Set amid the Pitons ridge of Saint Lucia lies Lévé Wellness and Spa at Ladera Resort. Lévé is more than a spa; it represents a return to self. In Creole, Lèvè means to awaken, rise up and lift up. From the moment you enter, the soft palette of white and brown and the semicircular walkway into the spa represent a moment of reflection and time to go within. Lévé is created with the intention to take you back to the traditional roots and wellness therapies of Saint Lucia.
Imagine traditional Saint Lucian grandmothers’ wellness therapies, concoctions and herbs blended together to create a modern spa which puts nature at the forefront. Created with the Pitons of Saint Lucia as a backdrop, Lévé plays on the rainforest vibe and sweeping mountain views the spa area offers. The Signature Rainforest Couple’s Cabana is immersed in the rainforest and takes people back to nature. The sensory-rich environment is starkly different from traditional enclosed spas.
Ladera Resort has an in-house farm growing a variety of spices, herbs, Caribbean fruits like dasheen, breadfruit and soursop. Freshly grown ingredients from the in house farm are used to make fresh food at JAKO Wellness Cafe, located inside the spa. At JAKO Wellness Café, you can immerse yourself in the process of picking your fruits and making your own smoothie. To bring back the farm-to-table concept, Lévé has conceptualized JAKO to be a hub for wellness food.
The massive expanse of Lévé — from the spa cabanas, swimming pool, JAKO Wellness Café, steam and sauna rooms to the treehouse — makes Lévé a spa like no other. The experience of the spa involves wisdom from Mother Nature and therapies that involve her best elements.
From the moment one enters Lévé, it is apparent the spa was crafted to incorporate nature, with respect to the natural surroundings of the land enveloping its location.
The position of the spa overlooking the Pitons and rainforest allows you to breathe in fresh air and take in the beautiful scenery. The mountains and the flora of Saint Lucia gleam at you from the corner. The scenery is also incorporated into one’s fitness journey while at Ladera Resort.
The spa and wellness offerings blend perfectly for this experience with complimentary yoga, meditation classes, making smoothies and quick access to the outdoor gym, nature trail and Ladera treehouse. The Ladera treehouse is created entirely out of logs of fallen trees in the Ladera mountain farm. It represents nature and sustainability. The treehouse is also a part of the Ladera spa where you can relax and rejuvenate while playing board games or watching a movie. After all, there’s no wellness without a little fun.
The concept features locally sourced craftsmanship from the carved wooden doors, taking you back into royalty and relaxation. Wood carving is also showcased at the Ladera shop where the local gardener makes wood carvings from fallen logs on the farm. He also makes bead necklaces from fallen tree seeds. While some might look beyond these simple souvenirs from the island, they represent sustainability in the Caribbean at large. With climate change, making the most out of every resource takes center stage for sustainable living.
Design elements are seen in the beautiful furniture at the JAKO Wellness Café and in the mosaic tiles throughout the spa. The blue mosaic tiles represent the unique shades of blue found across the island – from the water to the skies. At Lévé, guests don’t just visit a spa; they feel immersed in Saint Lucia’s landscape, from the scent of the earth after rain to the warmth of the sun and cool mountain air.
The Taste of Saint Lucia experience at Lévé celebrates locally sourced ingredients. Awaken Your Soul therapy uses coconut oils prepared fresh on-site from island coconuts and volcanic mud from the region to heal the body and spirit. Saint Lucia has a volcanic caldera called Soufrière — the area is active and marked by steam. Volcanic mud is collected from the region and applied during the therapies at Lévé. It has healing properties and known for its skin-brightening benefits.
Lévé volcanic scrub and wrap involves gentle exfoliation followed by the application of volcanic mud on the body. The scrub therapy involves a light face massage and de-stress scalp massage. The massages are individualized based on your needs.
The Lucian spice and scrub massage uses natural coconut oil to exfoliate the skin. This is followed by an application of coconut milk on the body to moisturize the body.
BAMBOO MASSAGE IS ANOTHER UNIQUE THERAPY, USING BAMBOO STICKS IN KNEADING, ROLLING, AND PRESSING TECHNIQUES. THIS HELPS TO BOOST CIRCULATION AND PROMOTE RELAXATION.
After the therapy, guests are guided to the steam and sauna areas. The pool is open for use as well. Despite rooms having a private pool and Ladera having a public one, the spa has a dedicated swimming pool to itself. After the therapies, guests are treated to smoothies and salads. Once all the wellness therapies are completed, guests are not expected to say goodbye; instead they’re asked to revisit the spa to use its common areas, café, farm, and treehouse to continue their wellness journey on their holiday.
With everything Lévé does, it’s truly a spa that goes many steps beyond other spas. It delivers the promise of contemporary modern living while honoring the wisdom of age-old rituals. The therapies prepare you for a better tomorrow — physically, mentally, and emotionally — and refine both body and spirit. For those seeking tranquility and solace, Lévé is the destination.
