Culinary Themes for 2026
January
Sustainable, Innovative, and Experiential: The Future of Caribbean Hospitality
As a new year dawns at Anse Chastanet, our chefs and artisans continue to shape a more sustainable, mindful, and experiential approach to hospitality — where every detail connects guests to the land, sea, and traditions of Saint Lucia.
January celebrates simplicity with purpose. Each dining experience reflects our vision for the future of Caribbean gastronomy: fresh, innovative, and rooted in the rhythm of nature. From sunrise breakfast in your sanctuary to starlit dinners beside the sea, our team invites you to savor the beauty of balance — between flavor and freshness, indulgence and intention.
Our “Banana Bonanza” returns this month, showcasing Saint Lucia’s most versatile fruit in deliciously creative ways: silky banana crème brûlée, roasted plantain fritters with coconut honey, and a banana-lime daiquiri bursting with island sunshine. These dishes honor both the sweetness of the season and the sustainable farmers who make them possible.
Join Chef Frank as he hosts a delicious Vegan cooking class POP UP in the Jade Club and Chef Ruban for his Apsara feasts.You may also opt to indulge in a romantic beachfront dining experience under the starlit Caribbean sky. Join Pastry Chef Sherma for a hands-on dessert atelier where guests personalize their own healthy creation using tropical fruits, fresh herbs, and Emerald Estate cacao nibs.
As we look toward the future of Caribbean hospitality, January invites you to engage with our philosophy firsthand: sustainability as celebration, creativity as connection, and cuisine as a reflection of life’s purest pleasures.
February
Independence & Romance: Savor Culinary Excellence
February at Anse Chastanet embodies both love and liberty — a tribute to Saint Lucia’s Independence and to the timeless art of romance. The island comes alive with the colors of pride, the fragrance of fresh pineapple, and the heartbeat of Caribbean music echoing across the bay.
Our chefs craft dishes that celebrate this dual spirit of passion and pride. Pineapple takes center stage — roasted with red snapper and island spices, folded into rum-laced cakes, or shaken into a signature Pineapple Rum Punch that tastes like pure Caribbean joy. Celebrate the season’s sweetness with live music in the Petit Piton Bar, sunset dinners at the beach, and candlelit culinary moments curated for two.
Valentine’s Night “Under the Stars”: Create unforgettable Valentine’s memories with a romantic Caribbean beach dinner at water’s edge on Anse Chastanet beach or your own private beach experience at Anse Mamin, we will help pair select Rose champagnes or specially curate Rose wines.
This Valentine’s week, step into the kitchen Garden together at Emerald Estate. Guided by Chef Elijah, couples will cook side-by-side to create an authentic Saint Lucian dish using local ingredients and Creole techniques. Share stories, laughter, and flavors, then enjoy your meal together beneath a canopy of stars — romance redefined through the language of food.
Throughout February, guests are invited to honor Saint Lucia’s 48th Independence with culinary tributes, rum mixology workshops, and beach celebrations in the island’s national colors.
It’s a month that blends culture, community, and connection — a celebration of love in all its forms. Join us on this extraordinary culinary journey, On February 22nd, celebrate Independence Day – Annou We-y – with specially prepared dinners in all of our renowned restaurants – Balawoo, Emerald, and Apsara.
March
Culinary Paradise Beckons
March is when the spirit of paradise truly blooms — a time when the senses awaken, and Anse Chastanet’s kitchens become a canvas for nature’s artistry. This is a month of transformation, flavor, and inspiration, where guests are invited to join us in celebrating both sustainability and joy.
Our theme, “Cooking in Paradise,” honors the bounty of Saint Lucia — from creamy avocados to sun-ripened citrus. Savor an array of Emerald Estate Farm to Fork lunches, Chef Frank’s tropical wine dinners that blend freshness and finesse in perfect harmony. Sundays bring a festive rhythm of rum mixology and beachside Coco-Doux delights.
