Noise was minimal, and construction in St. Lucia is nothing like in the states.

Can't comment on the bugs in March/April, but they were pretty much invisible while we were there in December. I saw a few mosquitoes, but no other bugs, and we did not get any bites. Bring bug spray with you just in case.

Go with the stairmaster if you want to buff up for bikini weather for your wife, but the stairs are really not a problem. The stairs from Jade Mountain and the hillside cottages at Anse Chastanet are very low rise, as the sides of the stairs are paved so it can double as a road for the shuttle. The stairs from The Treehouse restaurant to the beach are broken up with several rest and viewing areas. We are fit people in our 30s and work out regularly, but there were couples there easily in their 60s managing the stairs just fine.

It's a beautiful, relaxing resort and I don't doubt you will have the experience of a lifetime if you go!

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