Anse Chastanet

It’s been two weeks since my spouse and I have been back from St. Lucia. This was our second time to St. Lucia and first time at Asne Chastanet. For the first six magical days of our trip, we were at Anse Chastanet. Our review reflects when, why, and how my spouse and I travel. Both of us love to travel during very low season. For us, the benefits in this strategy are extraordinary. Yes, late August has high heat, high humidity, occasional intense rain, but it also has no crowds, greater interaction with the truly extraordinary Anse Chastanet staff, and the special possibility of intensely learning new things in a one-on-one setting. Not-to-mention, the Costco travel deals particularly during this time are truly spectacular. Our story actually begins on the way to Anse Chastanet from Hewanorra International airport where we met with our designated driver Lionel from Soufriere. Lionel would become our go to driver for most of the adventures that we had while at Anse Chastanet and then when again we left for Castries on the seventh day. We very much enjoyed our conservations with Lionel on all sorts of topics and got a better understanding of daily life in St. Lucia. Before arriving at Anse Chastanet, we spoke at length about St. Lucia’s flora and fauna, teaching chemistry to elementary school children, and challenges in growing bananas. Time went by quickly as we arrived to Soufriere in less than an hour and then made our way up a very rustic unpaved bumpy path to Anse Chastanet. At Anse Chastanet, we were warmly greeted with soothing cool wet peppermint-scented towels and a relaxing beverage. We noted the impressive dark wood carving depicting the story of Samson and Delilah before descending to the concierge desk. After an introduction and paperwork, we settled in our premium air-conditioned deluxe beach-side room, well appointed with Madras accents. Our travel package included the all-inclusive meal plan. We were initially a bit confused that even with an all-inclusive meal plan, a bill for signature and room number was presented at the end of each meal for any expense; but we quickly found out that this practice was purely for resort accounting purposes. That first evening, we quickly fell asleep to the symphony offered free of charge by the Antillean coqui frogs. Early the next morning, we met wood carver Sunshine Biscuit on our way to breakfast. Sunshine has a warm welcoming personality, carves well, and greeted us every morning. (A trio of Sunshine’s carved Mahi Mahi and an Angel fish now swim up the wall of our staircase.) We climbed the scenic staircase, what would become a daily good morning workout to the Treehouse restaurant, which has an evocative detailed wood carved ensemble evoking the story of Adam and Eve. At the Treehouse restaurant, we had a delightful breakfast- the cocoa tea and green fig and salt fish were so good. The misty tree-top view at the Treehouse restaurant was accentuated by the occasion rain shower which with the rising sun would often summon a rainbow. We quickly made friends with a Lesser Antillean bullfinch pair and a gangly Carib grackle. Although, we all enjoyed the cassava bread, it was the gray kingbird that truly showed its prowess in the ability to repeated catch a morsel while in flight. On our way to the concierge to schedule adventures for the coming days, we encountered resort cat Ginger that clearly demonstrated his unspoken title of resort hill and forest ambassador. We discovered during lunch and dinner at the Aspara restaurant that the beach side resort cat ambassadors were named Mary, Ryan, and Tiger. If you like superb spicy dinner dishes go for Aspara’s goat vindaloo and you can’t go wrong with ceviche and catch of the day for lunch. My spouse and I have traveled throughout the Caribbean and have noted the stray cats and dogs frequently cross our paths. We now always travel with packaged dog and cat food to provide some relief and help out four-legged friends. We were pleasantly surprised that at the reception and concierge desk information regarding Anse Chastanet partnership with the animal rescue and adoption program HelpAWS was readily on display. At the concierge desk we met, Gifter, the most exceptional concierge that I’ve ever met in all my travels. Her name Gifter is as unique as she is and completely suits her. She is truly a gift to Anse Chastanet with genie abilities! My spouse discussed with Gifter our overall plan for the coming days: Sulfur baths, botanical garden tour, Emerald farm tour and the Local Brewery tour, bird-watching and Anse Mamin plantation tour with Meno, aka Father Nature, and chocolate making at the Chocolate Lab. All readily, planned, and scheduled to perfection. And then, I made the first of two off-the-beaten-path requests of what would be a triad of wishes, fully expecting that they would be more aspirational than fulfillable. The previous year I had read Jolien Harmsen, “A history of St. Lucia” and became intrigued by the economics of “Green gold” and how until the 1950s, a completely different banana than what we eat today was mass produced and exported world-wide. That banana was the Gros Michel (Big Mike), a sweeter, creamier, better tasting banana compared to the Cavendish bananas we eat today. A fungus disease known as Panama disease almost complete wiped out the more susceptible Gros Michel, causing the switch to the more resilient Cavendish banana that we consume today. The Gros Michel, the better tasting banana, can still be found although with considerable difficulty. My first wish to Gifter was to find a Gros Michel banana! The second wish was simply two paper bags and 100 small paper clips. In conversation with Lionel, we spoke about our families, and he mentioned that he had a daughter that was very much into science. I had told Lionel that I frequently give science classes to children and with 100 individual paper clips in a two-ply paper bag could demonstrate the basic principle of a reaction. Lionel was intrigued so I was determined to provide him the materials to show his daughter the demonstration. Gifter took on this challenge of granting these two unusual wishes within just two day! Our first excursion was to the Chocolate Lab. Daniel an experienced chocolatier gave for just my spouse and I an awesome educational and fun course on making chocolate and then tempering it to create our very own chocolate bars. Who knew chocolate production had a fermentation step! The next day Sunday, it was cloudy in the morning with more than a chance of rain. This is the very best to go to the Sulfur baths, less waiting more rejuvenative bathing, soo relaxing. Yes, it’s messy and stinks but so comforting and coupled with a very informative tour of the volcanic area it’s a veritable feast for the senses. Being immersed in a landscape of hot bubbling multi-colored stone volcanic cauldrons framed by a lush tropical forest where crested hummingbirds zipped from hanging flowers was just awesome. From the volcano, Lionel then brought us to the Diamond falls botanical gardens where we passed by mahogany, nutmeg, and the Richeria grandis tree. The Bois Bandé is the bark of Richeria grandis tree and used in making Anse Chastanet famous “Stairway to Heaven” drink; our go-to and highly recommended . From the botanical gardens we went to the Emerald farm, where we saw so many of the produce and herbs that went into Anse Chastanet’s spectacular menus and talked shop with the farmers. The Emerald farm tour ended with the seeing a fresh batch of passion fruit beer brewing from the Local Brewery which is in the Emerald Farms, such a sweet smell followed by a pint of their newest whiskey barrel beer. What a spectacular Sunday! The following rainy morning, my spouse and I woke up early and suited up with hiking shoes and gear to trek into Anse Mamim with Meno, “Father Nature”, for morning bird watching and an exploration of the 18th century sugar processing building ruins. It was just the three of us equipped with resort provide binoculars. We walked from Anse Chastanet along the rocky cliff side to Anse Mamim. Along the way Meno pointed out brown boobies, brown pelicans and, frigates flying over the calm bay. The occasional head of a leather back turtle was also noted as it periodically broke through the water. On the beach, Meno pointed out the location were the turtle had laid and covered its eggs. We trekked into the wet Anse Mamim forest and surprising noted the absence of any mosquitoes in flight, an advantage of the recent rain. Meno quizzed us on different spontaneous fruiting trees such as mangos, guava, and breadfruit. Prior to picking a fruit for use to savor or leaves to split and smell, Meno would courteously ask permission from the tree. Meno was at home in the forest; and my spouse and I felt we were welcome guests in Father Nature’s home. We then went through the ruins of the 18th century sugar mill where stone walls cemented with calcium from shells, rusted cauldrons, and secret hidden niches fulfilled our explorer yearning. We even approached a bat cave full of sleeping bats and observed invasive large African snails devouring foliage. We passed by the deep sugar mill reservoir filled to the brim with collected water where White Peacock butterflies fluttered peacefully and then exited the forest with freshly picked citrus in hand. We were back on Anse Mamim beach, a highly picturesque beach with unusual umbrella-like rock formations. Meno called for the diving boat to pick us up in order to view closely the nesting brown boobies and brown pelicans along the cliff jutting from Anse Chastanet south side. It was just past noon when we ended this excursion with Meno. Another unexpected one quickly sprung up when we stopped and greeted Gifter at the concierge desk. The day before we surveyed the row of boutiques in front of Aspara restaurant and had noted the hope-filled and serene art work of St Lucia school children at play. We found out the artist was Jonathan Guy-Gladding (JAG) and wished we could visit his studio on the island without knowing where or if he was even on the island during our stay. We mentioned this last wish to Gifter just before the bird watching excursion began. Not only had Gifter located the artist, she had called him and we able to quickly arrange a visit to his home studio –an hour’s drive away. One of his original paintings now serves as a reminder of the youthful hope and serenity that we associate with St. Lucia. Thank you Anse Chastanet, Lionel, Daniel, Meno, Sunshine Biscuit, and Jonathan. And a very special thank you to Gifter, Anse Chastanet’s wish granter!!!

