Meagan Drillinger

In a Caribbean landscape where luxury megaresorts and global brands often dominate, St. Lucia's Ti Kaye Resort & Spa is quietly proving that boutique, owner-operated properties not only have staying power, but can also set the standard for sustainability.

What struck me most during my stay wasn't just the cliffside views or the culinary program ¡ª it was the guests. Nearly everyone I met fell into one of two camps: Either they had been coming to Ti Kaye for years, returning like clockwork, or they had stumbled across it by chance, zooming in on Google Maps until this little hillside resort appeared. That kind of discovery says a lot about Ti Kaye's positioning: It's not a household name, but once guests find it, they tend to keep coming back.

Privacy, good food, fine wine

Ti Kaye was created nearly 24 years ago by owner Nick Pinnock, who still lives on the property and oversees daily operations. There is no general manger. Instead, the resort reflects what the owner wanted in a Caribbean escape: privacy, good food and an excellent glass of wine.

That personal passion still guides the resort. The wine cellar is one of the most extensive on the island, a collection that grew out of Pinnock's travels and his love of wine. The spirits list is just as eclectic, with vodka and gin sourced from around the world. Guests can join private wine and rum tastings in the stone cellar, a detail that elevates Ti Kaye beyond what travelers might expect from a Caribbean boutique resort.

The culinary program is a point of pride. The dinner menu changes nightly, leaning on fresh, local ingredients, and the beachfront restaurant is expanding to meet growing demand. The jerk pork is one of the best items on the menu, though the wood-fired pizzas down by the beach come close.

Honeymooners make up a large portion of the clientele, and Ti Kaye caters to them with enhanced packages. Advisors can book stays that include private dinners, spa treatments, wine tastings and even custom body scrubs infused with a signature scent.?

Focus on sustainability

What makes Ti Kaye stand out in today's Caribbean market is its sustainability. The resort is EarthCheck certified, a benchmark that must be met annually. The property runs on a 45-kilowatt solar farm, desalinates and triple-filters its water and treats gray water for use in its farm-to-table program.?

These systems are largely invisible to guests, but they make Ti Kaye one of the most environmentally responsible properties in the region. In 2024, the resort won the CHIEF Award for Environmental Sustainability, recognized as the most sustainable resort in the Caribbean.

Sustainability extends to the community, too. A $2 nightly surcharge supports the Ti Kaye Medical and Education Fund, which is matched by ownership. At the end of each school year, the funds go toward subsidizing healthcare and covering education costs for the children of staff. It's a straightforward program with an outsize impact, and one that advisors can highlight to clients looking for responsible travel options.

Measured expansion

For travel advisors, Ti Kaye fills an important niche in St. Lucia's hotel landscape. It is adults-only, moderately priced and flexible in its offerings. Guests can book on a bed-and-breakfast plan or opt for the all-inclusive package. Rooms start at around $180 for the bed-and-breakfast plan, or $370 for the all-inclusive.?

The resort will expand in 2027 with six new villas, but its scale will remain boutique. With just 39 villas post-expansion, Ti Kaye will continue to feel intimate and personal. It's a reminder that sometimes the most under-the-radar properties deliver the biggest impact for guests, the environment and the community.

"We love to remain a quaint secret," said Lucia Poleon, the resort's revenue, sales and marketing manager. "As much as we do market the resort, we love being that home away from home for people. We don't want to be in everybody's face and spoil the vibe."