It’s the late evening and the symphony starts: the breezy shaking of palm trees, the spirited calls of birds; the rhythmic solos of tree frogs. 

You’re in the middle of the rainforest, with just four walls separating you and the wonder of Saint Lucia’s tropical environs. 

This is the Fond Doux Eco Resort, and it’s the essence of the Caribbean eco-resort, an immersive, locally-owned retreat set amid a working cocoa estate. 

And that’s what keeps drawing travelers back here: when you’re here, you’re really in Saint Lucia, you’re in touch with nature and you’re experiencing what makes this island so unique. 

Where is it? Fond Doux is set in Soufriere on the western coast of Saint Lucia, about a 45-minute drive from the island’s primary Hewanorra International Airport. 

What to know? There are 16 rooms at Fond Doux, all of them unique; they are a mix of one and two-bedroom cottages, all with Madras prints, wood floors, rattan furniture and work by local artists. The property is set on a 250-year-old working cacao estate, with a delightful offering that includes two eateries, a spa, several pools and a chocolate shop.

This is a true eco-resort, from its farm-to-table culinary program to a stunning rainforest setting. Soufriere itself is one of the jewels of Saint Lucia, home to rainforests, beaches, a vibrant town and the world’s only “drive-in volcano.”

Which room to choose? Your best bet is the one-bedroom cottage with pool, which includes a private plunge pool, with 432 square feet of living space, a four-poster bed, an outdoor shower and an expansive elevated deck. 

What do we like best? The experience. Staying here is an immersive vacation. At every point, you’re taking a deep dive into Saint Lucia and its dynamic culture, whether you’re creating your own chocolate on the hotel’s must-do Chocolate Heritage Tour or enjoying local flavors at the Creole Pot or Bamboo. Lots of hotels promise a authenticity — this one delivers it. 

For more, visit Fond Doux Eco Resort.