The best hotels on an island are all about a sense of place. They are places where you understand an island, inside and out. That’s easy to find in St Lucia, whose thriving rainforest, superb diving and, of course, those iconic Pitons, make the island one of our favorite destinations. And when we’re on the “simply beautiful” isle, these are some of our preferred places to stay, from larger resorts in St Lucia to tucked-away boutique hotels in St Lucia. These are the best St Lucia hotels, from small St Lucian resorts to larger St Lucian grand properties.  These are the best St Lucia hotels.

Cap Maison A bluff’s-edge location, intimate Smuggler’s Cove beach, and a champagne zipline that transports bubbly straight from the bar to your private oceanfront table; there’s even a world-class rum bar and an even better restaurant. What’s not to love about this Cap Estate boutique in St Lucia? In our opinion, this is the best hotel in St. Lucia.

Jade Mountain The super-slick three-walled “infinity pool sanctuaries” here have to be seen to believed. There’s a reason this place has carved out a perch at the top level of the Caribbean luxury travel industry. (And yes, the views are every bit as spectacular in real life as they look on their site.) It’s unique among St Lucia hotels, that’s for sure.

Ladera We have a soft spot for this Soufriere hillside resort that pioneered the whole three-walled room concept back in 1982. Even if you’re not staying here, be sure to stop by T’cholit bar for a Dasheen Fantasy cocktail and front-row view of the sun setting against the Pitons, all part of a mix of amenities that make this one of the top St Lucia hotels.

Boucan by Hotel Chocolat Owned by the UK-based chocolatier Hotel Chocolat, this sweet retreat (set on a cocoa estate) features a chocolate-themed restaurant and spa, and offers a chocolate-making tour. This is the most creative hotel in St Lucia, and one of the best St Lucia resorts.

Anse Chastanet Old-Caribbean charm, two great beaches, and 600 acres of lush terrain combine to make this hotel (sister to Jade Mountain, up the hill) a must-stay. It’s also a haven for divers and snorkelers.

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort Highlights of this hillside and beachfront resort set on a World Heritage Site at the foot of the Pitons include The Cane rum bar; the superb Rainforest Spa; and luxe villa suites with chandelier-crowned bathtubs.

Windjammer Landing Perched on a beautiful hillside, Windjammer Landing is vast and the villas are spread out designed for great views and privacy. With great plunge pools, extra large doors and windows fashioned to catch the sea breezes you won’t want to leave your villa.

Stonefield Estate Resort If a villa with a Pitons view, an outdoor shower and a low-slung hammock on the verandah sounds like your kind of thing, this elegantly rustic hotel is your kind of place in St Lucia.

Fond Doux Plantation & Resort This is  a lovely, homey Caribbean boutique with an emphasis on eco-friendliness. It’s a great way to get a feel for the local environment on the island, set on a 250-year-old working cacao plantation.

The Landings Set in Rodney Bay on a beautiful beach, this St Lucia resort has a mix of one, two and three-bedroom “villa suites” that all look out on either the hotel’s marina or the beach and the bay. It’s a modern, comfortable place to stay.