Jalousie Plantation travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

When the current owner of this former sugar plantation bought it, the place could be reach only by canoe. These days, you can take a taxi from the airport to tackle the winding route to the hotel or charter a helicopter. Nestled in the rain forest by St. Lucia‘s most stunning natural attractions, the location alone makes the hotel a hidden treat. Photo by: RJIPhotography

The Jalousie Plantation, in the Valley of the Pitons, has 192 acres (78 ha) of rain forest and 115 rooms including first-class villas, suites, and rooms in the carefully restored eighteenth-century sugar mill. The accommodation is all decorated in modern Caribbean style, but very comfortable with panoramic views of the mountains and the sea, as well plunge pools and sundecks. The five-star hotel has stellar service at all, and if you want to do more than relax in the sun, the staff has plenty of ideas for you. Photo by: huliebaby

The Rainforest Oasis Spa can help you unwind, with the help of treatments inspired by the natural world. These include hot-stone treatments and facials, and body scrubs using water from the sulfur springs nearby, all with a view of the tropical rain forest. Photo by: Graeme Rochester

The sea is perfect for swimmers and very calm. The hotel offers scuba lessons and one beginner or certified dive for free for every guest. If you want a vacation challenge, why not scale scale the Pitons? Guides are available to take you there, as well as down to sulfur springs, volcanoes, and waterfalls of St. Lucia. Relaxing under a tiki hut with a cocktail never felt so good. Photo by: Jalousie Plantation