Pros
- Peaceful ambiance and remarkable design features
- Rooms have open west walls and private plunge pools
- Clifftop pool surrounded by padded loungers and stunning Piton views
- Casual restaurant with open-air dining room overlooking the Pitons
- Free shuttle service to nearby beach
- Free continental or full breakfast included in room rates
- Cute little spa with outdoor mineral pools
- Modern fitness center with attractive wood-paneled walls
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
- Free self-parking
See MorePros
Cons
- Not on the beach
- Rooms lack AC and are open to the elements
- Few dining options within walking distance
- Kids not allowed (pro for some)
See MoreCons
Bottom Line
Ladera Resort is an adults-only, luxury hotel set on a forested ridge overlooking the Pitons. With private plunge pools and lots of local furniture, the resort’s 37 rooms, which are completely open to the elements on one side, make a bold impression. The rustic, chic decor found throughout the rooms and common areas connects guests to nature without skimping on style -- although the open-air spaces and lack of TVs won’t be to everyone’s taste. Features include a wonderful restaurant and a clifftop pool, both with great views, plus a spa with outdoor mineral pools. There’s no beach on the property, but the resort provides free shuttle service to nearby Sugar Beach. Travelers may also want to consider the more expensive Jade Mountain Resort, right on the beach.
See MoreBottom Line
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Fitness Center
- Internet
- Pool
- Spa
See More Amenities
Oyster Awards
- Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Soufriere, Soufriere Quarter
- Best Luxury Hotels in Soufriere, Soufriere Quarter
- Best Luxury Hotels in St. Lucia
- Most Romantic Hotels in Soufriere, Soufriere Quarter
- Most Romantic Hotels in St. Lucia
- Best Boutique Hotels in Soufriere, Soufriere Quarter
- Best Boutique Hotels in the Caribbean
Oyster Hotel Review
Ladera Resort
Hotel Class:Luxury
Scene
Eco-luxe hideaway with a romantic atmosphere and spectacular views
Set on a cliff above the sea and squarely between the two Pitons, Ladera Resort’s showstopping views make it one of the island’s most extraordinary properties. Spread over 15 acres, the resort was once part of one of St. Lucia’s oldest cocoa plantations, Rabot Estate. A number of other resorts now offer rooms with open walls, but Ladera pioneered the concept on the island, and it remains the resort’s defining feature.
Ladera’s intimate, open-air lobby, with its mosaic-tiled flooring and liberal use of wood, provides the perfect introduction to the ambiance and decor guests can expect throughout the rest of the property. Local artwork and furniture give the resort a strong sense of place -- of course, the views help too. The Pitons can be seen dominating the skyline from the restaurant, the pool, and many of the guest rooms, providing an ever-visible reminder of St. Lucia’s unique beauty. Leafy grounds, airy spaces, and designs that incorporate rock and wood ensure that guests never feel far from their natural surroundings.
The resort’s vibe is tame and quiet. Guests -- mostly honeymooners and couples -- typically relax in their private pools or head out to explore the island, rather than linger in the resort common areas.
See MoreScene
Location
On the southern side of St. Lucia, within a short drive of the island’s top tourist attractions
Ladera Resort is located along a wide road lined with vegetation. The property is spread across a lush ridge, towering over the Caribbean Sea below. There's a handful of hotel restaurants located within walking distance, but otherwise the nearest outpost of dining and shopping is the small town of Soufriere, a 10-minute drive away.For guests with a car, Ladera is centrally located for exploring most of the island’s main tourist attractions. Taxis are also an option, but they can be fairly expensive. It’s about a 10-minute drive to Sugar Beach (the resort also offers a free shuttle service), while Sulphur Springs can be reached in a five-minute drive. Other nearby points of interest include Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens as well as the Tet Paul Nature Trail, which are both less than a 15-minute drive away. Hewanorra International Airport is 40 minutes away by car.
See MoreLocation
Rooms
Treehouse-style rooms with private pools and open-air layouts with panoramic views
Guest rooms at Ladera Resort have an elegant, back-to-nature feel with wood-paneled and stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and hand-carved wooden beams and furniture. The heavy feel of the wood is balanced by soft, white linens and colorful, Impressionist-style artwork. Four-poster beds are draped in mosquito netting. Rooms have open-concept layouts -- some are split level -- and all have small sitting areas. Upper-category rooms have larger sitting and dining areas. There are no telephones or TVs in the rooms, but free Wi-Fi is standard and the resort provides pre-programmed cell phones for guests to use during their stay. All rooms have coffee- and tea-making facilities and mini-fridges, with higher categories include stocked minibars.
