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Nature trails, history tours and intimate tree-top bungalows – not three of the first things that come to mind when you hear ‘St. Lucia’. But the Fond Doux Plantation is a luxury resort with these treats, and plenty others, right on its doorstep.
Here’s why a stay at this corner of the Caribbean could offer couples a new
perspective on the famous sun, sea ‘n’ sand destination.
Located in the
south-west corner of St Lucia, Fond Doux is nestled away in an area of dense
rainforest yet is handily close to the Hewanorra International Airport, as well
as some of the most popular tourist spots offered by the Caribbean island.
The nature on
offer close-by is second to none: from the sublime tapered mountains of the
jagged Pitons, to the coastal reef-diving sites and quaint fishing villages.
The luxurious resort itself can help guests to get to day trips through its
free beach shuttle service, while back at base camp you’ll be able to marvel at
the resort’s historical gardens in what’s been a traditional working plantation
stretching back more than 250 years.
Where should we
stay?
That’ll depend
on how adventurous – and to a point, how fit – you are. The hilltop Nutmeg
porch is a villa with a particularly high elevation, but skyscraper-like rooms
like this one may not be best if you have real trouble walking. If that’s not a
factor, then you’ll be rewarded with an outdoor shower, plus a veranda space
that’s surrounded by some absolutely terrific views. Listening to the calm hiss
of the wildlife, among exotic fruits and cocoa, will only add to the romantic
vibes felt at all times of day.
A good place to
start is by speaking with one of our friendly and expert Romantic Consultants at The Romantic Tourist, and we’ll also be able to put you in touch with the
right people at the resort directly.
What’s there to
do in the resort?
For starters,
breakfast spoils you here and it can set just the right the tone for a day of
decadence. There’s plenty of options ranging from traditional salt fish Accra
to bacon wrapped plantain, coconut and chocolate pancakes and sumptuous
continental choices. Afterwards, there’s a wide choice of activities you’ll be
able to pick from at your own pace. These include:
- Pool Deck - a trio of pools are
located in heart of this resort. Each one offers a peaceful haven for taking in
the lush vegetation and mountainous surroundings. Guests can make use of
rainforest hardwood furniture and deck chairs, with bathrooms and showers
nearby. Plus there’s a unique pool-side library, complete with board games to
keep the whole family happy. Drink and snack orders can be phoned in from the
pool-side phone.
- Nature Trails – there’s no fewer than
three nature trails by the resort. They all afford breath-taking views of the
local flora and fauna, as well as historically rich ruins. In terms of
wildlife, St. Lucia has hundreds of different bird species and it feels like
nearly all of them congregate at Fond Doux. The wide and colourful palette of
birds to look out for here include: the Hen Harrier, the Black Hawk, and the
St. Lucia Pewee - while countless doves, parrots and other creatures teem
around these grounds too.
- Cooking and cocktail making classes –
if you’re a fan of Caribbean cuisine then you can learn all about the art from
an authentic St. Lucian kitchen. Try your hand at creating a variety of local
dishes, and life-long skills can be bought for just $40 per person. Meanwhile
the magic of tropical cocktails can be revealed by skilled mixologists, who’ll
teach you how to make that favourite tipple you tried on the first night…
what’s more, it’s just $25 per person for a class.
- Tree Planting – the Fond Doux is a
Green Globe certified resort thanks to its well-earned green credentials. The
forest provides the resort with its own clean water, and it also provides a
tree planting programme as part of one of its Green and Sustainable
initiatives. Guests here can plant a tree in any area of the resort’s gardens,
and you can even get the tree labelled with your name making for a lovely
romantic gift for your lover. This activity’s free of charge.
- Zumba – at 5pm each Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the front lawns you can enjoy a workout mixed with some sightseeing; classes often take in walks to the local Tet Paul Nature Trail and the Sulphur Springs nearby.
What’s there to
do in the local area?
In addition to
the many charms of Fond Doux, there’s a huge range of tours and activities
which will suit any type of traveller. These include:
- Whale & Dolphin watching – Spot
these fine creatures just south of Soufriere, and get stuck into cool drinks
provided on-board
- Sunset Cruise – Couples can sail into
the sunset with complimentary champagne, rum punch and hors d’oeuvres
- Anse La Raye Fish Fry – Enjoy a local
fish BBQ on a closed and secluded beachfront road, to an event which draws both
travellers and locals
- Castries Shopping Trip & Rhythm
of Rum Tour – take a trip to the local Castries market, and then tackle with,
of course, plenty of samples to try for yourselves
- Horseback Riding: Ride-In Volcano
Tour – Brave a ride into the Qualibou Volcano and try a bubbling mud bath
- Fishing - Being home some of the
Caribbean’s deepest waters, St. Lucia is an ideal fishing spot for a variety of
fish including: Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Barracuda and many more.
Two other
superb local activities which are hosted by Fond Doux are:
Free Beach
Shuttle – the resort’s beach shuttle goes directly to Sugar Beach, a pristine white
sand beach in Soufriere which is a mere 15 minutes’ drive away. Each day the
bus brings visitors to the golden shores at 10am, picking up again at 2pm or
4pm depending on your individual preference.
While spending
the day deep in luxury, you can take a free beach chair from Sugar Beach, or
upgraded beach cabanas can be rented for $50. A restaurant is nearby for lunch
and refreshments while at the beach. Water sports are also available, and
snorkelling equipment can be hired and by booking at reception you could enjoy
a discount.
Fond Doux
Heritage Tour - The property’s Fond Doux Heritage Tour offers you the chance to
combine nature and history throughout the expansive property, where you’ll be
told about both the local vegetation and the rich history of the land. The
135-acre piece of land is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of
Soufriere.
Fond Doux has
retained the character of the early French colonial estate, and is one of the
earliest estates established by the French on the lands granted by the Royal
decrees of 1745 and 1764. Being among countless cocoa groves, you’ll be able to
take in the sweet hue of chocolate throughout the tour, and learn about cocoa
harvesting, cocoa drying, and even the famous cocoa dancing.
When it comes
to fruits of the forest, you’re really spoilt for choice at Fond Doux. These
range from bananas, to mangoes, apricots, grapefruits, love apples, guavas,
star fruits, and even refreshing jelly coconuts. The tour ends with a hike up
the Lamontagne’s trail offering incomparable views of the Petit Piton and Sugar
Beach. Because of its tropical climate, the gardens and property can be enjoyed
throughout the year.
Why could this
be a dream venue for a romantic celebration?
At the Fond
Doux they’ll be able to tailor an event for both intimate ceremonies and larger
gatherings. If it’s a wedding ceremony you’re thinking of, then you’ll be
offered the exclusive services of a dedicated wedding planner who’ll be on hand
to help create a fully-personalised experience. Ahead of the special event, you
can get a full His and Hers Spa treatment as well as bridal hair and make-up
services in your room. Be sure to ask about the unique ‘Circle of Love’ wedding
space and, if it’s your thing, a Live Steel band can provide a truly
unforgettable soundtrack to your wedding.
If you’d like a
bit more information on the weddings offered by Fond Doux click here.
Or, learn more
about the different types of romantic celebration which can be enjoyed at FondDoux Plantation and Resort.