PAID CONTENT FOR BALENBOUCHE ESTATE PAID CONTENT FOR BALENBOUCHE ESTATE
Balenbouche Estate ST LUCIA
Set on 60 acres of St Lucia’s south coast, Balenbouche Estate is no ordinary Caribbean retreat. Once a sugar plantation, the property has evolved into a calm and welcoming space that balances heritage, nature and simplicity. Trails lead through rewilded pastures and gardens to hidden beaches and a river, while the ruins of the old mill and the 19th-century estate house offer a glimpse into the island’s past. The estate has been in the Lawaetz family since
the 1960s and is now run by Uta Lawaetz and her two daughters, who have gradually shaped the property into a space for reflection and connection. Six characterful guest cottages, crafted from historic structures and reclaimed materials, are scattered across the grounds. The atmosphere is peaceful and unpretentious, a place where yoga classes might take place in a converted barn, or meditation sessions are held beneath the trees. Balenbouche is also well located for exploring
St Lucia’s lesser-visited south. It’s a 20-minute drive from the international airport and half an hour from Soufrière and the island’s better-known
attractions, including the Pitons and Sulphur Springs. The rainforests are 15 minutes away, while the small coastal village of Laborie, known for its charm and traditional fishing culture, is even closer. Over the years, many have been drawn back to
the authenticity and warmth of a place that feels like home. Without the distractions of a modern resort, guests often find time to slow down, tune into their surroundings and engage deeply, be it through conversations over shared meals, time spent in nature or simply the absence of excess. Balenbouche doesn’t present itself as a resort,
nor does it try to. It’s a family-run place with a clear commitment to sustainability and local culture, and the experience reflects that. It takes hard work to maintain a historic property with limited resources on a small island, and while the facilities and guest experience have evolved over the years, little has been modernised and commercialised. Balenbouche offers something different. It’s
a setting where the past is ever-present, the landscape shapes the pace of life and guests are invited to come away with a new perspective.
DON’T MISS Join a daily guided tour to uncover the estate’s 18th-century sugar mill ruins, historic aqueduct, plantation house and hidden beaches
94 This content is brought to you by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. Need to know
KEY FEATURES • Heritage tours of the sugar plantation, including the 18th- century sugar mill, Amerindian artifacts, plantation house & beaches
• Daily yoga & meditation classes • Massage & holistic therapies, including deep tissue massage, Reiki, reflexology, life coaching & other personalised wellness treatments
• Retreats & workshops, including detox, nutrition, fitness, art & photography, cultural and mindfulness events
• Nature & hiking excursions • Organic farm-to-table dining • Personalised destination weddings for all budgets
GET IN TOUCH
balenbouche.com T: +1 758 455 1244 / +1 758 285 6628 E:
info@balenbouche.com
IMAGES: BRYAN DAVID GRIFFITH ; JAMES NORBURY
IMAGES: BRYAN DAVID GRIFFITH ; JAMES NORBURY
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