After months of back-to-back deadlines, endless Zoom meetings, and the constant buzz of life in Washington DC (even while working remotely), I was in desperate need of a reset. St. Lucia, with its pristine beaches, lush mountains, and legendary hospitality, became the perfect canvas for the elevated escape I craved. I wasn’t just looking for a Caribbean getaway — I was manifesting the kind of luxury experience that would remind me why choosing abundance and intentional rest isn’t just nice to have, it’s necessary. Enter Jade Ski Resortan architectural marvel that would redefine what luxury means for black girls in 2024.

In a time when wellness and romance often seem like competing priorities, Jade Mountain Resort masterfully combines the two in an unforgettable Caribbean escape that nourishes both body and soul. Rising from the lush hills of St. Lucia, this architectural marvel doesn’t just offer rooms with views: it removes the fourth wall entirely, allowing guests to literally step into a postcard-perfect panorama of the mountains emblematic of Piton and the Caribbean. Wed. The moment you enter your sanctuary, the line between inner luxury and outer paradise dissolves, creating an experience that is both fundamental and transcendent.

Each of the stations 24 “sanctuaries” (calling them rooms would be an understatement) is a private paradise, complete with an infinity pool that seems to float on the horizon. Imagine yourself taking an Instagram-worthy morning swim, coffee in hand, while your butler plans a day perfectly tailored to your desires. The absence of phones, TVs and other modern distractions isn’t just a gimmick: it’s an invitation to reconnect with yourself and your partner in the most spectacular setting. Although the resort champions an “unplugged” philosophy, what truly sets Jade Mountain apart is how the staff elegantly responds to modern needs without compromising the experience. Case in point: When my companion wanted to watch Thursday Night Football, the staff carefully installed a television in the main area, demonstrating their remarkable ability to personalize service while maintaining the resort’s serene atmosphere.

The wellness offerings here go beyond the expected (although exceptional) spa treatments. From private yoga sessions on your sanctuary terrace to guided meditation walks through the resort’s organic farm, Jade Mountain understands that true luxury is the space to breathe, think and feel deeply. The resort’s fitness facilities, while compact, offer everything you need to maintain your routine, complemented by the option of personal training sessions that can be conducted in your sanctuary or along the beach at sunrise of the sun (Editor’s note: I’m proud of myself for going to the gym twice during my trip – a rarity on vacation).

Adventure lovers will also find their paradise here. The resort’s location provides access to some of the Caribbean’s most pristine waters for snorkeling, right on the resort’s two beaches. For those ready to dive deeper, the resort’s PADI certified dive center offers beginner courses in the calm waters of Anse Chastanet Bay – a perfect introduction to the underwater world. More experienced divers can explore dynamic reef systems and even night diving experiences at the base of the Pitons.

The culinary journey to Jade Mountain deserves its own chapter. At Jade Mountain Club, Chef Allen Susser’s “Jade Cuisine” celebrates local ingredients with a sophisticated twist. The menu changes daily, reflecting not only the seasons, but also the morning’s catch and the latest harvest from the resort’s organic emerald farm.

Speaking of Emerald Farm, the resort’s farm-to-table experience goes beyond buzzwords. During a fascinating tour of the property’s organic farm, I learned about sustainable farming practices while sampling everything from steak to vegetable spring rolls. The interactive cooking demonstration that followed allowed me to work (i.e. watch) alongside one of the resort’s talented chefs, transforming these freshly picked ingredients into authentic St. Lucia dishes. It’s one thing to enjoy Caribbean cuisine; it’s another to understand the story behind each flavor. I still dream of what I can confidently declare as the best ceviche I’ve ever encountered – a perfect marriage of freshly caught fish, citrus and local spices that made me seriously consider asking for a second portion before my main course arrives.

For those seeking unique experiences, Jade Mountain offers several noteworthy activities that connect guests with the culture and flavors of Saint Lucia. The resort’s chocolate lab – yes, you read that right – offers bean-to-bar experiences where you can create your own chocolate from organic cocoa grown on the estate. It’s a fascinating journey from pod to bar, ending with you making your own chocolate bars to take home. Rum tasting sessions, led by experienced sommeliers (ironically, mine was led by a staff member also named Kimberly), showcase the best spirits from the Caribbean while educating guests on the history and methods of production that makes each rum unique.

For black women who understand that luxury is not just about price but also about the experience, Jade Mountain delivers on every level. Whether you indulge in a personalized spa treatment using local ingredients, make your own chocolate bars from estate-grown cocoa, or simply lounge in your infinity pool while gazing at the Pitons , every moment is designed to remind you that you deserve this. level of excellence.

The staff at Jade Mountain deserve a special mention. From the large domos (personal butlers) assigned to each sanctuary to the beach attendants who seem to anticipate your needs before you do, the level of service is extraordinary. What makes it even more special is how genuine and warm these interactions are: you’re not just another guest, but a welcome friend. This authenticity extends to every interaction, whether you’re asking for extra towels or arranging a surprise sunset dinner on the beach.

To fully appreciate the magic of this corner of St. Lucia, I spent a night at Jade Mountain’s sister property, Anse Chastanet. While moving from my infinity pool sanctuary to a more traditional room may seem like a step backwards on paper (even though mine was reversed), the reality was quite the opposite. My beachfront accommodation at Anse Chastanet offered its own charm, with handcrafted furniture, local artwork and a veranda that invited in the symphony of waves and birdsong. The property’s more laid-back atmosphere and lower price point make it a great option for those looking for the same slice of paradise without the premium rates of Jade Mountain. Plus, guests at both properties have access to all activities and facilities, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice any experiences.

As a black woman seeking both luxury and authenticity in travel, I found something rare here: a space that is both exclusive and inclusive, where wellness is not just about pampering of spa but to the creation of a mental and physical space to truly exhale. This is where you can show your full self, whether meditating at sunrise or sipping champagne in your private infinity pool at sunset. The resort’s commitment to sustainability and supporting local communities adds another layer of mindfulness to the experience, allowing guests to indulge while knowing they are supporting responsible tourism.

Although I experienced Jade Mountain as a romantic getaway, I couldn’t help but envision it as the perfect solo retreat. The sanctuary concept, with its private pools and personalized service, creates an ideal environment for solitary reflection and self-nurture. Whether you’re looking for romance or solo dining, this piece of paradise perfectly suits your needs.

The verdict? Some experiences are worth every penny, and Jade Mountain delivers a return on investment that can’t be measured in dollars and cents – it’s calculated in moments of pure joy, deep peace, and memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary celebration, solo sabbatical, or simply need to reset your life, Jade Mountain offers an elevated escape that reminds us why black women deserve to experience the luxury in its purest form.