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Author: michael

Quirky Dates – November 2025

Every month offers up a cluster of quirky dates and events. We have fun seeing how we can weave them into life at Cap Maison.

Quirky Dates for the new Season

While I am sure the seasons are changing in certain parts of the world, it remains HOT in St. Lucia. I think it’s a new season for us here. April – ? We have no idea when this will end. We are all praying that it is November. That on Saturday the 1st, we will get our first chill – 23°. It may be funny to you, but that’s our dream right now. Seriously, the Trade Winds are beginning to cool us down.

Until then, I can look forward to November 1st being National Author’s Day. Celebrate some of your favorite authors and set aside the next beach read for Saint Lucia.

November 1st is also World Vegan Day. We asked you to visit a vegan restaurant on World Vegetarian Day sometime ago, but now is your chance to truly honor this day. If you are on property at Cap Maison, challenge yourself to only order vegan dishes from Breakfast to Dinner. We may make a convert out of you.

November 2nd is All Souls Day. A day to pray for your deceased friends and family members. In neighboring South America it’s known as Día de Muertos, traditionally celebrated from November 1–2, and it’s a time when Mexicans and other Latin Americans come together to honor loved ones who have died. Remember the opening sequence for James Bond’s “Spectre”, to get an overblown idea of what it is.

November 2nd is also Men Make Dinner Day, so ladies take note. It is also Deviled Egg Day so perhaps we can request this for dinner if our male chef can pull it off.

November 3rd is Sandwich Day. Move over grilled cheese, today you can get creative. I once had goat cheese, arugula and candied rhubarb sandwich. I was hungry. I had to use what was available.

November 3rd is also Housewife’s Day, so this is an excuse for the men to make sandwiches all day while the housewife’s get a day off at the spa. Or you can treat her to a solo trip to Cap Maison…or if you live on Saint Lucia, treat her to a spa day.

November 4th is Book Lovers Day. I’ve read 48 books so far this year, so I’d say I’m a book lover. But even if you are not as obsessed as I am, this is a good day to pick up the book that you have been longing to read. If you are on property at Cap Maison, there are endless nooks to escape to with a book. You cannot beat the warm sunshine, with the soundtrack of the waves crashing against the rocks and birds chirping overhead. Perhaps a chilled Chardonnay by your side.

November 4th is also Check Your Blood Pressure Day. High blood pressure is a silent killer. Walk into any clinic and ask for your blood pressure to be checked. You may be saving your own life. Most pharmacies sell them and they aren’t expensive.

November 6th is Saxophone Day. I can already hear Kenny G playing…but this Sunday November 2nd, Rob Zi Taylor is playing at Naked Fisherman.

November 7th is International Merlot Day. Confession, I’m a Merlot girl so I have marked my calendar. Wherever you are, pour yourself a glass. If you are on property at Cap Maison, go down to the cellar and have a bottle of our finest. Merlots are just so light and satisfying.

November 11th is World’s Veteran’s Day and in the UK Remembrance day. Take some time out today to honor those who risked their lives to serve and protect your country.

November 12th is Diwali Day, a five day Hindu Holiday tradition. Diwali is essentially a festival of lights, celebrating light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, hope over despair. It’s a must for your bucket list.

November 12th is also World Pneumonia Day. It is a day designated by the WHO to raise awareness and promote the prevention and treatment of Pneumonia. If you don’t know enough about the disease, use the day to do some research and see if you can be of service.

November 13th is Caregiver Appreciation Day. I have always believed that the people who look after your kids and your parents should be paid very handsomely and should be spoiled rotten. Great Caregivers should be appreciated. If you are thinking of taking a sick relative on vacation, why not take the caregiver along to Cap Maison. Give them a few days off when they get here. You have no idea what this will mean to them.

If you can’t make it to Cap Maison, give your caregiver a day off today with a gift voucher for something you know that she or he will appreciate.

November 13th is also World Kindness Day. Please, just be kind to everyone. You cannot fathom the breaths of your kindness. Kindness is contagious. An act of kindness can literally change the trajectory of someone’s day. You never know what someone is going through. Just be kind, even when you may not feel like it. The person you change, may just be yourself.

November 14th is World Diabetes Day. We have all witnessed the rise in obesity and diabetes over the last decade. Walk into a clinic today and get your blood sugar checked. Make a conscious decision to cut back on sweets and sugar, not just for today but going forward. Your future self will thank you.

November 14th is also Young Readers Day. Many kids today need to be motivated to pick up a book or kindle. But it is up to us to cultivate the habit. I give my 11 year old niece a reading challenge, where I buy her a physical book. She has to read it, (my sister takes away her phone and gives her dedicated reading times). Then we meet when she is done and she gives me a book report over Ice Cream and Pizza. Not a bad deal. I kinda have to do the ‘aunty monthly outing’ thing anyway, so why not slip in a bribe. Happy to say that she now wakes up early so that she can try to sneak in a few chapters before she has to get ready for school.

