Best Boutique Hotels in St. Lucia

This boutique is arguably the most romantic, exclusive and unique property on St. Lucia. Through an innovative, open fourth wall, each of Jade's 29 enormous suites overlooks the sea from its chromatherapy-lit whirlpool tub, canopied bed, and private infinity pool. It offers great organic cuisine, doting service, unwavering silence (no TVs, radios, or children), and extraordinary design, which make the long drive from the airport worthwhile.

This unique luxury resort in St. Lucia is made up of 32 one- and two-bedroom villas, each carefully carved into the surrounding hillside overlooking the island's iconic twin Pitons. The villas -- which have missing fourth walls, and in most cases, private plunge pools -- are a main draw, as are the spectacular views and lush grounds. The resort also features some fabulous amenities, such as an infinity lagoon pool, a gorgeous open-air restaurant and bar, a (tiny) open-air fitness center, and a lovely spa with black water soaking baths. Plus, it is still significantly cheaper than the ultra-glam Jade Mountain, which has a similar design and layout.

One of the quieter and more subdued resorts on St. Lucia's northern end, this luxury boutique has a lot to offer -- a charming spa, waterfront yoga and tai chi classes, two mellow pools, an elegant cliff-top restaurant and bar with stunning views, a small beach, and rooms so gorgeous and comfortable guests will be hard-pressed to find a reason to leave at all.

Opened in 2009, this upscale 26-room boutique resort rests on a gently sloping hill above Bonaire Bay, providing stunning Caribbean Sea views from virtually everywhere. The property boasts a stunning infinity pool, an open-air restaurant and spa, a cozy library, and a lovely the private beach. Three very distinct room types create varying experiences for guests, though all feature elegant furnishings, modern amenities, and private balconies.

Stonefield Estate Villa is a rustic, upscale resort with 18 plantation-style villas set on 26 acres of gorgeous rainforest. Amenities include an exceptional spa, a cliff-top pool, and an open-air restaurant and bar. The property is deliberately unplugged -- meaning villas lack TVs, Wi-Fi, and telephones -- but the stunning atmosphere, and the villas themselves, are worth it for those who can go technology-free for a while. The best part, though, may be the private terrace connected to each villa, with a private pool -- and can't-be-beat views of Petit Piton.

The 49-room Anse Chastanet Resort was one of the first properties to focus on eco-luxury design, and to deliberately shun technology such as TV, telephones, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. The resort offers four open-air restaurants, two beaches, extensive water sports, a beachfront spa, and an outdoor fitness pavilion. Technology-free rooms have wrap-around terraces, many with views of the Pitons.

Ti Kaye, which means "little house" in Creole, is an intimate rustic-luxe resort with 33 private cottages built into a hillsideoverlooking the Caribbean. The resort's way-off-the-beaten track location, accessed via a precariously steep and bumpy road, means it’s a hassle to leave once you check in. Yet the difficult location is also one of the reasons guests come to Ti Kaye -- they come to relax, unplug, re-connect, and lounge in quiet isolation all the while enjoying gourmet cuisine and wines from St. Lucia's largest cellar.

Coco Palm is an 83-room budget-oriented boutique hotel with style and service you'd expect at higher priced, beachfront hotels. It features a huge free-form pool, French Caribbean style decor, and the option to book with or without an all-inclusive plan. Rooms are cheerful and tropical, and some have terraces with pool access. While not on the ocean, it is a short walk to Reduit Beach and close to the amenities of Rodney Bay Village, St. Lucia's entertainment district.

With just 11 freestanding cottages on 130 acres, this eco-minded resort is intensely lush, featuring coconut groves, fruit-bearing trees, and a working cocoa plantation. Amenities are surprisingly plenty for a property with so few beds, including a small spa, a small three-tier pool, and two organic restaurants. The rustic experience won't appeal to everyone, as TV, Wi-Fi, and A/C absent in the rooms, but adventurous travelers on a budget will surely appreciate the gorgeous authentic surroundingsand affordable rates.