This was part of an all day excursion from our Sandals hotel, called the Chocolate Decadence tour-we were told it was a new tour and after having cancelled with another tour company from the day before due to them being an hour late, I was nervous. From the start of the tour; pickup from our hotel was on time and the driver was courteous. We arrived at marina and boarded a catamaran (I was really nervous to get sea sick but the captain was a pro) we sailed around the island until we reached Soufriere. We and 1 other couple were driven to Hotel Chocolat where we were greeted by the wait staff and told to select food we would like as our lunch after the Chocolate plantation tour. We were then taken to a pre arranged area where we met Chef Ron who began to teach us all about making chocolate, we learned a lot and even had the chance to make our own chocolate bars. It was hard work! Afterwards the Chef took us to the restuarant where he personally assisted the staff in preparing the BEST meal I had on the island. I am a super picky eater and typically only eat healthy food. The food was TO DIE FOR! The desert was AMAZING! This is a MUST DO when in St Lucia.

After a very relaxing lunch that was set amidst the beautiful greenery and Piton mountains, we were driven to the famous mud baths and hot water springs. We toured the Sulpher springs and then were driven back to the dock where a catamaran was waiting to take us Snorkeling in between the Magestic Pitons & finished off with a sunset cruise back to our side of the country.

Such a great day! For 1st timers and return guests, I HIGHLY recommend this tour-if you don't want a full day, DO NOT miss the tour of Hotel Chocolat. Thanks again Chef Ron! You rock!

XO, The cool people from Las Vegas ;o)

We stayed at Hotel Chocolat St Lucia over the New Year’s period for 1 week and were certainly not disappointed. Our expectations were as high as the price tag and the incredible location, friendly staff and innovative food meant every day of our stay was enjoyable. From cocoa nib butter with breakfast to roti and delicious curries for lunch to the more elaborate NYE 6 course meal, the food was truly one of our highlights. Some folks might find being stranded in a giant plantation far from bars/restaurants a bit of a downer but we relished the remote surroundings and went off walking every morning in a different direction exploring lakes, waterfalls, hot springs and enjoying the abundant locally growing produce. It is worth hiring a car for at least a few days so you can drive to the closest town Soufriere, a little further to Rodney Bay and to the capital Castries- you won't get a real feel for the island if you just stay in the hotel (however tempted you may be!). We were upgraded to a luxe lodge and the little touches are what made it special - a thoughtful can of insect repellent, a free bottle of sparkling rose and fresh nuts, chocolates and cookies replenished daily. I have been recommending this hotel to everyone I know and hope to return one day to sit in the beautiful restaurant and enjoy the view of petit piton over a cocoa pulp martini with my love.

We just returned from a wonderful experience at Hotel Chocolat. We purchased the three night, all inclusive chocolate experience. We were warmly greeted at the airport by a driver, Herod, provided by the hotel. He had a cold cloth and Piton beer for my wife and I. The position of the hotel is on a hillside with a direct view of Petit Piton, just uphill and across the road from another famous resort, Ladera. The front desk, restaurant (Boucan), bar, and kitchen are all under the same roof in an open air, no solid walls, huge deck-like building above the reflecting pool. The grounds are very lush, with cacao trees, papaya, trees, etc. all around. It is an intimate property with a friendly but reserved staff. We stayed in a bungalow complete with a netted canopy bed, nice sitting area, and large bathroom. The stone shower was large enough for at least two and extended out from the bathroom area with an open, but private slatted roof. We experienced no insects in December, although we had a tiny tree frog or two on a windowsill. Their sounds at night were charming for us, maybe loud for others. The WiFi worked well; there was no AC, nor TV in our bungalow. The ceiling fan was quiet and cooled us perfectly. We had a tour of the plantation, learned about grafting trees and fermenting and drying cacao beans. We ground some beans and made chocolate bars. Most of the food (three meals a day) and drinks are prepared with some degree of cacao that is mostly subtle and not candy bar sweet. We ate well, had fun in the optional mud baths/volcano/falls excursion, and enjoyed the views. We loved the place, would recommend it, and would go back. It is the opposite of a Sandals resort experience (which we have visited and enjoyed, too) because it is small, quiet, intimate, and romantic.

Having been a long standing fan of the extensive range of superb chocolates that Hotel Chocolat have at our local shop in the UK, and as a lover of quality, imaginative food, we were drawn to look at the website menus for the Hotel Chocolat in St Lucia and thought, this is for us! Great food with a chocolate twist! And indeed, we were not disappointed. The evening meals were imaginative in concept, delicious and creative. Breakfast, with the freshly picked fruit platter, wonderful smoothies, yoghourt, (try adding fruit from the platter and some of their granola with cocoa nibs on to the yoghourt - yummy!) juices, interesting breads and muffins, followed by perfectly presented eggs, bacon or porridge meant that you hardly needed anything else to eat until the evening! We liked the idea of the chef using all fresh local produce that has been grown by local farmers, supporting local jobs. The restaurant setting with its open sides and view to the Piton Mountains must be one of the most unusual and beautiful restaurants we have ever eaten in - and we have eaten in many around the world. Even when it rained, it was magical to be listening to the sounds of the forest whilst eating our meticulously prepared food.
Whilst mentioning rainforest sounds, it was a huge surprise to me, as a light sleeper, that the night time forest cacophony of sounds was so very relaxing and I easily fell asleep on the wonderfully comfortable beds. Although mosquito nets covered our beds I never saw any, nor did we have any need, to use protective sprays -an added bonus. The open aspect of the lodges did mean that the forest creatures sometimes came in, but they soon went out again! That was also the attraction of staying in interesting accommodation that did not have, or need, air conditioning, like a hotel room that otherwise could be like any other hotel room anywhere in the world. The luxe lodges were outstanding and kept very clean. The open showers really are as amazing as they sound, especially at night with the soft lighting and again, listening to the sounds of the rain forest as you shower.
We loved the setting of the Hotel in the forest (we are not ones for just sitting on the beach all week) and enjoyed being able to take walks from the Hotel. The small size of the Hotel in terms of lodges is just right and I hope that it chooses not to develop the site further - that is also part of the appeal and charm. In the beautiful grounds there are many different areas on various levels to sit/lay and relax without anywhere feeling crowded. Often there would be few people by the pools and loungers. But head for the restaurant or bar if you want company. There is plenty to do and see for the six nights we stayed. Excursions were interesting and well run. The Hotel exudes a quiet, relaxing atmosphere with friendly staff, yet gives great attention to detail with quality all around, and when we stayed, friendly guests who would chat if you wanted, or not, if you preferred.

We were celebrating three momentous events in our lives, which is why we chose The Hotel Chocolat as being somewhere different and special. It was!