The most intimate and romantic hideaway in the Caribbean. Ladera looks as if it has grown out of the hilltop. Its 25 guest rooms and stunning restaurant are all open -- literally -- to the fresh breezes and what must surely be the most breath-taking view of the world. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_Lucia/laderaresort/hotel/287/12/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:40:33 EST Southern St. Lucia -- with its small fishing villages, mountains and valleys carpeted in rainforest -- is commonly described as "the way the Caribbean used to be." Two miles from its sleepy port of Soufriere, up a steep hill over hung with mango trees, lies the most unique resort in the Caribbean. Taking full advantage of its natural surroundings, Ladera offers a unique design in guest accommodations. The 6 villas and 19 suites all have an "open wall" - the west side of each unit is left open to expose the breathtaking view, and the orientation of the buildings maintains complete privacy. The resort features a scenic pool and deck area and each comes with a plunge pool. Rumored to be the first infinity pool ever built, Ladera's pool and deck area overlook the Pitons and Caribbean Sea, with cocktails and snacks available at poolside. You may recall this beautiful setting from Superman II. Or, if you prefer to swim in privacy, each room at Ladera is equipped with its very own intimate plunge pool or villa pool. Ladera's Landscaped Gardens, open to guests 24 hours a day, are both beautiful and useful—fruit from the garden is hand-picked and featured in Dasheene's colorful cuisine, and the flowers are cut fresh daily and displayed prominently throughout Ladera, including each guest accommodation. Ladera takes full advantage of its natural surroundings, offering a unique design in guest accommodations. Each of our 9 villas and 16 suites has an "open wall"—the west side of each unit has been left open, inviting one of the world's most breathtaking views into your suite. Nonetheless, each suite at Ladera offers complete privacy. Every accommodation features its own plunge pool or villa swimming pool, for a private, refreshing dip just outside your room. Ladera's electricity is 220 volts, 50 cycles (square, three-prong plug). Ladera will be more than happy to provide adaptors and transformers for guests who require them. A 15.25-m (50-ft) freeform, mosaic-tile pool features an infinity edge offering a panoramic view of Piton peaks and Jalousie Bay 304.75 m (1,000 ft) below the ridge on which the resort sits. A wood deck furnished with cushioned lounge chairs fronts the pool and provides the same view. The resort furnishes complimentary snorkeling gear, beach chairs, and beach towels; complimentary, scheduled shuttle service is provided to Jalousie Bay beach, 4.75 km (3 mi) away, and Anse Chastanet beach, 9.5 km (6 mi) away, for swimming and snorkeling. Independent operators offer scuba diving and other water sports at the beaches. From either beach, guests can take a water taxi to Anse Mamin, a former plantation adjacent to Anse Chastanet. It features 19.25 km (12 mi) of groomed mountain-biking trails, and separate hiking trails through jungle and among mango, coconut, banana, guava, cocoa, and citrus. Mountain-bike rentals are available. We will be happy to arrange a variety of recreational activities for you, including: * island tours * hiking/rainforest walks with local guides * jeep or car rentals (remember, driving is on the left side of the road!) * day trips to the city of Castries * sailing excursions * scuba diving and snorkel trips * (free snorkel gear is provided by Ladera) * private yacht, sailboat and fishing charters * deep-sea fishing * whale watching (seasonal) * all-water sports * horseback riding * spa treatments * tennis Dasheene, Ladera's award-winning restaurant, is known throughout the world for its eclectic, innovative cuisine. The restaurant welcomes guests from all over the island, who often come here for dinner to enjoy Dasheene's unbelievable panoramic view firsthand, to sip cocktails at the Tcholit Bar, enjoy live music, and indulge in the delicacies—both local and international—that make Dasheene one of the Caribbean's finest dining experiences. Renowned Chef Orlando Satchell has created a world-class menu along with St. Lucian Head Chef Nigel Mitchel, who oversees Dasheene throughout the year. Featuring what is perhaps the freshest food in the Caribbean, Dasheene's daily menu provides an excitingly delicious combination of fish caught that day, produce hand-picked that day, and other entrées and indulgences, all presented in a style of casual elegance. Type: Hotel No. of Rooms: 25 Beach Location: Near Beach (Walking Distance) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_Lucia/laderaresort/hotel/287/12/ Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:40:33 EST