Ladera

Ladera

 

Ladera

Perched high on a mountain ridge, surrounded by its own micro-climate just above the southern town of Soufrière, lies the most exceptional and romantic resort you may ever have the pleasure of visiting. You will be captivated not just by Ladera’s beautiful surroundings, but also by the concepts that guided its construction.

Ladera fits in so perfectly with its environment that if you are not careful, you may miss it driving by. The grounds are a delight of lush tropical gardens, lily ponds stocked with a variety of tropical fish, and a charming, unexpected bridge. Built like lavish tree houses, Ladera’s accommodations are open to nature, literally. Each of its six villas and 18 suites are comprised of three walls, the fourth being non-existent. It’s been left to Mother Nature to provide one of the most spectacular views in the world.

Despite this, the resort’s ingenious design allows all the rooms to have complete privacy and shelter from the elements. The interiors are spacious and luxuriously furnished, mainly with locally handmade crafts, textiles and furniture, often used imaginatively. It’s not unusual to find fishes as tap heads, or water flowing into your hands through a conch shell and into a locally crafted clay face basin.

The history of Ladera is intriguing. John DiPol, an American designer, first set eyes on the ridge it is built on in 1968. His dream when he arrived to the island by boat was to build a small hotel but never in his wildest dreams had he expected to find such an idyllic spot.

The ridge originally belonged to a St. Lucian estate owner who didn’t mind getting rid of it since it was separated from the original estate by a public road. Dipol ascended the ridge to find one of the most amazing views imaginable. The volcanic twin peaks the Pitons jutted out of the coastline, and a cool breeze blew constantly from the east. With foresight and imagination DiPol proceeded to build one of the most interesting resorts in the Caribbean.

His architectural vision, a condominium concept, was based on the old brick army barracks situated in Castries, the island’s capital. The resort was originally named Dasheen (a local root vegetable) because the ridge had previously been an old dasheen plantation. With little disturbance to the natural environment, the ‘Dream Tree-Houses’ were born.

Every villa enjoys a panoramic, breathtaking view. Whether you’re lounging on the veranda, lying on your handcrafted four-poster bed, or taking a shower, nature surrounds you. There are very few places in the world that can match this experience; very few places where one can feel completely detached from all of life’s demands. As you enter these amazing villas, you can feel your muscles involuntarily relaxing. There are no televisions or phones in the rooms; your contact with the outside world is completely optional. Of course, every modern facility can be found in the reception area, if you so desire.

One of Ladera’s most distinctive features is its award-winning restaurant, Dasheen. Here, beautifully handcrafted local furniture is surrounded by dark stained totem poles, and a serene wooden statue of a woman inclines in contemplation. The upward jut of the roofs reflects the neighbouring Pitons. The food is a rich blend of local and international cuisine, which will tempt any palette. Breakfast, with its delicious local specialties such as cocoa tea and homemade breads, is an absolute must. It is little wonder that Ladera is filled to capacity almost year-round, by many of the world’s beau-monde.

LOCATION
Soufriere, 60 minutes transfer from Hewanorra International Airport.


  • Gros Piton Suite
  • Gros Piton Suite Plunge Pool
  • One Bedroom Villa
  • One Bedroom Villa Pool
  • Pool Deck
  • Luxury Two Bedroom Villa
  • Endless Pool
  • New Deam Suite
  • Dasheens Restaurant
  • Gros Piton Suite
  • Gros Piton Suite
  • Hilltop Dream Suite

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