The hype
Guests are torn between the breathtaking design/views and the frustrating service/maintenance issues.
Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort - Kittitian Hill
$430-650/ night
Book this if You want a remote, high-design eco-fantasy where 'luxury' means outdoor bathrooms, farm-fresh food, and zero proximity to a cruise ship crowd.
Why People Love It
- Stunning views of St. Eustatius and the ocean from high in the mountains
- Private infinity pools in many cottages that actually feel private
- Farm-to-table dining concept that is genuinely local (90% sourced nearby)
Quick Take: A visually spectacular eco-resort that struggles with the harsh reality of the tropics—expect bugs in your open-air bathroom, slow service, and maintenance that can't quite keep up with the jungle.
Reviewed by @carmenroberts_travels: I explored these three spots and was blown away by the variety. Belle Mont felt like a private jungle retreat, while Park Hyatt gave me that perfect mix of family fun and adult relaxation. The farm stay was such a unique, hands-on bonus!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'rustic luxury' concept wears thin when you wait 90 minutes for a salad or wake up with bug bites because the netting has gaps.
- You are a serious nature lover who doesn't mind a frog in the shower
- You want total seclusion far away from the tourist strip
- You appreciate architectural design over modern hermetically-sealed comfort
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Generally good, but the open-air design makes it impossible to keep nature out (leaves, dust, bugs).
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean fixtures, but 'outdoor' nature means you will find spiderwebs or insects shortly after cleaning.
- Maintenance: Struggling. Reports of peeling paint, splintered decking, and worn fabrics are common due to the harsh tropical climate.
- Linens & towels: Decent quality, but dampness can be an issue in the humid mountain air.
- Odors & scents: Fresh rainforest air mixed with occasional agricultural smells (it is a farm) or mustiness in older cottages.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Tree frogs and crickets (very loud at night)
- Construction noise from neighboring lots (daytime)
- Wind howling through the open-air structures
Before you book
Good to know
- The beach is NOT on-site; you must take a shuttle (approx 10-15 mins) to Dieppe Bay.
- Breakfast is NOT included in most base rates and costs ~$45 USD per person.
- The road up to the resort is steep, winding, and dark at night—rental car drivers beware.
What to pack
- High-strength bug spray (DEET) - the resort provides some, but bring your own
- Lightweight long sleeves/pants for evenings to prevent bites
- Flashlight/Headlamp for navigating paths at night
Room Genie
Best picks
- Luxury Cottage with Pool (worth the upgrade for the private dip)
- Cottages with St. Eustatius view (unobstructed sunsets)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard cottages near the road/construction zones
- Units without a private pool (the main pool is a hike from some rooms)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 'Luxury Cottage with Pool' located as far as possible from the current construction zone. We prefer a unit with a direct view of St. Eustatius and would appreciate a room where the mosquito netting has been recently checked.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a beach at the hotel?
No. The hotel is in the mountains. They offer a shuttle to Arthur's Beach Club at Dieppe Bay (black sand beach), about 15 minutes away.
Are the rooms air-conditioned?
Only the bedroom area is air-conditioned. The bathroom and living areas are typically open-air or screened, meaning they are the same temperature as outside.
Is it suitable for kids?
Technically yes, but not recommended. The open-air design, lack of 'kids club' activities, and steep terrain make it better for adults.
How bad are the bugs?
Significant. You are in a rainforest farm. Guests report mosquitoes, spiders, and beetles in bathrooms and living areas. If you hate bugs, do not stay here.
Is the pool heated?
No. The infinity pools can be chilly, especially in the evenings or during the winter months when mountain temperatures drop.
Can I walk to restaurants?
No. You are isolated. You must eat on-site, take the shuttle to Arthur's, or drive 20+ minutes to other dining options.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Request a room 'up-mountain' for better breezes which help keep mosquitoes away.
- ✨
The 'projector' in the room (instead of a TV) is cool but often has sound issues—bring a backup entertainment device.
- ✨
Buy wine/snacks at a grocery store in Basseterre before driving up; resort markups are high.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'open air bathroom' means you might be showering with a frog watching you.
💡It gets surprisingly cool at night in the mountains—you might actually need a sweater.
💡Stray dogs have been reported wandering onto porches and sleeping on outdoor furniture.
💡The 'farm-to-table' concept is real, but it sometimes means they are out of standard ingredients (like limes or specific veggies).
💡Wifi is available but spotty; do not plan on hosting critical video conferences here.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort - Kittitian Hill is located and what's nearby.