If you'd like to get out and explore your surroundings, there's a wide range of experiences for you – from gentle, self-guided strolls through our cocoa groves, to climbing the Pitons and exciting sea adventures! Can be pre-booked or booked on your arrival.
Or try our signature experience…
TREE TO BAR EXPERIENCE
Unique only to the Rabot Estate, and drawing on our expertise as a chocolatier as well as a grower, the Tree to Bar is an exclusive opportunity for guests to create their own chocolate! The Tree to Bar experience starts with guests walking on the estate cocoa groves selecting ripe cacao pods cut from the tree, and ends with making their own chocolate bars and truffles from beans that guests have roasted themselves. The tour includes all the stages in between: seedling nursery, fermenting room, sun-drying station, grinding, mixing and lots of tasting!
Available: Thursday & Friday
Times: 09.00 – 12.00
MARCIAL, COCOA GROVE WALK
Shady trail with beautiful picture opportunities over the lake at the end. Great for an early morning stroll before breakfast or evening time before dinner.
Fitness Level: Easy
Duration: 20 minutes
BOIS NEF, COCOA GROVE WALK
Come and explore one of the new cocoa groves with saplings that have already started bearing. A lovely view of the lake from a different angle and watch the birds –the white egrets cluster on a tree at about 5pm and are spectacular.
Fitness Level: Easy
Duration: 30 Minutes.
PEAU PEPINIERE, COCOA GROVE WALK
Adventure deep into the estate into one of the largest of the 16 Cotes (terroir based zones of the estate). Dropping down below the Boucan you will come across the historic Sugar Mill which was in used in the early 1800‟s. This walk takes you down into the valley and through the middle of the estate. Shaded by other trees it‟s a cool place to be and has a touch of "Heart of Darkness‟ about it!
Fitness Level: Moderate
Duration: 45 Minutes
THE BIG NATURE VIEW
A breath taking view from the highest point of Rabot Estate, with a 360 degree portrait of Soufriere basin, Mount Gimme, and both Pitons framing the Caribbean Sea. Rated as the best view in Saint Lucia and well worth the walk up. You will pass by the site of our forthcoming Micro Batch Chocolate Manufactory and several cocoa groves.
Fitness level: Moderate
Duration: 45 – 60 minutes
THE OLD FRENCH ROAD
A beautiful scenic route that takes you cross country along the old stone road that soldiers passed along during the Battle of Rabot in 1795. The first part of the trail is a gentle climb with beautiful views of the mountains. When you reach the top you are rewarded with a down hill stroll that drops you back down to the main road. Keep tight to the edge of the road as you hike the last leg back to the Estate. This route is approximately 2.5 miles. On the way to the Old French Road you will pass by the site of our forthcoming Micro Batch Chocolate Manufactory and several cocoa groves.
Fitness Level: Moderate/Good
Duration: 90 minutes
SULPHUR SPRING VOLCANO POWER WALK
This route is best done before the sun gets too high in the morning or early evening when the sun is dipping, the complete route is just over 2 miles and a great loop for those who want to keep fit or just work off last night‟s dessert! First time out on this route I would suggest to leave the gate lodge and take a left and do the loop this way. When you have seen the hill gradient you may fancy the challenge to take the loop the opposite direction, then celebrate with a rum punch at night! You will pass by the site of our forthcoming Micro Batch Chocolate Manufactory and several cocoa groves.
Fitness Level: Good
Duration: 90 minutes
ENGAGED ETHICS ISLAND GROWERS TOUR
A wonderful opportunity to experience the diverse farming of some of our island growers who supply us with some of the best cocoa beans for our chocolate and who maintain the principles and pledges of our Engaged Ethics Programme
We will visit:
LA DAUPHINE ESTATE:
Charles Augustin - Manger of La Dauphine Estate, joined our Engaged Ethics Programme in 2008 when he bought 2,000 plants! La Dauphine Estate is currently our main fermentation and drying facility.
SALTIBUS GROWERS:
An island community approximately four miles off the Soufriere-Vieux Fort main road and 12 miles from the Rabot Estate. Visit John Modeste, a leading cocoa farmer who was the 3rd farmer to join the programme, purchasing 450 plants. He is our local Engaged Ethics officer responsible for coordinating the programme in the area.
Available: Wednesdays.
Times: 10am - 1pm
Items to remember: camera, walking boots/trainers
BOUCANEER SUNSET CRUISE
"The Twilight of the Gods"
Sit back and relax as your Captain cruises some of the most impressive mountain seascapes in the world.
