by Eric Polhill

Many resorts claim to be the “perfect honeymoon getaway.” But what exactly does that mean? What makes for honeymoon perfection? With many claiming the throne there can only be one true king, the king of the mountain if you will.

Jade Mountain is carved from a steep hill with unimpeded views of the iconic twin Pitons of St. Lucia. Rock formations thrust into the sky like abstract sculptures, while tiny traditional fishing villages buzz with subdued energy. It’s a secluded place to Zen and zone out, whether at the spa or in one of the individually designed suites that architect/owner Nick Troubetzkoy dubs “sanctuaries.” Guests come to Jade Mountain for a romantic escape — or to de-stress in a place that feels like another world.

St. Lucia’s southwest coast has remained largely unspoiled, mostly because its beckoning beaches lie in the shadow of unforgiving gunmetal cliffs. But it was here that Troubetzkoy and his wife, Karolin, built a labor of love, resulting in this splendid jewel of a resort.

Jade Mountain boasts 28 well-appointed suites and sits on the highest point of the 600-acre Anse Chastenet. Each of the soaring, uniquely designed rooms was built with only two or three walls — the remaining sides are open to the elements, revealing an ever-shifting canvas of the Caribbean hillside. The resort’s sanctuaries offer old-time Caribbean charm. Instead of air conditioners, ceiling fans whir romantically; no phones or TVs disturb the calm. Muting the outside world is part of Troubetzkoy’s ambition to help guests feel connected with the resort’s natural surroundings, which, in turn, allows you to focus on connecting with each other — over and over again…

Gazing out from the infinity pool, you experience a floating sensation — gulls glide far beneath, dive-bombing the sea. Visitors can enjoy this solitude while also knowing that they can summon their major domo (Jade Mountain’s term for a personal concierge) anytime. From fetching that beach read you accidentally left in your room to making sure your evening cocktail is ready at your preferred time, your major domo leaves nothing to chance (meaning you’ll have more time to  devote yourselves to each other’s total bliss with the intensity of Buddhist Monks).