Jade Mountain Resort

Jade Mountain rises above the 600-acre beachfront estate of Anse Chastanet near Soufrière, with the Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, close by. Rooms here are called sanctuaries, and many come with their own infinity pool. Guests can also dine beside an infinity pool at the Jade Mountain Club.

The resort shares its grounds with sister property Anse Chastanet, and the beaches below are a two-minute shuttle away. Guests can use both, which gives a wedding far more room to play with than a single hotel would. Yoga at sunrise and sunset, the Kai en Ciel spa and menus created by James Beard Award winning chef Allen Susser round out the stay.

There is no wedding chapel here, and that is the point. Couples choose their own spot, from the Celestial Terrace to the estate's beaches, an old plantation site, a nearby waterfall, the coral reef or a private sanctuary. Ceremonies are limited to one a day, so yours is never rushed.

The team prepares the legal documents before you fly, from a questionnaire you fill in, and you can add your own vows to the civil ceremony. Bring your original documents to the island, as they must be shown in person. Jade Mountain's venues cater for up to 36, or 60 on a buy-out, with larger parties dining at Anse Chastanet. Ask about the music curfew.

Guests sleep in the sanctuaries, with Anse Chastanet next door for larger groups. A Jade Mountain buy-out takes in all 24 sanctuaries with private pools plus the 5 Sky suites with whirlpools.

Time off is easy to fill. There are more than 12 miles of trails for walking and mountain biking, PADI five star diving, kayaking and guided outings arranged by the concierge. Soufrière is close by, with the Sulphur Springs, billed as the only drive-in volcano in the Caribbean, and the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens with their mineral baths. Soufrière is about 45 minutes by road from Hewanorra International Airport, according to the Saint Lucia tourist board. Ask the team about group transfers.