Arrival/Check-In: We booked a private airport transfer through the resort, so our Ladera experience began the moment we cleared immigration. While other arriving passengers navigated a veritable wall of taxi drivers and transfer operators, our driver took our bags, led us to an air-conditioned Town Car and handed us cool towels and cold water. Forty-five minutes later, we arrived at the resort to a chorus of “Welcome home.” We sipped a cool fruit drink while the driver moved our bags to a waiting golf cart. The seamless transfer continued as our private butler, Keicher, drove us to PR1, an expansive hilltop suite offering unparalleled views of St. Lucia’s towering Pitons and the Caribbean Sea.

Guest Quarters: Originally part of an island cocoa plantation and later a private condominium complex, Ladera has the unique distinction of offering open-wall accommodations. The west-facing side of each suite is left open to maximize the view, while the buildings are situated to ensure complete privacy.

PR1, the largest suite at Ladera, is part of the resort’s recently opened Paradise Ridge, where suites are slightly larger than the original rooms and guest services include a designated butler and on-call transportation within the resort. All suites feature tropical hardwoods, handcrafted furnishings, local art, a private plunge pool and a four-poster king-sized bed draped in mosquito netting.

The PR1 pool, accessed via a side door, features a waterfall perfect for massaging tired muscles. The bathroom features Molton Brown bath amenities and a dual-sink vanity with a step down to a water closet and an open-air shower with a view of the rainforest. The minibar is restocked daily with an assortment of soft drinks and water. And, in the “I’m-so- happy-they-thought-of-that” category, rooms are equipped with binoculars and a star chart for night-sky viewing.

Services/Amenities: Ladera’s on-call butler service ensures total relaxation. Keisher and her associates took care of our every need, often before we even realized what we needed. I mentioned in passing that I’d prefer a standard chaise longue to the daybed on our balcony. Within minutes Keisher arrived to supervise delivery of not one, but two, chaise longues. There’s a small on-site spa, but with such breathtaking views from every suite, not to mention privacy, it’s preferable to book an in-room treatment. The fitness room is equipped with a treadmill, elliptical machine, stationary bike and free weights. Complimentary continental breakfast is served daily. Additional items — eggs, waffles — are available for a small upcharge. Dasheene, the on-site restaurant, is casually elegant. The lobster menu is divine.

The Experience: Relaxed yet elegant, Ladera is a true getaway- from-it-all tropical destination.

GT CHECKLIST

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
• Turn-down service

Ladera

Soufrière, St. Lucia
West Indies
tel 758 459 6600
ladera.com