We think Ti Kaye is a really special place. The romantic hideaway perches on a cliffside, miles from anywhere, half way down St Lucia’s stunning west coast. Bedrooms come in the form of sweet, rustic gingerbread cottages – most freestanding, a few semi-detached – dotted over a bougainvillea-covered hillside.

Each room has a terrace with a hammock and rocking chairs from which to lap up the magnificent view out to sea. Spending half an hour in quiet contemplation watching the ships passing down the coast and the fishermen in action in the bay below is a lovely way to start the day, and the sunsets are to die for. Some cottages also have little plunge pools on their terrace, and all have delightful, completely private, outdoor garden showers.

Ti Kaye’s chilled public areas – a good-sized swimming pool, an open-air restaurant with white drapes that billow in the breeze, an air-conditioned cocktail bar, and an enticing cliff-edge spa – also make the most of the amazing views. The restaurant does excellent buffet breakfasts, dinner menus feature tempting Creole dishes with lots of fresh seafood, and there’s an impressive wine cellar.

During the day, many guests head down the 166 steps (or if feeling less energetic you can take the funicular) from the hotel to Anse Cochon, a gorgeous tranche of jungle-backed, silvery sands that is one of St Lucia’s best unspoiled beaches. It’s also great for snorkelling, as the reef begins very close to the beach, and top-rated dive sites are close by. Ti Kaye has a well-equipped dive centre, and a laid-back daytime beach bar/café/restaurant, by the sands.

It’s 15 minutes’ drive from Ti Kaye to the nearest settlement, Anse La Raye. Every last Friday of the month during the evening, the fishing village holds a fun street party, with seafood and music – Ti Kaye organises transport there and back.