We departed promptly from the Airbnb as we had a workman coming to the boat at 11am, so headed back north to Rodney bay. Rowan knows a few of the board members of Hotel Chocolat so they kindly organised a tour of their Chocolate operation for 9am tomorrow morning. We couldn’t decide what to do as the Hotel at the Hotel Chocolat operation would not allow us to stay because of Covid rules. Because we are in the Caribbean bubble and not in quarantine, we are now considered as locals and we cannot mix with their international guests! Rowan was keen to drive, but as it is at least two hours drive, I did not want to be rushing on these mountain passes in morning rush hour. I went online and amazingly within minutes found a gorgeous old Cocoa Plantation Hotel who were happy to have us this afternoon, and they were just down the road to Hotel Chocolat. With the workman finished we repacked our bags and were soon back in the jeep heading south.
There is a very sweet man selling fruit and veg on the marina dock, from his amazing little boat which has a living roof on it to keep the boat cool. It is very Heath Robinson and looks totally unseaworthy, but full of character. I love all his herbs growing haphazardly on the roof. He has desperately tried to sell me some stuff all week and I keep having to say no as we are away or eating out. On the way to the car I gave him an order for Thursday morning which he was thrilled about, he asked me where we were going. I said to the Pitons as that was easiest and he immediately asked for a lift as that is where he lives. So Gregory joined us on our trip. Rowan made him wear a mask in the car, after he had told us he wasn’t getting vaccinated! I think he was trying to teach him a lesson of the benefits of the vaccine! I hoped it works.
It was an incredible drive through amazing rain forest and winding up and down over the mountains into very quaint little fishing towns. We can’t wait to come to them all on the boat. No resorts that we could see, just genuine fishing towns.
We finally dropped Gregory off, in Soufriere town, he had a very infectious chortle that kept us entertained. He loved waving at the passers by and watching their reaction as they saw him in a private white taxi! Our hotel was just up the other side of Soufriere at about 700m, so quite a climb. It is a stunning hotel, with exceptionally friendly staff, and locally owned, which is why it is open to locals like us!
Magnificent drive through the rain forest
Rounded the corner and there were the famous Pitons
Soufriere town
Our hotel the Fond Doux Plantaion in the middle of the rain forest
I loved the colours and almost Victorian detailing with corrugated iron roofs.
Our little cottage
Given a coconut and cocoa seed on arrival
We walked their nature trail up to a stunning viewpoint on their property, of the one Piton.
Rowan coordinated with the scenery
Going up to the viewpoint
A stunning view
Through the gardens on the way down
Our favourite fruit at the moment
Band stand in the gardens. most probably for weddings
So lush
The cocoa seeds above out drying in the sun, below they have been rolled away for the night so they don’t get wet
This incredibly delicate flower they call a wax rose, but I cannot find an official name for it. It does look very waxy
Goat curry dinner in the Bamboo restaurant was a great way to end the day.
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