Karolin Troubetzkoy, Executive Director, Marketing and Operations of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts

Posted in People on 12 December, 2024

As owner of Saint Lucia’s iconic, award-winning Jade Mountain Resort, Karolin Troubetzkoy shares the challenges, the joys and the environmental responsibilities of running a hotel “that looks more like a sculpture.”

Words by Emma Kennedy

Sitting at the table overlooking the Caribbean Sea at sunset, there’s a flurry of activity from the waiting staff as Karolin makes her entrance on the roof terrace. The smiles are genuine, and the welcome is warm as they greet her before introducing her to our small group. We are on day three of our stay at Saint Lucia’s Jade Mountain Resort, and few conversations have gone by without the mention of her name. Champagne corks pop, toasts are made, and Karolin’s arrival brings a fresh energy to the table.

Soufriere, St. Lucia; Jade Mountain at Anse Chastenet Resort, where each suite has a view of the Pitons.

Born and raised in Germany, Karolin was introduced to the world of hospitality at an early age while spending time with an aunt at her hotel on the shores of Lake Tegernsee in the Bavarian Alps. It was here, at just six years old, that her passion for the industry took root, setting the foundation for a lifelong commitment to tourism and hospitality.

Her first encounter with Saint Lucia was a practical semester while pursuing her degree in tourism and hospitality management at the University of Munich. Little did she know at the time, the island would later connect her to her future husband, Nick Troubetzkoy, the architect and visionary behind Jade Mountain Resort. Back in Germany, fate intervened when mutual friends introduced her to Nick, sparking what she describes as, “A somewhat complex long-distance relationship,” eventually culminating in their decision to live together in 1984.

Given Jade Mountain’s extraordinary location, I begin by asking Karolin to take me back to the construction site in 2002.

Exterior view of Jade Mountain.

Could you tell me a little about the physical challenges of building a hotel on the side of a mountain?
Jade Mountain took over four years to complete, from initial planning to execution. From the outset, the location was chosen to fully embrace the breathtaking views of the Pitons and the surrounding natural beauty of Saint Lucia. One of the greatest challenges we faced was building on such steep terrain, which required us to construct one level at a time and often improvise along the way. Additionally, given the remote nature of the site, logistical difficulties were ever-present.

A key element of this project was Nick’s commitment to using a predominantly local workforce. In addition to the 500 strong construction crew, there were many more hundreds of craftsmen – many of whom were new to this scale of construction. However, their dedication, skills, and talents were pivotal in making Nick’s vision a reality. Ultimately it changed the lives of many within the local community, contributing to long-term economic stability in the region. In recognition of his efforts and contributions, the Government of Saint Lucia eventually honored Nick with two National Awards: The Saint Lucia Medal of Honour (Gold) SLMH and one of the country’s highest honors, the Saint Lucia Cross (SLC).

In the early stages, not many of our executives fully comprehended Nick’s ambitious vision for Jade Mountain, and even our bankers were understandably nervous. But as the property began to take shape, excitement grew, and it became clear just how spectacular this project would turn out to be.

Exterior pool and terrace.

As the hotelier – as opposed to the architect – how involved were you in the design decisions?
Let’s just say that the development of Jade Mountain may have sparked a few lively marital discussions! Nick, the visionary, was constructing something that looked more like a sculpture than a traditional hotel, while I, the practical hotelier, was focused on figuring out how guests would eat, drink, sleep, and how our team would take care of them.

Although Nick led the architectural vision, we eventually found harmony in our roles. My focus was on ensuring the resort could operate smoothly, balancing his bold designs with the practical needs of both staff and guests. While Jade Mountain certainly pushed the boundaries of design, it still had to deliver an exceptional guest experience. Our shared passion for sustainability also played a significant part in guiding some of the design decisions, from using locally sourced materials to implementing eco-friendly technologies.

