High above the Caribbean Sea on the emerald hills of St. Lucia’s southwestern coast, Jade Mountain stands as one of the most visionary and celebrated resorts in the world. Architecturally daring and ecologically conscious, this five-star retreat blends elemental luxury with immersive natural beauty, offering travelers an experience that is as spiritually restorative as it is physically indulgent. Designed by the late architect and resort owner Nick Troubetzkoy, Jade Mountain is best known for its striking open-air guest sanctuaries, missing their fourth wall and fully embracing the lush environment of the island. The views—framed by the iconic Piton mountains and shimmering Caribbean Sea—are nothing short of astonishing.
Elevated Living: The Sanctuaries
At the heart of Jade Mountain’s appeal are its 29 open-concept sanctuaries, each accessed by a private bridge that leads guests into an expansive, multi-level living space without a traditional wall separating them from the outdoors. This open-air concept eliminates the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning, allowing for natural airflow, soft island breezes, and a profound connection with the surrounding environment. Twenty-four of the sanctuaries feature private infinity pools that appear to spill seamlessly into the sea below, with chromotherapy lighting, glass tiles, and vanishing edges that enhance the otherworldly effect.
The sanctuaries are categorized into different “star” levels—ranging from Sky to Galaxy—with sizes up to 2,000 square feet, each outfitted with handcrafted tropical hardwood furniture, coral stone finishes, and Egyptian cotton linens. These are not conventional hotel rooms but rather living, breathing spaces designed to honor the landscape. There are no televisions, radios, or other distractions. Instead, nature and silence become the primary amenities. Each sanctuary also includes a dedicated Major Domo (private butler), trained by the British Guild of Butlers, who assists with everything from arranging in-room dining and spa treatments to planning excursions.
A Design That Breathes
Jade Mountain’s architecture is unlike any other resort in the Caribbean. Nick Troubetzkoy’s guiding principle was that buildings should not disrupt the landscape but rather emerge organically from it. The bold lines and floating platforms are softened by the use of locally quarried stone, wood, and clay. The property’s cascading terraces and bridges were designed to align with the contours of the hillside, ensuring unobstructed views from every angle while minimizing environmental impact. The lack of glass windows, air conditioning units, or mechanical ventilation contributes to the resort’s low carbon footprint and overall ethos of sustainability.
This architectural feat earned Jade Mountain numerous design accolades and environmental certifications, including the prestigious LEED Gold status. Even more impressive is how the resort continues to evolve without compromising its core values. The property is powered in part by solar panels, and water is gravity-fed from nearby catchments and treated on-site. This fusion of sustainability and luxury, once thought to be at odds, is one of the defining achievements of Troubetzkoy’s legacy.
Culinary Excellence, From Farm to Table
The resort’s commitment to sustainability extends seamlessly into its culinary program. At the helm is the award-winning Jade Cuisine restaurant, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser. His menus are inspired by the seasonal bounty of the resort’s own organic farm, Emerald Estate, which produces everything from microgreens and root vegetables to turmeric, herbs, and over 1,000 cacao trees. The farm not only supports the restaurant’s daily operations but also enables an immersive chocolate program, where guests can tour the bean-to-bar chocolate facility and participate in hands-on workshops.
Dining at Jade Mountain is both intimate and expansive. Guests can enjoy meals in the main dining room, on their sanctuary terrace, or on the Celestial Terrace under the stars. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Creole flavors are central to the culinary identity, often paired with thoughtfully curated wines from the resort’s extensive cellar. Vegan and vegetarian menus are available, with a strong emphasis on clean, nutrient-rich ingredients.
A Haven for Exploration and Relaxation
While many guests choose to simply unwind in their sanctuaries or by the property’s serene infinity pool, Jade Mountain offers a wide range of enriching activities for those seeking adventure or cultural immersion. At the base of the property lies Anse Chastanet Beach, where guests can snorkel in a marine reserve just offshore or enjoy sunbathing on the volcanic sand beach. The resort’s on-site dive center, Scuba St. Lucia, is a PADI 5-Star facility offering guided dives, certification courses, and special events such as coral spawning dives led by marine biologists.
For sailing enthusiasts, the resort owns and operates its own trimaran, Searenity, which can be chartered for private sunset cruises, snorkeling trips, or coastal exploration. Inland excursions are also available, including guided hikes up the Gros Piton, jungle biking through Anse Mamin plantation trails, and visits to Sulphur Springs and local cocoa farms.
Wellness is another cornerstone of the Jade Mountain experience. The resort offers a variety of in-room spa treatments using organic oils and traditional techniques, along with yoga sessions held on a private platform with panoramic views. The absence of noise pollution and ambient light makes the resort an ideal destination for digital detox and mindful reflection.
An Ongoing Legacy
Following the passing of Nick Troubetzkoy in late 2024, Jade Mountain continues to operate under the leadership of his wife and longtime partner, Karolin Troubetzkoy. Together, they were honored with the 2023 CHRIS Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition of their extraordinary contributions to Caribbean hospitality and sustainable tourism. Their twin properties—Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet—have become global exemplars of eco-conscious design and hospitality innovation.
Jade Mountain’s enduring appeal lies not only in its visual drama and luxury offerings but also in its deeper purpose. It invites guests to disconnect from the synthetic and reconnect with the elemental. It reminds us that luxury can be gentle, that design can be restorative, and that sustainability need not sacrifice comfort. As St. Lucia continues to rise as a beacon of high-end tourism, Jade Mountain remains its most treasured architectural and spiritual landmark—a timeless sanctuary for the senses and the soul.
For more information, visit www.jademountain.com.