November 15th is Clean Your Refrigerator Day. I don’t need to elaborate on this. As quirky dates go, this is a killer.

November 15th is also National Philanthropy Day. We often think of Philanthropists as the super wealthy but we too can be small town philanthropist. Be kind. Help the less fortunate. At the beginning of the school year, a group of family members and a few friends sponsor a family of 5 kids who lost their mom. We buy them school books, stationary, uniforms, shoes and pay for school lunches for the year. Start with one. Do what you can.

November 16th is National Fast Food Day. So. Yes. Of course it is frowned upon, but we all do it. Even if we know, that we shouldn’t. BUT, today is National Fast Food Day, so you are free to eat in, pick up or delivery, whatever fast food you fancy. The Naked Fisherman sells burgers, but they are Kobe beef!

November 17th is Homemade Bread Day. Fun Fact. I’ve been making bread since I was 14. I still bake my own bread. It is very easy. If you have never tried, you can find countless recipes online. Challenge yourself. If you are successful, you will never want to buy bread again. But you will.

November 17th is also World Peace Day. We have been praying for peace since we have all been alive. On this day we are encouraged to be kind to others and seek peaceful solutions to conflict. I hope in observance of this day, the ceasefire in Gaza will hold out and that we make progress in Ukraine. Keep praying.

November 27th is Thanksgiving in the USA. On this day we are to pause and be grateful for all the things that matter to us. It is usually a day celebrated with family and friends, over food, music and laughter.

If you are on property at Cap Maison, look out for our delicious Thanksgiving Menu and our fun activities throughout the day.

November 27th is also National Expresso Day. You may just need a couple of these to get your through the Thanksgiving holiday celebrations.

November 28th is Black Friday. One of the craziest shopping days of the year. Retailers usually offer huge ‘best of the year’ discounts to entice shoppers. And everyone falls for it. You might even find a Cap Maison Black Friday deal.

Incidentally November 28th is also Buy Nothing Day. A protest against commercialism. I think this is silly. If the retailers are giving me 50% off something I think I need, please don’t tell me not to buy it on Black Friday?

November 29th is Small Business Saturday. As you make preparations to shop for the Christmas season, try to support small businesses. Walk around your local flee market, or find small business expos in your city. If you are in St. Lucia, there are many small businesses in the malls and tourist markets. I am sure you can find gifts for just about anyone on your wish list.

December 1st is Cyber Monday. This is traditionally the Monday after Thanksgiving. Similar to Black Friday, but usually offered by online retailers Cyber Monday has now become one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

November 28th is French Toast Day. After all this shopping, you may just need something simple and comforting, because you can’t afford anything else, or because you feel bad for all that shopping. Jazz up your French toast with maple syrup, strawberries and slithered almonds. If you are on property at Cap Maison, let us comfort you with our excellent French toast for breakfast.

November 30th is National Mason Jar Day. Mason Jars have literally fed the world. Even if you are not into canning, mason jars are a one of the best food saving vessels known to man. They are not only great for food storage, but they are used by many small businesses for jams, candles, cakes, candies and creative gifts. Let’s see what you can create this holiday season!

Finally, one or two very quirky dates: 7th is “Red Hair Day”, 20th is “World Absurdity Day”, 27th “Pie in the Face” Day. Go figure!

Pumpkin Pie with Sugared Cranberries

“Bursting with flavor, this pumpkin pie recipe is my very favorite. It’s rich, smooth, and tastes incredible on my fragile pastry base (which will melt in your mouth) and served with whipped cream. You can also leave off the sugared cranberries“. Chef Craig.

Ingredients

Sugared Cranberries

  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 cup (120g) fresh cranberries*
  • 1 cup (240ml) water

Fragile Pastry 

  • 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup  (225g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water

 Method 

  1. Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Add the butter 
  2. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal (pea-sized bits with a few larger bits of fat is OK). A pastry cutter makes this step very easy and quick.
  3. Measure 1/2 cup (120ml) of water in a cup. Add ice. Stir it around. From that, measure 1/2 cup (120ml) of water– since the ice has melted a bit. Drizzle the cold water in, 1 Tablespoon (15ml) at a time, and stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon after every Tablespoon (15ml) added. Do not add any more water than you need to. Stop adding water when the dough begins to form large clumps. I always use about 1/2 cup (120ml) of water and a little more in dry winter months (up to 3/4 cup).
  4. Transfer the pie dough to a floured work surface. The dough should come together easily and should not feel overly sticky. Using floured hands, fold the dough into itself until the flour is fully incorporated into the fats. Form it into a ball. Divide dough in half. Flatten each half into 1-inch thick discs using your hands.
  5. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (and up to 5 days).
  6. When rolling out the chilled pie dough discs to use in your pie, always use gentle force with your rolling pin. Start from the center of the disc and work your way out in all directions, turning the dough with your hands as you go. Visible specks of butter in the dough are perfectly normal and expected!

