Nestled in the lush landscapes of St Lucia stands the Rabot Hotel by Hotel Chocolat, a luxury retreat that matches the natural beauty of the island. This unique hotel, set within a working cacao farm, offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the journey of chocolate from bean to bar while indulging in the comforts of modern, stylish accommodation.
The property offers an intimate connection with nature, harmonizing with the aesthetic of its surroundings to provide a serene getaway.
Overview of Rabot Hotel Saint Lucia by Hotel Chocolat
The positioning of the Rabot Hotel is exceptional, as it overlooks the iconic Pitons, St Lucia’s famed twin peaks, and the Caribbean Sea, offering panoramic views that few places in the world can rival. The design of the hotel incorporates elements from the landscape, with an emphasis on sustainable, open-air architecture that maximizes the stunning vistas.
Visitors looking for a blend of adventure, relaxation, and culinary excellence will find the Rabot Hotel to be an ideal destination.
Every aspect of the Rabot Hotel has been carefully curated to ensure guests enjoy a memorable stay. The property features a range of amenities, including a spa, infinity pool, and fine dining restaurant that highlights local flavors and ingredients.
With its unique setting, bespoke experiences, and attention to detail, Rabot Hotel exemplifies the beauty and allure of Saint Lucia. This makes it a standout property for travelers seeking both luxury and authenticity.
Accommodation at Rabot Hotel by Hotel Chocolat
The accommodation at the Rabot Hotel from Hotel Chocolat offers a blend of luxury and nature. There are 25 Luxe Lodges and Lodges, all designed to provide guests with an exceptional stay amidst the verdant surroundings of Saint Lucia.
The room features at the Rabot Hotel are carefully considered to enhance the guest experience. Luxuriously comfortable four-poster beds ensure a restful sleep.
There are ceiling fans, but no air conditioning as this is an eco-friendly hotel. However, we found that we quickly acclimatised. Eye masks and ear plugs are also provided, although we slept deeply so didn’t need to use them.
Room Features
- Beds: Four-poster beds providing utmost comfort
- Furniture: Dark wood furniture accentuating the room’s elegance
- Bathroom: Exclusive rainforest showers offering a rejuvenating experience
- Hot chocolate machine: Each room is equipped with a Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser™ and drinking chocolate sachets, together with freshly ground coffee, tea, filtered water and ice.
- Daily homemade chocolate treats.
Luxe Lodges
Rabot Hotel’s Luxe Lodges are sanctuary-like accommodations with direct views of the Petit Piton mountain. Each lodge is crafted with dark wood furniture, contributing to the elegant and natural atmosphere.
Guests wake up to breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea from the balcony, greeted by the serene sounds of nature. We loved how the light changed at different times of the day.
The exclusive amenities include expansive private balconies for an unobstructed communion with the outdoors. They are equipped with comfortable sun loungers and a bench seat, as well as a fridge and complimentary selection of hot drinks and water.
The bathrooms are outfitted with rainforest showers open to the sky, allowing for an invigorating and natural bathing experience.
Lodges
The 6 Lodges at Rabot Hotel also boast king sized four poster beds. There’s a lounging sofa, and sliding wooden shutters that open up to charming courtyard or Petit Piton views.
Additionally, an open-sky rainforest shower in the bathroom allows guests to bask in the captivating allure of Saint Lucia’s tropical climate while maintaining privacy.
| Types | Size | Views | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxe Lodge | 750 sq ft. | Petit Piton | Up to 2 adults |
| Lodge | 450 sq ft. | Garden Courtyard or Petit Piton | Up to 2 adults |
Dining Experience
At Rabot Hotel from Hotel Chocolat, guests are treated to a unique culinary journey that centers around the use of cacao, from savory dishes to refreshing drinks, all enjoyed in an open-air environment that showcases the beauty of Saint Lucia.
Dietary Requirements
Rabot Hotel is committed to ensuring a memorable dining experience for all visitors, including those with specific dietary needs. An inclusive meal plan can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions with prior notification.
The kitchen staff are adept at crafting meals that are as thoughtful and well-prepared as their standard menu offerings, ensuring that dietary accommodations do not compromise on taste or creativity.
Rabot Restaurant
Rabot Restaurant offers guests the chance to dine amid the lush tropical beauty of Saint Lucia. This establishment is characterized by its magnificent open-sided setting, inviting diners to enjoy their meals surrounded by nature. It is open to residents and non-residents, with booking in advance advisable, particularly at weekends.
The restaurant prides itself on incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are grown in the hotel’s own herb garden. Dining here is not just a meal; it’s an immersive experience that merges the senses with the surrounding environment.
