발렌부치 에스테이트(Balenbouche Estate)

The host, Uta, is a gem a very inspirational soul with a passion for the estate. The estate itself is beautiful with trees, blossom and a variety of animals, we were amused by the dogs, cats, cattle, birds, butterflies, fireflies and a possum. The beaches black sand are remote and accessible but challenging for swimmers due to the waves and under-currents. The steps to middle beach are steep and challenging, the beach itself was only really useable when the weather was calm. Little beach is quiet and secluded, if scruffy in true west indies style. We started in Frangipani, a rustic bungalow, which seemed fine but our issue was with the fact that its entirely open to the air, so if you can’t cope with bugs, then its not for you. Due toother issues we were switched to a first floor modern appartment, Moringa, which was lovely with a fantastic view of the rear paddocks, great for bird spotting and fireflies, but again open to all comers so if you cannot cope with bugs at night and the odd roach or vermin, again, not for you. If you want peace, quiet and the natural world all around you, it’s a good’un. Piaye is walkable but a good hike at that, with its locals bar, fruit stalls and a surprisingly good roadside BBQ stall at the weekend. Laborie is a gem, with food options, again local style, not high-end and a pretty beach with easy access and safe swimming.

We had a fantastic time in St Lucia, and the 4 days we spent at Balenbouche Estate were particularly special. After staying in Soufriere and visiting other places, we can say that Balenbouche is like an oasis in St Lucia. The lady who owns the place is such a beautiful person, caring about the guests and staff, animals, and the environment. We felt so welcomed and at home there, and loved the canine company - especially TipTip, who slept at our place one night! We stayed at the Almond Cottage. The place is rustic but comfortable. The beds were made every day, we appreciated that!, and the mosquito nets were a bliss!! Needless to say, the beaches there were just amazing! We were often alone bathing at the two secluded local beaches, just a short walk away! Thank you and all the best to all at Balenbouche!

This is such an amazing and relaxing place to stay on St. Lucia. The cottages are charming, safe and private. I have stayed there twice now; once as a solo female traveler and once as a couple. Both stays I felt comfortable, slept like a baby, and enjoyed the meals. I had breakfast and dinner. The meals were lovely. As are the informal chats with the owners and fellow travellers over meals. Walking around the grounds is a must. And saying hello to the different pets & animals who also call Balenbouche home is a treat! Highly recommend!!

Thirty years ago, we spent our honeymoon on St. Lucia. We stayed in the Calabash cottage at Balenbouche Estate. This year to celebrate our anniversary we took a Windstar cruise with a couple who are close friends of ours. The port we visited on Valentine’s Day was Soufriere on St. Lucia. What a great opportunity to go back and spend the day at Balenbouche! We contacted Verena and she was kind enough to arrange transportation to and from the cruise ship dock to the estate for lunch and a tour. Uta is an incredible host and made sure we had a wonderful visit. The estate looked great! We brought pictures from 30 years ago and one thing that really stood out was how much the trees and flowering plants have grown. The visit brought back many fine memories and was a special way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We enjoyed everything from juice under the mango tree with the sweet dogs, the delicious lunch on the porch, a visit from the beautiful cat, talking with Uta about her life experiences and the estate’s history, and walking through the house and property with its historic factory ruins. It was very relaxing, and we were glad to share it with the friends we were traveling with. Our only regret is that we didn’t have more time to spend there. Coming back to Balenbouche and spending several days, or weeks at the estate is something we will definitely consider for our future travel plans. We highly recommend Balenbouche to anyone looking for a peaceful, beautiful place to stay while visiting and exploring St. Lucia.