All rooms have cold or heated plunge pools, some of which have swings or waterfall features. Pools are positioned to highlight the rooms’ open fourth walls, which offer eye-popping views of the Pitons, lush rainforest, and Caribbean Sea. Naturally, these missing walls mean that rooms are open to the elements and don’t have air-conditioning. While this may be an initial turn-off for some guests, the resort’s elevated location ensures rooms are cooled by the evening breeze. Earplugs are provided for light sleepers to block out the nighttime jungle sounds, as are eye masks for guests who prefer to sleep past sunrise. Bathrooms, which are decked out with floor-to-ceiling in wood, feature bath products by Molton Brown along with magnifying mirrors and hairdryers. All have vessel sinks and walk-in showers with vivid mosaic tiling.
The Suites and Villa at Paradise Ridge are the newest, largest, and most luxurious room categories. Set in a separate area of the property, the suites and villas include extras such as butler service and airport transfers.
See MoreRooms
Features
Picturesque pool and excellent restaurant with Piton views, plus shuttle service to the beach
Gorgeous views add an element of drama to the majority of Ladera’s features. Its clifftop pool is beautifully designed with mosaics, rock features, and landscaped greenery. The handsome wooden deck in front of the pool overlooks operatic views of the Pitons and the sea, and features of row of cushy lounge chairs lined along the deck, shaded by beach umbrellas.
The resort’s breezy restaurant -- Dasheene -- is chic and simple with wooden tables, mosaic-accented floors, and intricately carved wooden pillars. The restaurant also includes a bar area with casual rattan armchairs. Dasheene’s understated decor allows its striking Piton views to claim the spotlight. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Dasheene specializes in fine St. Lucian fare. Many dishes incorporate ingredients from the resort’s own gardens. Free continental breakfast is included in the room rate, which is bumped up to a full breakfast for upper-level room categories. Tables are topped with toy water guns, provided as a fun way to shoo the birds that occasionally swoop in and try to snatch food. Live entertainment is featured nightly. The restaurant offers room service during its opening hours, as well as poolside food and beverage service. All-inclusive meal plans are available.
The bar includes a compact library area with books and board games available for guests to borrow. The resort’s boutique, which is found toward the restaurant entrance, features the typical array of beachwear, souvenirs, and sundries.
Ladera’s tiny spa is painted in cheery pastel shades of green and blue. It offers a range of massages and beauty services, plus a multi-level series of small outdoor mineral pools. There’s also a bright, modern fitness center set in an independent, air-conditioned wooden building, with cardio machines, free weights, and exercise balls.
The resort provides free shuttle services several times per day to and from Sugar Beach. Airport transfers can be arranged for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property, and free parking is available in a gated lot in front of the property. Wedding planning services are also available.
See MoreFeatures
Our Favorite Gear and Outfits for St. Lucia
For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. Things you buy may earn us a commission.
Caribbean Rookie Mistakes Outfit
Men’s Summertime Daywear
Our Favorite Gear and Outfits for St. Lucia
Women’s Warm Weather Outfit
Mens Beach Resort Essentials
Travel Gear Essentials
Related Hotels
Mid-Range
- Kid-Friendly
- Romantic
- Boutique
The Still Beach House
Soufriere
This budget-friendly five-room inn along Soufriere Bay has no gym, no spa, and no pool -- in fact, the only extras are direct access to a subpar public beach and a breezy restaurant and bar. Rooms are average in virtually every way, except for the…
See Review
Budget
- Kid-Friendly
- Romantic
- Value
La Haut Resort
Soufriere
La Haut Resort is a two-and-a-half-pearl hotel located on a 52-acre property outside the town of Soufriere. The hotel’s 17 guest rooms have a faded charm, and all include Piton view balconies as well as kitchenettes; not all rooms, however, include air-conditioning and TVs, and…
See Review
Upscale
- All-Inclusive
- Beachfront
- Romantic
Anse Chastanet
Soufriere
Anse Chastanet Resort is a four-pearl hotel located a short drive from the town of Soufriere. Its 49 rooms have oodles of character plus incredible views, and some are partially open air, with only three walls. Set on a hilly property amid hundreds of acres…
See Review
This Hotel Also Featured In
The 12 Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Hotels in St. Lucia
With its picture-perfect beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and easygoing charm, St. Lucia has long been a favorite for vacationers in the Caribbean. However, its popularity and unspoiled natural beauty mean that it’s not always easy to find super-affordable accommodations. So, if you are going to splash out, you might as well make the most of…
