A sweet proposition

ST. LUCIA

by Megan Wynes | June 1, 2010

There are few places in the world where it’s possible to relax, switch off the BlackBerry and really wind down; The Jalousie Plantation, St Lucia is one of them.

Nestled within the Caribbean island’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Val des Pitons area, the plantation is flanked on either side by the majestic peaks of the Gros and Petit Pitons, while at its feet can be found a crystal-clear blue ocean, bursting with protected coral reefs.

Recently acquired by Roger Myers, founder of Café Rouge and Punch Taverns, this fabulous plantation is the site of a new resort development, dubbed Sugar Beach, which is to be managed by the Los Angeles-based Viceroy Hotel Group’s The Tides brand when it opens in late 2011.

Working with award-winning RIBA architect Lane Pettigrew – who also owns a home next to the plantation – Myers’ inspiration for the design of the hotel villas, private residences, spa, restaurants and bars, has been drawn from the island’s rich traditions, with local craftsmen and materials being used where possible.

The rainforest spa is a wonderful example of this: the treatment rooms, raised on stilts above the plantation’s natural springs, have been built to resemble the homes of St Lucia’s original inhabitants.

With thatched roofs and thick wooden walls, these treehouses can be found hidden in hills on the island, and many of the local Rastafarian islanders still call them home.

Several of the craftsmen involved in the spa’s construction, due for completion in September 2010, hail from these communities, and this is where you can see Myers’ passion for the people shine through.

He is a common sight around the plantation, chatting to the builders – in his signature straw hat and shorts – making sure that everything is coming along, as planned.

It’s easy to understand his passion; a substantial US$100m has gone into transforming Jalousie into what will be ‘one of the best resorts in the world’. A bold claim, perhaps, but one site visit is enough to convince even the most belligerent doubting Thomas.

It’s impossible not to be moved by the beauty of this place. Tropical palms scattered on the surrounding slopes conceal any signs of recent development, while the old plantation-style accommodation is lovingly transformed.

Each of the 85 freehold hotel villas, and 36 private residences currently being built is different from the next, and surrounded by developed tropical gardens they offer a level of privacy and seclusion found in few resorts in the Caribbean. From the beach, the villas are invisible, literally enveloped in lush greenery, and scattered up a steep incline, each boasting uninterrupted views of the ocean.

Expansive decks are positioned to soak up the amazing views, while immaculate colonial interiors and furnishings are thoughtfully laid out to allow guests to take in the exquisite surroundings, whether from a cushioned window seat or their own private plunge pool.

Although isolated from the central resort buildings, residents have access to 24-hour butler service – with each small cluster of villas afforded their own dedicated staff – while transport is always on hand to whisk them off to one of the resort’s restaurants or bars.

Several of these, now restored, provide a glimpse of the very high standards guests can expect once the resort officially reopens as The Tides Sugar Beach next year, and stand as testament to the hard work put in by Myers and the property’s new general manager, Andre Boersma (and his team from The Tides).

Our particular favourite was the Cane Bar in the old Plantation Room. Flanking the huge wooden door that serves as its grand entrance its a wonderful painting by a local Caribbean artist: a woman stitching a voluptuous sheath of red fabric that seems to float down the wall.

When lit by the stairway’s grand chandelier at night, you could almost touch the rich fabric.

Inside, stark white walls are hung with voluminous sheets of fabric that are reflected in the deep, mahogany wood floors, while huge velvet sofas and bar stools invite guests to relax with a glass of local Caribbean rum.

Yet more artwork dots the walls, handpicked by Myers from his private collection, while in the Late Night Bar, celebrity friends have posed for a series of portraits – all signed. Our favourite was a casual pencil sketch, by Lennon, hung next to the entrance to the roof terrace.

Just a stone’s throw from this den of delights is the newly refurbished Great Room, home to the resort’s fabulous fine-dining restaurant.

Offering a selection of flavours from the Caribbean to Central America and the Mediterranean, the chefs here are defining a new level of island cuisine. Using local produce where possible, head chef, Cupertino Ortiz, is taking advantage of the abundance of fresh fish and shellfish, adding a touch of Mexican zest, a healthy splash of Caribbean spice, and delivering a taste sensation.

The beach restaurant and bar was another haute highlight. Dotted with soft linen sofa seats, solid wood benches, and open to the elements, it has a wonderfully casual feel during breakfast and lunch service, while in the evening, it takes on a whole new atmosphere.

Listening to the sounds of the waves lapping on the beach, while enjoying a glass of chilled white wine and a simple plate of pasta or fresh ceviche, there’s nothing really quite like it.

GLENCONNER BEACH

It’s been more than 50 years since Colin Tennant (better known as Lord Glenconner) bought the Caribbean island of Mustique, and created a luxury island community welcoming both Royalty and celebrities alike.

With strong links to Jalousie Plantation, Lord G is now the face behind a new island community at Glenconner Beach (pictured above).

Only five luxury villas (four freehold, one leasehold) will be built on the site of Lord G’s former home, with access to their own private beach, a private jetty, and uninterrupted ocean views. Each five- to seven-bedroom villa (they range from 13,340 to 26,852 sq ft) is to be designed by Lane Pettigrew in true Caribbean style, with outdoor and indoor spaces merging seamlessly. There are also plans to develop a small shopping village, where local artisans, farmers and fishermen can sell their wares to guests. Villas start from US$7m and all will have access to the resort facilities at The Tides Sugar Beach.

WANT TO BUY?

The bonus

• No other building permissions will be granted on the 192 acres of rainforest and pristine beaches. • The government of St Lucia has granted investors a 15-year holiday on income tax and a 50 per cent waiver on annual property tax for five years.

The hotel villas

These one- or two-bedroom villas form part of a rental pool within which owners are entitled to four weeks free usage and a revenue split of the rental return, guaranteed at a minimum of five per cent net ROI from now until the end of the first year of operation of Sugar Beach. These villas start from US$610,000 and go up to US$2.1m.

The private residences

Owners are entitled to unlimited personal usage, or if the owner wishes, they can rent their property through The Tides. Residences are priced from US$2.3m for a two-bedroom property and up to US$9m for one with six bedrooms.