[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Caribbean has a long, rich heritage in producing some of the world’s most sought-after chocolate. In the past, the St. Lucia’s cacao beans were exported to Europe or to Hershey in the USA to be made into chocolate. But today, the island keeps some of its cacao for their own chocolate production and this month, Saint Lucia shares this experience with visitors throughout the Chocolate Heritage Festival.
This gastronomical affair begins with a number of on-island experiences, the month-long festivities will delve into Saint Lucia’s cocoa roots, offering visitors unbeatable island-wide promotions for plenty of “chocolatey” fun. A Chocolate Heritage Trail highlights 20 indulgent spots across the island, with extra events and activities taking place during August’s Chocolate Heritage Month. Meanwhile, the three-hour tour at Boucan by Hotel Chocolat – is the perfect crash course in all things cacao.
On arrival at Hotel Chocolat your chocolate creation begins as you taste, shell, grind the flavorful cocoa beans and learn the technique of mixing and pounding them into your very own chocolate bar. As your chocolate cools savour a chocolate-infused gourmet meal.
Throughout Chocolate Heritage Month the luxurious Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet hotel is inviting sweet-toothed guests into the resort’s Willy-Wonka style Chocolate Laboratory to delight in Sensory Tasting experiences and chocolate-making classes. Avid chocoholics will be welcomed to join guided tours around the resort’s enchanted Emerald Estate and Chocolate Laboratory to witness the complete cycle of ‘Tree to Bar’ production.
Jade Mountain’s chocolate maker hand-crafts Emerald Estate Chocolate for the enjoyment of its guests. With the recent opening of the hotel’s Chocolate Laboratory, guests are now able to not only taste, but participate in the alchemy of chocolate making for a super-sweet hands-on experience like none other.
Chocolate lovers can be further enticed by chocolate inspired spa treatment at one of the resorts from exfoliating Chocolate Citrus Body Polishes to Cacao Massages. Make St Lucia the ultimate destination to savor everything chocolate.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]