Buzz: Jalousie Plantation, St. Lucia, Will Morph Into The Tides Sugar Beach

The Tides brand of chic, high-design hotels is staking a claim to the idyllic, paradise island of St. Lucia, the Caribbean's "it" spot of the moment with myriad new hotel openings. The Tides just announced plans to take over the Jalousie Plantation, give it a big makeover, and reposition it as The Tides Sugar Beach, the first Caribbean property for the luxury hotel chain. Situated in the Valley of the Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jalousie Plantation is nestled in 192 lush acres of rainforest and white sand beaches overlooking the sea. After an $100 million redesign, the resort will reopen in 2010 as the Tides Sugar Beach, joining the collection of properties set in pristine coastal settings (the Tides hotels can be found in South Beach, the Yucatan, and Zihuatanejo). From the 150 villas and guest rooms (all with private pools), guests will be able to gape at the views of the pitons (pictured). Also planned: four restaurants serving locally grown cuisine, recreational activities aplenty, a beach lounge, and comprehensive fitness center and spa with sustainable, marine-based products.