Mission

We strive to make Balenbouche a welcoming and inspiring Caribbean Retreat Center which embodies natural beauty, authenticity, and sustainability

 

For over 35 years, visitors have been arriving and returning to Balenbouche Estate. There is something timeless and unpretentious about Balenbouche which draws people and makes them feel very much at home here.

In the future, we hope to  host more life changing retreats and educational workshops, as well as grow more of our own food and improve our sustainable practices.  We would also like to turn one of the old sugar mill ruins into a small museum, gallery, event space and restaurant/lounge. In order to achieve our vision, we are always looking for talented and like minded individuals. If you are interested in supporting Balenbouche in any way, please contact us!

Family

Balenbouche Estate has been owned and managed by the Lawaetz family since 1964. We take great pride in caring for the land, visitors and staff.

Uta, Verena and Anitanja Lawaetz, a mother and daughter team, have dedicated much of their lives to the preservation and enhancement of Balenbouche Estate, which remains an important national landmark, open to the public and involved in many environmental and social initiatives.

Farming

Since 1987, no chemical fertilizers or pesticides have been used. We keep free range cattle and have many tree crops, as well as some vegetables and herbs.

Our locally grown tropical fruits include coconut, star fruit, mango, breadfruit, coconut, papaya, soursop, plantain and banana. With the produce from the estate and surrounding farms, we are able to prepare some very fresh, tasty and healthy food for our Caribbean Retreat Center guests!

Community

Balenbouche Estate and our family is well respected and integrated into the surrounding community and the rest of the island.

We seek to provide employment and income opportunities and have special arrangements with individuals to plant gardens, keep bees, graze cattle and harvest crops. We buy local as much as possible, participate in community service, and host educational and charitable events.

Conservation

Preserving the 19th century Plantation House, 200 year old aqueduct, and other historic structures requires constant care.

Archeological and historical research is ongoing. The 60 acres surrounding our st lucia eco hotel provide a largely undisturbed and diverse habitat for numerous trees and plants, food crops, wildlife and many bird species.

Energy

We keep our energy bill low, live simply, employ eco friendly practices, and seek to reduce, reuse and recycle whenever possible.

Organic waste is composted and glass and plastic recycled. Buildings are cooled by natural ventilation. Hot water is heated with solar and laundry is line dried. We remind guests to conserve water and electricity, use filtered water and reusable water bottles.

Education

We offer volunteering and internship opportunities and host schools, community groups, and cultural exchanges.

Specifically, we are looking for volunteers with a background in carpentry, construction, general maintenance, renewable energy, organic farming, web design, marketing and film. Please contact us for more information!