After a multi-year transformation, Ladera, St. Lucia’s iconic luxury resort uniquely positioned on a volcanic ridge, reopens this month with a brand new wellness center set in the rainforest, new interior design throughout its suites and villas, four new restaurants, a redesigned site plan with new landscaping connecting guests to its lush grounds, plus new uniforms on its staff, new mini Moke electric vehicles to deliver guests to their rooms, and a new identity and refreshed commitment to remaining the most-Saint-Lucian luxury resort on the island.
The resort’s reimagining took inspiration from Ladera’s setting as the only resort within the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Piton Mountain range, and its unique vantage point immersed in the Pitons. From the room renovations, whose furniture was built on site by the resort’s artisans, to the staff’s new uniforms, which were designed in partnership with St. Lucian designers, to the spa treatments which use local plants and minerals – the very-Saint-Lucian ethos and identity of Ladera was preserved while being reinterpreted for a new era through the vision of the island’s current-day artists and artisans.
The 43-year-old resort first began as a restaurant and villa built on the site of the former Rabot Estate cocoa plantation, designed by visionary owner-architect John DiPol who unwittingly created an endearing legacy: the Caribbean’s first open-walled resort.
His restaurant Dasheene has since been named one of the “world’s most amazing restaurants,” which in the last 20 years under the direction of Chef Nigel Mitchel, became a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement known for its innovative takes on St. Lucian flavors, earning it multiple accolades including a James Beard Award.
NEW WELLNESS CENTER IN THE RAINFOREST
The centerpiece of Ladera’s transformation is its newly built lévé Wellness & Spa, the 25,000-square-foot oasis with panoramic views of the rainforest valley, was created in partnership with the world renowned natural beauty and spa experts, ESPA.
The treatments at lévé are designed to restore and nourish holistically, making use of local plants and minerals in body and facial treatments such as coconut exfoliation, bamboo-stick massages, banana yogurt and volcanic mud wraps, hot volcanic stone massage and more. lévé also features a locally inspired product line from Saint Lucia showcasing the island’s rich culture, natural ingredients such as local spices, coconut and volcanic infused scents.
This serene sanctuary supports not only physical health but also emotional and mental well-being. Signature treatments include the Harmony for Two couples treatment, the detox Purity Ritual, and the relaxing Serenity Ritual. Guests can also take part in yoga and fitness classes, enjoy a volcanic mineral vitality pool, visit the dry or infra-red saunas, steam room and relaxation area, and enjoy fresh smoothies or healthy lunches in the Jako Wellness Cafe.
A NEW ERA OF LADERA
The original desire to showcase and honor the resort’s incredible setting lives on today. At every turn, Ladera’s renovation preserved and enhanced the guest experience of being with the Pitons.
Each of Ladera’s 37 suites and villas has undergone careful restoration and renovation reflecting its rainforest setting while letting the views speak the loudest, from new organically inspired colors and fabrics, to custom-designed furnishings and accessories created in conjunction with the resort’s master carver, Boniface Modeste, and other Saint Lucian craftsman. Guests can now interact with these artisans thanks to the resort’s new Immersion Art Studio experience offered weekly.
Ladera’s master site plan was reconsidered and enhanced with new discoveries scattered throughout the 18-acre resort, including four new restaurants.
The new Jako Wellness Cafe at lévé Wellness & Spa offers endless vistas across the lush, verdant rainforest. Here guests can find delicious, fresh dishes, tropical smoothies and cold-pressed juices for breakfast and lunch, each carefully created to satisfy tastebuds and nourish health. The menu offers nutrient-rich ingredients and super-foods that are locally and sustainably grown, many harvested in Ladera’s own kitchen garden.
To highlight the resort’s incredible sunsets, a new outdoor-kitchen-theater was built beside the Ladera resort’s infinity pool terrace to offer a traditional Saint Lucian Fish Fry experience with theatrical flair, showcasing Chef Mitchel and his team with the backdrop of mother nature. Ladera’s Sunset Fish Fry elevates the traditional Gros Islet fish fry with freshly grilled local seafood and live Caribbean music as the sun goes down.
Tucked away along a leafy path, the new Hideaway Rum Bar with its candlelit Caribbean cave ambience, offers a chance to experience small-batch rum producers from Saint Lucia and across the Caribbean, along with tapas and cheese plates. An expert “Rummelier” taps the rums from oak casks and bottles, leading guests through rum tastings and a menu of rum-based cocktails, all while sharing colorful tales of local rum legends.
An intimate dining experience was added to the Wine Room of Dasheene where guests can enjoy Chef Nigel’s island-inspired tasting menu (with gluten-free options), while they sample from one of the largest selections of wines on Saint Lucia with more than 170 meticulously curated options.
Ladera rates start at US $1,290.00 for a Petit Piton Suite including Full Breakfast and Private Airport Transfers.
Ladera Resort
Jalousle, Saint Lucia
+1 758-459-6600
