Saint Lucia Mourns The Loss of Tourism Visionary Nick Troubetzkoy

The tourism industry in Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean is mourning the loss of Nick Troubetzkoy, the celebrated owner and designer of the iconic Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts.

Troubetzkoy, often described as a “Giant” in the hospitality industry, passed away in London on November 25, 2024.

Nick Troubetzkoy was not only a pioneer in sustainable luxury tourism but also a beloved member of the community.

Sanovnik Destang, fellow hotelier and President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), paid tribute, stating, “He was an industry giant who will be missed. He left a legacy on tourism in Saint Lucia and in the Caribbean—not only by dreaming big and creating a world-class product that stretched the boundaries of what we imagined possible, but also through his impact on the community and his championing of sustainable tourism development.”

Nick Troubetzkoy, a Russian-Canadian architect from British Columbia, Canada, arrived in Saint Lucia in the early 1970s.

Initially intending to spend only a short time working on villa designs, he fell in love with the island and its people, turning what was meant to be a temporary project into a lifelong calling.

A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Troubetzkoy apprenticed under acclaimed west coast architects, including Ron Thom and Arthur Erickson, before his transformative move to the Caribbean.

In Saint Lucia, his creativity and architectural innovation found new heights, beginning with the creation of Anse Chastanet.

“His visionary spirit and fearless architectural innovation first manifested in the creation of Anse Chastanet,” read a statement from the resort. “This project laid the groundwork for his crowning achievement, Jade Mountain, which stands as a powerful testament to his great love for Saint Lucia and her people.”

Troubetzkoy’s resorts epitomised his commitment to blending luxury with environmental stewardship. With its signature open-wall design overlooking the Pitons—Saint Lucia’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jade Mountain redefined eco-tourism and garnered worldwide acclaim. His work earned him the island’s highest honours, including the Saint Lucia Cross (SLC) and the Saint Lucia Medal of Honour (SLMH).

Beyond his architectural feats, Troubetzkoy was a tireless advocate for sustainable tourism and community betterment. He invested in projects that uplifted Soufriere’s communities, cementing his reputation as more than a hotelier but a benefactor and friend of the people.

His loss is deeply felt not only by his family—his wife of 40 years, Karolin, their children, Karen, Nikolijne, Nikolai, and Yasha, and his grandchildren Talin and Remy—but also by the tourism community at large.

Winston Anderson, Managing Director of Sandals Resorts for Saint Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent, expressed his sorrow: “Nick will definitely be missed, not only by us in the hospitality sector but by the country as a whole. Both he and his wife have been integral to the tourism landscape in Saint Lucia for many years. Nick created a true world-class product that helped solidify Saint Lucia’s position on the global map as a unique destination offering unparalleled experiences.”