Jade Mountain’s commitment to sustainable and regenerative development is well documented. How did this effect the overall design?
Sustainability was one of the foundational pillars of Jade Mountain’s design. We were committed to building an eco-friendly resort that would enhance the natural beauty of Saint Lucia without disrupting it. We used local materials wherever possible, such as stone quarried on the property itself and timber from nearby sources.

One of the most innovative aspects of Jade Mountain’s design is the open-wall concept in our sanctuaries. By eliminating one wall entirely, each room is naturally ventilated, making air conditioning unnecessary and significantly reducing energy consumption. Guests can fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings while benefiting from the cooling Caribbean breezes.

We also implemented a sophisticated rainwater collection system and built our own reservoirs to minimize reliance on external water sources. In addition, the resort features an advanced wastewater treatment system that uses aerobic reed beds to treat sewage. This treated water is then used for irrigation across the property, ensuring a closed-loop system that minimizes waste.

Much of the food served in our restaurants is organically grown on-site at our Emerald Estate, offering guests a true farm-to-table experience while reducing the need for imported goods. These sustainable practices have been integral to both our environmental goals and enhancing the guest experience at Jade Mountain.

Sanctuary interior.

Has it been a challenge to convince others within the industry of the need to address the critical issues facing the climate?
Attitudes have shifted significantly in the last 10 years, and many in the industry are now recognising the long-term benefits of sustainable tourism. I am sure that the success of Jade Mountain and its reputation for eco-consciousness has inspired others to adopt greener practices. That said, there is still much work to be done. For example, many developers in the Caribbean continue to overlook the looming threat of rising sea levels, with too many new developments planned and approved right at the water’s edge. This short-sighted approach undermines the resilience needed to face future climate impacts. When it comes to resilience building and climate adaptation, we still have a long way to go, particularly in terms of changing legislation to allow for the broader introduction of renewable energy on a wider scale. It’s an ongoing process, but progress is being made, albeit slowly.

What impact did the resort have on the island’s tourist industry?
The far-reaching broader visibility of Saint Lucia through Jade Mountain has positioned Saint Lucia as a premier luxury travel destination, sparking a lot of interest by investors, who would not have looked at Saint Lucia previously. It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness the global response to something that was born from such a deep connection to this island and its natural beauty.

What is the one standout moment at Jade Mountain that still takes your breath away?
It’s always the moment you walk into a Jade Mountain sanctuary and see the infinite sea and the Pitons right in front of you. It’s as if a heavy burden is lifted from you, and all you want is to remain in that space, surrounded by such beauty forever. Many of our guests hardly ever leave their sanctuary once they have arrived – it’s a truly transformative experience. In fact, it’s the very reason we named the suites “sanctuaries” in the first place. Words alone can’t fully describe the feeling; you simply have to experience it yourself to understand how deeply moving it is.

The Celestial Terrace.

Today, your roles within the island’s tourist industry and sustainable focused initiatives are many and varied. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one achievement after decades of volunteer leadership and involvement in many initiatives. However, a few stand out. My time as President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), particularly in the aftermath of the devastating 2017 hurricanes, is something I am very proud of. We worked tirelessly to help the region recover, and this work also led to me being awarded Germany’s Cross of Merit for my contributions.

Another significant achievement was the introduction of the Saint Lucia Tourism Enhancement Fund, a voluntary system that allows visitors to contribute to the island’s sustainable development. This initiative has had a lasting positive impact on the island and continues to support important community projects.

Additionally, my work with the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF) and the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) has allowed me to champion the preservation of our region’s natural resources. These roles are particularly rewarding, as they help ensure a sustainable future for the Caribbean’s unique ecosystems.

Ultimately, I believe it’s the cumulative impact of these efforts—helping to build resilience in the tourism sector, advancing sustainable practices, and fostering conservation—that I would consider my greatest achievement.

JADE MOUNTAIN RESORT
There’s a reason why Jade Mountain has won a plethora of world travel and tourism awards since its opening in 2006. Where else offers you an infinity pool in your own private guest suite – and that’s just for starters! Taking the concept of connecting with your surroundings to a whole new level, the absence of an exterior wall throughout the hotel, leaves guests with little option. As my personal Major Duomo (butler to you and me) showed me into my suite – referred to as a sanctuary – experience had taught him to step quietly aside, allowing me time to take in my new surroundings. And there was a lot to take in.

