Elite Traveler Summer 2021

JADE MOUNTAIN ST LUCIA

While environmental issues and sustainability are at the forefront of hospitality these days, this was not the case several decades ago. That makes Nick Troubetzkoy’s vision all the more impressive: The ambitious architect first stepped foot on the Caribbean island in the ’70s when he purchased Jade Mountain’s sister resort, Anse Chastanent. Letting the dramatic scenery dictate the resort’s spectacular design, Troubetzkoy’s revolutionary ideas championed sustainability and, while Jade Mountain was originally planned as an extension to Anse, the blown-budget project is now a multi-award-winning destination in its own right (and the more upscale of the two). Jade Mountain lies within a 600-acre tropical garden, overlooking the glittering Caribbean Sea and with unbeatable views of the mountains Piti Piton and Gros Piton (it’s the only resort on the island that has views of both). The resort, like its sister, is an architectural marvel that works in harmony with nature. It was the first Caribbean hotel to earn LEED gold status. There is minimal air-conditioning; instead, the open-plan, open-wall suites are designed to utilize natural air flow — which also allows for the most jaw-dropping views of the surroundings. Come nightfall, you might notice the warm glow of the all-yellow lighting. This is to ensure that there is no interference with wild animal behavior, and is approved for use in places where turtles hatch, so as to not disorient the hatchlings. Contact Andreas Naegele, general manager,

jademountain@ansechastanet.com, +1 800 223 1108, jademountain.com

Photos Sandro Bruecklmeier, Lucas Gilman