Fond Doux Plantation & Resort break

Fond Doux Plantation & Resort

Our rating: Simple

Rooms

The simple cottages nestle in their own well-tended patch of garden and are scattered across the hillside. Each of the 15 cottages is unique so furnishings and decor will vary, but all have a simple, plantation style, featuring four-poster beds, wooden floors and furniture and large balconies. Much of the furniture has been reclaimed and restored on-site and you’ll find locally-sourced relics decorating the walls.

The cottages are not air-conditioned but have a ceiling fan and also include tea/coffee making facilities and a fridge. In keeping with the peaceful, secluded nature of the resort there are no televisions in the cottages, however complimentary Wi-Fi is available.

Location

Fond Doux is tucked among the rainforest on the southwest of the island. The location is ideal for those who would like to explore the pitons and the best diving sites on the island, all within a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding forest shelters many of Saint Lucia’s endemic bird species.

Although the resort is in a very secluded location, the local shops of Soufrière are just 10 minutes' drive away.

Food and drink

The Cocoa Pod Restaurant serves buffet breakfast and buffet lunch while the Jardin Cacao Restaurant & Bar serves à la carte lunch and dinner.

The Bamboo Restaurant has a unique location, spanning a small stream in the heart of the plantation. Constructed from local bamboo and tropical rainforest hardwoods, it blends with the surrounding flowers and vegetation. Focusing predominantly on Creole fare, the ingredients are sourced from local organic farms.

During the day, the tropical gardens give shade and colour to the bamboo-timbered restaurant and in the evening the candlelight provides a warm romantic rainforest ambience. The restaurant often has live music in the evening.

Families

Children of all ages are welcome although a lack of specific children’s facilities and the hillside setting means we recommend it for older children. 

Facilities and activities

Guests can take a complimentary tour of the plantation, learning about its history and the process of cocoa production — it’s also possible to buy the final product from the small gift shop. You can explore the resort trails, passing a huge variety of tropical flowers, almond and nutmeg trees and hopefully spotting some of the hummingbirds that make this area their home.

There are three nature trails around the estate to explore at your leisure and there are also a couple of small pools at the resort, however these are similar in size to a large plunge pool so more suitable for a quick dip to cool off rather than a swim. Cooking classes can also be arranged.

Accessibility

Please note the hillside setting and number of steps around the resort makes it unsuitable for less mobile guests.

Local excursions

There’s a variety of things to see and do in the area and the resort is well placed for piton hikes, exploring Soufrière and the Diamond Botanical Gardens or visiting the nearby sulphur springs.

The start of Tet Paul Nature Trail is only a five-minute drive from the resort and this hike is well worth doing for the views of the pitons as well as the island of Martinique looming on the horizon.

The resort also offers a complimentary shuttle to nearby Sugar Beach for a spot of sunbathing and snorkelling.