The Best All-Inclusive Hotels to Book in Saint Lucia

In recent years it is Jade Mountain – the latterly added resort-within-a-resort – that has drawn luxury sunseekers to Anse Chastenet. This is perfectly understandable, given its grand suites opening onto big private infinity pools, with knockout views of the island’s twin peaks: the Pitons. But Anse Chastenet was always a magnet, with its unique deluxe hillside rooms fully open on one side to the breezes, like stage sets. It’s this treehouse feel that makes the place a winner, along with its cove setting, by transparent waters, its tropical grounds and its cool Caribbean menu doing the likes of Creole shrimp and pot fish.

With no tips required, all-inclusive dining here is worth its weight in gold – think breakfast, lunch, dinner, between-meals snacks and drinks. Six restaurants deliver a full-on tastebud whirl, be it pizza and pasta, French creole, seafood or steaks; all the while, heady cocktails, beer and wine flow generously. Rooms – from garden- and ocean-view to luxury beachfront – ooze island style, in white rattan and tiles. The hotel promises fun for kids and relaxation for adults – hence face-painting, crab-hunting and mocktail-making; plus pilates and deep-cleansing facials (among other tip-top treatments) at Tranquility Body & Soul Spa.

Calling all golfers – this hotel is really into swinging. Not only does it facilitate access to the island’s best fairways, it has a course of its own – try a game at the nine-hole, par-33 Sandals La Toc Golf Club, within the resort. It’s no secret that the romantic, couples-friendly Sandals brand is adults-only – hence the private-pool villas suites, the honeymooners canoodling in the Piano Bar and the lovey-dovey duos eating crepes Suzette at La Toc French restaurant. That’s one of nine gourmet dining spots around the property. Top tip: don’t miss The Cricketers Pub for English grub, including fish and chips and bangers and mash.

Life’s a beach and then you dine – that’s the appetising deal at this sumptuous set-up in the south of St Lucia. It sprawls beside Pitons Bay, between the fang-like twin Piton peaks, and Sugar Beach is no misnomer – those granular white sands were shipped in from Guyana. Aim to bag one of the airy, elegant beachfront bungalows – but even if you book entry-level, the accommodations are all great-looking: subtle white-clapboard affairs that mimic the Caribbean vernacular. What’s there to eat? What isn’t there? Pizza, seafood, wagyu steak, a la carte breakfast, grab-and-go pastries – even top burgers for kids.

The timeless ambience at this northern resort is all in the furnishings: gauzily draped four-posters, planter’s chairs on tiled balconies, louvred shutters in russet timbers and raftered ceilings. In a nutshell: nostalgia, impeccably assembled. When modernity does intrude, it is in the shape of private pools with blue sea views (top tip: even the less-expensive garden rooms are gorgeous). Spa Maison performs pampering rituals (massages, exfoliations, facials) – on your terrace if you wish. And eating at the Naked Fisherman (one of two food spots) is a barefoot treat on the sands; try fresh snapper, grouper or dorado.

Up here, on St Lucia’s north-west coast, the living is easy beside Rodney Bay – particularly if you’ve booked into one of the beachfront villa suites, steps from the sands. They channel the Caribbean beautifully, with dashes of bamboo and rattan, as well as four-poster beds and marble bathrooms. If you want more affordable, simply book a one-bedroom ocean-view suite – the sea you’ll be looking at is the same! Your palate won’t grow jaded – as well as three bars, four places to eat include casual Callaloo Beach Bar & Grill. Hop on a stool for a cold beer and a cheeseburger – or a vegan version, if you’d prefer.

Royalton Saint Lucia Resort comes under the Marriott-hotels umbrella as part of its international Autograph Collection. That guarantees you a super-comfy DreamBed™, designed exclusively for Royalton Luxury Resorts; also All-In Connectivity™ free wifi and bracelet key cards for easy spending. The property is a grand 290-room affair, with the option to go adults-only at the Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia (ages 18-plus). Elsewhere, families are welcome – sports and aquatic activities are piled on, and Grazie Italian Trattoria (one of nine dining experiences) turns out comfort dishes all ages will adore.