Chocolatour goes Zen at Jade Mountain
As a travel writer, I’ve had the tremendous privilege of being invited to stay at some amazing places and experience various aspects of luxury travel. But no place (to date!) has touched me like Jade Mountain. What made this St. Lucian destination resort stand out from the rest? This series of pictures should answer that.
Walking into Sanctuary JE2, our home for four days, I succumbed to tears of joy. The anticipation of seeing this view in person was exciting enough, but living it every moment during our stay as part of the decor in our open-concept room was overwhelming to the point that I was brought to tears. And it’s not just a view outside of a window. There are no windows at Jade Mountain. The sanctuaries are built into the side of a hill overlooking the twin Pitons. Every public and private room at the resort has a stunning view of these captivating volcanic peaks. That is our own private view, pictured below.
But Canadian-born architect-owner Nick Troubetzkoy didn’t stop there. That incredible view wasn’t enough for Nick, rightly called a visionary by many. He included infinity pools with colourful tiles made from recycled glass in the sanctuaries. And an abundance of greenery as part of the decor inside the walls of the room in addition to all the lush greenery that surrounds and is part of the setting of Jade Mountain.
How did I get so lucky as to have been invited to have three butlers at my beck and call and the opportunity to enjoy the creative cuisine and enticing activities available at this award-winning property? Jade Mountain was hosting a Chocolate Festival, during which time participants and guests would visit the Emerald Estate, where cocoa in addition to 32,000 pounds of produce is grown to satisfy the cravings of guests at Jade Mountain and its big sister beachfront resort, Anse Chastanet.
Having tried St. Lucian chocolate in London from British chocolatier, Hotel Chocolat, I knew this trip would be worthwhile if only for the chocolate. I had no idea the island would blow my mind with its warm and welcoming people, its natural beauty, outstanding culinary offerings, and yes, incredible deliciously dark chocolate. It’s no surprise that St. Lucia received my vote as the world’s most exotic chocolate destination in volume I of Chocolatour.
My sincere thanks to Jade Mountain and Hotel Chocolat Boucan for hosting my friend and I, and giving us the opportunity to enjoy this chocolate island paradise. Until I looked at the photo below several years later, I’d forgotten just how filled with Zen I was at this exquisite resort.
Have you been to Jade Mountain? If so … tell us about your stay. Have you stayed at a destination resort or place where you were overwhelmed with emotion when brought to your “room?” If so, please tell us where it was.
Jade Mountain sure looks like an amazing resort! Nice post. What a wonderful place and I really love the pictures. I hope to get to that spa one day. Thanks so much for sharing and providing me with inspiration.
Hello Aria and thank you for your comment. Jade Mountain sis indeed one of the most memorable and mesmerizing places I have ever had the privilege of visiting. I hope you get to visit there one day soon, as St. Lucia is an incredible place.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…cinco de mayo–a celebration of mexican culture
What exotic locations your chocolate tours take you to! Where are you travelling to next? Will another book about chocolate destinations be published soon?
Hi Bev. Yes, I feel so privileged to have been able to see the world thru chocolate-coloured lenses. It continues to be an amazing journey. A return trip to Ecuador is on the horizon for me as there is so much happening in the resurgence of fine cacao being grown in Ecuador. And yes, volume II of Chocolatour is scheduled to be published in 2017. Stay tuned!
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…in search of the world’s best chocolate
Doreen,
I came across your blog posting about your trip to Jade Mountain. My wife and I have been before and were actually thinking of going back this summer and if so, we wanted to perhaps request the room you stayed in (JE 2.)
Do you mind sharing with me the pros/cons? It appears to be on the highest level with a great view but smaller than other rooms. Does the room and pool get enough sunlight? How was the temperature of the pool? If you have any additional photos you could share that would be awesome.
