Design Lessons from The Jalousie Plantation

For those of you who have been in New York the past week or so, you will understand when I talk about having fantasies about getting out! Between the mess of the blizzard to the mounds of garbage on the dirty streets, the city is not at its finest right now. All the more reason to dream of glamorous getaways to tropical climates like The Jalousie Plantation in St. Lucia. The hotel is enviably located where the rainforest meets the beach in between the two Grand Pitons, the stunning volcanic peaks that are St. Lucia’s most famous natural treasure. Above, is a breathtaking aerial shot of the resort.

Jalousie is undergoing a multimillion dollar renovation and in December will be rebranded as one of Viceroy Hotel Group’s Tides properties and renamed Tides Sugar Beach. While the hotel will be sure to get tons of press at that time, I think now is the ideal time to go. 53 of the newly renovated rooms are open ( by the end of the year it will be 84) so you get all of the amenities of the resort, the new villas, the new spa, but with less guests. That being said, there is still work to be done. However, I suspect prices will go up when it is a Tides property, so that is another incentive to go soon.

I love the crisp French Caribbean design here, lots of fresh and easy ideas here, enjoy:

KEEP IT SIMPLE: With such amazing views and lush forest surrounding the resort, the designers wisely kept the look crisp and simple. Clean-lined yet comfortable wicker furniture and white canvas umbrellas keep an outdoor patio comfy yet chic. Each of the French Caribbean style villas features it’s own plunge pool. Notice the charming trim on the edge of the roof–love that detail.

WHITE + WOOD=FRESH: Against an all white background, wood furniture and accents pop. If you keep upholstered pieces and walls white, a few interesting wood pieces will really shine.

WHITE IS RIGHT: Against rich wood floors, an all white room filled with a few understated pieces looks fresh and fabulous. For those of you loving this poster bed, IKEA’s Edland poster bed is a great option at $349.

Mosquito netting draped over the top of a poster bed is a romantic touch that would be easy to recreate.

TUBS RULE: A statement making deep soaking tub is all you need to turn a bathroom into a retreat. This Nottingham Brass 72-inch long clawfoot tub is beyond beautiful. Notice also the wood floors, an unexpected and wonderful way to warm up a bathroom.