Luxury for Less
5 Luxury Hotels in St. Lucia and Their Cheaper, Similar Alternatives
From the white-sand beaches to the rugged mountains, St. Lucia’s natural beauty is exceptional. And fortunately, most hotels embrace the island’s landscape, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings. However, with their breathtaking scenery and stellar amenities, these luxury accommodations come with a hefty price tag. The good news: Despite its modest size,…
All-Inclusive
Most Romantic All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico
Many all-inclusive resorts come with rowdy pool scenes and boisterous kid-friendly activities, but there are plenty that offer a more subdued atmosphere geared toward a romantic getaway. For honeymooning couples, or families that prefer a more laid-back vibe and options for adult time, we’ve rounded up the most romantic all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and…
OMGorgeous
The 14 Most Beautiful Hotels in St. Lucia
Unlike many developed Caribbean islands, St. Lucia maintains a sense of unspoiled beauty. The landscapes here are some of the most stunning in the world — gorgeous beaches and lush mountains included. And that jaw-dropping beauty certainly extends to the island’s resorts, which come with swanky amenities like attractive infinity pools, chic spas, and picture-perfect…
All-Inclusive
16 Stunning All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean
Swaying palm trees, fine white sand, and turquoise waters make the Caribbean one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Adding to the scenic setting are resorts with charming architecture, well-manicured grounds bursting with bougainvillea, and lovely rooms. Travelers wanting all of that beauty combined with the convenience of an all-inclusive resort are in…
All-Inclusive
The 7 Best Boutique All-Inclusives in St. Lucia
All-inclusive resorts are often accused of phoned-in decor, mediocre food, and a one-size-fits-all approach to service. We’ve certainly encountered such cons at our share of all-inclusive stays, which is partially why we’ve fallen so hard for boutique-style all-inclusives. Such properties have the perks of the fixed-rate system, but are generally smaller, more cuisine- and service-driven,…
Hotel Pools
The 18 Most Gorgeous Infinity Pools in the Caribbean
The sparkling blue sea, the pools, and the views — these are major reasons why we travel to the Caribbean (well, that and the warm weather to actually enjoy the beaches, the pools, and the views).So when we find a gorgeous infinity pool that does exactly what it’s designed to do — trick the eye…
Beach
8 Gorgeous Rustic-Luxe Beach Escapes
When many of us dream of the beach, we’re not just dreaming of fine white sand and clear blue waters. (Well, sure, we are dreaming about that part quite a bit.) But we’re also imagining thatched roof bars, decks with hammocks, and rooms with lots of wood or stone. Resorts that blend modern luxuries with…
Beach
Stunning Rustic-Luxe Beach Retreats in the Caribbean
We’re sharing a list of our favorite rustic-luxe Caribbean retreats. Fewer crowds, intimate spaces, and unspoiled tropical vistas are the hallmarks of these hotels, and these secluded spots are the places we like to visit when we’re looking for a low-key getaway.
Nature
Eight Stunning Tree House Hotels
We’ve already shown you some of our favorite tree house-style rooms, but we’ve visited thousands of hotels since then and have added many more to our list. So today we bring you eight stunning tree house hotels. These nature-centric properties provide either rooms or spas designed to resemble tree houses. The upside? They’re much more…
Read More Articles
Oyster Hotel Review
Ladera Resort
Hotel Class:Luxury
Scene
Eco-luxe hideaway with a romantic atmosphere and spectacular views
Set on a cliff above the sea and squarely between the two Pitons, Ladera Resort’s showstopping views make it one of the island’s most extraordinary properties. Spread over 15 acres, the resort was once part of one of St. Lucia’s oldest cocoa plantations, Rabot Estate. A number of other resorts now offer rooms with open walls, but Ladera pioneered the concept on the island, and it remains the resort’s defining feature.
Ladera’s intimate, open-air lobby, with its mosaic-tiled flooring and liberal use of wood, provides the perfect introduction to the ambiance and decor guests can expect throughout the rest of the property. Local artwork and furniture give the resort a strong sense of place -- of course, the views help too. The Pitons can be seen dominating the skyline from the restaurant, the pool, and many of the guest rooms, providing an ever-visible reminder of St. Lucia’s unique beauty. Leafy grounds, airy spaces, and designs that incorporate rock and wood ensure that guests never feel far from their natural surroundings.
The resort’s vibe is tame and quiet. Guests -- mostly honeymooners and couples -- typically relax in their private pools or head out to explore the island, rather than linger in the resort common areas.