As we cruise past the majestic Pitons, the sun is low in the sky and the evening trade winds are blowing their cooling breeze over the waters. Toast your companions as the on board Maitre D will serve complementary drinks, cocktails, champagne and hors d‟oeuvres as you wait for the sun to set.
You may be one of the very few who witness the "Green Flash" the rarely seen signature of "The Twilight of the Gods"
Available: Monday - Thursday
Times: 16.30 – 19.00
Remember: camera, suntan lotion, beach towel, swimwear, hat and sun glasses plus some spending money
BOUCANEER UNDERWATER EXPLORER
This is a leisurely cruise of the West Coast exploring the main coral reef sites, such as, Anse Cochon, Anse Chastanet, "Ti Piton and Jalousie.
The island's natural beauty is further magnified by its underwater world and over these reefs you will have the opportunity to snorkel, swim and explore the dramatic coral reef walls that begin only a few feet from shore and drop off steeply into the ocean depths.
There is an abundance of marine life and if you are lucky enough to see one of our Leatherback turtles please be careful not to frighten them.
Available: Tuesday & Thursday
Times: 10.00 – 16.00
Remember: camera, suntan lotion, beach towel, swimwear, hat and sun glasses
BOUCANEER WEST COAST RAIDING PARTY
We leave the historic old French capital of Soufriere as other Buccaneers have done throughout the centuries to explore and raid the waters of the West Coast. As we pass the old fishing villages of Canaries and Anse la Raye the traditional way of life on the island can be seen today.
Pigeon Island looms eventually on the horizon and on a clear day Martinique can also be seen. The historical significance of both can be explored at the National Trust property of Pigeon Island. There you can explore the island and the numerous forts such as the 18th century British built fort used to watch for a French invasion from neighbouring Martinique.
Here you can use the opportunity to have a "local‟ lunch at Jambe De Bois waterfront restaurant & bar (named after the wooden legged Pirate who used this very place to ambush shipping in the days of sail) and a cooling swim before cruising to Rodney Bay to explore the Marina.
Later we sail to Marigot Bay often described as the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean; it is home to dozens of sailboats which chose this tropical bay as one of the nicest natural anchorages in the region.
Our next anchorage will be between the Pitons, one of the best and most dramatic mountain seascapes in the world where you can take the opportunity to swim or enjoy the views.
After docking at Port Soufriere, you can enjoy the traditional Boucaneers rum punch at the Big Bamboo harbour side bar with your Captain, before returning to the hotel.
Available: Wednesday & Friday
Time: 09.30 – 18:00
Remember: camera, suntan lotion, beach towel, swimwear, hat and sun glasses plus some spending money
SOUFRIERE EXPERIENCE
Sulphur Springs, Diamond Falls & Gardens Tours
Visit the world‟s only drive in volcano and Sulphur Springs en route to the picturesque waterfall at the Diamond Falls & Botanical Gardens. As these are two of the island‟s most popular tourist attractions they are a must see for all. The pools at the mineral baths are filled with therapeutic mineral–rich water which is naturally heated by the volcanic activity in the Sulphur Springs region.
Stop at various points for different Kodak moments as you journey along the Diamond Falls and Gardens. Take along bathing suits for a soothing dip. The rejuvenating powers of the water were recognised by the troops of Louis XIV who created the original mineral baths.
Available: Mondays- Sunday
Times: 10.00 – 13.00
Remember: camera, suntan lotion, beach towel, swimwear, hat and sun glasses plus some spending money
GROS PITON CLIMB
Enjoy a breathtaking hike to the summit of the Gros piton.
The first half of the trail is a gentle slope, where the Caribbean Sea and the village of Choiseul can be seen to the south.
The second half of the trail involves a steep ascent to the Gros Piton summit and is intended for the more adventurous hiker. This climb is approximately 3 – 4 hours round trip.
When you make it to the top, which is 2,619 feet above sea level, you have climbed one of St. Lucia‟s national landmarks. The pitons and the surrounding area have been designated as a World Heritage site. The jaw-dropping views in the distance are of St. Vincent, Soufriere and environs.
Climbing Gros Piton is a strenuous challenge and should be undertaken only by fit and agile hikers. We recommend taking it slow and be careful along the way.
Available: Mondays - Sundays
Times: 06.30 – 11.00 (wake-up knock can be provided!)
Remember: stout trainers or walking boots, camera, suntan lotion, hat and sun glasses plus some spending money