Courtesy of Cap Maison

Watching dawn break from a four-poster bed atLadera, St. Lucia is surreal.

Up here I can see everything, but no one can see me.

However, Ladera suggests adventure.

Beach with sailboat at Cap Maison

Credit:Courtesy of Cap Maison

As twilight faded we switched off the lights to stargaze, finding fireflies as well as the firmament.

A path from Paradise Ridge leads up to a viewpoint that overlooks the Pitons.

Theres a platform for sunrise yoga and meditation, which is scheduled for 6 a.m. most mornings.

High vantage point of the buildings and pool at sunset at Cap Maison

Courtesy of Cap Maison

Aside from its dramatic location, Ladera has its own look.

Tropical birds flit between them and the carefully positioned (and daily replenished) bird feeders.

Courtesy of Ladera

The ultimate proof of that comes at Laderas farm-to-table restaurant.

View of St. Lucia from pool at Ladera

Courtesy of Ladera

If the Pitons are St. Lucias signature sight, Dasheene is their viewing platform.

Guests can enjoy a private dinner in Laderas air-conditioned wine room complete with complex wine pairings.

A $10 ticket gains you access to Sulphur Springs, a mud bath thats naturally 110oF.

Its fun, but get the timing wrong and it can be saturated with visitors from cruise ships.

Back at Ladera, tranquility is re-established, but only until dusk.

Away from the bar, the resort is a foodies heaven.

The next evening its down to the cellar for a private dinner, complete with wine pairings.

Its the coolest place in the resort in more ways than one.

By morning its time for a local breakfast favorite creole salt fish with garlic bakes and avocado.

But Cap Maison is at its best at sunset.