Pumpkin

  •   2 cups; 450g roast pumpkin puree*
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger*
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground or freshly grated nutmeg*
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves*
  • 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 
  • egg wash: 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon milk

Method

  1. For the cranberries: Place cranberries in a large bowl; set aside. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of sugar and the water to a boil and whisk until the sugar has dissolved. Remove pan from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Pour sugar syrup over the cranberries and stir. Let the cranberries sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight (ideal). You’ll notice the sugar syrup is quite thick after this amount of time. Drain the cranberries from the syrup and pour 1 cup of sugar on top. Toss the cranberries, coating them all the way around. Pour the sugared cranberries on a parchment paper or silicone baking mat-lined baking sheet and let them dry for at least 2 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You’ll have extra, but they’re great for eating or as garnish on other dishes. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

2  For the pumpkin pie filling: Whisk the pumpkin, 3 eggs, and brown sugar together until combined. Add the cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, pepper, cream, and milk. Vigorously whisk until everything is combined.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  1. Roll out the chilled pie crust: Remove 1 disc of pie dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough out into a 12-inch circle. Make sure to turn the dough about a quarter turn after every few rolls. Carefully place the dough into a 9-inch deep dish pie dish. Tuck it in with your fingers, making sure it is smooth. With a small and sharp knife, trim the extra overhang of crust and discard. Crimp the edges with a fork or flute the edges with your fingers, if desired. Brush edges lightly with egg wash mixture. Line the pie crust with parchment paper. Crunching up the parchment paper is helpful so that you can easily shape it into the crust. Fill with pie weights or dried beans. (Note that you will need at least 2 standard sets of pie weights to fit.) Make sure the weights/beans are evenly distributed around the pie dish. Par-bake the crust for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the parchment paper/pie weights.
  2. Pour pumpkin pie filling into the warm pre-baked crust. Only fill the crust about 3/4 of the way up. Bake the pie until the center is almost set, about 55-60 minutes give or take. A small part of the center will be wobbly – that’s ok. After 25 minutes of baking, be sure to cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil or use a pie crust shield to prevent the edges from getting too brown. Check for doneness at minute 50, and then 55, and then 60, etc.
  3. Once done, transfer the pie to a wire rack and allow to cool completely for at least 3 hours. Decorate with sugared cranberries. You’ll definitely have leftover cranberries – they’re tasty for snacking. Serve pie with whipped cream if desired. Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

October 9th Mouldy Old Cheese Day

October

Oct 1st begins Creole Heritage month in St. Lucia

A month of activities devoted to celebrating the culture that evolved from the island’s French and English colonization. For the whole month, various communities throughout the island host activities that highlight traditional music, food, games and dance. The last Sunday in October is ‘Creole Day’ which I will talk about later, but it is usually my recommendation for the most exciting time to visit the island, if you want to experience a true taste of Saint Lucian Culture.

A little earlier than our US & Canadian neighbours, Oct 1 is Thanksgiving in St. Lucia

We do not celebrate Thanksgiving like they do in the US. I think most of us are just thankful for the day off work!

Oct 1 also happens to be World Vegetarian Day

So here is a reason to make an extra effort to eat more veggies or cook a vegetarian meal. Technically, you can have fish but no animal products. If you do not feel like being an experimental chef today, go to a vegan restaurant. If you are on property at Cap Maison, be sure to try any one of the many vegetarian or vegan options on our menu.

Oct 1 is also International Coffee Day

Soooo, have as many cups of coffee as you want today (between your veggie meals). If you are on island, be sure to visit Fond Dou Estate or Hotel Chocolat. St. Lucian coffee is so good, we have award winning hotels and restaurants dedicated to coffee and chocolate!

Oct 2nd – Name Your Car Day

My husband and I have shared a car for the past few years but my last car was called Bambi. She was different. A bit exotic, elegant and a head turner. She passed away in a fire (long story) but she will always be with me. If you haven’t named your car yet, go outside and give it a long hard look. Then decide on a gender, or pronoun, and go for it!

Oct 3rd – National Boyfriend’s Day

Men always claim that they are left out, so here is an opportunity to pamper your partner today. Learn his love language, and speak it.

