Guesthouse, Organic farm, Heritage site

Balenbouche Estate is a rare place of tranquility and authenticity, offering a great mix of natural beauty, history and warm hospitality for the independent traveler. Formerly a sugar plantation, the 70 acre property is now an eco-lodge, organic farm, and St. Lucia heritage site.

Balenbouche is also a perfect starting point to explore the idyllic, still largely undeveloped south of St. Lucia. The Hewanorra International airport and the town of Soufriere and Pitons are only a 20 and 30 minutes drive away. We recommend that you rent a car for part of your stay, which we can arrange. Some beaches and nature trails are accessible by foot. Taxis and local buses are available.

Our 4 guest cottages are surrounded by ancient trees, exotic gardens, fascinating ruins and secluded beaches. The renovated historic buildings provide basic comforts and capture a tropical, outdoor lifestyle. Every cottage has a unique flair, featuring interesting design elements such as natural stone showers, local furniture, and artwork.

The Almond and Banyan Cottages each offer 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen. The Calabash and Frangipani offer one bedroom with bath and refrigerator, and a veranda.

Visit our Rooms and Villas page and our online Availability calendar for more details on rates and amenities!

We host weddings and retreats for up to 14 people, and offer special rates during the low season (May 16 - Nov 15).

Eco Tourism

Balenbouche is managed and funded entirely by the Lawaetz family. We are deeply committed to preserving the history, authenticity and integrity of the Estate.

Balenbouche estate is one of the designated St. Lucia Heritage sites and a member of the Heritage Tourism Association of st Lucia (HERITAS).

We are also a member of Responsible Travel in the UK and have been featured in many publications, including Alastair Sawdays "Green Places to Stay." Read more about our responsible tourism practices.

News and Reviews

I cannot, we cannot thank you enough for a wonderful visit. Your home is beautiful and each of you is just as beautiful. Your graciousness, your warmth and the incredible setting, never mind perhaps the best food I've ever eaten! All have contributed to a wonderful trip. Looking forward to seeing you again. Fondly, Deborah Cohen, Yoga Instructor, Yoga Retreat March 2006

Read our reviews on www.tripadvisor.com

Balenbouche has been truly an inspirational place for us. By profession a photographer and landscape architect/writer, your home has given us images, ideas and nourishment for our dreams, visions, souls and bellies (thank you, Anitanja). Verena, your careful explanations of the history and present of this place and constant attention to our wants and needs were warm and perfect. Uta, your design sensibility and obvious effort are inspirations to us. Thank you so very much for making this family trip so special. From our little clan to yours: All our Best. Adam and Kerri February 2006

November at Balenbouche,
a month has gone by
at the blink of an eye.The first delicious welcoming dinner seems only a few days past. Though the immeasurable memories will meander in our hearts and souls they will last. The Lawaetz family, the hummingbirds, the cattle, dogs and tortoise. The tree frogs and Balenbouche say welcome with one voice. The plants and trees, the cooling breeze, the artifacts still standing. It's time to go, but we will know the right time to return.
Humble visitors to an idyllic old country Plantation. Love, Lorraine and Shawn, November 2005

Read more guest reviews here

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