Dare # 131: Stay Sweet at St. Lucia’s Hotel Chocolat
Of the more than 600,000 TONS of chocolate the world will consume next year, the most precious morsels might very well be made from cocoa beans you harvested, dried and processed yourself. The fascinating “Tree to Bar” cocoa adventure is just one of the many inspired experiences at Hotel Chocolat, an eco-chic boutique resort nestled high in the lush rainforest of St. Lucia‘s most historic cocoa plantation.
Every touch here — from the welcome cocktails to the goodbye gifts — is carefully chosen to delight chocolate lovers. The spa pampers guests with cocoa-infused oils, muds and wraps, the fourteen stunning eco-lodges stock cocoa-derived soaps and other luxury essentials, and the stylish restaurant/club Boucan uses hints of cocoa in its signature dishes, both savory and sweet. And guests who are lucky enough to snag a stay here can actually spend a glorious afternoon selecting ripe cocoa pods from the estate groves, roasting them, and then turning them into their own personal chocolate bar. The experience takes the guest through all stages of cocoa production – from the seedling nursery and fermenting room, to the sun-drying station, grinding, mixing and tasting!
But don’t think for a minute that Hotel Chocolat is some sticky-sweet, Willy Wonka-ish nightmare of gooey over-indulgence. This resort is stylish, understated and gorgeous, with stunning views of St. Lucia’s mighty, jungle-glad Pitons at every turn, posh, breezy accommodations and warm, welcoming service . With rainforest hiking, sea adventures, island hopping, a full-service spa and plenty of pool-side relaxation, there’s plenty to do (or not do) at Hotel Chocolat, even for those who (gasp!) don’t particularly care for chocolate.
Photo by Hotel Chocolate
Three night packages start at just $1020 pp, and include lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, beverage credits, airport transfers and a wealth of unforgettable activities that include hiking the Gros Piton, a guided cocoa estate safari and the Tree to Bar experience.
To book your stay at Hotel Chocolat, email ShawnaBohnVoyage@gmail.com or visit www.thehotelchocolat.com.
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