Above: St Lucian chocolate

Cacao and chocolate have long played an integral role in the history of St Lucia, and the island is once again celebrating Chocolate Heritage Month.

The month-long festivities explore the roots of cacao in St Lucia, from tours at St Lucia’s numerous cacao plantations to a full-fledged Chocolate Decadence tour.

The latter, put on by Island Routes, takes guests on a catamaran from Castries to the Rabot Estate and includes a chocolate-infused meal and an afternoon at the Sulfur Springs Mud Bath.

“Travelers are in for a sweet surprise when they visit Saint Lucia during Chocolate Heritage Month,” says Tracey Warner-Arnold, deputy director of tourism. “Saint Lucia’s cacao culture begins with the plantation tours where visitors can actually harvest the beans and follow the process through to experience our creative cuisine, infused spa treatments and even delicious local traditions like cocoa tea.”

Of course, you can always just head straight to Boucan By Hotel Chocolat, which is offering a combination tasting of chocolate and — you guessed it — rum.

— CJ