We stayed for a week at Balenbouche in January before driving up to the very different touristic experience of Cap Estate in Rodney Bay. Balenbouche has an incredibly rich heritage, initially starting off at 2000 (!) acres a century ago but now down to 74 acres and run virtually single-handed by Uta the very charming and clearly stressed-out owner. It's important for prospective vistors to be aware that Balenbouche is about eco-tourism rather than 3-star comfort. We were staying in the largest cottage, the Banyan, and this could hardly be described as "beautifully appointed". It certainly had plenty of space, but the open-air shower had no shower, the water never got warmer than lukewarm and the kitchen was dirty and home to cockroaches. Mosquitoes were a big problem and I think over the course of just the first night I accumulated over a hundred bites. St Lucian mosquitoes are clearly very adept at finding their way into mosquito nets. Eating out is fine if you venture towards Soufriere but closer to home, Debbie's Place seemed to be the only viable option. This was fine the first time, but the overcooked meat/fish and swamping of the table with various Caribbean accompaniments of variable quality/interest pailed the second and third time. Eating in would probably have been a preferable option but problems with delivery of gas cylinders meant that the kitchen wasn't functioning most of the time we were there. But overall, Balenbouche was a good place to stay for a good chill-out and to enjoy the beauty of the place.

My fiancé & I chose Balenbouche Estate for our destination wedding, pretty much based on the sparkling reviews we saw here.

Balenbouche Estate (namely Uta, Verena and Anatanja, who run it) exceeded all our expectations and made our wedding and our stay in St. Lucia simply incredible.

We brought with us a group of 17 (staying at Balenbouche), plus 17 more staying elsewhere on the island (Mago Estate, Stonefield Villas and D'Andres), and by the end of the vacation, everyone was wanting to spend as much time at Balenbouche as possible, for Uta's renowned dinners, perched up on the quaint porch of the main house and watching the night tick by, or by the quiet beaches.

At Balenbouche, you don't feel like one of a hundred people plodding around some cement complex with a cocktail - you feel like part of a family, and part of the island itself.

The Estate's history is incredible, and the Lawaetz family has worked hard to preserve that heritage, while honouring the surrounding community. We got to know a few of the local farmers who farm plots on the Estate, some of the school children who were rehearsing for a community play on the Estate grounds, and a group of local craftsmen who use a shady spot under an Estate Calabash tree every Tuesday for inspiration. Balenbouche's small tribe of animals (including 4 sweet dogs, a massive tortoise, and the mango-loving cows in the fields) also brings a connection to the land you won't find at an overly manicured Sandals-type resort.

Balenbouche's cottages are rustic but carefully decorated and uniquely beautiful. Uta, a former interior designer, has built and decorated each cottage specifically - an amazing feat in itself, for one woman - all from mostly reclaimed wood and renewable resources. The main house, too (where all the meals are held) is fantastic. Thick, dark wood and delicate tiles mix with soft tropical hues, to make it look like something out of a period film. It's no surprise that the estate has been featured in a few Caribbean Decoration books.

The Estate grounds are tranquil, with 18th century sugar mill ruins subsiding back into the tropical landscape. Balenbouche also has three beaches, all with different appeal. The second beach was by far our favourite - a short walk through a field of palm trees, and a climb down a steep embankment brings you to a neat quarter-mile of empty, soft sand. No one will find or see you on this beach, aside from one fisherman and possibly a sea-moss diver, and we spent many days frolicking in the waves, and a few nights surrounding a beach bonfire.

We had an amazing time at Balenbouche, which made our time in St. Lucia all the better. It is a place that grows on you, that warms your heart. My husband & I are already planning our next escape back...

The Balenbouch Estate is simply the most beautiful place on earth. The private villas are beautifully appointed and everything is open air. The outdoor shower is an incredible experience.

Uta, Verena, and Anitanja are wonderful hosts. The food is the most incredible I've ever eaten. The dogs, cat, birds, turtles, cows, and lizards make it a place for animal lovers.

The beach is a bit difficult to get to (it involves a bit of a hike) but it is completely secluded and you will most likely have it completely to yourself. Once you are there you feel as if you are at the edge of the earth. Simply amazing.

This is not the place to go if you love five star hotels and crowds of people but if you are looking for a quiet, secluded spot of your own, this is the place to be!

Balenbouche Estate.

We have visited St.Lucia many times & on one trip I said to a St.Lucian friend of ours 'Do you know anywhere exclusive, secluded, peaceful, off the beaten track & near the sea, that would suit us 'He said after some thought, 'I know of such a place down South in the island, an Old Sugar Estate & it would suit you both Just Fine' That is how we found Balenbouche.

We visited next year, after a long flight from UK we arrived at Hewanorra in the dark around 8pm, picked up our 4WD & drove to Balenbouche, this was before the road was done & there were many large potholes. We arrived around 9.30 & a lovely lady Uta Lawaetz gave us a very warm welcone & escorted us to our Lodge. She had prepared us drinks & a fantastic meal which we enjoyed to the sound of an orchestra of tree frogs, the fireflies & stars of the warm tropical night were beautiful.

The Flora & Fauna here are amazing, Hummingbirds flit along the verandah amongst the tropical flowers while you dine on fantasic meals of fresh local produce. The Estate House is beautiful & dates from Colonial Times & sipping a rum punch, one drifts off into a'Time Warp' The whole place is a photographers paradise, especially the Old Sugar Mill & its machinery, plus many walks & the two beaches, but the sea was rough whilst we were here. Its not everyones taste, but we were spoilt rotten & will return again, if you wish to escape the hectic world, come here relax, & enjoy paradise.