Guest Reviews

"Balenbouche Karma"
From the mermaids in the ocean to the stardust in the sky Balenbouche dances with nature to the rhythm of the wind, blowing through the banyan, the calabash and the almond trees, creating peace and harmony everlasting energy. We are stardust vibrating and dancing on the astral plane. Listen with your eyes, see with your ears, taste the sunshine and smell the beauty Embrace the spiritual world Action within inaction is unspoken Release, let go and receive the gifts of rhythm flow, mystic and magic love We surrender to the perfect balance of nature, universe and spirit. We are one.
Participants of Yoga Retreat, April 2006

"We've so enjoyed your beautiful, natural, tranquil house and felt your warmth and eaten your delicious food. Thank you so much - you have a haven of peace here - we've loved it. Jacqueline and Paul Brown, and Julien, Joanna and Lucien January 5, 2005"

"We have spent three delightful weeks relaxing in this exotic and characterful paradise. Our three charming hostesses have really spoilt us and their assorted animals have greatly entertained us. With our warmest thanks to you all for such an enjoyable and memorable stay. Pauline and Roger, February 2004"

"We are grateful for the guiding hand which led us to Balenbouche and for the deep nourishment we received during our stay here." Thank you. Una Raetz O'Connell April 2004

"....we just thought we'd drop you a line to say thank you for making our holiday so very special....I have been to my parents and haven't stopped talking about you all day. I bet your ears were burning! Balenbouche is definitely a place we'd like to return to again and again.... love to you all, Jane and Sam Bailey" (April 2004)

Just a short note to say thank you once again for all your  kindness, and love and giving us all the opportunity to share and be part of your beautiful home and grounds it was a great  pleasure to meet each and every one of you the staff and the dogs how are they say a special hi to fish for me and to share such a wonderful experience without yourselves and balenbouche estate would not have been possible thank you again Love to you  all  Mary (March 25, 2004)

Dear Uta, I just wanted to take a moment to write you a note thanking you for showing us around Balenbouche back in February....As Jill so aptly put it, its good to know that you are working to preserve such a beautiful corner of the earth. It was very nice to feel your spirit at work in such a positive and sustaining way. While we try in our own small ways to minimize our impact on the earth, it was great to see you living and applying values in a way that is so much closer to the ideals to which we aspire. Your lifestyle inspires us to simplify and lead lives more respectful of the earth....we hope we are able to come see you again. We wish you and Balenbouche the very best. Namiste, Robert & Jill Martinez, March 2004

I wanted to let you know again how much we enjoyed our stay at Balenbouche. It was exactly what we were looking for, a very special place. We hope to visit again soon. Jerome Liss, March 2004

I would just like to repeat what we wrote in the Guest Book. Namely, that we loved your Balenbouche and the warm and gracious way in which you made us so welcome. We both hope that we can come again. With very best wishes. Roger (February 2004)

Hello Uta, Verena, and Anitanja, We are back in the States now and are telling all our friends and family what a wonderful time we had at Balenbouche. In my mind I can still see the view from the villa porch, complete with cattle, hummingbirds, Banyan tree, and gorgeous flowers. I miss the nightly frog and insect serenade. Even though I try to describe Balenbouche it's hard to capture the special atmosphere that you have preserved and created. We hope to return as soon as we can. Thanks for making our stay so enjoyable. Best regards, Gretchen Kolek and Chris Cunningham (February 2004)

Dear Verena and family, Thank you for a super xmas and new year break....The girls were very tearful in the car as we left.....it was quite a magical time for them.Once again thank you for letting us share your part of paradise.... Helen Paterson (january 2004)

Dear Uta, Just a brief message to wish you all the best in the New Year. I can't believe it is a year already since we enjoyed your generous hospitality. We often mention you and St Lucia, the plants, "our" private beach and the dogs...I hope you and your daughters are fine, and that some time we will meet again. Happy New Year, Neda Maletic (December 2003)

"Balenbouche is a magical place and one we shall always hold dear in our hearts. The fantastic scenery, the incredible starry nights, the wonderful villa and hospitality and the delicious food ( Anitanja's chocolate cake has yet to be beaten) were a perfect start to our holiday and we miss you all terribly....We do hope to return to St.Lucia in the not too distant future and Balenbouche will certainly be our first stop. We are determined to find the other beach and see the trees in flower. Thank you for everything you did for us. Say Hi to all at Balenbouche, Uncle Ben, the dogs and the tortoise. If you are at any time in England, please come and see us.With our very best wishes, Tom and Maureen Seiden" (November 2003)

