The Best All-Inclusive Hotels to Book in Saint Lucia

In recent years it is Jade Mountain – the latterly added resort-within-a-resort – that has drawn luxury sunseekers to Anse Chastenet. This is perfectly understandable, given its grand suites opening onto big private infinity pools, with knockout views of the island’s twin peaks: the Pitons. But Anse Chastenet was always a magnet, with its unique deluxe hillside rooms fully open on one side to the breezes, like stage sets. It’s this treehouse feel that makes the place a winner, along with its cove setting, by transparent waters, its tropical grounds and its cool Caribbean menu doing the likes of Creole shrimp and pot fish.

With no tips required, all-inclusive dining here is worth its weight in gold – think breakfast, lunch, dinner, between-meals snacks and drinks. Six restaurants deliver a full-on tastebud whirl, be it pizza and pasta, French creole, seafood or steaks; all the while, heady cocktails, beer and wine flow generously. Rooms – from garden- and ocean-view to luxury beachfront – ooze island style, in white rattan and tiles. The hotel promises fun for kids and relaxation for adults – hence face-painting, crab-hunting and mocktail-making; plus pilates and deep-cleansing facials (among other tip-top treatments) at Tranquility Body & Soul Spa.

From here to infinity – the pool at this old-school-cool Caribbean hotel resort is a stunner, with a rim 40ft wide, and magnetic views to the blue horizon. That’s part of the reason why everything goes swimmingly here, on the sunset-kissed west coast. Speaking of which, you absolutely must settle in at Windsong Restaurant to catch the fiery remains of the day over the edge of the dark sea, while you eat the likes of cocoa-rubbed seared yellowfin tuna. Sign up for the Unconditional All-Inclusive deal to enjoy the works, with no hidden extras. And – let’s not muck around – be sure to book a fab junior swim-up suite.

Calling all golfers – this hotel is really into swinging. Not only does it facilitate access to the island’s best fairways, it has a course of its own – try a game at the nine-hole, par-33 Sandals La Toc Golf Club, within the resort. It’s no secret that the romantic, couples-friendly Sandals brand is adults-only – hence the private-pool villas suites, the honeymooners canoodling in the Piano Bar and the lovey-dovey duos eating crepes Suzette at La Toc French restaurant. That’s one of nine gourmet dining spots around the property. Top tip: don’t miss The Cricketers Pub for English grub, including fish and chips and bangers and mash.

Life’s a beach and then you dine – that’s the appetising deal at this sumptuous set-up in the south of St Lucia. It sprawls beside Pitons Bay, between the fang-like twin Piton peaks, and Sugar Beach is no misnomer – those granular white sands were shipped in from Guyana. Aim to bag one of the airy, elegant beachfront bungalows – but even if you book entry-level, the accommodations are all great-looking: subtle white-clapboard affairs that mimic the Caribbean vernacular. What’s there to eat? What isn’t there? Pizza, seafood, wagyu steak, a la carte breakfast, grab-and-go pastries – even top burgers for kids.

The timeless ambience at this northern resort is all in the furnishings: gauzily draped four-posters, planter’s chairs on tiled balconies, louvred shutters in russet timbers and raftered ceilings. In a nutshell: nostalgia, impeccably assembled. When modernity does intrude, it is in the shape of private pools with blue sea views (top tip: even the less-expensive garden rooms are gorgeous). Spa Maison performs pampering rituals (massages, exfoliations, facials) – on your terrace if you wish. And eating at the Naked Fisherman (one of two food spots) is a barefoot treat on the sands; try fresh snapper, grouper or dorado.

Up here, on St Lucia’s north-west coast, the living is easy beside Rodney Bay – particularly if you’ve booked into one of the beachfront villa suites, steps from the sands. They channel the Caribbean beautifully, with dashes of bamboo and rattan, as well as four-poster beds and marble bathrooms. If you want more affordable, simply book a one-bedroom ocean-view suite – the sea you’ll be looking at is the same! Your palate won’t grow jaded – as well as three bars, four places to eat include casual Callaloo Beach Bar & Grill. Hop on a stool for a cold beer and a cheeseburger – or a vegan version, if you’d prefer.

Royalton Saint Lucia Resort comes under the Marriott-hotels umbrella as part of its international Autograph Collection. That guarantees you a super-comfy DreamBed™, designed exclusively for Royalton Luxury Resorts; also All-In Connectivity™ free wifi and bracelet key cards for easy spending. The property is a grand 290-room affair, with the option to go adults-only at the Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia (ages 18-plus). Elsewhere, families are welcome – sports and aquatic activities are piled on, and Grazie Italian Trattoria (one of nine dining experiences) turns out comfort dishes all ages will adore.