Balenbouche Estate

Staying at Balenbouche is always a great pleasur. Not my first time, not my last time. The Estate is so peaceful and quiet, in the middle of the nature, close to a little private beach... Lovely It's also a place steeped in history, with sugar mill and plantation remains. Uta and Verena are so kind, always ready to help or guide you, and prepare breakfast or diner if you want. I'm looking forward to be back in February...

My friends and I have been visiting this place for years for retreats and shared moments of togetherness. Every stay is exceptional, thanks to the stunning surroundings and the unique architecture of the cottages. A must-visit in Saint Lucia!

Balenbouche is a real little paradise on earth for a weekend with friends, family or as a couple. The place is quiet, surrounded by lush nature, and authentic. The cottages are well-equipped and comfortable. Many thanks to Verena and her mother for their warm welcome on every visit.

My friends and I are regular visitors of Balenbouche. We all love spending weekends over there. This place has something magic that is hard to describe with words. The cottages are simply beautiful and full of character. The family of Uta, Verena and Anitanja always offers us a super warm welcome. They are also very helpful for anything you might need during your stay. Also the dogs are extra friendly and loving. The estate is clean and lavish. The nature is luxurious. The whole atmosphere is capturing you. Don't miss a chance to visit Balenbouche if you are in beautiful Saint Lucia...

The property is vast and gives you the perfect solo trip if you want peace and isolation. The highlight was the guardian of the place - Uta, she’s in her 80s but she’s extremely active and is very sweet. I spent hours talking to her over tea, breakfast and dinner. She is a treasure trove of knowledge. Her cats and dogs are also lovely and keep you company/guard your cottage. You also get a private beach, lovely food and Wi-Fi. Laborie is nearby if you need anything.

The host, Uta, is a gem a very inspirational soul with a passion for the estate. The estate itself is beautiful with trees, blossom and a variety of animals, we were amused by the dogs, cats, cattle, birds, butterflies, fireflies and a possum. The beaches black sand are remote and accessible but challenging for swimmers due to the waves and under-currents. The steps to middle beach are steep and challenging, the beach itself was only really useable when the weather was calm. Little beach is quiet and secluded, if scruffy in true west indies style. We started in Frangipani, a rustic bungalow, which seemed fine but our issue was with the fact that its entirely open to the air, so if you can’t cope with bugs, then its not for you. Due toother issues we were switched to a first floor modern appartment, Moringa, which was lovely with a fantastic view of the rear paddocks, great for bird spotting and fireflies, but again open to all comers so if you cannot cope with bugs at night and the odd roach or vermin, again, not for you. If you want peace, quiet and the natural world all around you, it’s a good’un. Piaye is walkable but a good hike at that, with its locals bar, fruit stalls and a surprisingly good roadside BBQ stall at the weekend. Laborie is a gem, with food options, again local style, not high-end and a pretty beach with easy access and safe swimming.