La Haut Resort

Hidden in the hills, this affordable plantation house hotel and cottages offer an insight into the real St Lucia

Sitting high on the hills above sleepy Soufriere, you feel as though you are quite simply on top of the world. Despite its name, this is not just a resort, but first and foremost a working cocoa and citrus plantation that’s much more than a stop-off for tourists. The fabulous location allows you to experience what it's like to live and work on the land in St. Lucia.

If you manage to drag yourself away from the refreshing pools (there are 2, including a stunning infinity pool at the owners' villa) and from the hypnotic views (of the iconic Pitons), you can ask for a guided tour of the estate and learn how tropical fruits are grown, or help feed the baby goats.

Family-owned and managed by St Lucian-Canadians, this is a relaxed, informal place, where you can watch some TV at the bar, pot a few snooker balls, play the old piano and then sample the restaurant's famous fishcakes. It's a must for nature-lovers, whether couples, families or a group of friends: you can book an individual room, a cottage for 4-6, or the whole hotel for 34.

Highs

• The spectacular views take in the Pitons, the fishing town of Soufriere and the Caribbean Sea
• The atmosphere is unpretentious, relaxed and homely
• There’s a wide choice of rooms and cottages, many with kitchenettes (and one with a full kitchen)
• It’s excellent value for money (by Caribbean standards)
• The cool breeze blowing through the windchimes makes a welcome change from the baking heat of the beaches
• A free timetabled shuttle service takes you to Soufriere and Anse Chastenet
• Ripe fruit on the trees is yours to pick

Lows

• Rooms are old-fashioned plantation style rather than contemporary chic and the distribution of mod cons is sporadic: not all have air conditioning or cable TV, WiFi coverage is patchy and there are no phones
• Solar heating and low pressure mean the hot water can be limited at times
• Things don’t always run to time, so be prepared to shrug and relax about it
• Those who love the sounds of nature might find the restaurant’s looped muzak intrusive
• The Premium Vista Rooms and the 2-bedroom cottage are a 200-yard walk uphill from the pool, bar and restaurant, though you can ask La Haut’s shuttle van to pick you up for breakfast
• This is not a place for those seeking hectic nightlife or beachside rooms