Earth Hour Dinner– On March 28th, join us for a candlelit tribute to the planet. Guests write sustainability wishes on mango leaves, which are floated in water bowls — a poetic gesture of gratitude and renewal. Chef Ruban & Chef Frank offer an Eco-
March is a month for mindful indulgence — where every bite, sip, and shared moment becomes an act of connection to the earth and to each other. Our Cast Away Dinner: A multisensory chef’s table experience on the Beach at Anse Main where guests can not only dine but interact with the chefs, learning about the history of each dish, the ingredients used, and the innovative techniques applied. Each personalized to be a mini-performance of culinary excellence. Culinary paradise, indeed.
April
A Sustainable Tropical Tribute to Earth
April is a month of renewal, when the island’s lush hillsides burst with color and life, and our Emerald Estate Farm comes fully alive with the energy of the earth. It’s a time to celebrate sustainability, mindfulness, and the deep-rooted connection between food and nature.
Our chefs invite guests to join them in celebrating Earth Month through flavor and exploration. The Farm to Fork Ital Experience returns, offering a window into the island’s rich agricultural heritage — where freshly harvested produce and tropical herbs inspire dishes that are both nourishing and joyful. “Papaya Panache” highlights the sweetness of the season, from chilled papaya soups and garden salads to papaya-smoked fish and papaya rum cocktails.
Harvest & Cook Morning for Earth Day April 22: Guests can start the day alongside our farmers in the field. Together with Chef Elijah and Chef Frank, they’ll handpick seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fruits, then move to our open-air field kitchen to prepare a communal lunch bursting with island freshness. It’s an authentic taste of the soil-to-skillet journey.
April is an invitation to slow down, engage the senses, and rediscover the natural rhythms of food and life — a sustainable celebration of paradise in full bloom.
May
Sizzling Jazz, Food & Arts Festival
As the music of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival fills the island, Anse Chastanet turns the month of May into a symphony of taste, color, and sound. The air hums with rhythm, the kitchens with creative fire, and every dish becomes an expression of art.
Each evening, live music resonates through Anse Chastanet, pairing perfectly with Chef Frank’s elegant tasting menus that echo the syncopation of Caribbean rhythm. Chef Ruban brings his Creole flair to the beach with interactive tandoori seafood dinners, while Chef Frank’s Gourmet Mondays food and wine pairings strike all the right notes of balance and surprise. Pastry Chef Sherma adds a sweet encore with tropical desserts that dance on the palate.
Sunset Soiree: Steak & Chops Edition, following the Jazzy Cruise, each Thursday evening at the Grill Restaurant we host a true celebration of Caribbean cuisine, featuring the exotic flavors of Banana Vodka Republics and Banana Monkeys paired with mouthwatering grilled Steaks & Chops, all set against the stunning backdrop of the tropical paradise.
Palette to Palate Workshop: Guests are invited to explore the intersection of art and cuisine by creating their own “edible masterpiece.” Working with our chefs and local visual artists, participants will paint with sauces, plate with color, and bring to life a dish that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Music fills the air as the line between chef and artist disappears.
From Tuesday Jump-Up celebrations to live flambe dessert stations, May is a living canvas of joy — where the arts, the land, and the kitchen all sing in perfect harmony.
June
Mango Madness Festival
The beloved Mango Madness Festival returns for its 19th year, turning Anse Chastanet into a playground of tropical inspiration. June celebrates the king of Caribbean fruits — the mango — in every form imaginable: savory, sweet, smoky, and sublime.
Mango Madness has been brought to life by Anse Chastanet consulting Chef Allen Susser and his team, celebrating the many varieties of mangos available in St Lucia. Allen Susser, the author of the Great Mango cookbook and the definite authority on mangos, will host several events
The festival culminates in the Fisherman’s Feast, honoring Saint Lucia’s “Fête Pêche.” Chefs present a dazzling “Bubbles and Fins” seafood celebration, pairing the freshness of the sea with tropical fruit artistry.
Mango Madness is more than a festival — it’s a joyful immersion into flavor, culture, and the island’s golden heart.
