Hotels in St. Lucia

"It's hard to imagine,never mind find,a more beautiful view." Atop a forested ridge overlooking the twin Pitons and the sea, with acres of rain forest beyond, Ladera is in "one hell of a location." Rooms, which have only three walls, are decorated with canopy beds and indigenous timber, stone, and tile. The Ti Kai Pose spa has "great staff and treatments," including a hot volcanic-stone massage. Shrimp and jerk sausage are two of the specialties at Dasheene.

25 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa

This former sugar estate comprises clusters of villas that descend a forested hill to the sea. White rooms have cerulean beams and plenty of wood and wicker, and their renovations will continue through 2007. "The marble bathrooms are so big you could throw a party in them." "For a top quality resort, though, the food is inconsistent." Calypso night at Bayside entails dinner on the beach and a live band.

112 rooms

Amenities: Beach, Golf, Pool, Spa, Tennis