Oct 5th is World Teacher’s Day

We hear all the time that teachers are undervalued, overworked and underpaid. Right now, this is an understatement. With virtually all kids having access to the latest electronics and extreme social media influence, teachers are finding it more challenging to hold the attention of students and be the positive influence that they need to look up to. Find a teacher and honor them today.

Oct 7th International Frugal Fun Day.

Ditch the electronics and grab a board game. Have a pantry cooking challenge. Go on $50 date. Have a neighbourhood treasure hunt. Take a hike. Literally. Have a pot luck with friends. Fun is multiplied with good company. With all these ideas you could just have a frugal fun week!

Oct 9th is Mouldy Cheese Day.

If you do not love blue cheese. Give it another try. Invest in a smooth creamy gorgonzola. Try it on a nice rice cracker, with tart jam, accompanied by some grapes and walnuts. This might be my frugal blue cheese plate. But you get the idea. I love blue cheese, so I may be biased. I once had a blue cheese soufflé that kept me drooling for days. When I couldn’t take it anymore, I drove back to the restaurant one night ordered two. The next week they changed the menu. I almost died.

If you are on property at Cap Maison, order a cheese plate after dinner, or better yet, book a wine and cheese tasting in the Cellar. Awaken your taste buds!

Oct 11th is Take Your Parents to Lunch Day.

I know as we get older, for various reasons, taking out parents out to eat may not be easy. But you can also order in and sit for a formal lunch. It is heart warming, how much they appreciate it. If you are able to get them out of work, or their homes or able to get them to agree to be together, take them to a nice restaurant.

Oct 12th is World Egg Day.

There are so many dishes that you can make with eggs. But for today, try as much as possible to find and use organic eggs. Which you will definitely need on Oct 14th for National Dessert Day. If you are on property at Cap Maison, try one or two deserts with every meal. Yeah, it’s National Dessert Day after all. If you are not on property, seek out your favorite deserts an enjoy!

Hopefully Oct 15th was a day of juicing, because Oct 16th is World Food Day.

The UN wants to use this day to bring attention to the quality of food production and increasing food supply and distribution, to the areas where it is most needed. While many countries will be having World Food Day Celebrations dedicated to savoring the flavours from around the world, let us also use this day to give a food hamper to a needy family, or donate to a food bank or like organization. If you are on property at Cap Maison, step off your comfort zone and order something new at each meal.

Oct 20th is International Chef’s Day.

If you are on property at Cap Maison, tip the chef today! We always tip the wait staff for the service but how often do we tip the chef and kitchen staff for the wonderful meal that was prepared. If you go out to eat in your home town, go prepared. After the meal, ask to see the chef and hand him a tip.

Oct 25th International Artist Day.

Today, find some time to appreciate art. First, simply go outdoors and appreciate the beauty of nature. Our first experience with visual art, comes when we step outside. Just pause, and look around you. That’s art. Then, listen to the sound of the wind and the birds in the air. That’s music. Appreciate the artists that bring these to life, the visual and performing artists who usually work for little or no pay to give birth to the beautiful works of art and theatrical performances that we don’t spend enough time and money on.

October 25th is also World Opera Day. Again, Opera singers usually work very hard, and do not get the recognition or pay that they deserve. If you are lucky enough to live in a city where you can attend an Opera, go. It is mesmerizing.

Today also happens to be World Pasta Day. Of course, an Italian restaurant may be the best place to appreciate a good pasta dish, but we do have a few on the menu, if you on property at Cap Maison.

Oct 27th is Black Cat Day.

Whatever meaning you associate with this. You have been warned!

Oct 29th is Creole Day in St. Lucia.

As mentioned in the opening, all celebrations come to a head on the last Sunday in October where about three or four communities are chosen to host Creole Day Activities. Cultural artifacts are on display, various performances of song and dance, and a huge variety of food is on sale. Lots, and Lots of food. Some prepared by traditional methods in honor of the celebrations. This is a melting pot of St. Lucian cuisine as it is the one time of year where you can find all the traditional dishes in one location. I really do hope you get a chance to visit then!

Oct 30th is Mischief Night.

I cannot elaborate on this. Do as you please.

Oct 31st is Halloween.

Carved Pumpkins, Witches, Treat or Trick, Scarecrows & Skeletons in your driveway; However you celebrate, have an Awesome time! If you are on property at Cap Maison, be on the lookout, we do have some fun Halloween surprises in store!