Thanks,
Brian
Hi Brian: Yes, there are larger sanctuaries at Jade Mountain, but I don’t think there’s a room with a better view. It’s the owner (Karolin’s) favourite room, so that tells you something. The pool was made of a beautiful green recycled glass. And yes, we got plenty of sunshine in the room. It was lovely in every aspect. Enjoy your trip, and if you happen to think of it when you get back, let me know how you liked it! P.S. If you haven’t already got a copy of my book “Chocolatour: A Quest for the World’s Best Chocolate” look for it at Jade Mountain. They’ll be carrying it in their gift shops. There are several photos in the book that were taken at Jade Mountain.
Doreen recently posted…a taste of the Los Angeles Chocolate Salon
I am so so jealous of your lifestyle…
James Robinson recently posted…My new blog
Don’t be jealous, James! Try to find a way to create a path for yourself that will get you where you want to go. I’ve been a professional freelance writer for the past 20 years and have worked hard to build my business and earn credibility from properties such as Jade Mountain who are willing to host me. I would never be abler to travel the world and have such amazing experiences if it weren’t for the support of my industry partners and those who believe in my abilities.
I stayed at the windjamer landing and they had the same type of infinity pools.
Martinique Club Med recently posted…Club Med FREE for Kids Under 4 – Summer 2013
Doreen, this looks A B S O U L A T E L Y Amazing! Is that really you in the infinity pool? If so, you need a flute of Champagne! It truly looks like a postcard – beautiful.
Hi Liz! Great to hear from you. Yes, indeed, that is me in the infinity pool. And yes, indeed, we did have a bottle of champagne while we were in it. (Sorry, in all the excitement, I neglected to write the brand name down!)
It is definitely a place that you would love.
Gosh, this post sure brings back some fabulous memories. I stayed at Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet several years ago and the views were simply captivating. It was a bit of a challenge getting down to the beach and back – great workout though! Oh, and I loved the colourful birds that joined me for breakfast every day (do they still have the water pistols on each table in case the birds get too close?). Such a magical place!
Cheers,
Keith
Keith recently posted…What’s your travel style?
Hi Keith and thanks for joining the conversation. Always great hearing from you.
Yes, they still have the water pistols to discourage our feathered friends from stealing snacks and treats.
You were braver than us if you walked down to the beach. We always took the shuttle as it ran non-stop. Such a great place to stay. Especially for chocolate lovers!
This is divine . The zero edge pool is fascinating . It is one of the most serene places one can imagine. Wish to be at such a place at some point of life to de-stress myself. Thanks for the share.
Thanks for your comment, Purnima. Yes, Jade Mountain is the ultimate place for de-stressing! I hope you get to visit there one day.
Doreen recently posted…The Chocolate Festival at Jade Mountain
This place is just breathtaking! I’m planning a vacation for my husband and myself soon. I’m definitely taking this into consideration. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thanks to Sandra, Caira, Kelly and Veronica for your comments and enthusiasm! I hope you all get to visit Jade Mountain. It’s a great place for couples. No small children, but families are welcome at the beachfront sister resort, Anse Chastanet. Here’s hoping you have some amazing trips in 2013.
Doreen recently posted…Chocolatour goes Zen at Jade Mountain
Now I am really envious. This looks simply amazing. What a beauty to be at and chocolate festival, what else can I ask for. I am after my family now to visit this place. Thanks for sharin, Doreen.
It is official now, I drooled just by seeing your photos. The infinity pool was crazy awesome! I will make it a point to visit there. Your blog is such a heaven-sent! Thanks a lot! 😀
That place looks awesome!! A glimpse of heaven, indeed!! I hope I could visit Jade Mountain one of these days! Thanks for sharing this experience with us! 😀
Veronica recently posted…Architecture and nature co-existing happily together – is it possible?
The infinity pool looks so enticing! I will include this place to my list of “must-see” places. Your blog is such a great help for people who wants to have a weekend getaway with the ones that they love. Such an amazing time reading this. Thanks for sharing this with us! 🙂
Thanks so much for your comment, Stacey!
It would be great if you subscribe, tell your friends about the blog, etc. The more the merrier!
Doreen recently posted…Chocolatour goes Zen at Jade Mountain
Wow! Magnificent pictures. Truly breath-taking. Thanks for sharing them! They’re really lovely.
Those views took my breath away. I want to go there next holiday vacation!
