A Chocolate-Lover’s Escape: My Twin-Centre Stay in Saint Lucia

Hotel Chocolat: A Hillside Hideaway with Piton Views

I spent my first 4 nights from 12 October at the wonderful Hotel Chocolat on an all inclusive basis, with a complimentary Tree to Bar experience included. This adults‑only property is set on a steep hillside with spectacular views of the Pitons and a very peaceful, intimate feel.

My Lodge Room

I stayed in Lodge Room 20 and absolutely loved it:

• Stunning views of the Piton from a large private balcony
• Spacious bathroom and a good sense of space overall
• In‑room Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser with complimentary hot chocolate
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• 3‑pin plug sockets with built‑in USB charging, which was really handy

There is no air conditioning in the lodges, which actually suited me very well. Instead, there is a ceiling fan plus an extra fan provided in the room, so I was perfectly comfortable without feeling over‑cooled.

Mosquito repellent is thoughtfully provided in the room, although I still got a few bites, so I would still recommend bringing your own preferred repellent as a back‑up.

Do note that the property is on a steep hill with plenty of steps and slopes, so it is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Atmosphere, Dining and Facilities

Hotel Chocolat is all about calm and relaxation. It is quiet, adults only and there is no entertainment, which keeps the atmosphere wonderfully peaceful.

The restaurant is a real highlight, with lovely views of the Pitons and beautifully presented dishes. Chocolate and cocoa feature creatively on the menus, which is a real treat.

Based on my stay, I would generally suggest half board here, unless you are a big drinker. If you like to enjoy a lot of alcoholic drinks throughout the day, then all inclusive can still be very good value.

There is no beach on site, but the hotel offers a complimentary beach shuttle service twice a day, so you can still combine those hillside views with time by the sea.

Tree to Bar & Project Chocolat

One of the stand‑out elements of staying at Hotel Chocolat is the focus on chocolate.

My stay included the complimentary Tree to Bar experience, which takes you through how chocolate is made from the cocoa tree right through to the finished bar. It is fascinating, hands‑on and perfect if you are even slightly interested in chocolate.

I also visited Project Chocolat while I was there, which is about a 10‑minute walk from the hotel. Tickets can be bought at reception. Project Chocolat digs even deeper into the chocolate‑making journey and is a brilliant addition to the Tree to Bar package.

A Visit to Saint Lucia’s Sulphur Springs

While staying at Hotel Chocolat, I also visited the famous Saint Lucia Sulphur Springs. It was a really interesting experience: dramatic landscapes, the distinctive smell of the sulphur, and the chance to see this unique volcanic site up close. Definitely worth adding into your itinerary if you are staying in this part of the island.

Coconut Bay: Beachfront All Inclusive to Finish

After my tranquil hillside escape, I moved on to Coconut Bay in Saint Lucia on 16 October for 3 nights on an all inclusive basis, staying in the adults‑only Harmony section.

Reservation details:

• Arrival date: 16/10/2024
• Nights: 3
• Departure date: 19/10/2024
• Room type: Harmony Junior Suite Ocean View (HOVS)

The Harmony side of Coconut Bay is adults only and offers a different vibe to Hotel Chocolat: more facilities, direct beach access and a classic all inclusive resort feel, which made for a lovely contrast at the end of the trip.

Dining Highlights at Coconut Bay

The food on this trip was excellent at both hotels, and Coconut Bay was no exception. During my stay I enjoyed:

• Lunch at The Jerk Treehouse, serving delicious Caribbean‑style jerk dishes in a relaxed setting
• Dinner at Silk, with tasty Asian‑inspired cuisine
• Dinner at Calabash, offering a lovely atmosphere and beautifully prepared dishes

All of my meals on this trip, across both Hotel Chocolat and Coconut Bay, were genuinely amazing.

Heading Home

All too soon it was time to fly back home again with British Airways in economy class. Leaving Saint Lucia never gets any easier for me. I have been a few times now, and each visit just makes me love the island more: the lush scenery, those iconic Pitons, the food, the warmth of the people and the relaxed Caribbean pace of life.

Would I Go Back?

Absolutely. I would happily repeat this combination:

• Hotel Chocolat for a quiet, adults‑only hillside retreat with Piton views, chocolate experiences and a very relaxing atmosphere.
• Coconut Bay for a fun, beachfront all inclusive stay with plenty of dining choices and facilities.