With its two secret beaches, on-site trails and tropical gardens, Balenbouche Estate is a renowned natural heritage site that offers vacations and retreats off the beaten path yet within 20–30 minutes of most of the island’s popular attractions. Six eco-friendly cottages (Calabash, Waterlily, Frangipani, Almond, Banyan and Moringa) are shaded by trees and cooled by the tropical breeze. Each cottage includes Wi-Fi and a kitchenette (equipped with a small fridge, kettle, stove, French press and basic cooking utensils), solar-powered hot showers, mosquito nets, standing fans, bed linen, towels and a private outdoor seating area. Guests can enjoy personal tours of the property and discover all that this officially designated natural heritage site has to offer, including an 18th-century sugar mill, nature trails and beaches, a river, pastures and organic vegetable gardens. Animals include cows, horses, cats, dogs, tortoises, many bird species, bees and other wildlife. Families, couples and single travellers who love the outdoors and are seeking an alternative to the typical resort environment will find themselves quickly feeling relaxed and at home. For meals, there are several options. We offer a daily breakfast, a dinner on the day of arrival (please let us know in advance), and a weekly buffet-style dinner in our historic, 180-year-old plantation house. All meals are freshly prepared using largely local ingredients. A rustic barn has been converted into a yoga studio and is free for guests to use. Private yoga classes can be arranged, as well as massages, meditation and other healing therapies. Many come to the estate to relax, reconnect and simply enjoy being present again. Balenbouche is a great starting point for exploring the peaceful and authentic South of the island. Public transport is available right in front of the property, and taxis and car rentals can be arranged. A village with a beach, fruit stand, small convenience store, bar and BBQ is within walking distance. The two fishing villages of Laborie and Choiseul are within an 8-minute drive, offering supermarkets, hardware store, ATM, bakery, bars, street food and restaurants. The driving time to Soufriere is 30 minutes; to the UVF airport 20 minutes; and to Castries 90 minutes.