Kristine recently posted…New Years Eve Cruise in Sydney 2012 Harbour Fireworks Cruise!
Hi Kristine and thanks for your comment.
Yes, those views of the Pitons from the southern part of St. Lucia are absolutely stunning, captivating and unforgettable.
Wishing you awesome travels in 2013.
Doreen recently posted…Chocolatour goes Zen at Jade Mountain
That experience was awesome! I envy you for being able to go there. It must be hard to leave that place. I will ask my husband to come with me and visit Jade Mountain. Thanks for letting us know that a place like this exist. Kudos!
Thanks for your comment, Joy.
Yes, St. Lucia is a wonderful place. Jade Mountain is quite expensive and exclusive, but its beachfront sister resort, Anse Chastanet is lovely and more affordable.
There are also other terrific resorts on the island. Stay tuned for a future post about Hotel Chocolat, which was equally enticing and has marvellous cocoa-based cuisine.
My deepest thanks and appreciation for asking me to accompany you on this yet another great adventure in the name of research. Too bad my ‘WOW’ counter was broken!
My dearest, Mary-Anne: You are most welcome! It was terrific having you along for the ride. I can’t think of a better travelling companion to have enjoyed the St. Lucian leg of the Chocolatour. Cheers to the memories.
Doreen recently posted…Chocolatour goes Zen at Jade Mountain
I can’t remember now; it’s been too long.
I just remember being at the car rental agency and having them tell me like 10x – “we drive on the left here.”
And I just kept saying, yes of course, and then I drove off, and my girl and I saw all this frantic waving in the rearview – “why are they waving at us?”
Then I realized I was driving on the right, as is habit.
lol
Book on chocolate? Sweet! (pun intended) Does that mean you were comped?
Harvard Gringo recently posted…In Pace Requiescat: Daniel Inouye
Yes, we were guests of the owners of Jade Mountain, Anse Chastanet, and Hotel Chocolat.
It was a stunning trip. Stay tuned for more!
And yes, the driving in St. Lucia is crazy. Especially with the roads being so narrow and traffic being so heavy in the cities. We were happy to be staying in the less populated areas.
Great find. I’ve been to St. Lucia but never seen this place. How’d you come across it?
Harvard Gringo recently posted…In Pace Requiescat: Daniel Inouye
Hi Harvard and thanks for your comment.
I was invited to the Jade Mountain Chocolate Fest as I’m writing a book about chocolate.
Where did you stay while in St. Lucia?
Doreen recently posted…Chocolatour goes Zen at Jade Mountain
Wow! That first picture looks like absolute paradise! I can’t think of anything better than eating delicious chocolate in a place that looks like this. I have a friend from college who was from St. Lucia and he always talked about the beauty, this truly looks like heaven. Glad you had a great time.
Thanks, Kelly. St. Lucia is truly one of the most captivating places I have ever visited.
And yes, eating chocolate in great places is the premise of my upcoming book, “Chocolatour: A Quest for the World’s Best Chocolate.” So stay tuned to this blog for posts about more enticing places to visit for your chocolate journeys.
No. I haven’t been to any chocolate themed resorts, but any place (was it an island you mentioned?), with infinity pools and views such as those is well worth a trip. Chocolate festivals and samplings a bonus.
Hello Kurt, and thanks for your comment.
Yes, St. Lucia is an island in the West Indies. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean on the other, and is just 14 miles from the island of Martinique. Gorgeous destination!
Doreen recently posted…Chocolatour goes Zen at Jade Mountain
Looks amazing! I can’t wait to go one day!
Johnny recently posted…5 Travel Resolutions for 2013
Just got back from Soufriere, St Lucia on Dec. 14th…so sorry we missed this Chocolate Festival at JADE MOUNTAIN…because we know it was unforgettable, especially after having enjoyed such a memorable dinner with a spectacular view there created by our friend, Elijah Jules, who is one of the Jade Mountain Chefs extraordinaire! Don’t miss dining there is you get the opportunity!
We wish we were as lucky as you Doreen to get a stay at Jade Mountain compt…sure the experience was one you will not forget!