La Rose Festival

Here’s why St. Rose of Lima is celebrated in St. Lucia:

  • Patron Saint of the Rose Society: The La Rose society, one of the two flower societies in St. Lucia, chose St. Rose of Lima as their patron saint. 
  • Part of the Flower Festival:The La Rose festival, held annually on August 30th (St. Rose’s feast day), involves elaborate parades, costumes, and performances by members of the Rose society. 
  • Cultural Expression:The festival is more than just a religious observance; it’s a vibrant cultural event that allows Saint Lucians to express their creativity, history, and traditions. 
  • Historical Context:The Rose and Marguerite (the other flower society) festivals are believed to have originated from European attempts to evangelize and entertain slaves. However, they were transformed by Saint Lucians into a way to express their own identity and parody colonial structures. 
  • The Rose Society:The Rose society, with its members dressed in red, pink, gold, and white, re-enacts elements of a royal court, with individuals taking on roles like King, Queen, soldiers, and dignitaries.

 La Rose Festival (La Wòz) – August 30th

Saint Lucia’s La Rose Festival (La Wòz in Kwéyòl) takes place every year on August 30, honoring St. Rose of Lima. It’s one of the two iconic flower society festivals (the other being La Marguerite, held October 17) and represents a cultural rivalry deeply rooted in island history 

Origins & Cultural Significance

The festival stemmed from historic mutual‑aid societies among enslaved communities and later became structured cultural associations—La Woz (rose) and La Magwit (marguerite)—active in nearly every village across the island 

Members elect ceremonial roles—King, Queen, Princes, chantwèl (lead singers), and symbolic officers—who lead vibrant rituals and performances. The chantwèl, often female, is central to the festival’s spirit during seances (all‑night singing gatherings) and parade day moves 

Festival Highlights

Pre‑Festival Seances: In the weeks leading up to August 30, each La Woz group stages nocturnal gatherings featuring lively song, dance, storytelling, games, and local food.

Festival Day

Begins with a church service, often featuring the coronation of a new Festival Queen.

A parade through town follows—participants decked in red (symbolic of the Rose), with flamboyant costumes, banners, and enthusiastic singing and dancing. The day culminates in a grande fête at communal halls or public venues, with traditional Creole music, food, and cultural performances.

Music & Movement

The atmosphere is characterized by the energy, exuberance, and rhythmic spontaneity of La Woz. Compared to the more structured elegance of La Marguerite, La Woz is known for its lively folk music—banjo, cuatro, chak-chak—and dynamic dances like manpa and Omans, and kwadril choreography featuring whirl and bounce.

Where to Experience It

While La Rose groups exist island‑wide, the festival is most notably observed in Anse La Raye, Castries, Dennery, Vieux Fort, and other traditional communities. The grand event in Castries is organized by the Cultural Development Foundation, drawing large crowds to Constitution Park or public squares.

 Why Attend?

Immersive cultural experience: Fewer tourists than Carnival, offering an intimate, authentic glimpse into Saint Lucia’s Creole heritage.

Spectacle meets tradition: From dawn‑to‑dusk festivities filled with music, pageantry, and community gatherings—this is one of the island’s most meaningful cultural holidays.

Rich pageantry: Elaborate costumes in red, folk performance, vocal competitions, and a display of communal pride and history.

In Summary

The La Rose Festival is more than a parade; it’s a celebration of identity, resilience, and joy. Whether you join a nighttime seance or parade down Castries’ streets at sunrise, the event offers a vibrant showcase of Saint Lucia’s Creole traditions, folk music, and colorful communal spirit. And if you’re visiting this summer, adding it to your itinerary gives a rare chance to witness one of the island’s most cherished cultural rituals firsthand—an unforgettable contrast to more tourist‑driven festivals like Jazz or Carnival.

Ten Best Things to do in Saint Lucia

1. Hike or Admire the UNESCO-listed Pitons

No visit to Saint Lucia can ever be complete without confronting the twin volcanic spires, Gros Piton and Petit Piton. Gros Piton (798 m) has a well‑guided trail—challenging but rewarding—with panoramic views at the summit. Petit Piton is steeper, reserved for seasoned climbers. Even from afar, the iconic silhouettes are striking. If climbing is beyond your scope then simply being in the vicinity strikes a spiritual chord with most people.

Oprah Winfrey was once quoted as saying that visiting the Pitons was a must-do bucket list item.

2. Drive into the Sulphur Springs Volcano & Enjoy Mud Baths

Soufrière’s unique drive‑in volcano is a must‑see. Tour the bubbling geothermal zone, observe fumaroles and mud pools, then relax downstream in mineral-rich thermal pools and indulge in a therapeutic mud bath.

3. Wander the Diamond Botanical Gardens & Waterfall

Adjacent to Sulphur Springs lies the lush Diamond Botanical Gardens, home to a colorful waterfall tinted by volcanic minerals. The gardens boast exotic flora and soothing spa springs at the historic Soufrière Estate. 

