Recognition for a Unique Architectural Gem
What's embedded in the heartbeat of Ladera Resort in St. Lucia? A crazy blend of stunning architecture right smack between the Pitons that makes it like nowhere else on Earth. And guess what? Ladera just snagged the Best Design award for 2027 at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
Winning this honor isn’t about just looking pretty on postcards. It’s a nod from guests and travel aficionados, folks who've breathed in that view from their open-wall suites and felt those iconic mountains crumble the fourth wall, making nature part of their room. It's an experience voted top-notch across North, Central, and South America.
The Three-Walled Wonder
Up on a volcanic ridge 1,000 feet high, Ladera isn't just perched; it's carved into the land. Most of its 37 rooms chuck out a wall to let those Pitons strut right in. You can touch 'em almost. It's a plan that's become their signature move since they first took the hammer to nail. And it's paid off. Being the only resort inside the Pitons Management Area adds a cherry on top of this UNESCO-protected sundae.
Constructing Legacy with Local Color
But there's more under the hood than ingenious design. Ladera wears its local badge proudly. Got furniture? It's local. The same goes for bathroom vanities and even the signage scattered around. They owe their thanks to local craftsmen, including maestro Boniface Modeste—the guy's basically the local crafts hero after bagging the Craft Retailer of the Year at the GIMIES 2025/26.
Mixing blood, sweat, and tears with St. Lucian wood, stone, and clay, it's clear this resort isn’t just built on a ridge; it’s built on community. A whopping 99% of the team hails from nearby, with maintenance wizard Eustace Augustin leading the pack for over four decades.
Going Beyond a Pretty Face
This win ain't the half of it—not by a long shot. They've been pioneering sustainability long before it was the buzzword of the decade. We're talking rainwater harvesting, solar water heating, LED lights—the works. Roughly half of the place is left as thick forest and gardens. Recognized with the Sustainable Tourism Award in 2025/26, they've got their eco-credentials well-polished.
“This award isn’t just about design; it’s about heart, passion, and a dose of good old-fashioned hard work,” Sian Jungreuthmayer, the UK & Europe Representative for Ladera Resort, proclaimed.
Spreading the Excellence Vibe
It marks back-to-back wins for Ladera at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards. Last year? They carried off Best Hotel Spa for the same region, thanks to their eco-chic lévé Wellness & Spa overlooking the rainforest.
Moreover, the whole resort recently caught a glow-up, finishing a full renovation in November 2025. And accolades just keep raining down—One MICHELIN Key in the 2026 Guide, Saint Lucia's Leading Honeymoon Resort. Not too shabby!
Sipping More Than Views
Taste everything Ladera offers, from the newly minted Hideaway Rum Bar's island sips in a cozy candlelit hollow, to the 170 wine labels nestled in Dasheene's Wine Room. You’ve even got names inspired by the local wildlife for a unique spin on dining.
Without a doubt, Ladera Resort isn't just cashing in its chips and guessing what’s next. They’re doubling down on their winning hand—a blend of tradition, local flavor, and knock-your-socks-off views that even the most jaded traveler can’t resist.
