Capella Marigot Bay

St Lucia

Water transfers to this sophisticated resort (once a Fifties Hollywood favourite) on the north of the island of St Lucia are a white-knuckle ride. If you can swing it, arrive during daylight to admire the lush scenery. It’s built on a hillside covered in banana palms that dance above the sparkling blue waters of Marigot Bay’s marina.

Thanks to its protected location, this area is renowned for being hurricane proof, so relax and enjoy lounging on basket-weave egg-shaped cocoons that surround the infinity pool or shaded cabanas around the shallow, larger pool. On the other side of the water, there’s a private beach that guests can access via a regular ferry crossing, while The Auriga Spa has a serenity pool and offers treatments tailored to suit your mood and the Moon’s cycle.

Bedrooms combine West Indian design with sleek, modern touches: think polished teak wood, tiled floors and bright prints. Breakfasts combine a bounty of Caribbean fruit, while signature restaurant, The Grill at 14 degrees 61 degrees, serves modern St Lucian dishes like organic field greens with silkysmooth goat’s cheese, and grilled fish with home-made smoked bread.

RR. Doubles from £330. 00 1 321 821 0798, capellahotels.com