Welcome to the Ladera guestbook, where guests share their personal experiences and tips on how to enhance your stay.
The Ladera Guest Book
Melanie’s story
Photos by: Melanie Schillinger
The Landmarks
05/31/24Imagine waking up in the morning in a wonderfully comfortable bed. The first rays of sunshine are already spreading pure anticipation for the coming day and thanks to the open design, the chirping of birds fills your cozy suite.
You slowly open your eyes and step out onto the terrace, where your view falls on green forests and the sparkling ocean. The image is dominated by the two Pitons, which rise directly in front of your terrace, almost within reach. Wow, right? For me, exactly this dream came true in the wonderful Ladera Resort!
Stairway to Heaven
06/01/24The exceptional location on the rim of a volcano crater is absolutely spectacular! No matter where you are in the Resort, the view of what are probably the most striking peaks in the entire Caribbean is always breathtaking. I also really loved walking the Ladera Nature Trail.
It takes you past many different tropical plants and trees through the lush island nature and enchants with stunning views of the Pitons, Sugar Beach and St. Lucias beautiful coastline. Every moment here in Ladera was truly unforgettable for me!
T.J's Story
Photos by T.J. Dreschel
Living in a Fairytale
02/26/2024The incredible magic of waking up to rainbows every morning as the sun breaks over the gentle giants of the Pitons is something dreams are made of. We constantly pinched ourselves as we walked through the lush grounds, feeling like we were living in a fairy tale.
Paradise on Earth
02/28/2024The staff were so kind, constantly checking to ensure we had everything we needed. Sipping rosé and catching some relaxation at the pool was a special feeling, and the cuisine from the restaurant with sunset views made for one of the most romantic vacations we have experienced yet!
The Most Romantic Vacation
03/01/2024To top it all off, I proposed to my fiancée during our stay! Ladera will hold a special place in our memories for ages. What a magical experience!!!
We got engaged!!!
Lorna's Story
Photos by: Lorna Cortney
Escaping to Serenity
01/04/25My boyfriend and I were drawn to Ladera to escape the fast-paced way of life here in New York City. We wanted to slow down and immerse ourselves in tranquil nature. We could not wait to be soothed by the sounds of undulating waves and chirping rainforest birds while overlooking the luscious pitons.
A Magical Welcome
We felt pampered from the moment we stepped off the plane. Stewart, our driver, told us about the history of the island while ensuring our comfort during the ride. Upon arriving at Ladera, we were greeted with smiles and refreshing eucalyptus towels and drinks. Our dinner reservations had already been made courtesy of the amazing front desk staff. We were driven to our villa. As we entered, we saw the beautiful orange hues of sunset reflecting against the Pitons. We even had our own personal deck with a lap pool and lounge chairs. It was magical!
Memorable Experiences
Ladera offered transport to two different beaches which we took advantage of. During the day, we snorkeled in the pristine waters among kaleidoscopic fish, relaxed on the beach, and counted crabs in the sand. Austin hiked to the Sulphur Springs. Onsite, we loved hiking the trails through the garden and to the yoga plateau, playing foosball and ping-pong in the game room, relaxing in the artisanal hot tubs, and working out in both the indoor and outdoor gyms. My favorite memory is Chef Nigel’s Fish Fry, overlooking the Pitons during sunset with a violinist playing music that had me moving in my seat!
Forever in Our Hearts:
01/04/25While it is never easy to say goodbye to paradise, it was extra hard saying goodbye to Ladera. Even after 4 days, it felt like home because of the staff’s warmth. We feel blessed to have beautiful memories to cherish of our time there.
Even though we are thousands of miles away, Ladera is always fresh in our minds. The feeling we get when we think of Ladera is one of warmth, love, happiness, and good times. We regularly look back at the pictures and think about our time at Ladera.
Lorna and Austin.
Steve's Story
Steve Howard
Birthday Bliss
Went with my wife for my birthday. Exceeded my very high expectations. I loved the staff, particularly (Ray the Gardener, Tanisha, Caroline, Lea, Glenna and the breakfast staff, and others.) We had Hilltop 7 which was fabulous with a swing and a big heated pool. It was so EASY to sleep at night as our bed had a bed net around it and the wind made it cool in the evenings. 37 rooms in the whole hotel and it never seemed busy whatsoever. We didn't EVER hear the next door neighbors even though we know they were there. (We hope they didn't hear us but if they did, it was all positive.)