Where to begin? Anse Chastanet is simply magical...there is no other way to put it. We stayed there early August with our two children (ages 12 & 14). The location was perfect, located right on a protected reef with so many beautiful fish to see whenever you felt like checking them out. The kids loved having access to SUP and kayaks, and the fact that we had not one, but two gorgeous beaches to explore was nothing short of amazing. The resort never felt crowded, but rather peaceful and relaxing. The staff... oh my goodness. They make you feel like family. Everyone we encountered was so warm, welcoming, friendly, and helpful. We even exchanged hugs on our last night. The food was incredible, especially at Aspara and the Jungle Grill (but everywhere else was delicious, too, these were just our favorites). The only downside was the bumpy windy road on the way to the resort...but the difficulty of traveling it is also likely the reason that the resort feels so remote and relaxing. We stayed in one of the beachside deluxe rooms with air conditioning and it was perfect for us. The rooms were plenty large enough for our king sized bed and two twin beds for our children. The walk to the beachside rooms is super soothing, surrounded by gorgeous vegetation and the sounds of the rainforest. There were quite a few steps from the beach up to the reception area and restaurants that weren't on the beach, but it was worth it! It kept us moving to help balance all the lounging and eating we were doing. I could go on and on with even more positive and special moments from this trip, but you've probably stopped reading, or are about to...book this resort, splurge for the All Inclusive plan if you are able to (we booked when it was 35% off). You will NOT regret booking here. We miss it so much and talk about this trip at least once every few days, as it is THAT special.

