Bel Jou Hotel

Bel Jou sits on a green hilltop above Castries, so the views do a lot of the work: from the pool terraces and the higher rooms you look across the town and harbour to the sea. It's an adults-only, all-inclusive hotel of 76 rooms, small enough that staff get to know you by name.

The all-inclusive plan covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, drinks by the glass, daily snacks and afternoon tea, plus a weekly cocktail party and entertainment. The Verandah Restaurant serves buffets with themed nights, Lulu's Cabana does lighter local food, and Kilibwi is the à la carte option, booked in advance. There's also a coffee shop and a rooftop bar and lounge for sunset.

Days are spent between two pools, with classes such as aqua aerobics, Pilates and dance, and rum tastings. A small spa offers massages, manicures and pedicures (at extra cost), and the gym is open 24 hours. The hotel isn't on the beach: a shuttle takes you to Vigie Beach and into Castries in under 10 minutes.