Booked and arrived for a 2 week stay and nearly fell out of the van upon our arrival from rubber necking my way around the property. Stunning, magical, quiet, vivid colors, birds, flowers, Waterlily cottage and of course the family. All were well above expectation. We have been married for 21 years and were never able to take a honeymoon. We found Balenbouche Estates and kept going back to the website. Verena and Uta welcomed us as we arrived and we just felt like we were being greeted by old friends. The estate is a treasure trove of small and grand experiences. From two beaches to wade in, walks around the property, always with a tour guild of one of six dogs, exploring the massive sugar cane wheel, dining on the porch of the 180 year old house, visiting with new friends at one of the other very unique cottages, or just sitting under a blanket of stars at night. And that was day ONE and just the beginning! Dinner the first night was delivered to our door and was delicious as was breakfast the next morning on the porch of the main house. We didn't have any set plans on this trip and just slowly developed our daily itinerary as we went. Verena and Uta were never far behind to lend us a hand on where to go and see but were never intrusive. We hired two drivers and both were great. Shem drove us for several day trips and never disappointed with knowledge of the island, local culture and fabulous little stops for grilled meats and seafood. Again it felt like we were visiting an old friend. Our trip never ventured further north than Soifriere and we never felt like we missed out on anything on the north end, maybe next trip. Some highlights were The Atlantic Horseback ride on the beach with our guild Max, the Des Cartier Forest Trail with Marvin, the Tet Paul Trail with Fabulous. It is not that we needed a guild but we deserved one. They all know the trees and trail secrets and history and locals and have such pride for their island. Always to return in the evening to Balenbouche. It was so much more than just a place to stay, it became a place to come home to.

We LOVE this place. Between Uta the Matriarch and Verena her Daughter they made us feel like family right away. We really didn't know what to expect because we were struggling to find a place during the Christmas to New Years week. This open air cottage was perfect. We love the jungle like nature of the place. And the history! And the grounds! Beaches are raw nature but beautiful. It's not a 5 star hotel so no AC but we really didn't miss it. The family pets warmed up to us quickly and Verena found us a car to rent and off we went exploring. Uta served us meals because restaurants were closed. Cannot recommend this place enough.

Balenbouche is a truly magical place! We just got back from our third time visiting! We travel with three kids, now 8, 12 and 14 and can not recommend this experience enough if you are looking to feel one with nature and for a special family bonding time. We always feel truly nurtured and cared for by the three magnificent women who run the property. The cottages are lovingly restored and decorated, and the tranquil historic grounds are beautiful. You can stay put and enjoy your privacy in Balenbouche to no end, and/or rent a care a travel to multiple beaches, hikes and local restaurants, all within 5-30 minutes of driving. Uta (owner) and her daughter Verena go above and beyond to make you feel at home.

Balenbouche was an amazing experience! It is such a hidden gem 🥰 Uta is the sweetest and caring host I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Staying here was fantastic! There is always a breeze, there is a fan in the room so it’s comfortable to sleep without AC, it’s peaceful and quaint, the property has so many neat buildings and it’s full of history! You can even take a short walk to a few black sand beaches. The food was fresh and local - which is fantastic! This is truly an eco-friendly paradise where you can connect with nature and feel like you’re staying with friends and family.

We arrived at Balenouche not knowing quite what to expect! However this place very quickly won us over with its charm, beauty and atmosphere. Utta and her team have created a tranquil haven which is nourishment to the body mind and soul, and by the end of 5 days we could only face leaving, by swearing to return! The rustic, beautiful accommodations are all secluded and surrounded by lush greenery which is a treat for the senses, and our shower + bath being open air was lovely. I thought we would miss access to a pool (and air conditioning!), but actually, being so close to nature was more than enough. Walking round the grounds is quite an experience, and nothing is off bounds, you really can wander anywhere and explore. We loved the yoga barn, a beautiful space for meditation, movement or anything creative and got to join a yoga class one morning. Being able to have breakfast on the veranda of the great house each morning was a treat, as was meeting the variety of guests who came and went throughout our stay. 4Km away is Laborie which has a beautiful beach for swimming and there is plenty to explore within 30 mins drive, including the many attractions around Soufriere. I would say a car is pretty vital if you want to explore. Otherwise, bring a good book and be prepared to 'nature bathe' every day in this truly special place.