Carved into the side of a mountain, the hotel is reached by steps for the curious – which wind their way past its sister hotel below, Anse Chastanet – or shuttles for the impatient, which take a scenic route along bumpy tracks. Either way, the moment of arrival is breathtaking. Met with a vision that would render the most seasoned travellers and design enthusiasts speechless, the hotel is quite unlike anything you will have seen before.

Given its mountainside location, all access is effectively through the back of the building. The ocean-facing façade can only be viewed from the sea below, or the sky above. From the latter it looks like a prehistoric insect with long strutting legs, stretching out from a curvaceous body – a compelling argument for booking the helicopter service from the airport.

Constructed from reinforced concrete, the building has a brutalist feel, softened and fringed with trailing borders, beds and boxes of impossibly verdant planting. Comprised of eight levels that fuse architecture and nature, each of the 29 sanctuaries are reached by long open-air walkways that criss-cross over each other from myriad paths. Each sanctuary is concealed by slatted wood panels in place of windows, which add to the unique aesthetic as they block the view beyond. It’s futuristic, with the cinematic overtones of a lost city – that is both confusing and beautiful, in equal measure.

Once inside, the sense of wonder is amplified. Whilst no two sanctuaries are the same, they all share the one stand-out feature that defines the hotel. At least one – and often two – exterior walls are missing, leaving the room completely open to nature and the elements along with unparalleled views of the volcanic Piton Mountains, rising like cones from the sea.

The far reaching view of the Pitons from a Sanctuary.

At first glance the view directly ahead could be mistaken for a billboard advertising the latest issue of National Geographic. As your eyes adjust and take in the reality of what you’re looking at, the next sensory overload is the realisation that a sizeable chunk of the space is given over to an infinity pool, living up to its name as it ripples off to meet the Caribbean Sea. It’s hard to put into words the feeling the view, the pool, and the space evokes – but when one of our group told me that she promptly burst into tears on arrival – I wasn’t surprised.

The ceilings above are a vertiginous 15 feet high, supported by traditional stone walls and concrete beams, adding to the nature infused sense of being outdoors. The décor has a distinct contemporary seventies feel, reminiscent of Habitat in its hay day. Chunky furniture in tropical hardwoods sit upon acres of glossy wood flooring. Cushions and throws in Madras – the island’s traditional checked fabric – accessorise a four-poster bed, wrapped reassuringly in soft white mosquito netting. All open plan and spacious, with generous seating and dining areas, a sun-drenched terrace and thoughtfully considered fridge, it’s high end and luxurious, and an aesthetic mile away from a traditional 5-star hotel.

Despite the complete sense of being outdoors, the design allows for total privacy. Thick stone walls separate the sanctuaries and without precariously leaning out over the edge (not to be recommended) and peering upwards, it’s virtually impossible to see anything of the neighbouring sanctuaries. There are no televisions, screens or radios, and by day, the only sound, is the gentle lapping of the pool and chirruping of birds, who seem to consider you as their guests. By night, the noise level elevates to a cacophony of industrious wildlife, led by an army of tree frogs, and the ear plugs that appear with the turn down service are put to full use – a small price when enveloped in such elemental luxury.

Along with the missing exterior walls, in the absence of a reception or lobby area, check-in happens over a cocktail in the bar area at the top of the hotel. Separated by a circular infinity pool from the adjacent Jade Mountain Club restaurant, like the sanctuaries, they are open fronted. The decor is simple with tables placed sparingly, served by a menu that changes daily, using local produce grown on the resort’s organic Emerald Farm.

At sunset, the terrace above beckons with the promise of a front row seat to the best show on the island. Basking in the amber glow that dances off the sea, it’s a moment, that you hope will never fade – in reality or memory.