Hotel Chocolat opens first phase of its hotel in St Lucia

The hotel is on the Rabot Estate. Six ‘cocoa cottages’ have opened, along with a Boucan restaurant and bar, which specialises in cocoa cuisine. A further eight ‘cocoa villas’ will open in July.

Founder Angus Thirlwell said: “We want to give our customers a taste of what’s involved in cocoa farming and engage with the fascinating side of agriculture, alongside the luxurious experience of a relaxing break.”

Thirlwell said the early signs are “promising” for bookings, and that members of its Chocolate Tasting Club will be offered deals on the St Lucia scheme.

He said that trading is “resilient” and the chocolatier has opted for a “humorous” take on its Easter products this year.