View of the Diamond Waterfall in the Diamond Botanical Gardens in St Lucia

4. Trek the Tet Paul Nature Trail

This gentle 45‑minute guided wooded trail offers sweeping views across Jalousie Bay and the Pitons, along with cultural insight into indigenous Amerindian life and native medicinal plants. 

5. Explore Pigeon Island National Park & Fort Rodney

Set along the northwest coast, Pigeon Island is rich in military history (British‑French colonial conflicts) and offers trails, ancient cannons, great hiking views, and serene beach coves in the park. 

6. Sail, Scuba and Snorkel around Marigot Bay and Anse Chastanet Marine Park

Depart on a scenic catamaran cruise to Marigot Bay—flanked by forested hills—and continue to snorkeling spots like Anse Chastanet Marine Park, known for vibrant reef life and underwater cliffs beneath the Pitons. 

Female scuba diver taking a photo of Hawksbill Turtle swimming over coral reef in the blue sea.

There are a few excellent scuba outfits, who can take you on dives to explore Saint Lucia’s undersea beauty, flora and fauna.

7. Attend the Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party

Every Friday night, Gros Islet transforms into a bustling street party with live calypso, soca, and reggae bands, local cuisine, grilled seafood, and cocktails—an animated way to mix with locals and enjoy vibrant island culture. 

8. Discover Local Food & Culinary Tours

Join a culinary adventure—led by native luminaries like chef Nina Compton—visiting the Castries Market and taking hands‑on cooking workshops that showcase Creole cuisine (saltfish fritters, green fig and saltfish, curries) while supporting sustainable local producers. 

9. Visit Historical Plantations & Zipline at Morne Coubaril

At Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park, a restored plantation produces cocoa, coffee, and tropical fruits. Visitors can tour the estate house, ride ox‑drawn carts, hike forest trails, and even zipline through canopy landscapes for a dose of adrenaline. 

10. Cool Off at Toraille Waterfall or Secluded Beaches

Toraille Waterfall, just outside Soufrière, delivers a refreshing plunge surrounded by greenery—for only a few Eastern Caribbean dollars. Elsewhere, quieter beaches such as Anse Mamin or “Five‑Dollar Beach” (Anse la Vout) offer peaceful retreats for sun‑lounging, snorkeling, or picnicking.

Beautiful beach in Saint Lucia

During the summer and early fall months, Saint Lucia enjoys warm sea temperatures and humid tropical air—perfect for water activities, beach lounging, and lush treks. Whale and dolphin sightings peak from mid-June to November, making marine wildlife excursions enriching during this season . Suppose you’re visiting in July, you may also find the Saint Lucia Carnival in full swing. Or in April / May the Jazz and Arts Festival, a high-energy blend of music, art,  dance, culinary arts, fashion, and local performance showcased across the island.

St Lucia’s Chocolate Story

Introduction

The chocolate industry in Saint Lucia plays a significant role in the country’s economy and has gained recognition for its production of high-quality chocolates. Located in the eastern Caribbean, Saint Lucia is blessed with fertile soil and a tropical climate, making it an ideal environment for cocoa cultivation.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the chocolate industry in Saint Lucia, with an increasing number of local farmers and entrepreneurs dedicating themselves to the cultivation and production of chocolate. The country has seen a rise in the production of fine, organic, and sustainable cocoa beans, attracting attention from both local and international markets.

Rabot Estate

One of the key players in the chocolate industry in Saint Lucia is the Rabot Estate. Situated in the scenic Soufriere region, Rabot Estate practices the traditional cocoa farming and processing techniques. The estate is known for its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, offering a range of organic and single-origin chocolates that have gained international recognition and awards.

Apart from Rabot Estate, there are several other chocolate brands that have emerged in Saint Lucia, each with its unique approach to chocolate-making. These brands focus on quality and flavor, emphasizing the unique characteristics of cocoa beans grown on the island. From single-origin dark chocolates to infused chocolates using local spices and fruits, the variety of products available showcases the diversity and richness of Saint Lucian chocolate.

Chocolate Heritage Festival

To promote this growing industry, Saint Lucia hosts an annual chocolate festival known as the Chocolate Heritage Festival. This festival celebrates the history, culture, and craftsmanship of chocolate-making in the country. The event attracts locals and tourists alike, providing an opportunity to indulge in various chocolate tastings, workshops, and exhibitions.

Economic Impact

The chocolate industry in Saint Lucia also has a positive impact on the local farming communities. Cocoa cultivation provides livelihoods for many farmers, supporting the rural economy and contributing to sustainable development. Additionally, the industry has created employment opportunities in chocolate production, marketing, and tourism-related activities.

In conclusion, the chocolate industry in Saint Lucia has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. With its commitment to sustainability, quality, and unique flavors, Saint Lucian chocolates have gained international recognition. The industry provides economic opportunities, supports local farmers, and celebrates the rich cocoa heritage of the country.