The Perfect Romantic Escape
We've stayed at great hotels before but this was my favorite HOTEL experience. I loved St. Lucia and the hiking and excursions but I LOVED Ladera. I'd go back to Ladera for Ladera. St Lucia is an added bonus. It's the only hotel room we didn't feel guilty just hanging around in and enjoying the view and each other. Total privacy and you can really let loose ;). Just what a busy couple who is parents to 5 kids need on a romantic getaway. We met honeymooners, young and old people. Such a great place. And we met Christian and Sonya, the managers. They were lovely. Everyone seemed happy to be working there and they were genuine. I'm SOOOOO pleased. Thanks, Ladera. I can't wait to see you again!
Meghan O'Rourke's Story
Photos by:Meghan O'Rourke
"If I had to describe my stay at Ladera Resort in one word, it would be unforgettable. The resort is perched on a mountainside overlooking the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea, and it was somewhere I could truly relax, slow down and reconnect with nature. One of my favorite parts of the entire experience was my suite--I stayed in one of the suites at Paradise Ridge and it was truly incredible. I'd seen photos before my trip, but nothing prepared me for walking into an open-air room with a breathtaking view of the Pitons. Waking up each morning to the sounds of the birds, and spending the warm afternoons cooling off in our private plunge pool was perfect. I highly recommend staying in one of the Paradise Ridge suites!!"If I had to describe my stay at Ladera Resort in one word, it would be unforgettable. The resort is perched on a mountainside overlooking the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea, and it was somewhere I could truly relax, slow down and reconnect with nature. One of my favorite parts of the entire experience was my suite--I stayed in one of the suites at Paradise Ridge and it was truly incredible. I'd seen photos before my trip, but nothing prepared me for walking into an open-air room with a breathtaking view of the Pitons. Waking up each morning to the sounds of the birds, and spending the warm afternoons cooling off in our private plunge pool was perfect. I highly recommend staying in one of the Paradise Ridge suites!!
Something else I didn't expect was how many activities and sights the resort offered. Ladera Resort has an amazing spa, communal pool area, restaurant, yoga platform overlooking the Pitons, rum bar, hiking trail, treehouse, hot tubs, a wine-tasting room, an art studio and more. There are endless things to do right on-site that you never have to leave if you don't feel like it!
Although it was tempting to spend every day relaxing at the resort, I'm glad I took time to explore Saint Lucia as well. The island is incredibly beautiful, and every excursion gave me a greater appreciation for its landscapes and culture. Ladera Resort offers excursions and shuttles to the local beaches, which I highly recommend you do. Returning to Ladera after a day of exploring felt like coming home to a peaceful retreat, and offered the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation!
One of the highlights of my stay was definitely the food. Every meal at the restaurant was delicious and beautifully presented, and the setting made the experience even more memorable. Dining with panoramic views of the Pitons was something I looked forward to every day. The menu offered a great variety of local dishes, and everything I tried was delicious. Whether it was a breakfast delivered to our suite (which I highly recommend!) or a romantic dinner at sunset, every meal felt like a special experience and added so much to my stay. We also got to have a private 7-course meal with wine pairings in their wine tasting room which was phenomenal.
The staff also deserve so much credit for making the stay exceptional. Everyone I met was genuinely warm, welcoming, and eager to help without ever feeling intrusive. Their recommendations, friendly conversations, and attention to detail made the experience feel personal from beginning to end. They truly go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and welcome!
Long after returning home, I still find myself thinking about those mornings overlooking the Pitons and the sense of calm I felt throughout my stay. I haven't felt that relaxed during a vacation in so long. It's a resort I would return to in a heartbeat!"
Dana McCoy
Photos by: Dana McCoy
A Gentle Good Morning
Waking up to the breathtaking view of the Pitons is an indescribable experience. Your day immediately begins with the most positive energy. Swimming in my private pool while doing vocal warm-ups is the best show preparation I can think of.
A Breathtaking View
There’s no need to leave Ladera to see more of the beautiful island of St. Lucia. The on-site hiking trails take you up to an incredible view overlooking the ocean—a chance to take a moment for yourself and enjoy the beauty of nature.
A Performance to Remember
My evenings were just as beautiful as the day that preceded them. Slipping into one of my favorite dresses and heading down to the pool deck to perform for other guests was an experience I’ll never forget. You could tell love was in the air.
My Perfect Escape
This entire trip was the perfect escape from LA and the most wonderful opportunity. My time at Ladera Resort was reflective, restorative, and fun. Having the opportunity to perform at the resort was a dream come true. As both an artist and a guest, I was treated with the utmost care and kindness. The staff’s warmth made me feel at home and brought out the best in my performance.
Thank you, Ladera, for holding space for creativity, peace, and connection.