July
Spices of the Caribbean Extravaganza
July arrives with the warmth and rhythm of spice — the heart and soul of Caribbean cuisine. From nutmeg and bay leaf to cinnamon, turmeric, and the fiery local seasoning pepper, every aroma tells a story of history, trade, and flavor that defines the island’s culinary heritage.
Throughout the month, our chefs celebrate the sensual art of spice. Chef Ruban’s tandoori feasts at Apsara glow with saffron and chili. At Balawoo, Chef Frank curates wine dinners infused with the heat and vibrancy of the tropics. And Pastry Chef Sherma sweetens the season with passionfruit tarts, ginger cakes, and cocoa spice truffles.
At the Build Your Own Spice Blend Lab
St. Lucia Carnival: Experience the vibrant St. Lucia Carnival, a colorful extravaganza of costume parties, lively activities, and a pulsating finale with a Road March featuring the island’s best bands. It’s the summer’s most anticipated event.
Culinary Adventures: Join us for spice workshops, Tandoori cooking classes, and the Apsara Curry and Pale Ale (IPA) Feast. Indulge in our Balawoo Seafood Dinners as festivities align with the island’s Carnival season — a time of joy, color, and connection. Each evening bursts with flavor, rhythm, and the essence of Saint Lucia, inviting guests to taste, dance, and celebrate the spirit of spice.
August
Caribbean Fisherman’s Festival: A Culinary Voyage
In August, we celebrate the sea — the heartbeat of Saint Lucia’s culture and cuisine. It’s a month of fresh catch, ocean breezes, and the timeless art of living from the bounty of the Caribbean waters.
Our chefs honor the fishermen who bring their harvest to our shores each morning. Chef Elijah presents a five-course Caribbean Lobster & Champagne Dinner at Balawoo, while Chef Ruban shares his signature Tandoori Reef Fish Feast on the beach. Chef Frank’s Sea & Vine Pairing Nights explore seafood through tropical wines, and Pastry Chef Sherma concludes with chilled fruit soufflés kissed by sea salt and lime.
Learn to Sail Like a Local: Set out on a half-day voyage along Saint Lucia’s coast with a local sailor and one of our chefs. Guests learn the art of traditional sailing, gliding past the Pitons and hidden coves. Midway through the journey, the chef prepares a fresh-catch ceviche on board, seasoned with island citrus and herbs, paired with chilled rum punch. It’s a living expression of the island’s maritime soul — an unforgettable fusion of flavor, freedom, and sea air.
Lionfish Beach Dinner: Every Friday night, enjoy a Lionfish feast on the Anse Mamin beach, this approach not only showcases just how delicious this invasive fish can be, emphasizing sustainability and zero waste, but also allows guests to experience the diverse flavor and textures that come from different cooking methods.
August is an ode to the ocean — a celebration of sustainability, adventure, and the culinary spirit that sails beyond the horizon.
September
Rum & Roots Festival
As the trade winds soften and the island slows to its rhythm, September brings the spirited return of the Rum & Roots Festival — a month-long celebration of Saint Lucia’s history, flavor, and craftsmanship. It’s a tribute to the island’s deep-rooted traditions, where every rum tells a story and every dish carries the rhythm of the Caribbean.
“We’re not just celebrating rum—we’re celebrating our roots,” says Chef Allen Susser, James Beard Award-winning consulting chef. “Each dish, each cocktail, and each event reflects the cultural rhythms of Saint Lucia and the bounty of our land and sea.”
Hosted by consulting chef Allen Susser with our resident rum experts, this year’s edition deepens the sensory journey. Expect intimate tasting sessions, rare cask unveilings, and rum-paired dinners that blend storytelling with sensory exploration.
Highlights include the Roots, Lobster & Rum Dinner, Modern Tiki Mixology Classes at the Little Rum Shack, and the Creole Carnival Jump-Up feast on the beach — a jubilant explosion of flavors, music, and movement.
Throughout the Month of September:
From Chocolate & Rum Pairings to Coconut & Rum Mixology Nights, September celebrates Saint Lucia’s roots in every sense — soulful, spirited, and sustainable.
