Caribbean Cocoa - Boucan Hotel Chocolat

You may know Hotel Chocolat as the makers of yummy cocoa products, but did you know they also have an actual hotel on the Caribbean island of St Lucia? Boucan by Hotel Chocolat is fittingly situated on a site where much of the chocolate that is exported is cultivated and produced.

There are six cottage-style rooms (which they call Cocoa pods), which are set around a beautiful terrace and water feature. Another eight luxury rooms (called Cocoa Pods luxe) are set higher on a hill with their own verandas. Rooms have four poster beds, and semi-outdoor rain showers, and they also provide an iPod with a selection of playlists.

The rooms have window shutters, but are open to the outside and the nightlife can get noisy. It has to be said though I'm not talking about clubs and bars - but instead tree frogs, birds and crickets! The hotel does provide ear plugs, but I love nothing more than the noise of the Caribbean sending me to sleep!

The restaurant has fast become one of the hottest destinations on St Lucia whether you stay here or not. Inspired by the rare cocoa growing on the Estate, the menu sometimes uses it as a subtle spice - it may sound strange, but bear in mind it was used as a savoury ingredient for over three thousand years.

There is plenty to do here if you don't want to laze by the pool. You can take a boat cruise on the Caribbean side of the island and try a bit of snorkelling; spend a day on a nearby beach (there is a free shuttle service), or take a nature walk around the estate and create your own chocolate! The Piton mountains are St Lucia's most famous landmark, and the view of the Petite Piton is absolutely majestic from this hotel, which simply oozes class. If you want more information, see the official website here.