Just for Fun Try our Chocolate Quiz

Click on the image below.

Recommended Reads

The Dictionary of Lost Words-Pip Williams

If you would rather pass up on romance this month, or want something refreshingly different, ‘The Dictionary of Lost Words’ by Pip Williams will delight you. The Dictionary of Lost Words is an extraordinary portrayal of one woman’s contribution to the compilation / publishing of the Oxford Dictionary, the words that got printed, the meanings they hold and how these meanings were contrived. There are so many words that never got printed because they were deemed unfit for society, or were only spoken by ‘commoners’.

Based on actual events, this book will make you question your vocabulary in the most unusual way. Heartfelt and thought provoking, The Dictionary of Lost words is sure to become a sleeper favorite!

The Road to Burgundy-Ray Walker

An intoxicating memoir of an American who discovers a passion for French wine and gambles everything to chase a dream of owning a vineyard in Burgundy. This is a read for those who wished they had lived their dream. Anything is possible.

Ray Walker had a secure career in finance until a wine-tasting vacation ignited a passion he couldn’t stifle. He quit his job and moved to France to start a winery—with little money, limited command of the French language, and no winemaking experience. He immersed himself in the extraordinary history of Burgundy’s vineyards and began honing his skills. Ray shares his journey to secure the region’s most coveted grapes. The Road to Burgundy is a glorious celebration of finding one’s true path in life and taking a chance—whatever the odds.

How to Stop Time – Matt Haig

Tom Hazard has a dangerous secret. He may look like an ordinary 41-year-old history teacher, but he’s been alive for centuries. From Elizabethan England to Jazz-Age Paris, from New York to the South Seas, Tom has seen it all. As long as he keeps changing his identity, he can stay one step ahead of his past – and stay alive. The only thing he must not do is fall in love.

But what if the one thing he can’t have just happens to be the one thing that might save him?

Trust me. If you have never read Matt Haig, then give him a try. You cannot pigeon hole him easily as there is frankly no other writer like him.

It might be a good idea to read “The Midnight Library” first.

Truly extraordinary imagination.

Chef Craig’s Brownies

Chocolate Brownies

Ingedients

600g Dark Chocolate
450g unsalted Butter
300g Sugar
6 Eggs
½ tsp Salt
385g Flour
1 tsp Vanilla Essence
360g Chopped Nuts

Method

Slowly melt the Chocolate remove from the heat.
Mix in the Butter, Sugar, Salt & Essence.
Beat the Eggs together and mix into the Chocolate mixture.
Add the Flour and then the chopped Nuts.

Bake in a pre heated oven @ 350 for about 30-40 minutes

Enjoy

Sara Steffan Bramble Hall

Sara joins us for a brief visit in May, collaborating with Chef Craig Jones at the Cliff at Cap to provide guests with an unforgettable culinary experience.

From line cook to pastry chef to sous chef, Sarah Steffan held just about every title in the kitchen along her journey at Blackberry Farm. With more than 10 years of experience already in her career, Sarah was promoted to executive chef and opened The Dogwood at Blackberry Farm® for dinner in April 2015. In 2024, she transitioned her role to open another new private group dining experience at the Farm, taking on the title of executive chef of Bramble Hall.

Benton's aged ham, apple cider poached apples & figs, Blackberry Farm Magnolia cheese, saba from Sarah Steffan
Benton’s aged ham, apple cider poached apples & figs, Blackberry Farm Magnolia cheese, saba from Sarah Steffan

Sarah cultivated a deep relationship with the food on her table from a young age. She grew up with the space to plant gardens and milk goats at home and spent time in the kitchen cooking with her family.

Before Blackberry Farm, Sarah spent many years working in other Relais & Châteaux kitchens, including The Point, Fearrington House and Lake Placid Lodge. A Paul Smith’s College graduate in New York, Sarah also studied abroad at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Throughout her career, she learned how to cook using fresh, local and sustainable ingredients, and she continues that passion for quality with the menus she curates today.

Creating distinctive and seasonally-inspired dishes that celebrate the region, Sarah’s cooking philosophy marries perfectly with Blackberry Farm’s Foothills Cuisine®. Behind the scenes, Sarah is a supportive and impactful leader in the kitchen, encouraging her team to explore their culinary creativity and celebrating the ideas they bring to the menu.

Bramble Hall Tennessee

Bramble Hall, Blackberry Farm’s extraordinary event center, was inspired by the timber-framed barns and rural halls that once hosted everything from harvests and meetings, to dances and weddings. Just as those hard-working farm structures were distinguished by their versatility, Bramble Hall was designed to accommodate a range of events and activities, from more intimate and private dining and event experiences of 15–48 people to larger 140-person events.

