5. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
Named after the Condado district in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Frederick William Vanderbilt (the hotel’s original owner), the Preferred-affiliated Condado Vanderbilt Hotel has welcomed notable guests like Charles Lindberg, Bob Hope and former President Franklin D. Roosevelt since opening its doors in 1919. Featuring Spanish Revival-style architecture, the hotel combines modern amenities – such as multiple pools (including a beautiful infinity pool), a fitness center and a spa – with traditional touches like luggage porter service and tray ceilings in the lobby. Contemporary perks, including C.O. Bigelow toiletries, French press coffee makers, flat-screen smart TVs and 300-thread-count Rivolta Carmignani linens, are also available in the property’s 319 accommodations. Plus, the property’s daily resort fee covers extras like in-room Wi-Fi access and bottled water. For amenities like 24-hour butler service, a whirlpool tub and multiple balconies, guests can upgrade to a one-, two- or three-bedroom suite. Overall, travelers rave about the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, citing its superb customer service, central location and picturesque ocean views as highlights.
6. Ladera Resort
Prompting guests to appreciate their magnificent surroundings, the 37 suites at St. Lucia’s adults-only Ladera Resort all boast an open wall – like a patio, minus the door – facing the dramatic Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. (Though this absent fourth wall takes luxury to the next level, don’t be surprised if you wind up sharing your room with a harmless lizard or two.) Accommodations also feature private plunge pools (some with waterfalls and swings), plus free Wi-Fi access, minibars, pillow-top mattresses and kits with binoculars, star charts, slippers and eye masks. Because Ladera sits on a ridge at 1,100 feet, the resort isn’t located directly on a beach. However, Ladera does provide complimentary shuttle service to Sugar Beach on the western side of the island. Ladera also offers an abundance of fee-based activities, ranging from a bartending class to a guided Saturday market tour to a sailing and snorkeling daytrip to Marigot Bay.
