A jewel of the Caribbean, St. Lucia stands out for its sensational scenery: serene beaches, emerald rainforests and, most dramatically, the Pitons, two iconic volcanic spires rising above the southwest coast. Long a haven for honeymooners, the island gained newfound global stature last year when sprinter Julien Alfred won the country’s first Olympic medal.

I decided it was time to determine whether St. Lucia had any accommodations worthy of its exceptional beauty. While the north side tempts with lively nightlife and shopping scenes, it also has no shortage of huge all-inclusive resorts. Since the south promised luxurious eco-conscious hotels, therapeutic volcanic mud baths and verdant botanical gardens, plus exceptional hiking and boating opportunities, that’s where my traveling companion and I headed.

Sugar Beach

Our first stop was Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, a converted 18th-century sugar plantation situated on a magnificent secluded bay framed by the towering Pitons. The colonial-inspired architecture reflects the resort’s long history. Congenial staff members greeted us with warm smiles and tropical cocktails and led us on a tour of the grand estate. The 130 accommodations, ranging from multibedroom hillside villas to beachside bungalows, feature elegant white-on-white interiors with vaulted ceilings, dark hardwood floors and four-poster beds draped with gauzy voile.