Things to do at St. Lucia

Birdwatching, a visit to a chocolate laboratory and an investigation of a phenomenon called coral spawning … a day in the life of a mad scientist? No, all things you probably didn’t know you could do on the island of St. Lucia. And just some of the out of the box activities on offer at two of our favorite resorts there – Nick & Karolin Troubetzkoy’s Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain.

Sister properties nestled within the Soufriere Hills of this lush island, we previously reported on their annual Mango Festival that happens every year at the end of June. Karolin and Nick have upped the ante yet again and are presenting guests with alternative ideas that go way beyond standard all-inclusive fare and generate curiosity with the mystique of the Caribbean, especially here, in a natural tropical environment that is dazzling.

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Never gone birdwatching? You’re in for a treat in the Caribbean and birdwatching at Anse Chastanet is an eyeful. Several colorful species zoom around the grounds and one or more are almost guaranteed to make friends with you at breakfast. On the property you’ll spot a Jacquot, St. Lucia’s national bird, and a Gray Trembler among others. Walking trails such as the Millet Bird Sanctuary Trail are nearby allowing guests to stroll the forest where over thirty different species can be seen, including Green and Purple-throated Caribs, the Antillean Hummingbird and the St. Lucia parrot. If you head out for the short drive into the town of Soufriere you’re bound to spot Tropical Mockingbirds and Gray Kingbirds along the road and look for Hawks and Frigates circling above. Anse Chastanet is also the best place to see the rare Mangrove Cuckoo, part of what is makes St. Lucia so special for birdwatchers.

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Coral spawning is an annual occurrence that is unique and a natural aspect of St. Lucia. The “upward moving snowfall” that turns the waters yellow and pink takes place right off Anse Chastanet’s beaches. The resort’s scuba diving staff predicts the dates of the spawning this year will be August 24^th-26^th, and they are ready to take out both beginning and experienced divers and snorkelers for an up close look at the marvel. For 20 years Anse Chastanet has been working to protect their reefs and preserve coral spawning so that it can be observed for years and years to come. The resort offers a diving package to all guests whether professional or novice.

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Situated on the property is Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet’s very own Emerald Farm which grows organic plants and flowers. Their greatest harvest is their cocoa beans that ripen from over 2,000 of the farm’s cocoa trees. Cocoa has been a big part of St. Lucia’s history and culture for hundreds of years and August has been declared the “Month of Chocolate.” For the entire 31 days, chocolate will be incorporated into numerous aspects of both resorts from the spa menu to the cocktail menu and the farm will also feature a Willy Wonka-esque Chocolate Laboratory where guests will be able to partake in a variety of activities such as sensory tastings and truffle making. Jade Mountain offers a Chocolate Alchemy package to fulfill even a bigger sweet tooth.

Ready to get your chocolate game on? Chocoholics rejoice! Your time has come.