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Balenbouche Estate, Choiseul, st Lucia
A visit to Balenbouche estate, a heritage site and guesthouse in the
south of st Lucia which is still quite off the beaten path, offers
a very personal and authentic experience. The 19th century Estate
house, residence of the Lawaetz family, is surrounded by an enchanting
garden with many huge old trees and areas to relax. Enjoy the peace
and tranquility of the grounds, swim at one of the secluded beaches,
and explore the remains of an impressive 18th century sugar factory.
A collection of Amerindian artefacts, rock basins and petroglyphs
tell of an ancient indigenous culture. One of the owners will personally
take you around the Estate. Lunches and dinners can be arranged by
prior appointment. Tel: 1 (758) 455-1244, www.balenbouche.com,
info@balenbouche.com |
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La Sikwi Estate, st Lucia
One of the few sugar mills on the island constructed by the British.
Built in 1876, it is more modern than the older french buildings.
The 40 ft waterwheel, milling machinery, and building is very well-preserved.
The sugar mill produced molasses as its final product, not sugar,
and during the early 1900’s the factory was converted into lime
oil production. There is a beautiful garden and small semi-outdoor
theatre for cultural performances. La Sikwi is part of the organized
Jungle Tours and Jeep Safari tours, and lunches for a minimum of 10
people can be booked in advance. Walk-in visitors are also welcome.
Tel: 1 (758) 452-6323 or e-mail adjohagi@candw.lc
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Fond Latisab Creole Park, st Lucia
This family-run heritage site is just a 30 minute drive from the capital
Castries. It offers an inspiring experience of traditional practices,
including demonstrations of local traditions such as cassava bread-making,
cooking on macambou leaves, authentic two-handed sawing to the rhythm
of a chak chak band, honey collection and traditional methods for
catching crayfish. A truly “creole” experience. Tel: 1
(758) 450-6327/5461 |
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Errard Estate, Dennery, st Lucia
The introductory tour includes an insight into the cocoa and nutmeg
processing which is still done on the plantation. Then, visitors
have a choise of several walks and hikes, including a short walk
to a waterfall, a two-hour long trek, and a short trip with an all-terrain
vehicle to a larger waterfall. Organized tours depart from Castries
(50 minute drive) in open-back jeeps. Tel: 1 (758) 458 0908
One of st. lucia’s best mountain biking trail, organized
by Island Bike Hikes departs from Errard Estate.
Tel/Fax: (758) 458 0908
www.cyclestlucia.com,
mtnbikeslu@candw.lc |
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Fond D’ Or Estate, Dennery, st Lucia
At Fond D’ Or, you can see three different sugar processing
technologies existing side by side: the cattle mill, the waterwheel,
and the steam engine. The area is also the archeological site of several
Amerindian settlements, which are documented at the interpretation
centre, where a delicious lunch is also served. Horseback riding,
turtle watching, and bird watching are all part of the experience.
The natural landscapes at Fond D’ Or are just as diverse as
the man-made ones, ranging from estuarine forests on gently sloping
hills to protected mangroves and a wide white sand beach (swimming
with caution). Extensive hiking trails allow you to explore the undisturbed
plant and wildlife at Fond D’ Or for several hours, in the company
of a knowledgeable guide from the community.
Fond D’Or is part of the st Lucia Mabouya Valley Development Project,
a successful example of community-based resource management. Tel.:
1 (758) 453-3242,
Fax: 1 (758) 453-3048, mvdp@candw.lc |
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Morne Coubaril Estate, Soufriere, st Lucia
This fully working plantation allows visitors to experience first
hand some of the island’s traditional agricultural activities
such as copra (dried coconuts), cocoa, and cassava making. The authentically
restored plantation village adds another time and dimension. A rainforest
hike is also available, which must be booked in advance. The trek
takes visitors on a two hour hike, starting at the Botanical gardens
in Soufriere, and ending at the Coubaril Falls, which are a mixture
of fresh water and warm sulphur water. Horseback-riding and lunches
by prior reservation is also available. Tel: 1 (758) 459-7340 |
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Fond Doux Estate, Soufriere, st Lucia
This 250-year old working estate close to Soufriere offers spectacular
views, beautiful natural landscapes, many birds, flowering trees and
crops. You can see how cocoa is processed, still using the historic
cocoa drying sheds and the traditional methos of “cocoa dancing.”
You can walk the estate trails and explore military ruins, and climb
the Maroon estate route. The estate, at an elevation between 1400
and 1660 feet above the sea is always cool. From the verandah of the
present plantation house, (l'habitation of the French), built in 1864,
there is the effect of being in an ampitheatre, with the estate unfolding
beneath you. The restaurant, built around a massive historic stone
wall, offers excellent local cuisine and drinks in a quiet and serene
setting.
Tel: 1 (758) 459-7545/ 7125, Fax: 1 (758) 459-7882
www.fondouxestate.com
fondouxestate@candw.lc |
Soufriere Estate, Soufriere
Soufrière Estate offers another glimpse into the history of
st Lucia. The property, which holds one of the oldest plantations
on the island, was part of a 2,000 acre estate granted to the Devaux
family by King Louis XIV in 1713. The same family still owns the estate,
and has put much effort into preserving, restoring and enhancing it.
The mill was built in 1765 for sugar production and later was used
to crush limes. The old waterwheel has been restored to working order
with the help of a diesel engine. The factory has been transformed
into a restaurant, where you can have lunch by prior reservation.
Tel: 1 (758) 459-7565 soufestate@candw.lc |
Marquis Estate, st Lucia
Marquis Plantation with its 1770 sugar mill is one of the oldest sugar
plantations on the island. The history of this place is fascinating
and begins in 1723 with the Marquis de Champigny who landed in the
bay with 1400 men. It was also once home of the French Governor. Today,
Marquis is a working banana estate and tourist attarction that has
old stands of mahogany, teak, coffee and cocoa. The tour includes
a boat trip from the plantation down the Marquis River to the Atlantic
Ocean, where you can swim. The Great Horse Adventure, operated by
Country Saddles, combines horseback riding with a spectacular sightseeing
tour. For tours and lunch, call in advance. Tel: Plantation tours:
1 (758) 452-8232, Horse riding: 1 (758) 450-0197, countrysaddles@candw.lc |
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