Hotel Of The Week: Discovery, St Lucia

'A boutique hotel built into a hillside with a treehouse feel'

The British have a long history at St Lucia's Marigot Bay, probably the most enchanting inlet on the entire Caribbean island. In 1778 the British fleet hid in this narrow finger of water, disguising their ships by tying palm fronds to their masts before sallying out to surprise the French; in 1967 the Rex Harrison musical Dr Dolittle was filmed there; and last year Discovery at Marigot Bay, a British inspiration, opened its elegant doors. A luxury boutique hotel with 57 suites and 67 rooms, it is built into a hillside, and the use of hardwoods in the design gives it a treehouse feel. You can relax at the Lapli Spa and enjoy one of the mind and body programmes; for a livelier time, join the yachties at the Marina, capable of berthing yachts of up to 240ft.

The bedroom

Heaven: king-size beds (four-posters in the upper suites) with voile netting and 300-thread Egyptian cotton sheets. The bathroom has slate floors and surfaces, with an enormous "drench" showerhead and a generous range of toiletries, including sunscreen, plus deliciously fluffy towels. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, 27in flat-screen TV, DVD player, music system, air conditioning, ceiling fans and a balcony or decking are standard. Suites also have fitted kitchens, washers and dryers; many have plunge pools.

Food and drink

Signature dishes at the colonial-style Boudreau Restaurant include pan-roasted kingfish with tempura vegetables, sweet potato mash and maple mango sauce; a three-course dinner with wine costs $66.30 (£33.50), including service. The glass-and-resin Pink Snail cocktail bar pays homage to Dr Dolittle; for a more traditional atmosphere, head for the original bar on the site, the Hurricane Hole, now restored.

Access

Children are welcome, with a Kids' Club and many other facilities provided. One of the guest rooms is specially modified for wheelchair users and there is wheelchair access to all restaurants and bars. Dogs are not allowed.

The bill

Rates from $319 (£162) per room per night, including breakfast.

The address

Discovery at Marigot Bay, PO Box MG 7227, Marigot, St Lucia (001 758 458 5300; discoverystlucia.com).