We must be one of the fortunate few to have sampled, in a small way, a swiftly passing tropical way of life. Wandering the gardens, guided helpfully by Fishy and Paco, was both relaxing and fascinating. We shot nine rolls of film during our holiday. Now we find the great majority of the photos were taken at Balenbouche, with every shot helping us to recall pleasant memories of our stay. Thanks. Best wishes, Stuart & Terri March 19, 2003

Thank you for a fantastic holiday. We've had a lovely time here on st Lucia. Wish we could have stayed for more than a week. The children have had a marvelous time too - they've loved the beaches and sea. I've loved the lush vegetation and cool breezes. Can't wait to come back. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. Julia, David, Elli, Cesca and Sarah, February 11, 2002

We recently visited you on our Ramblers holiday with Wendy, our leader. Since our return we have meant to let you know just how much we enjoyed our tour of your estate and that wonderful afternoon tea! Thank you for your hospitality - this was one of the highlights of our trip. Maurice and Jill Phillips, December 29, 2002

I would like to commend Holland America for their Island Highlights tour in Castries, St.Lucia on the Volendam Nov 2 to Nov 12, 2001, cruise. The shore tour was probably the best I have been on in 7 or 8 Holland america cruises and several cruises on other lines. The tour included Balenbouche Estate. To us, that was the highlight. The 19th century estate house is beautifully situated in a tropical garden with historic ruins, shaded by banyan, mango, and other exotic trees. We were shown the Estate, given an educational and historical narrative of the grounds, and treated to a gourmet meal, all in a very beautiful setting. During lunch, we were serenaded by a local Shak Shak band. It was fun. The hostess, Uta Lawaetz, was gracious and charming. She and her lovely daughters made us feel truly welcome as guests in their home. All in all, it was a delightful experience, and will be long remembered. Thanks again for this cruise highlight., Clarence Kerlee, November 26, 2001

Sie glauben nicht, wie oft wir an Sie gedacht haben und von Ihrem wunderschoenem Anwesen erzaehlt haben - unsere Freunde lachen schon ueber unsere Schwaermerei! Es war fuer uns wirklich ein ganz besonderes Erlebnis, bei Ihnen gewesen zu sein- es war nicht nur die gesamte Anlage- es war die Harmonie und der Zusammenklang von Natur und Mensch - Ihre Freude an der Schoenheit, Ihr Mut, auch die weniger romantischen Seiten ihres Alltags fertig zu werden, Ihre selbstverstaendliche Gastfreundschaft - es war einfach etwas Ganzes und Wohltuendes! Freia und Othman, April 14, 2000

We keep an unforgettable memory of our stay on Balenbouche estate. An island of dreams, poetry, generosity and another time on the island of st Lucia. A stay full of happiness, friendliness, unexpected excursions in an "all-terrain" vehicle and enriching human relationships. We wish a long life to the spirit dominating Balenbouche estate. A spirit created by Uta and her children. It is very hard for us to leave this wonderful place, but we are really looking forward to come back. Danilo and Marga (December 25, 1994 - January 4, 1995)

Balenbouche will forever be a special place for me. From my first visits in 1989 I felt a very special feeling, a warmth and a presence, that made all people welcome. I hope that people will continue to support the cause, and visit this magnificent place. This is the true identity of St.Lucia, one which is little spoken about or appreciated. Thank you Uta, for sharing your home, family, talents, stories, fine cuisine and most importantly, yourself, with us. Jane, May 7, 1993

Travel Guide & Magazine Reviews

"Balenbouche is indeed a world within itself exuding a tranquil presence of warmth, hospitality and harmony.” (Tropical Traveler)

"Whether visiting for the natural beauty, the history, the excellent food or to spend the night, the laid-back personality of Balenbouche will ensure your complete enjoyment." (The Sun)

"...the gentle spirit of the owner transforms the property into 'home' for all who wander in that direction." (Indigo Guide)

 "Every now and again, a traveler stumbles across something - a place, a person - that feels truly special.” (BWIA Caribbean Beat)

 "Balenbouche estate is a prime example of the type of eco-tourism propagated by the governments of the Lesser Antilles - a concept which is just being realized consistently in the last few years in St. Lucia." (360 Skyscene,)

“Without doubt, the best address in the South of the island…Our ‘coup de coeur’!” (Guide du Routard)