Eco Tourism and Sustainability
Balenbouche Estate is a private, family owned business, a St. Lucia Heritage site and member of the Heritage Tourism Association of st Lucia (HERITAS). For over 45 years our family has been deeply committed to preserving the history and integrity of the Estate. Combining agriculture with tourism and other activities has enabled us to meet the challenge of maintaining the historic buildings and grounds, and serve as an educational and recreational resource for locals and visitors alike.
We are seeking to increase alternative energy use and food production, and further implement many of the principles of permaculture, enabling us and our visitors to demonstrate a harmonious balance between people and their natural environment.
We are a member of Responsible Travel in the UK and have been featured in numerous publications and magazines, including most of the major travel guides, Alastair Sawdays "Green Places to Stay," Islands Magazine, Conde Nast Traveller, and the Sunday Times.
Read more about our responsible tourism practices and our volunteer opportunities |
Is Balenbouche Estate for you?
Balenbouche offers a unique combination of farm, historic site, guest house and family home, which attracts a special kind of traveler...
The closest town, supermarket, & bank are a 15 min. drive away. There is one restaurant within a 5 minute drive, others are 20 - 30 minutes away. Most places require a car, bus or taxi to get to.
Horses, cows, dogs, cats, and many useful and harmless creatures such as ants, spiders, lizards, bugs, frogs, crickets, bats. Against mosquitos, we recommend repellant, protective clothing, nets and incense, Some say that Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine) also helps keep them away.
All structures are designed for outdoor living. There are no screens, only mosquito nets over the beds. The bedrooms are lockable (safe is provided).
No A/C, TV or phone in rooms (fans, free wireless and central phone are provided).
We use solar water heating and rain water, and ask guests to conserve water and electricity.
Beaches: We do not have a pool. Several natural beaches (part rocky, part sandy, with fairly strong surf) are within a 5 - 15 minute walk. |