Arrival/Check-In: We arranged a private airport transfer through the resort, so our Ladera experience began the moment we cleared immigration. While other arrivals worked their way through a crowd of taxi drivers and transfer agents, our driver collected our luggage, escorted us to an air-conditioned Town Car and offered cool towels and chilled water. About forty-five minutes later we arrived at the resort to a warm “Welcome home.” We enjoyed a refreshing fruit drink while our bags were moved to a waiting golf cart. The seamless welcome continued as our private butler, Keicher, escorted us to PR1, an expansive hilltop suite with sweeping views of St. Lucia’s dramatic Pitons and the Caribbean Sea.
Guest Quarters: Built on land that was once part of an island cocoa plantation and later a private condominium development, Ladera is notable for its open-wall accommodations. Each suite’s west-facing side is intentionally left open to maximize the view, while buildings are positioned to preserve privacy.
PR1, the resort’s largest suite, is located in the recently opened Paradise Ridge. These suites are slightly larger than the original rooms and include dedicated butler service and on-call transportation within the property. Suites showcase tropical hardwoods, handcrafted furnishings and local artwork, and each includes a private plunge pool and a four-poster king bed draped in mosquito netting.
The PR1 plunge pool is accessible through a side door and features a small waterfall ideal for soothing tired muscles. Bathrooms are appointed with Molton Brown amenities, a dual-sink vanity and a stepped-down water closet, plus an open-air shower framed by views of the rainforest. The minibar is replenished daily with soft drinks and bottled water. Thoughtful extras include a pair of binoculars and a star chart for nighttime sky viewing.
Services/Amenities: Ladera’s on-call butler service promotes effortless relaxation. Keicher and the team anticipated and met our needs—often before we mentioned them. When I casually said I preferred a chaise longue to the daybed on our balcony, Keicher returned shortly to oversee delivery of two chaise longues. The property has a small on-site spa, but with private balconies and extraordinary views, many guests opt for in-room treatments. The fitness room includes a treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike and free weights. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily, with additional items such as eggs or waffles available for a modest surcharge. Dasheene, the resort’s restaurant, blends casual elegance with standout dishes—the lobster options are particularly noteworthy.
The Experience: Calm and refined, Ladera feels like a genuine escape—a private tropical retreat focused on views, comfort and attentive service.
GT CHECKLIST
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
- Turn-down service
Ladera
Soufrière, St. Lucia
West Indies
tel 758 459 6600
ladera.com