Occupying 600 acres of tropical hillside that roll down to a black sand beach, the 49-room Anse Chastanet helped pioneer the rustic, Robinson Crusoe look now popular at several places on the island.
Indagare Loves
The resort’s rustic, Robinson Crusoe look
That the resort forgoes in-room televisions, telephones and iPod docks
The property’s beautiful stretch of beach
That Scuba St. Lucia and Bike St. Lucia are headquartered on-site or nearby
Review
Russian-Canadian architect Nick Troubetzkoy first came to St. Lucia in the 1970s and bought a dilapidated 14-room property on the island’s southwest shore. Thus began a building project that ultimately took more than two decades to complete, culminating not only in Anse Chastanet but in Troubetzkoy’s pièce de résistance: the 29-suite Jade Mountain, which opened in 2006.
Situated on 600 acres of tropical hillside that roll down two beaches, one with gold sand, the other with black, Anse Chastanet helped pioneer the all-natural Robinson Crusoe look, which has since been widely copied by other resorts. The forty-nine guest rooms are built into the landscape so seamlessly that the only time you see the entire property is when you approach it from the water. There are no televisions or phones in the guest rooms, and air-conditioning is only offered in the beach-side suites, though most rooms don’t need it, as the “missing” fourth wall opens onto either a terrace or a patio (the lack of fly screens may deter some visitors, however). Furnishings are made of indigenous woods like teak, mahogany and greenheart, and the decor is enlivened by vibrant, locally sourced madras fabrics—the same colorful designs in St. Lucia’s national costumes—and paintings by regional and visiting artists. At once highly individual and site-specific, it’s the kind of design conceit that deliberately skips details like flat-screen televisions and iPod docks in favor of a more rustic island vibe. It’s important to note that Anse Chastanet is built into a steep hillside, and the trek to the beach, a flight of some one hundred stairs, is demanding unless you’re in relatively good shape. (The hotel does offer a shuttle service.)
The two-bedroom Casuarina Suite boasts its own infinity pool with views of both the Caribbean Sea and the Piton Mountains, while the one-bedroom villa is located beach-side. With the exception of the one at the Casuarina Suite, there’s no pool at Anse Chastanet. The property is situated in a remote location at the end of a road that the resort has purposefully kept rough to ensure exclusivity. But most guests are happy to stay put, taking advantage of the lovely stretch of sand, sprinkled with comfortable loungers under palm-thatched umbrellas. Diving enthusiasts will be happy about the proximity of Scuba St. Lucia, the island’s premier dive operator that is headquartered here, while active types should head to Bike St. Lucia, on adjacent Anse Mamet Beach.
There are four restaurants on the premises, including the excellent Apsara, and a spa whose therapists are very good (arrange for a treatment in your room, as space at the spa is limited). Yoga and meditation is included in the price along with access to complimentary snorkeling equipment and sunset cruises.
Who Should Stay
The resort’s hidden-away accommodations are ideal for couples—especially a Premium Hillside room, with picture-perfect views of the Pitons—though there were families staying here as well when I visited.
Author
Simone Girner
Indagare Plus Amenities
$100 Resort Credit, not applicable on gratuities, product or tours. Non motorized watersports also offered.
Available at our restaurant only
Upgraded Room Category on Availability at Check-In
You are about to check room availability as a guest. If you would like to take advantage of our member rates and benefits, please join Indagare now.
Book as a Member
Sign in to be able to book the best rates and amenities available only to Indagare members. If you do not see the special Indagare plus rates, contact our Bookings Team.
Book as a Member
Contact the Indagare Team
SAFARI JACKET ORDER REQUEST
Select your jacket size and a member of our team will reach out to you directly for shipping and payment information.
Fields marked with (*) are mandatory.
Submitting this form constitutes acceptance of our terms of use and privacy policy.
Share This Page
Member Login
Member Login
START MY TRIP
Contact the Indagare team to see how we can help with your next adventure.
Fields marked with (*) are mandatory.
Submitting this form constitutes acceptance of our terms of use and privacy policy.
Comments OpenClose