La Haut Plantation

a Haut Plantation, set high on the hills, 770 feet above sleepy Soufriere, you feel as though you are quite simply on top of the world. This is a working cocoa and citrus plantation and not just a stop off for tourists. The fabulous location allows you to really experience what it is like to live and work on the land in St. Lucia, like stepping back in time. If you manage to drag yourself away from the refreshing freshwater pool and the hypnotic views of the Pitons and rainforest area, you can help feed the donkeys and baby goats. Or ask for a guided tour of the estate and learn how tropical fruits are grown and processed. Family-owned and managed, this is a relaxed, informal place (where you can watch some TV, pot a few snooker balls, play the old piano and then sample the restaurant's famous fishcakes). A must for nature-lovers and ideal for couples, a group of friends or families - you can reserve an individual room or book the whole place, sleeping 12.

The views of the Pitons and Caribbean Sea are spectacular and as ever changing as the weather over the hilltops. Homey atmosphere. La Haut offers excellent value (by Caribbean standards) and a unique opportunity to experience the unspoiled.

Five of the hotel's seven bedrooms are situated in the picturesque main plantation house, constructed of wood and painted brilliant white with pale blue trim. Its corrugated tin roof (typical of Caribbean houses) is vibrant blue. The three superior rooms on the second floor are large and comfortable with dark wooden floors, high cathedral ceilings, white washed walls and ceiling fans. The two ground floor rooms have red clay tiled floors. All have lace-draped French doors opening onto a verandah with views across the ocean and the distant volcanic peaks of the Pitons.

King size beds with good mattresses and linen, draped in mosquito nets ensure a perfect night's sleep (at least, until the dawn chorus). Antiqued white rattan furniture gives a colonial feel. Each has a mini-kitchenette and spacious en suite bathroom with delightful mosaic tiled shower (no bathtub) and soft white towels. Tea and coffee making facilities and fridge are provided in the room, along with a complimentary fruit basket. All have space for an extra single bed for a third person.

The sixth room is a small cozy room above a two-room cottage, and the seventh room is situated in its own separate cottage with a small bedroom, bathroom and verandah upstairs and kitchen/living room, downstairs. With only a few rooms available, guests are assured an intimate and personal service from the La Haut warm and friendly staff that welcomes you to the family.

The restaurant next door painted in pastel pink blends with a profusion of orange and pink bougainvillea, setting the scene for this charming location. The restaurant came before the accommodation and has an excellent reputation as one of the best eateries in the area. Clam chowder, Conch in Creole sauce, Fishcakes or crab cakes with Garlic Mayonnaise and Curried Goat are just a sample of the specialties on offer. The menu also offers plenty of fresh, locally caught fish. All dishes are accompanied by locally grown fruits and vegetables, ensuring that it not only tastes divine but is good for you too! Breakfast is a sumptuous assortment of fresh fruit, juices and home baked bread and muffins. Although it is unlikely you'd tire of the cuisine on offer and the menu changes daily there are plenty of restaurants within a short taxi drive if the need for exploring takes over.

Near to a wide range of things to see and do, La Haut is ideally situated. Bird-watching from your balcony, hiking in the rainforest, climbing the Pitons, bathing in therapeutic waters of the sulphur springs or many refreshing waterfalls, best snorkeling and scuba-diving on the island, kayaking or going fishing with local fishermen, all are nearby, some a short walk away.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES

• Simply Magnificent views, described as "perfect".
• Taste of country life and how things used to be.
• Lush vegetation and tropical gardens mixed with farm animals, birds and butterflies.
• Restaurant specializing in fresh local produce and natural seasonings, everything being homemade, thus the motto "Love at first bite".
• Family environment.