LUX* Le Morne

Spread out on tropical grounds and sheltered by a crag, the Lux Le Morne offers an exclusive vacation on an uncrowded beach with dolphin sightings and horseback riders trotting along the shoreline. This is a Unesco World Heritage Site that was a refuge in the 18th and 19th centuries to runaway slaves, who lived in caves in the cliff. The grounds are expansive, featuring an herb garden, ponds, and two-floor chalets under coconut trees. Lawns run flush to the beach that’s combed for debris, so the sand is clean. On select nights there are outdoor movies on the sand. The beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling since there’s a reef. Having opened in 1998 the hotel was last renovated in 2008, but furnishings are well-maintained. Guests are often greeted with welcome drinks, like iced tea, and freshly cut coconut in the open-air lobby that features pitched wooden ceilings and rattan furniture. The quiet setting suits couples, especially honeymooners, but also families with kids. 

This hotel sits on the southwestern part of the island on a quiet beach that overlooks the calm peninsula waters. Across from the hotel is a dirt lot with taxis. Just over a half-mile away (a 10-minute walk) is One Eye, which is ideal for kitesurfing; the hotel has a kitesurfing school and a dive center. An excursion desk can arrange dolphin tours and glass-bottom boat trips, among other activities. Rhumerie de Chamarel, a rum distillery, and the Curious Corner of Chamarel, a so-called Illusion House, are 20 to 25 minutes by car. Scenic views from Le Morne Brabant, the peninsula's eponymous mountain, are a 15-minute drive. One hour and 15 minutes away by car is the SSR International Airport. Limousine transfers can be arranged through the front desk, and parking is free. 

Arranged in clusters on the property, all rooms and suites have lovely sea views from balconies or patios, though guests recommend requesting rooms right on the beach for the best views. Chalet-style rooms are decorated in tropical decor: rattan furniture, palm-patterned textiles, and tile or wooden floors. Hotel information is loaded on iPads, and iPod docks are available on request. Wooden ceiling fans complement the air-conditioning and, together with black-and-white nature photography on the walls, lend a mellow vibe. Wooden designs are pleasant in bathrooms, which have marble double basins, toilet rooms, and both showers and bathtubs or soaking tubs. Tropical-inspired toiletries are provided, along with bathrobes and slippers. The Superior Rooms are the basic option, offering 137 square feet (42 square meters) of space, and a location set back from the beachfront. The next largest accommodation, the Honeymoon Suites, have whirlpool tubs for couples. Classic Junior Suites, with 170 square feet (52 square meters) of space, also have whirlpool tubs. Junior Prestige Suites, with 63 square meters of space, feature open-air garden showers. Convenient amenities include capsule coffeemakers, and minibars stocked with alcohol, soft drinks, juices, and chocolate bars. All rooms have safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. 

The hotel's private beach offers about 2,000 feet (600 meters) of white sand. The beach is shielded from the winds by the mountain, resulting in a lovely lagoon for peaceful swimming. Guests can also lounge underneath thatched umbrellas on the sand. Farther inland, four stylishly designed lagoon pools blend into the island flora and provide sea views from lounge chairs. One pool also offers a shallow kiddy section. Supervised activities are also available for children. Another pool is in the garden in the spa, which has a Vichy shower, hammam, sauna, hot tub, and a hair salon. Chinese medicinal herbs are available, as are natural spa products called LUX Me. 

The gym is in a chalet and equipped with free weights, cardio machines, and other modern equipment. The hotel offers free access to an outdoor tennis court, ping-pong, and beach volleyball. Kayaks and other water-sports rentals are an additional fee.

Multiple restaurants and bars all enjoy beachfront views. The main restaurant, the Kitchen, offers buffet-style meals and The Beach eatery has Mediterranean fare. Thai food is served in the East restaurant and The Bar has live entertainment and light meals. Coffee and light fare are available in Cafe Lux. There are also two pool bars, at the Oasis and Ilot pools, with one swim-up bar that has an ice cream case. Panama hats are for sale on a pool's sundeck, with more island gear in the hotel’s shop. 

Wi-Fi is free throughout, and Mac computers are available in the reception area. One conference room can be rented, fitting up to 40 people. A London phone booth in the lobby offers free international calls.