Pekin duck- black garlic-celery root puree, cauliflower mushrooms, charred onions & truffle pickled celery from Sarah Steffan
Pekin duck- black garlic-celery root puree, cauliflower mushrooms, charred onions & truffle pickled celery from Sarah Steffan

Tides Are Changing: Relais & Châteaux and Cap Maison’s Commitment to Ocean Conservation

In the pristine blue waters that hug the shores of St. Lucia, a tranquil revolution brews beneath the surprising movement of the tides, one that marries culinary excellence with ocean stewardship. This World Oceans Day, June 8th, 2024, we pause to celebrate the blue heart of our planet—our vast and bountiful seas.

At Cap Maison, a gleaming jewel nestled on the island’s north coast, the chef’s knife crafts not just meals but a story of sustainability. The resort’s prestigious Relais & Châteaux membership is a testament to its culinary brilliance and profound respect for our oceans.

From Kitchen Gardens to Ocean Gardens

In the tradition of true farm-to-table dining, the chefs at Cap Maison tend to an organic garden that delivers a cornucopia of fresh vegetables and herbs. But the narrative of nature’s bounty extends beyond the soil to the waters that lap at the island’s edges. Here, amid the domain of Planet Ocean, the philosophy of “sea-to-table” springs to life.

The Oceans whisper secrets of seasonality to those who listen—when to harvest and what to give back. It’s a delicate dialogue between the chef and the fisherman, one that honours the rhythms of the sea.

Hook, Line, and Harmony

The enduring partnership between Chef Craig Jones of Cap Maison and local fisherman Erwin David exemplifies sustainable hospitality at its core. For over twenty-five years, this bond has flourished based on mutual respect and a shared vision for ocean conservation.

“Each day, it’s a thrilling spectacle — the ‘boat coming in’ is an event, a gesture of grace and uncertainty,” confides Chef Jones. Anchored in sustainability, Erwin fishes conscientiously, guided by the ethos of catching only what can be cherished, capitalizing on a diverse selection of species, from the sleek barracuda to the elusive lionfish.

Erwin’s own restaurant in Gros Islet transforms twice weekly into a harbinger of sustainable seafood. The day’s catch finds its way only onto his and Craig’s grills with delicious and satisfying results. It’s a celebration of the ocean’s gifts, an edict of freshness and quality, where the fish are stored on ice “the same way in which they swim”, insists Craig!

On a small motor boat that dances with the tides, Erwin ventures up a couple of miles into the depths where St. Lucia’s seafloor plummets to over 1,000 feet—a short distance from shore but a leap into an abyss of conservation.

Seared Scallops

Celebrating World Oceans Day with Relais & Châteaux

This World Oceans Day, the theme #TidesareChanging captures the essence of the movement that Relais & Châteaux and its chefs advocate. Across the globe, the stories echo similarly – of propelling towards practices that respect life beneath the waves.

At Cap Maison, the day is marked with a promise to continue this serene revolution long into the future. Sustainable seafood is not merely a choice; it invokes responsibility and love for the oceans that cradle our planet.

Through demonstrations and discussions, chefs like Craig Jones become the vanguard, leading the charge by showcasing responsible culinary practices. The selections on your plate mirror the cycles of the sea, guided by ethical harvest and timeless savoir-faire.

It’s time we cast our nets wide, not to capture, but to unite—in our collective effort to safeguard the marine lifeblood of Earth. The seas await our decision; the Tides Are Changing, and so must we.

This week in the UK newspaper The Guardian, this article underlines the peril.

Ensuring a Thriving Ocean Legacy

With every bite of delicately prepared mahi mahi or a succulent fillet of kingfish, remember the voyage – from a fisherman’s early dawn casting nets in synchrony with nature’s pulse to the artful preparation by a world-class chef.

On this World Oceans Day, take a moment to ponder over ocean conservation, to savour the taste of truly sustainable seafood this World Oceans Day, take a moment to ponder over ocean conservation, to savour the taste of truly sustainable seafood on this World Oceans Day, take a moment to ponder over ocean conservation to savour the taste of truly sustainable seafood that doesn’t borrow from the future but nourishes the present. Relais & Châteaux beckons you to be part of this beautiful transformation – for the love of our oceans, for the future of our shared blue haven.

But there’s more than just the activities of Chefs and Fishermen. The Oceans need our leaders to pay them heed, so if you want to help save your planet, here’s how you can make a difference

Join the Global Petition

Join us. There is a seat at the table where the currents converge—here at Cap Maison, where the tides change, and the oceans breathe a little easier.

Like to know more about Oceans Day
or Oceans Day at Relais & Chateaux