"Throughout this Anniversary Year, we're taking the Ladera guest
experience to an even higher level of luxury, comfort and authenticity,"
says Olivier Bottois, Ladera's Vice President of Marketing &
Operations. Ladera is "20 years young" as Bottois sees it. He adds that
"this year we'll be introducing new suites, product enhancements and
service innovations that are consistent with our signature guest
experience and eco-friendly approach."
Photo courtesy of Ladera Resort
Over two decades ago, Ladera pioneered the concept of the open-air,
three-walled guest suite that remains the signature design of Ladera and
which has become a ubiquitous style, now de rigueur at resorts
throughout Saint Lucia. The buildings were designed by the late John
DiPol, a visionary American architect. DiPol conceived the concept when
he realized that a three-sided series of building was possible due to
the prevailing trade winds that approach from the back (eastern side) of
the resort and which allow for the missing third wall, an expansive
view and interiors with atriums. Each suite embraces the island ambiance
through tropical design, with all furnishings crafted on property by
local artisans, including elegant four poster hardwood beds and St.
Lucian ceramics and textiles throughout. The missing fourth wall allows
the most spectacular views of the Sea, unobstructed sunsets, and the
volcanic Piton Mountains, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thanks to the clever design, they also remain sheltered, safe, and
completely secluded, with private plunge pools and surrounded by lush
tropical landscaping.
Ladera's striking infinity pool, the very first in the world in 1972,
was used in the film Superman II when Christopher Reeves flies to St.
Lucia to gather flowers for Lois Lane, and is still the dramatic
centerpiece of the resort surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
During Ladera's 20th Anniversary Year, the resort will unveil six
additional connecting luxury one-bedroom Hilltop Dream suites on
Paradise Ridge in October 2012.
"Each new Hilltop Dream Suite will feature the famously breathtaking
vistas from the open living rooms and will include private infinity
pools," says Bottois. "The open-air bedrooms are designed and appointed
with furnishings and fixtures consistent with Ladera's sustainable
practices." That includes using locally-woven textiles, custom hardwood
furniture crafted on site at Ladera, such as elegant Colonial
four-poster king beds. The en-suite bath areas will be equipped with
water-efficient Kohler fixtures.
Other noteworthy developments in Ladera's 20th Anniversary Year
include a new fitness room, outfitted with state-of-the-art workout
equipment. Yoga classes are also now on offer.
The Ti Kai Posé Spa, which now incorporates more natural, organic
treatments, will offer new outdoor Couples Massages on Paradise Ridge, a
completely private retreat area of the resort which overlooks the
Caribbean Sea and Pitons.
Dasheene, Ladera's award winning restaurant, will be taken to even
higher culinary acclaim says Bottois, a past board member and Vice
Chancelier Culinaire of the Chaine des Rotisseurs and member of The
James Beard Foundation, noting that "celebrated guest chefs from the
Caribbean, the United States, and Europe will be featured at the
restaurant. "
For more on Ladera, visit http://www.ladera.com
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