Culinary innovation is at the heart of cacao cuisine and drinks at Rabot Hotel. Dishes are infused with cacao in inventive ways, going beyond dessert to include savory options where cacao beans and cocoa nibs are integral ingredients.
They might be used in marinades, as a spice, or wrapped in banana leaves for a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Savory Dish Examples: Cacao nib-encrusted snapper, Local 12-hour Marinated “Bois Bandé” Chicken, Spinach and Mushroom Wellington
- Dessert Examples: The Magnificent Piton, Rabot Chocolate Lava, The Story of Chocolate in Ice
Breakfast
Breakfast at Rabot Hotel is a hearty affair, with a complimentary fruit platter, granola and muffin. There are some really interesting options to choose from, such as Cacao Nib Sweet Potato Hash and the Rainforest Bowl, with callaloo (local spinach), granola, roasted coconut, almond and fruit.
We particularly enjoyed the Local Breakfast with saltfish, cucumber, bell julienne, cacao nibs and bakes (local fried dough). It’s served with local cacao tea, made using estate grown cacao beans.
Afternoon Tea
For a special treat, book the Velvetised Afternoon Tea. It’s available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 15:30 to 17:00 at the beautiful Rabot Estate House.
Cacao Bar
Located next to the restaurant, you’ll find the Cacao Bar. It offers a range of drinks where cacao plays a starring role, from smoothies to cocktails, showcasing the versatility of cacao.
This is a great place to try delicious cacao infused mocktails and cocktails. If you’re not sure what to order, let the bar staff know your preference and they’ll rustle up something to your taste.
Cocktail Examples: Chairman’s Rum Punch, White Chocolate Mojito, Cacao Gin and Tonic.
Club Boucan
Hotel guests can also feast poolside on a selection of tasty nibbles and dishes such as the Rabot Roti, a homemade cacao wrap filled with chicken, fish or vegetables.
Rum and Chocolate Pairing Masterclass
We had a great time at this bookable masterclass, tasting different chocolate and rum to find the best pairing. Like the afternoon tea, it’s held on the verandah of the Rabot Estate House, the oldest building on the estate.
Wellness and Spa
The Wellness and Spa facilities at Rabot Hotel Saint Lucia by Hotel Chocolat offer an indulgent blend of relaxation and revitalization. With a focus on cacao-rich treatments and modern amenities, guests can experience a unique connection to the natural beauty and bounty of Saint Lucia.
There are also regular wellness activities held on site such as poolside yoga.
Beauté de Cacao Spa
The Beauté de Cacao Spa is an oasis that embodies the essence of cacao, utilizing its antioxidant properties in many spa treatments. They offer a variety of chocolate-centric treatments that are not only luxurious but also provide health and beauty benefits to the skin.
The offerings include massages, facials, and body therapies. The facility ensures comfort with a semi open-air ambiance connecting you to the outdoors.
I tried the Cacao Facial, a one hour treatment which leaves your skin feeling nourished and plumped up. It includes steaming, oatmeal cleansing, cacao rose water refreshing, a gentle cacao exfoliation, a banana and cacao face mask and Rabot Beauty Cacao & Argan Body Butter hydration.
Fitness and Recreation
Recreational amenities are thoughtfully designed. The resort boasts an infinity pool set against the stunning backdrop of the island, complete with sun loungers for guests to relax after their fitness or spa activities. There are also a few hammocks located next to the Rabot Estate House.
Guests can engage in a range of activities that promote wellness and fitness, taking advantage of the natural landscape for a truly refreshing experience.
Activities and Experiences
Guests at the Rabot Hotel Saint Lucia by Hotel Chocolat enjoy a unique blend of chocolate-centric activities and natural explorations which pay homage to both the rich heritage of the Rabot Estate and the stunning St. Lucian landscape.
Project Chocolat Activities
Project Chocolat offers a hands-on journey into the world of cacao for chocolate lovers. Visitors can partake in fascinating tours, where they learn the intricacies of growing cacao and this sustainable chocolate-making process.
For hotel guests, the 1 hour Bean to Bar experience is available at a discounted rate and can be booked on arrival. The tree to bean part of the tour is complementary, so guests benefit from the full tree to bar tour at a discounted rate. For non-residents, it can be booked online or on site.
Participants will learn about the history of cacao and sample some delicious chocolate. This educational exchange culminates in guests creating their own chocolate bar, tailored to their taste preferences. If you’re ham-fisted like me, your tutor will help you to grind the cacao properly.
