Soufriere, Saint Lucia, May 24, 2014… Believe it or not, stays at Jade Mountain are becoming sweeter. Guests are invited to make their own chocolate in the brand-new chocolate laboratory. Jade Mountain is not only one of Saint Lucia’s most scenic resorts, it is also the island’s only “bean to bar” organic single estate boutique chocolate maker. There are over 1000 cocoa trees on the resort estates, including the organic farm Emerald’s in the Soufriere Hills. For the past 3 years, Jade Mountain has hand-crafted Emerald Estate Chocolate for the enjoyment of their guests and with the opening of its chocolate laboratory, guests are now able to not only taste but participate in the making of the chocolate.
Resort guests staying at Jade Mountain and at the adjoining sister property Anse Chastanet can now choose from a variety of chocolate infused activities like chocolate sensory tastings, educational estate trips and truffle making classes on a year round basis. Chocolate lovers will be further enticed by chocolate inspired dishes, cocktails and body treatments in the resort restaurants, bars and spa. And for the ultimate chocolate fest, visit Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet during their annual Discover Chocolate Festival from October 10-14, 2014.
Here are a few sweet examples of the chocolate experience:
Chocolate Sensory Tasting; An awakening journey through the flavor palate of cocoa and chocolate. First taste the cocoa bean, which is the very first step in chocolate production, and end the tasting with the strongest type of cocoa mass while sampling all steps in between. As a culmination of the sensory tasting session, guests get to sample some homemade truffles and a variety of Emerald Estate Organic Chocolate bars. Tuesday from 10:00 – 10:30 am in the Emerald Restaurant. Offered on complimentary to resort guests
Discover Chocolate: Taking the Chocolate Sensory Tasting a step further, guests participate in the actual making of chocolate in the Chocolate Lab. Guests learn the basic techniques of making chocolate, tempering chocolate ,creating their own fudge and making personalized chocolate bar. Tuesday from 10:30 – 11:30 am in the Chocolate Lab. $45 per person; Minimum 2, maximum 6 persons per session.
The Emerald Estate Tree to Bar Tour: Guests will visit the Emerald Estate for a Cocoa Tour to experience the complete cycle of “Tree to Bar” production, learning about the history of chocolate in the Caribbean and the production process. At Emerald Estate, guests will first witness the natural side of cocoa including tasting raw cacao while discussing the fermentation, sun drying and polishing of the beans. Then they will return to the Chocolate Lab, where the host will elaborate on the technical part of making the perfect chocolate bar. This 2 hour guided experience takes guests through cocoa bean roasting, grinding and conching in the making of chocolate to create the perfect snap and shine. Along the way, guests will enjoy an invigorating cup of local cocoa tea and the Emerald Estate’s organic chocolate bars that range from 60 %, 70 % and 92 % Bittersweet. Guests will receive a Bar of Emerald Estate Organic Chocolate as the farewell souvenir to take home. Monday from 9:00 – 11:00 am, $75 per person. Minimum 2, maximum 6 persons per session.
About the Chocolate Laboratory
In close collaboration with the resorts’ Consulting Chef Allen Susser, Jade Mountain’s Emerald Estate Organic Chocolate and Chocolate Laboratory are managed by the resorts’ very own Chocolate Alchemist and Director of Pastry Wouter Tjeertes. For the past 17 years, Wouter Tjeertes worked in a number of countries before calling St. Lucia his home. Born in The Netherlands, he knew he wanted to be a Pastry Chef from a young age and worked his way up through several highly recognized pastry shops and hotels in Europe and the Caribbean. Along the way, he developed a strong passion for cocoa and chocolate which led to a deep-rooted love affair with the Caribbean region. He says, “Making use of the incredible flavor palate the Caribbean has to offer and maintaining the highest possible standards of quality are my greatest obsessions.”
More Chocolate Packages: Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet offer several chocolate packages throughout the summer:
Chocolate Alchemy at Jade Mountain includes: a chocolate welcome amenity and cocktail, Chocolate Lovers’ Breakfast in Bed celebration, a chocolate infused one hour spa treatment per person, a learning excursion to the resort’s Emerald Cocoa Estate, a Chocolate Sensory tasting followed by an interactive class in Jade Mountain’s chocolate laboratory to learn basic techniques of making chocolate, tempering chocolate, creating your own fudge and making a personalized chocolate bar. Included also are airport transfers and breakfast and dinner daily.
The Chocolate Alchemy package is combinable with the resort’s free night promotions: Up to two nights free are offered this summer. A four night stay on basis of Jade Mountain’s Chocolate Alchemy package starts at US 5010 per couple this summer. The Chocolate Alchemy Package is valid for travel July 15- Oct 15. Book by August 31, 2014
Dan Dous, ( “sweet tooth” in creole patois) Package at Anse Chastanet takes advantage of Anse Chastanet’s fourth and seventh night free promotions this summer. Then- literally- sweeten the deal by adding the Dan Dous package to your reservation, to indulge in the resort’s chocolate offerings. Included are a chocolate welcome culinary amenity and cocktail, a chocolate infused one hour spa treatment per person, a chocolate sensory tasting of the resort’s own organically grown and locally made chocolates and a visit to the resort’s organic farm Emerald in the Soufriere hills.
The Dan Dous package is based on a minimum four night stay and includes airport transfers as well as breakfast and dinner. The package is available in categories standard, superior and beachside deluxe. A four night stay on basis of the Dan Dous Package starts at US 1163 per person or US 2326 per couple in standard accommodation. The package is valid for travel July 15- Oct 31, 2014- book by August 31, 2014. Restrictions may apply.
To book, call 1-800-223-1108, visit www.ansechastanet.com or email ansechastanet@ansechastanet.com
About Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet
Tranquility, Romance, Adventure: ANSE CHASTANET is one of the Caribbean’s most panoramic resort hideaways. Nestled amidst a 600 acre estate with two soft sand beaches bordering pristine coral reefs, ANSE CHASTANET offers excellent diving facilities and soft adventure activities.
Rising majestically above sister property Anse Chastanet’s 600 acre estate with 2 beaches, JADE MOUNTAIN is an architectural marvel celebrating Saint Lucia’s stunning scenic beauty. The 24 open -walled sanctuaries are grand sweeping spaces each with an extravagantly sized private infinity pool floating out into nature and to amazing views.
About Saint Lucia
Cocoa history on Saint Lucia dates back to the early 1700’s. There are many plantations on the island that have been harvesting and producing cocoa for many years supplying the local market and culture as well as becoming a part of the international commodity of Cocoa. In celebration, the month of August has been declared the “Month of Chocolate”.
Both Jade Mountain and its sister property Anse Chastanet have been named one the world’s top Caribbean hotels by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.
For more information visit www.ansechastanet.com, www.jademountain.com
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