Anse Chastanet

This is not only St. Lucia's premier dive resort, but also an exceptional Caribbean inn. It lies 29km (18 miles) north of Hewanorra International Airport (a 50-min. taxi ride), 3km (1 3/4 miles) north of Soufrière on a forested hill, and a 103-step climb above palm-fringed Anse Chastanet Beach. The main building -- surrounded by coffee trees and coconut palms -- is decorated in a rambling island style. Guests can also stay on the beach in spacious accommodations styled like West Indian plantation villas. Other units, constructed like octagonal gazebos, have views of the Pitons. The large rooms are comfortably appointed with locally made furniture. The resort offers two dozen exclusive "infinity suites," a "resort within a resort," with their own reception area. Rooms have only three walls, to allow for an unobstructed view of the Pitons and the Caribbean.

Facilities:
2 restaurants; 2 bars; airport transfers; bikes; gym; smoke-free rooms; spa; tennis court; dive shop; kayaks; sailboat rentals; snorkeling; windsurfing

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.