I'm planning my return trip to Jade Mountain and thought I should mention about my over the top first stay there!
I've never been to a place like this! It's totally other-worldly in design and concept. The idea of basically sleeping outside at the edge of a pool- in a full four poster luxury bed is just too decadent to imagine- you have to do it! My room was over the top beautiful- spacious, quiet, spotlessly clean and had a view- the pitons- that just completely fascinated me. It was serene and calming and changed ever so slightly every few minutes.
The guests tend to be mostly couples on a (very) romantic holiday, but in my case I craved privacy and quiet to decompress. I found it here. Everything- and I mean everything is taken care of by the staff on your whim. I didn't leave my room for 3 days and yet ate like a king, had full massage treatments, and relaxed like I'd never been able to before. The rooms are referred to as Sanctuary's and believe me, they are. Once that door closes you are in your own private 'space' with a high high ceiling, a large full swimming pool!, a deep whirlpool tub (for four??) and a great huge walk around shower.
I didn't have any problem with bugs- a stray mosquito now and then (welcome to the Caribbean!) but the early sunrise does indeed bring out the birds. But what a way to wake up in the morning; birdsong, instead of that alarm clock.
On day four I ventured out a bit and took in the rest of the resort- which is much like a botanical garden with fish ponds, palm trees, hundreds and hundreds of flowering bushes and plants and hummingbirds flitting everywhere. It's hard not to be delighted.
The food is very good. Its not your average resort hotel food- so don't be disappointed if your palate is stretched a bit with new flavours. Try a bit of everything.
To wrap up, I have to mention that at the end of a long day touring the island I was returning just before dark and feeling a bit decadent I called ahead to ask if someone could fill my bathtub so I could just fall into it when I got there prior to dinner.
- when I walked in my room not only was the tub full of hot water - and overflowing with bubbles- but it was ringed with lit candles, a couple of rock glasses where sitting on the ledge with a bucket of ice AND a decanter of my favorite bourbon was waiting for me beside it. ( unexpected, very welcome, and nailed it in my mind that someone was paying very close attention)
I'll be back again soon.