Happy Holidays!
Hi Judy, and thanks for dropping by the blog.
We got to meet consulting chef, Allen Susser, as well as Jade’s chief chef, Jonathan. Both are super talented. Sorry we didn’t get a chance to meet Chef Elijah! We had some tremendous meals at Jade Mountain, Anse Chastanet, and at Hotel Chocolat. Definitely makes me want to return to St. Lucia.
Where did you stay?
Um, wow! Not only are you at one of the most beautiful places in the world, but you’re enjoying one of the more beautiful foods/treats/addictions in the world! Sign me up 🙂
It’s a dirty job, Dan, but somebody’s got to do it! 🙂
Thanks for dropping by the blog. Happy holidays!
Hi Doreen,
I had the unique pleasure of going here for my Honeymoon! It was beyond breathtaking! I plan to return and would love to go during the Chocolate Festival. Did they have a daily chocolate tasting? How did you get to fully experience Chocolate? I am a chocolate enthusiast and need to know! =)
Hi Laura: Thx so much for sharing your comment on the blog. We met 2 honeymoon couples who were at Jade while we were there. Glad you enjoyed yours.
Yes, the Chocolate Festival comprises some unique chocolate and cocoa experiences. You will find them at this link: http://www.jademountainstlucia.com/events.html
But stay tuned to the blog. I will be sharing insights from the experience here in a future post. Cheers!
Doreen recently posted…Chocolatour goes Zen at Jade Mountain
All I can say is WOW. I think it would have had the same affect on me. It is now a location on Bucket list. 🙂
Susan Cooper recently posted…Twas The Night Before Christmas: Story/Poem
Right on, Susan! It’s important to have a bucket list with great places to inspire us to continue travelling and exploring new territory and new sensory experiences. Jade Mountain on St. Lucia will satisfy all of the above. 🙂 Merry Christmas!
What a wonderful place Doreen! Absolutely love the pictures!
Catarina recently posted…Communication – The key to Successful Leadership!
Thanks, Catarina. Yes, pics are really necessary to bring a place like Jade Mountain to life. It’s simply breath-taking! Wishing you Holiday Cheer …
This sounds like a delicious place Doreen … at many levels! You asked about places that have had a special Gob-smacking effect on us. Most recent for me was at the Lanjia Lodge in the northern hills of Thailand. Remote yet accessible. Beauty beyond description. Still trying to find the right words to describe it. Merry Christmas everyone!
Thanks for dropping by, Sandra. I’ve never been to Thailand. Will look up the Lanjia Lodge and bookmark it for the future. 🙂 Merry Christmas to you.
OMG! That looks wonderful! I can see why this would be a very restful place. You may not even want to leave. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
Geek Girl recently posted…Author Interview – Hannah Fielding
Believe me , Cheryl. I didn’t want to leave. But as one of the butler’s said, “You have to leave in order to return.” I hope I will indeed return to St. Lucia and to Jade Mountain. Happy Holidays!
The view from the pool and dining area is absolutely stunning! I’m sure I can stare all day long. The pool looks beautiful too with glass.
Salika Jay recently posted…Best International Airlines To Fly
Thx for your comment, Salika. Just to be clear, there is NO glass that separates the infinity pool from the world. The entire 7 days we were in St. Lucia, our rooms opened to the outdoors with no enclosing wall. It was truly divine.
Wow, Doreen. You have the most fabulous adventures! I live vicariously through you just by following your blog! ^__^
satinka recently posted…What is a Normal Desire Anyway?
Thanks, Esther. I am truly blessed and grateful to be having these adventures — and to have you (here) along with me for the ride!
Looks like a gorgeous place. I loved the zero edge pool!
Martin Casper recently posted…Pay It Forward and Make it Your Best Christmas Ever
Hi Martin: Yes, indeed. That pool was something else. I stood there at the edge for a long while just taking it all in.
Looks Gorgeous! Sounds incredible! Can’t wait to hear more about this magnificent getaway.
Thanks, Suzanne. Definitely one of the most incredible places I have ever been.