St. Lucia

Concierge.com's insider take:

Tarzan, once he'd been reclaimed by high society and grown accustomed to the luxe life, would have felt just right at this barefoot luxury resort. Wrapped in tropical forest, Anse Chastanet is basically a series of architect's tree houses, cooled only by trade winds, with the majestic peaks of the Pitons in plain view. The best of the 49 rooms here are the Premium Hillside units: vast, open spaces with only three walls apiece, and one side completely open to the breeze and the view. No froufrou decor could possibly compete, so the furnishings are simple (and mostly made from indigenous materials): clay-tiled floors, chunky wooden furniture handmade by St. Lucians, madras-checked-cotton bedspreads, and woven-wicker lampshades. One room has the trunk of a red gommier tree growing through it; others have giant showers open to the mountains. The more modest rooms are octagonal aeries surrounded by deep-green forest, or comfy beach shacks, all with the same decor. There are no TVs, DVD players, phones, Internet connections or AC. Instead, you'll find a famous dive shop, a new yoga hut, the Kai Belté Spa, and free snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and Sunfish sailing. There are 12 miles of private mountain-bike trails, lots of local outings, two excellent restaurants, and an art gallery. Be aware that there's lot of stair-climbing involved in a stay here. Reception and the Piton restaurant are 100 steps up from the shore; the hillside rooms are higher still. Beachside guests can be lazier, since the Trou au Diable dining room is at sea level.