A beautiful resort, but I did feel someone like an alien as a solo traveler. Definitely received stares from guests and staff alike. Staff seemed overwhelmed at times. Food was average for the price of the resort. A plus were the beach and awesome snorkeling right at your fingertips! But be prepared to get your cardio in with the stairs to get to said beach lol. The road to the resort is treacherous, I was so glad I didn’t rent a car because I don’t think I could navigate that road myself. Overall it was a nice stay, but I think if I do return to St. Lucia I would choose a different resort.

We absolutely loved our stay here! From the very beginning of checking in, the staff is so unbelievably kind and attentive. They even give you a phone that you can call 24/7 if you need anything such as a shuttle to the beach or if you have a question About anything. The resort itself is the perfect combination of being in a mountain, a rainforest, and Beachside. Everything about this place is breathtaking and we truly cannot wait to be back!

Just returned from Anse Chastanet and can’t wait to go back. This was a change for us as we normally go to much larger all inclusive resorts. If you’re looking for a high energy, music blasting and party atmosphere then this is not the place to be. This vacation was more about relaxing and without having to always be on the go. Booked through Costco Travel and decided to go with the beachfront room option. From the moment we landed, we were greeted by a rep that guided us through customs and escorted us directly to the private transfer. No battling the lineups and made things super easy. The drive from the airport took just over an hour and like many reviews the last 20 minutes was along the side of the mountain on a very bumpy road. You do have some beautiful picture ops of the Pitons along the way. Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly and check in was quick and easy. As mentioned we opted for the beachfront room and wasn’t disappointed. The room was spacious enough for the four of us and the outdoor seating space was ample! The beds were a bit firm but no complaints. The 30 second walk to the beach made life easy everyday in case you wanted to go back for any reason. Beaches: more than enough huts for everyone and there was no need to reserve seating. The staff would bring over the towels and lounge covers once you selected a spot. ( the best beach loungers compared to every other resort we’ve ever been to. ) When you needed to order and food or drinks, you would simply stick the flag in the sand and someone would be there within minutes. The sand gets hot! And the first few feet into the water can be a bit rocky but once in it felt like heaven. No seagrass to battle with. This is definitely a snorkeling and scuba dream location. Amazing spots to see and appreciate the aquatic wildlife. The other beach option- Anse Mamin is a short 6 minute walk or you can take the water taxi over. Another beautiful beach with the same amazing service. Definitely try out the burger with banana ketchup! Dining: overall the food was fantastic. Don’t expect buffet with tons of options but their menu featured a variety of protein and vegetarian options. The hilltop restaurant also had several daily specials menus to compliment the regular menu. Highly recommend the all inclusive meal plan as the way to go. We were told that approximately 90% of the ingredients is directly grown on the property and sourced locally. There are several other tasting menu specials ( separate cost ) that you take part in. Staff: everyone was very friendly and accommodating and a joy to interact with. No request was to big and made sure we felt welcomed with a friendly smile and hello. What truly sets Anse Chastanet apart is the little things such as a hand written letter welcoming us to the resort, the fun facts cards left on our beds at nightly turn down and the coconut muffins given to us on the day we left as a thank you for visiting. Incredible service, stunning views, amazing staff made this vacation everything we wanted it to be.