October
Creole Heritage & Chocolate Month
October celebrates Saint Lucia’s rich cultural tapestry — a vibrant blend of Creole heritage, island artistry, and cacao traditions that have shaped our culinary soul. The air fills with the rhythmic sounds of drums, the scent of roasted cocoa, and the joyful spirit of Jounen Kwéyòl.
Our chefs showcase the island’s diversity through menus inspired by Creole roots. Chef Ruban revives traditional flavors with a modern twist in his Creole Beach Feast. Chef Frank hosts wine pairings that honor the earthiness of local produce, and Pastry Chef Sherma leads guests through sweet journeys of Emerald Estate’s Bean-to-Bar Creations.
Create Your Own Bonbon Class: Step into the Jade Chocolate Lab for a delicious hands-on experience. Under the guidance of our chocolatiers, guests design their own filled bonbons — selecting ganache flavors, painting with colored cocoa butter, and finishing with a touch of edible gold. Each participant leaves with their personalized box of handmade chocolates, a symbol of the island’s artistry and heart.
Complementing these indulgences, our Creole Jump-Up Party at Apsara brings together island music, cocktails, and traditional dishes — a celebration of heritage, flavor, and unity.
October is a month of joy, color, and connection — where every bite tells the story of Saint Lucia’s past and present.
November
Caribe Food & Wine Festival
As the trade winds turn cooler, November invites guests to immerse themselves in the Caribe Food & Wine Festival — a celebration of the Caribbean’s vibrant culinary identity. This month shines a spotlight on the region’s most distinctive flavors, wines, and chefs, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pitons.
Chef Elijah leads the way with a spectacular Caribbean Lobster & Champagne Dinner on the beach, while Chef Frank curates Tropical Wine Dinners highlighting exotic fruits and local seafood. At Apsara, Chef Ruban blends Indian-West Indian spices in tandoori lobster, and Pastry Chef Sherma ends on a sparkling note with lime and coconut mousse domes.
Interactive Wine Aroma Garden – Walk through a lush garden of herbs, fruits, and flowers designed to train your palate for wine tasting. Guests crush, smell, and taste natural ingredients that mirror wine’s aromatics. Join our Guest Sommelier Challenge – a lighthearted blind tasting game where guests match aromas and flavors to mystery wines. Winners receive a limited-edition bottle signed by our chefs.
Chef in Residence: This month’s visiting chef collaborates with our team on a series of farm-to-table events, wine dinners, and a Lunch & Learn experience at Emerald Estate Farm — sharing global inspiration through local flavors.
As Thanksgiving arrives, our Island Feast on the Beach blends tropical flair with tradition — from guava-glazed turkey to jerk lobster tails and plantain gratin. November is a celebration of gratitude, craftsmanship, and the abundant generosity of the Caribbean.
December
Celebrate the Flavors of the Holiday Spirit
December brings a season of light, joy, and togetherness — the perfect finale to a year of culinary discovery. At Anse Chastanet, the holidays are a feast for the senses, blending Caribbean warmth with festive elegance.
Throughout the month, the island glows with celebration: the Festival of Lights, Saint Lucia’s National Day, and a calendar of inspired dining events. Chef Ruban’s Holiday Curry Feast brings exotic flair to tradition, and Chef Frank’s Holiday Wine Pairings set the mood for the season. Pastry Chef Sherma crowns the festivities with her iconic Black Rum Cake, soaked in spiced island spirits.
On our Holiday Guest Ornament Workshop – Join Pastry Chef Sherma to create edible ginger ornaments decorated with tropical motifs, perfect for hanging in your sanctuary or on our resort tree.
12 Days of Chocolate: A delicious countdown leading to Christmas Eve, featuring daily Emerald Estate chocolate tastings, pairings, and sweet surprises throughout the resort.
The season culminates in our New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner — a six-course tasting experience followed by fireworks on Anse Chastanet beach, celebrating both the magic of the moment and the promise of the year to come.
December embodies the heart of Anse Chastanet’s philosophy: joy shared, flavors celebrated, and the beauty of life illuminated.