A Chocolate-Lover’s Escape: My Twin-Centre Stay in Saint Lucia
This October I escaped to one of my favourite islands again: beautiful Saint Lucia. I flew with British Airways in economy class and, as always, the moment you step off the plane and feel that warm Caribbean air, you know the long flight was worth it. This trip was a twin-centre stay, combining a tranquil adults-only cocoa estate at the foot of the Pitons with a livelier, beachfront all inclusive resort in the south. The contrast worked perfectly.
Hotel Chocolat, Saint Lucia: Cocoa, Calm and Piton Views
My first base was the fabulous Hotel Chocolat, where I stayed for 4 nights from 12 October on an all inclusive basis, with a complimentary Tree to Bar experience included. It is a unique adults-only hideaway perched on a steep hillside with sensational views of the Pitons.
My Lodge Room
I stayed in Lodge Room 20, which I absolutely loved.
Fantastic views of the Piton from a large, private balcony
Spacious bathroom and a good sense of space throughout
In-room Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser with complimentary hot chocolate
Tea and coffee making facilities
3-pin plug sockets with built-in USB charging, which made it easy to keep devices powered
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 comfortable without feeling over-chilled.
Mosquito repellent is thoughtfully provided in the room, although I did still get a few bites, so I would personally recommend taking your own preferred repellent as well.
Do note: the property is set on a steep hill with plenty of steps, so it is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
Food, Drink and Atmosphere
The hotel is quiet, peaceful and very much aimed at relaxation. There is no entertainment in the evenings, which I really enjoyed, as it keeps the atmosphere calm and intimate.
The restaurant is a real highlight, with lovely views of the Pitons and beautiful, creative dishes. Drinks and chocolate-themed treats are of course a big feature.
Having now experienced it, I would suggest half board here for many guests, unless you are a big drinker. If you like a lot of alcoholic drinks throughout the day, then all inclusive can still work very well.
Tree to Bar & Project Chocolat
One of the stand-out experiences was the complimentary Tree to Bar package, which is all about understanding how chocolate is made from the cocoa tree right through to the finished bar. It is a fantastic, hands-on insight for chocolate lovers.
While staying at the hotel, I also visited Project Chocolat, which is around a 10-minute walk away. Tickets can be purchased from the hotel reception. It is a brilliant extension of the Tree to Bar story and adds another layer to the whole chocolate journey. If you have even a passing interest in chocolate, it is a must.
Getting to the Beach
Hotel Chocolat is set inland, so it does not have a beach of its own. However, the hotel offers a complimentary beach shuttle service twice a day, which works very well if you want to combine pool and cocoa-estate views with some time by the sea.
Overall, I found Hotel Chocolat to be a wonderfully relaxing, adults-only sanctuary. Peaceful, stylish and with an authentic sense of place. I would absolutely return for another relaxing break.
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa: A Fun, Beachfront Finale
After my serene stay at Hotel Chocolat, I moved on to Coconut Bay in Saint Lucia on 16 October for 3 nights on an all inclusive basis, staying in the Harmony (adults-only) 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 very different feel: more activity, more facilities and direct access to the beach, which made it a perfect contrast to my first stop.
Dining Highlights
The food across both hotels on this trip was consistently excellent, and Coconut Bay kept the standard high.
While there, I enjoyed:
Lunch at The Jerk Treehouse, perfect for flavourful, casual bites packed with Caribbean spice
Dinner at Silk, offering delicious Asian-inspired dishes
Dinner at Calabash, with more refined dining and a lovely ambience
Every meal on this trip, at both properties, was genuinely impressive.
Homeward Bound
All too soon it was time to fly back home with British Airways in economy class. Leaving Saint Lucia is always the hardest part for me, as it is an island I truly love and have visited a few times now. Each visit reminds me why I keep coming back: the lush scenery, the warmth of the people, the food, and that addictive mix of relaxation and adventure.
Final Thoughts
For anyone considering Saint Lucia, this combination worked beautifully:
A tranquil, adults-only hillside cocoa retreat at Hotel Chocolat, ideal for relaxation, chocolate experiences and Piton views.
Followed by an all inclusive beachfront stay at Coconut Bay, where you can enjoy a broader range of facilities, restaurants and that classic Caribbean beach feel.
I would happily repeat this itinerary in a heartbeat.
If you would like me to tailor a similar Saint Lucia escape,
or tweak it to suit your own style and budget, I would be delighted to help you
plan it.
