| A property such as Balenbouche Estate requires constant care and maintenance, and the ability to overcome various challenges with limited resources. At the same time, many travelers have a desire to share their skills and to make their travels more affordable. Balenbouche encourages retired professionals and skilled individuals to contribute their time and expertise in exchange for free or reduced room and board.
Although we are a private family owned business, all our revenue goes back into preserving the property. We are a designated heritage site and a members of the Heritage Tourism Association of St. Lucia (HERITAS).
- You are allowed 6 weeks in the country as a tourist. Thereafter, you must seek an extension at the immigration office in Castries, and pay a fee of US$ 75 for every 4 weeks additional stay.
- If you are attached to an educational institution, you may be able to request an exemption from immigration.
- As a tourist without a work permit, you are not allowed to receive any monetary compensation.
We prefer volunteers to come in the off-season between May and November, when we do most of our renovations and projects. Please contact us for more information!
st Lucia Government St.Lucia Guide |
Gardening (landscaping, trails, creating outdoor seating areas etc.)
Agriculture (livestock, cut flowers, irrigation, organic farming)
Restaurant (food preparation, waiting tables)
Construction & building restoration (mostly wooden buildings, also restoration of historic stone walls)
Industrial restoration (sugar mill)
Archaeology and Museology (pre-columbian and colonial periods)
General Maintenance (building and grounds)
Carpentry, furniture making and antique restoration
Energy and Alternative Technology (Electrical, including solar power and other alternative technologies, plumbing, water filtration etc.)
Mechanics and small engine care (lawnmowers, weed-eaters, automobiles, chainsaws, welding)
Environmental Management (implementing practices in accordance with international "green" standards)
Business Consulting
Professional experience in one of the above areas
Ability and willingness to do manual labor
Ability to improvise with limited resources
Strong work ethic and commitment
A readiness to follow instructions
A sense of aesthetics and an appreciation of beauty
An appreciation of and concern for nature
Previous travel and/or volunteering experience
An easygoing personality and positive attitude
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