Wish You Were Here: Ladera Resort, St. Lucia

You’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere more idyllic than the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Pitons – twin volcanic mountains on the West Indies island of St Lucia. But why settle for just a hike along the mountain ridges when you can stay at a resort on a forested ridge 1100 feet above sea level? Enter Ladera: easily up there with the most ~romantic~ resorts in the world, but just as good for adventure trips, foodie escapes or simple sunny getaways.

The resort’s 32 suites are basically a modern, luxurious take on treehouse living. It’s an eco-lodge built with local Caribbean timber, but doesn’t compromise on luxury with its sumptuous interiors and extreme comfort. Each suite only has three walls – designed so you can watch the stunning sunsets and stargaze every night – and overlooks a private pool for every room.

If you’re ever tempted to leave the comfort of your Pinterest-worthy four poster bed, there’s plenty to do around the independent Commonwealth island of St. Lucia: steeped in a rich mix of British,French and African culture it’s a unique location with fascinating history to boot.  From a tropical rainforest to the Sulphur Springs (the world’s only drive-in volcano) as well as military ruins and the twin volcanos to climb, you’d better bring your walking shoes.

St. Lucians love a party – the island has a culture of festivals, and the annual Carnival runs all across the tiny country from May to July (that’d be a hell of a hangover!). Though the official language is English, most of the residents speak a French/African creole called Patois – and the food matches that, with French and Islander dishes made with the freshest fish from around the Caribbean and the local market stocked with fresh produce from around the island.

BRB, moving to St. Lucia, never coming back.