Hiking with a View at Anse Chastanet
Take in the Sights with Our Exclusive Walking Tours
Comprising 600 acres along one of the Caribbean’s most scenic coastlines, it’s not surprising that Anse Chastanet offers walking tour options that allow guests the opportunity to take in the magnificent scenery while getting in their daily exercise. These exclusive tours are led by the resort’s veteran guide, Meno, who for over three decades has been dazzling guests with his extensive knowledge of the historical and natural aspects of the Soufriere area, one of the most stunningly beautiful locales in Saint Lucia.
Meno, Anse Chastanet’s local expert guide at Anse Mamin Plantation
To ensure there are comfortable and enjoyable options for all guests, these exclusive walks vary in difficulty level. The least strenuous and most popular offering is the Anse Mamin Plantation Walk which begins with a stroll across the spectacular shoreline to the resort’s second beach, Anse Mamin. Participants are sure to be amazed by both the history and natural beauty of the historic plantation. Within the lush coastal jungle are the ruins of an old sugar plantation, which was established in the last half of the 18th century, as well as a great variety of tropical foliage and local birds.
Trail overlooking Anse Mamin Beach
For guests wishing to get more of a strenuous workout the Morne Lastic Walk is a 3 hour hike which takes participants up and over the mountains into the town of Soufriere. Along the way guests are treated to fabulous views of the Pitons, Soufriere Bay. Participants are then picked up by boat at the Soufriere waterfront for a scenic cruise back to the resort.
For guests who want to mingle with the locals and experience daily life, the Saturday morning Soufriere Market Walk is a popular option. From the resort, Meno leads participants at a leisurely pace along the Anse Chastanet Road to town with plenty to see on the way. Upon arriving in town the first stop is the Saturday morning farmer’s market which is a colorful bustle of local activity with the selling of fruits, vegetables and other products. From there it’s on into the town center to see the church, town square and lots of interesting old French architecture. There is also time for a little shopping and some refreshment while taking in the local culture. Guests then board a resort boat for an enjoyable return journey with a visit to the bat cave along the way. The market walk is relatively easy requiring only an average level of fitness.
Another option is the very popular Malgretoute Waterfall Walk which begins with a very scenic boat ride across Soufriere Bay to Malgretoute Beach at the base of Petit Piton. From there Meno leads guests on a leisurely walk up the hill to the Piton Warm Waterfall. Participants are urged to take along swim wear to enjoy a relaxing dip in the volcanically warmed water.
To take in the nearby countryside another exclusive Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain tour is the Bouton to Anse Jambon Walk. For this more strenuous trek participants are transported by taxi to the Bouton gap on the West Coast Road where the walk begins, led by Meno, of course. The first part follows the Bouton road into the quaint community centre where participants pick up a forest trail which weaves its way down to the sea. The route also takes hikers past the foundation ruins of a very old estate which many claim to be the birth place of Josephine, Napolean’s wife.
The Tet Paul Nature Trail, Credit: Uncommon Caribbean
Given the variety of walks available guests are assured there is an option for everyone. In addition to the guided walks on and around the resort property, the 600 acre estate has a network of trails that can be explored individually. Additional hiking activities include climbing the Gros Piton, exploring the Tet Paul Trail, hiking in or crossing through the Rainforest.
Guests staying at Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain and interested in walking and hiking tours can tailor make their hiking program once they have arrived or contact the resorts prior to arrival.