We did not get to stay at Balenbouche, though many members of my party wish we had! Unfortunatly we were a large pary and they were already booked and we missed out, but we did stop by one evening for a tour and dinner. This was a real highlight of our trip. Such an eclectic look, lovely hosts, interesting history, and beautiful grounds drew us in immediatly. We are an artistic group, so felt right at home. Also with a few foodies in our party we loved the dinner. It was intimate and delicious. Probably the best rum punch we had on our trip and def the best lentils I've ever had! I can't believe they describe this meal as a buffet, it doesn't do it justice. Yes, it is a fixed meal of their choosing and you serve yourself from their lovely dining room. But it is freshly prepared with local ingredients, made specifically for the guests they have that night. There is nothing impersonal about this "buffet". We got there a little late to truely see the grounds, but loved the lilly pond, old barn, the one cottage we went into, which had a stone otside shower and outside tub(!) and the main house, what can I say it is charmingly decorated, beautifully historic, just a fantasy world. My whole party was talking about wanted to rent the place out for xmas 2 years from now, that how in love everyone was with the fod and atmosphere! Thanks Verena!! Also they have a great website that can serve as a good intro to St. Lucia.

We had a great time at Balenbouche Estate. It provided us with a week of rest and relaxation. The staff and owner, Uta, are very welcoming and hospitality is top-notch. The cottages aren't for everyone though. This is very much an eco experience with nature right at your door step. The estate grounds are well maintained and there are a lot of paths for walking and exploring. The property has access to three beaches - which are more for looking at the waves and the beautiful scenery. The water was a bit rough - so they aren't so great for swimming. However, it is easy to hail down a passing bus into Soufriere to access swimming, snorkeling and beaches. Balenbouche Estate is a place that I'll always remember.

what a place! we arrived at 9:30 pm with hot dinner, a lit up cottage, and smiling hosts waiting for us. The owners Uta and Verena were the full definition of grace, hospitality, kindness and accommodating. Our cottage was the Frangipani. One fact to note is this cottage in particular has no glass on the windows, so the nature came in to us... this included Clok cloks (spelling? big grasshoppers), beetles, ants, frogs and other harmless jungle bugs. The mosquito net was a huge sense of safety when we slept because of the "nightlife", which was present, but not in abundance, and didn't bother us.

The plantation is in the perfect spot, 40" from the pitons and tons of activities, we rented a car which is highly recommended for the brave hearted. The Balenbouche beaches are superb, private, and very peaceful. The expansive grounds allow time and space to walk around alone and explpore the trails, the plantation's history. The cottage is very private with no views of other cottages, we showered with the curtains open!

This was overall one of the most amazing places we have ever stayed, unique, welcoming and beautiful. If you want a big, all inclusive resort with parties, drinks, and planned activities, I would suggest going north to Rodney bay area. we stayed up there the second half of our week and the two couldn't be more opposite. also, if you love pets, this is your place... if you don't like resident cats and dogs, i wouldn't recommend it. the dogs and cats are very well behaved and very loveable.

This was our favourite place in all St Lucia.
It is utterly magical. The setting is surely unique, the buildings are fascinating, the hostesses are helpful, charming and very interesting and the peace is wonderful. But it isnt for everyone, so if you want toiletries, daily towel exchange, daily maid service, air con etc, go to the hundreds of ordinary places in St Lucia that provide ordinary luxury. This place provides special luxury! (including huge cicadas and tiny frogs, but we wished we'd said we wanted the cat taken away.)
The peace of sitting in our cottage (Frangipane), set in the privacy of the wonderful tropical gardens, with a drink at sundown was wonderful. Frangipane is delightfully furnished and is a large unique wooden shack with lots of louvres and carved panels and quirky features. It was a privilege to call it home for a few days.
We loved the beaches, especially one 15 minutes' walk away, which we usually had to ourselves. We loved our breakfasts, lunches and dinners on the verandah of the main house, and chose to enjoy the company of the family and other guests. Food nearly always superb.
We had a great day out in Laborie (beautiful beach and fascinating, undiscovered fishing village.) We walked there and came back by bus - great fun.