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Few spa resorts have been called a valentine or a love letter to an island. But when Jade Mountain opened in 2007, even the most reserved travellers turned cartwheels over its poetic homage to the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Owner Nick Troubetzkoy is in love with fresh, open spaces. A Russian-Canadian architect from British Columbia, Troubetzkoy has created one of the most buzzed about retreats in the Western world. Spa-goers delight in treatments at Kai en Ciel (patois for house in heaven), tucked into the side of the hotel, Kai Belté (house of beauty) hidden away on the beach, or Kai Mer, an open-air cabana overlooking the Anse Chastanet reef. Best of all? Book a romantic spa retreat in your own suite.

Most Indulgent Treatment

The beguilingly named Alchemy of Two ritual is designed to melt away a couple's cares, making them forget every terse word spoken between them. Two therapists arrive to set up two massage tables and run a fragrant salt bath. The treatment starts with with a role play of giving and receiving from a platter of tropical fruit and handmade chocolates as the couple relaxes in a hot tub swirling with Body Bliss Male and Female elixers. A couples massage with Tantra vibrational oil follows.

Most Impressive Feature

Jade Mountain has won extensive accolades for an element that's missing from their guest suites. Troubetzkoy designed all 29 suites without a fourth wall, opening the space completely to the elements. The bold whimsy of such a choice has guest reaction running the gamut from shock and awe to tears and jubilation at the completely unobstructed views of Soufrière Bay and St. Lucia's famed Pitons. Rooms feature walls of ginger fieldstones, floor-to-ceiling plantation shutters and blond, tiger-striped and snakewood floors harvested from sustainable forests in Guyana.

Insider Tip

What's the record number of days a couple has spent at Jade Mountain without leaving their room? Five. And since chef Jonathan Dearden serves most everything on the restaurant menu directly to the room – no settling for burgers here – why would you ever leave? Every oversized suite is endowed with a massive private infinity pool that's part of your living room. Snag the best available rate on Jade Mountain with romance-geared hotel booking service Mr & Mrs Smith (mrandmrssmith.com) and have at it.

The Basics

Jade Mountain at Anse Chastanet, Soufriere, St. Lucia, West Indies; 1-758-459-4000; jademountain.com; 110 minute couple's treatment for $595

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