Anse Chastenet TEL (809) 454-7355. A truly unique deluxe retreat -
built up and into the lush mountainside that rises from the beach of the same name. (There is a restaurant and giftshop on the beach). Another restaurant perched further up the slope offers creative nouvelle Caribbean cuisine as well as a great view of the Pitons. Most of the guest rooms are constructed out of tropical hardwoods from Guyana and are set either within tropical gardens or just adjacent to the dense tropical jungle. This is a one-hotel, one-beach property.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
Soufriere. This, the second largest town in St. Lucia, is truly a Caribbean Classic. The traditional little fishing village with a multitude of old wooden buildings (some with original gingerbread fretwork) peeling paint and friendly island folk. The famed 'Pitons', a duo of 1,000 foot high volcanic pyramids, loom over the town while just 15 minutes south is the 'World's only drive-in volcano', complete with bubbling pits and sulpher smells. Bring your own gas mask....
ACCESS TO BEACH:
Though connected to the hotel, there is a parking lot for visitors.
QUALITY OF BEACH:
This dark sand beach attracts and retains the heat of the midday sun. The resort thoughtfully provides thatch umbrellas to hide under when the sun is high and the sand gets skillet hot. Do wear sandals.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
The palm fringed cove of Anse Chastenet lies about a mile from the town of Soufriere - though the tortuous mountain road may make it seem longer. There is excellent diving just offshore and the hotel's well-run dive shop can supply all the necessary gear. (Make sure you bring your scuba certification with you.)