There is also an in-depth 2.5 hour Tree to Bar experience which includes a visit to the cacao groves where you taste fresh cacao pulp from a pod, as well as a market-style lunch. The Project Chocolat shop sells a wide range of chocolate related foodie treats and toiletries.
Exploring the Rabot Estate
The 140 acre Rabot Estate spans a terrain that incites adventure and discovery. With its steep and lush landscape, visitors have the opportunity to tour the grounds where cacao cultivation occurs.
There are several different trails exclusively accessible to hotel guests, of varying difficulty. The Marcial Cacao Grove Walk is suitable for all and winds its way through the lush vegetation.
The Big Nature View Walk takes you up to the highest point on the Rabot Estate. Although it’s fairly strenuous at the end, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Soufrière Basin, both Pitons and Mount Gimme.
Local St. Lucia Attractions
St. Lucia’s attractions extend beyond the estate’s boundaries. Several times a day, a free shuttle takes hotel guests to Malgretoute Beach which is 10 minutes away. For a supplementary fee, enjoy the sun loungers, drinks service and water sports.
The Rabot Hotel has its very own ship, and there are several bookable tours such as the Boucanier Underwater Explorer and the Boucanier Sunset Cruise.
The white sands of Sugar Beach are a short distance away, nestled between the magnificent Pitons. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation after a day of exploration.
Adventurers can venture to the local Anse des Pitons, a pristine white sand beach against a backdrop of the island’s dramatic topography. The former capital of St Lucia, Soufrière, is best visited on a Saturday morning when the Farmers’ Market is in full swing.
Sulphur Springs and the drive-in volcano are just a few minutes drive from Rabot Hotel. Afterwards, you can wash off the mud at Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths or Toraille Waterfall.
The imposing beauty of the Pitons presents a breathtaking panorama that captivates all those who lay eyes upon it. Take a hike such as the Tet Paul Nature Trail to get great views of these natural wonders.
If you have time, the St Lucia aerial tram is also worth a visit. It’s 1.5 hours by car from the Rabot Estate. Here are some more ideas for things to do in St Lucia.
Weddings and Events
The boutique size of Rabot Hotel and its location within Hotel Chocolat’s cocoa farm creates an intimate and unique setting for destination weddings or corporate retreats in the Caribbean.
Rabot Hotel offers several wedding packages for couples looking to get married in Saint Lucia’s stunning natural surroundings. The hotel has a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces suitable for corporate retreats, incentive trips, meetings and special celebrations.
Wedding packages include accommodation, ceremony setup, flowers, cake, photography and other customizable options. It’s possible to do a hotel takeover of the 25 rooms, for a minimum of three nights.
Guest Services
Rabot Hotel from Hotel Chocolat ensures guests experience both seamless accessibility and personalized services. The dedicated team assists with a range of guest needs, from mobility concerns to local transportation.
Front Desk and Concierge
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the front desk staff who are available to address any requirements. The concierge service offers expert advice on local attractions and can assist with booking tours and activities or a rental car.
- Concierge Services:
- Tour bookings
- Local recommendations
- Spa bookings
- Project Chocolat bookings
- Rental cars
Transportation and Transfers
Guests can book transportation services for transfers to and from Hewanorra International Airport and to a wide range of tourist attractions.
- Transportation Services:
- Airport transfers
- Local transport arrangements
Booking and Reservations
If you’re planning a stay at Rabot Hotel Saint Lucia by Hotel Chocolat, the following information will be useful to you.
Making a Reservation
To reserve a room at Rabot Hotel, potential guests can book directly through the hotel’s official website, contact the reservation team via phone, or use accredited travel agencies. Real-time availability and immediate booking confirmation are provided online.
It’s essential to ensure that all personal details and special requests are accurate upon booking.
Policies and Information
Reservation Policy:
- All bookings require a credit card guarantee.
- Cancellations are subject to policies detailed at the time of booking.
Check-In/Out:
- Check-in: 3:00 PM
- Check-out: 11:00 AM
Eligibility:
- One must be at least 18 years old to make a reservation.
Important Information:
- Pets are not allowed.
- The hotel is a smoke-free property.
Promotions and Offers
Rabot Hotel periodically introduces promotions to provide guests with exclusive benefits for their stay. Offers may include:
- Seasonal discounts
- Package deals combining accommodation and dining
- Complimentary activities with eligible purchases
To stay informed on the latest promotions, guests are encouraged to subscribe to the hotel’s newsletter or check the special offers section on their website. All in all, this is a real bucket list experience that you shouldn’t miss if you’re coming to Saint Lucia.
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