See MoreScene
Location
On the southern side of St. Lucia, within a short drive of the island’s top tourist attractions
Ladera Resort is located along a wide road lined with vegetation. The property is spread across a lush ridge, towering over the Caribbean Sea below. There's a handful of hotel restaurants located within walking distance, but otherwise the nearest outpost of dining and shopping is the small town of Soufriere, a 10-minute drive away.For guests with a car, Ladera is centrally located for exploring most of the island’s main tourist attractions. Taxis are also an option, but they can be fairly expensive. It’s about a 10-minute drive to Sugar Beach (the resort also offers a free shuttle service), while Sulphur Springs can be reached in a five-minute drive. Other nearby points of interest include Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens as well as the Tet Paul Nature Trail, which are both less than a 15-minute drive away. Hewanorra International Airport is 40 minutes away by car.
See MoreLocation
Rooms
Treehouse-style rooms with private pools and open-air layouts with panoramic views
Guest rooms at Ladera Resort have an elegant, back-to-nature feel with wood-paneled and stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and hand-carved wooden beams and furniture. The heavy feel of the wood is balanced by soft, white linens and colorful, Impressionist-style artwork. Four-poster beds are draped in mosquito netting. Rooms have open-concept layouts -- some are split level -- and all have small sitting areas. Upper-category rooms have larger sitting and dining areas. There are no telephones or TVs in the rooms, but free Wi-Fi is standard and the resort provides pre-programmed cell phones for guests to use during their stay. All rooms have coffee- and tea-making facilities and mini-fridges, with higher categories include stocked minibars.
All rooms have cold or heated plunge pools, some of which have swings or waterfall features. Pools are positioned to highlight the rooms’ open fourth walls, which offer eye-popping views of the Pitons, lush rainforest, and Caribbean Sea. Naturally, these missing walls mean that rooms are open to the elements and don’t have air-conditioning. While this may be an initial turn-off for some guests, the resort’s elevated location ensures rooms are cooled by the evening breeze. Earplugs are provided for light sleepers to block out the nighttime jungle sounds, as are eye masks for guests who prefer to sleep past sunrise. Bathrooms, which are decked out with floor-to-ceiling in wood, feature bath products by Molton Brown along with magnifying mirrors and hairdryers. All have vessel sinks and walk-in showers with vivid mosaic tiling.
The Suites and Villa at Paradise Ridge are the newest, largest, and most luxurious room categories. Set in a separate area of the property, the suites and villas include extras such as butler service and airport transfers.
See MoreRooms
Features
Picturesque pool and excellent restaurant with Piton views, plus shuttle service to the beach
Gorgeous views add an element of drama to the majority of Ladera’s features. Its clifftop pool is beautifully designed with mosaics, rock features, and landscaped greenery. The handsome wooden deck in front of the pool overlooks operatic views of the Pitons and the sea, and features of row of cushy lounge chairs lined along the deck, shaded by beach umbrellas.
The resort’s breezy restaurant -- Dasheene -- is chic and simple with wooden tables, mosaic-accented floors, and intricately carved wooden pillars. The restaurant also includes a bar area with casual rattan armchairs. Dasheene’s understated decor allows its striking Piton views to claim the spotlight. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Dasheene specializes in fine St. Lucian fare. Many dishes incorporate ingredients from the resort’s own gardens. Free continental breakfast is included in the room rate, which is bumped up to a full breakfast for upper-level room categories. Tables are topped with toy water guns, provided as a fun way to shoo the birds that occasionally swoop in and try to snatch food. Live entertainment is featured nightly. The restaurant offers room service during its opening hours, as well as poolside food and beverage service. All-inclusive meal plans are available.
The bar includes a compact library area with books and board games available for guests to borrow. The resort’s boutique, which is found toward the restaurant entrance, features the typical array of beachwear, souvenirs, and sundries.
Ladera’s tiny spa is painted in cheery pastel shades of green and blue. It offers a range of massages and beauty services, plus a multi-level series of small outdoor mineral pools. There’s also a bright, modern fitness center set in an independent, air-conditioned wooden building, with cardio machines, free weights, and exercise balls.
The resort provides free shuttle services several times per day to and from Sugar Beach. Airport transfers can be arranged for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property, and free parking is available in a gated lot in front of the property. Wedding planning services are also available.
See MoreFeatures
Amenities
Airport Transportation
Balcony / Terrace / Patio
Business Center
Concierge
Fitness Center
Internet
Kids Allowed
Laundry
Mini Bar (with liquor)
Pool
Room Service
Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
Spa
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.