Gardens of St Lucia 8168

Enjoy access to the airport Executive Lounge before we depart from London to St Lucia. On arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.   

Today after breakfast, we visit the Eclectic Garden nestled at a private home, an oasis in the midst of a bustling neighbourhood. Explore the private and enchanting garden which is carefully tended and crafted by the Williams – Black Family. Dotted with Orchids from Cattleya and Dendronium to Vandas and the all too gorgeous Phalanopsis.’ The Moth Orchid we can also find Grammatopjlllum or an Aphyllum hanging from a Mango Tree. Paired with Desert Rose, Calendula, Rose bushes and a solitary Bismarck Palm that stands sentinel over the lawn, the Eclectic Garden truly provides a mish – mash of all your favourite plants against the backdrop of twittering tropical birds and flitting butterflies. The ingenuity, use of local wood and the array of tropical plants makes this an interesting place to visit. Relax on the back patio or in the front porch for a refreshing cuppa or local juice served with a St.Lucian Tit Bit after walking amidst this beautiful place accompanied by your fascinating hostess, Mrs. Black a journalist and interesting individual as she regales you with her stories and charm.  We  complete our visit with the stop at the renowned Castries market, noted by National Geographic as the 5th best market worldwide before heading back to our resort.   

Today, we depart and enjoy the panoramic views and embrace the magical scenery of the west coast of the island as we travel through fascinating coastal villages and verdant vegetation onto the enchanting town of Soufriere. Be struck speechless at the magnificent sight of the majestic Pitons rising to the skies out of the Glistening Caribbean Sea. We embark on an enchanting journey through the acclaimed and award-winning Diamond Botanical Gardens, where a stunning display of profound beauty of flora and fauna awaits, and the senses are captivated by a cascading waterfall. We travel onwards to Emerald Estate, a delightful exploration of organic farming featuring the cultivation of mangoes, avocados, guavas, and cocoa and a wide variety of tropical plants awaits. Here, we can also witness the traditional handcrafted process of brewing local beer.  We enjoy lunch at the Mango Tree Restaurant before our visit to the Marantha Gardens nestled above Soufriere. This is a small but exquisitely designed garden serves as a sanctuary for prayer and reflection which infuses a touch of serenity into this immersive experience.   

Today is free to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.  

This morning, after breakfast we depart for Mamiku Gardens, nestled on St. Lucia’s picturesque east coast with a panoramic view of Praslin Bay. Renowned for its historical significance, Mamiku Gardens witnessed a notable battle during the 18th-century English military occupation. We will delve into the world of medicinal herbs, uncovering their various uses, and gain insights into the conservation of endangered trees and plants along the forest trails. To complement our visit, we enjoy a snack and a refreshing beverage.   

Today we depart by boat to visit Project Chocolat. We set sail aboard a power boat along the panoramic west coast of the island to Soufriere, often at times called the ‘’Garden Of St. Lucia’’. We indulge in a unique chocolate-making adventure at “Hotel Chocolat” on the historic Rabot Estate. Guided by a skilled Cocoa Grower and chocolatier, we will stroll through a cocoa grove, see coca pods, before creating your very own chocolate bar. Participate in the entire chocolate-making process, from seedling nursery to tasting. After crafting our chocolates, we savor a delightful lunch at Rabot Market, and leave with your delicious creations as you shop at the Rabot retail store. Unforgettable chocolate moments await!   

After breakfast we visit Greenwood Terrace – a Heritage and Cultural Site which is home to over 350 flowering plants, tropical foliage, fruit trees and a Heritage Museum which showcases aspects of life on St. Lucia in days gone by. We will be amazed at the range of the colours and vibrancy that greets and inspires. Learn how the islands forebears used traditional herbs, bushes, and blooms in their daily lives to cure their ailments. We can view numerous artifacts around the grounds and in the museum that offer an overview of the rich historical and cultural journey of the island.  Relax and enjoy lunch in the tropical aura and relish this experience.  Located in the beautiful Rodney Bay Marina the delightful Sea Salt Restaurant offers local and International Cuisine, we enjoy a are well dinner while enjoying views of the marina.   

After a morning at leisure, we transfer to the airport for our overnight flight to London.   

We arrive in London, where the group disperses.