La Belle Hélène

A former aristocratic abode, the halls of La Belle Hélène have seen wandered by many a famous face, from Mick Jagger to Princess Margaret. Now, just 20 lucky souls get the privilege of having its sprawling grounds all to themselves at any one time. Inside the Palladian façade seemingly made for the silver screen, timeless French elegance has liaised with contemporary Caribbean charm to create an atmosphere that can’t help but fit any ideals of ‘luxurious’. 10 individually styled bedrooms and numerous airy and inviting communal areas are served by mind-reading staff, blending a homely feel with that hyper-polished service only found in the best resorts in the world. 

There’s a plethora of corners that demand further exploration around the estate, all backed by breathtaking Pitons views. Guests in the bungalow suites have the advantage of being beside the largest private villa pool on the island, but there are plenty of loungers to keep everyone happy. Across the lawns, the sporty types are pleased to discover courts for padel, table tennis, basketball and pickleball, while the laid-back ones welcome the sight of numerous lounge areas tempting an afternoon snooze. The pièce de resistance, though, is the direct access to the beach, complete with pontoons in the shallows and a private jetty inviting further exploration into the glittering ocean. Days like this are usually spent aboard a yacht or discovering marine life in St Lucia’s best spot for snorkelling and diving, before gathering around the firepit back on land for a rum punch-soaked evening under the stars.