Balenbouche Estate, Laborie, Saint Lucia
#3 of 12 hotels in Laborie
Guests' ChoiceBased on 40 hotel reviews
9.0Cleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.8
Location
9.0
Facilities
8.5
Staff
9.6
Value for money
9.0
Free WiFi
8.8
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Showing 1 – 25
Reviewed: 19 May 2024
Michael
United StatesThe cottage is open to the outside, there are fans, but no air conditioners. You can get quite hot inside. The estate is somewhat isolated so having a car makes it easier to travel about.
Balenbouche Estate is a historic property. The main lodge it’s about 200 years old and well-maintained. They serve delicious meals on the veranda. Uta is a very gracious, hostess and takes good care of the guests. The yellow cottage is very comfortable and spacious. It has a rock waterfall shower and an open kitchen and dining area. The windows are all open to the breezes with no glass. The grounds are open and spacious to wander around in.
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: 10 May 2024
Grantoine
United KingdomThe time of year was exceptionally hot, so I missed having a/c, but that wasn't a major issue.
Peace and quite. Felt isolated , but it was in walking distance to lots of things. Breakfast was good.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 9 May 2024
Katerina
United StatesIt was stuffy and humid in the room, even during the night (April) due to lack of AC, but fan helped a little bit. Also, noted clusters of ants in the kitchen, they were all over the utensils (maybe that wasn’t cleaned well). Also, they will be in your trash can 30 minutes after you throw something “yummy” for them.
Very large house, with a full kitchen, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. Unique style and feel. Great breakfast and welcoming staff. A lot of friendly dogs on the property, as well as other animals. Daily housekeeping. Lockers in the room.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 17 April 2024
Melanie
United KingdomRustic , relaxing lots of historical interest
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 13 April 2024
Sofia
BelgiumThe hospitality. Very special. As well as the energy of this place.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 12 March 2024
Michael
United StatesBalenbouche Estate was a intriguing and pleasant adventure. Uta is a delightful and consummate hostess. Our residence had a wonderful outside shower that has quite the allure and is most exhilarating. The wifi worked well, the water was hot, the beds were comfortable and the kitchen was functional. It was wonderful to be able to keep the residence open with visits from lovely birds. We'd return in a heartbeat!
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 6 March 2024
Patrick
United StatesDriving is on the Left side of the road, lousy roads, little signage
Not a big, busy resort. 75 lush, mature, historic grounds, easy path down to a nearby, very private beach. Very few bugs, insects late Feb. to early March, 85 degree days, 75 degree nights, lovely weather, open air living and a delightful host....Uta !
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 29 February 2024
Clayton
United StatesEverything was great, but I would recommend having a car rented or if a driver could have a daily scheduled time to take guests to the little grocery store and back, that would be helpful as the walk to the store would be a little difficult for guests not familiar with the area.
Everything was wonderful; our host was gracious and kind, the food was delicious, and our stay was very relaxing and peaceful. The quiet, private beaches were lovely, and we enjoyed the history of the property!
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 20 February 2024
Michael
United KingdomA good breakfast on a beautiful verandah served by a charming and interesting host.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 10 February 2024
Brian
United KingdomNo good restaurants locally. Supper was available on the estate some nights.
Unique and beautiful estate. Quiet and peaceful.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 24 January 2024
Brett
United StatesEverything, it was an experience I’ll never forget thank you to the wonderful hostess.
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 22 December 2023
Lambert
United StatesVehicle preferred for area.
Historical site. Attached to a beachfront. Secluded. Grounds maintained. Excellent bread. Great hosts. Unique accommodation.
Stayed in December 2023
Reviewed: 25 October 2023
Flavien
United KingdomThis is a little piece of heaven on earth, you must stay here if you visit St Lucia and you are not an all-inclusive resort type, looking for a home away from home to explore the island. The owner Uta could not have made our stay more comfortable and welcoming. She cooked a delicious meal in the evening of our arrival, and breakfast is simple but tasty. As a gay couple in the Caribbean, we have never felt more at ease than at Balenbouche, and that is thanks to her. She is very well connected (and loved) in the community and recommended great local restaurants. Everyone we met who asked where we were staying were sending their regards to the owner, and it speaks for itself. The estate as a whole is full of charm, not overly polished, but not abandoned either, just the right amount of looked after. Ask Uta/her daughters to take you on a tour of the property and she’ll tell you everything about its history with such passion. Lots of interesting stories. We stayed 4 nights in the Frangipani cottage which is in traditional West Indies style, well equipped and clean. You do not have air conditioning but the two fans work perfectly, and because of its location the heat isn’t as unbearable as in other places we’ve been to. A few natural beaches are easily accessible by foot, although only one is fit for swimming, but there are a few others west and east of the estate that are well worth the 10/15mn drive. There is a good supermarket (Massy) just 5mn drive from the Estate if you need anything, and the location is ideal to go explore the west/south coasts and the Pitons.The cats and dogs roam the surroundings and are very protective of the guests, on top of being super affectionate for some of them (as dogs lovers, that is just an unexpected massive bonus). Incredibly sad to be leaving St Lucia, even more sad to be leaving Balenbouche. If I set foot on the island again, I know where I’d stay.
Stayed in October 2023
Reviewed: 22 September 2023
Sharon
United KingdomMaybe just needs updating slightly, but nothing that would spoil the special feel that the place has.
Wonderful location, definitely back to nature. Loved just siting on the veranda hearing the frogs chorus! Slightly tricky walk down to the little beach. Wonderful host, breakfast every morning was perfect.
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 19 May 2023
Brendon
United Kingdomsecluded, quiet, spiritual
Stayed in May 2023
Reviewed: 8 May 2023
Martin
SwitzerlandNothing
Incredible location with beautiful nature all arround and very kind owners,their family and all the amazing staff
Stayed in May 2023
Reviewed: 1 May 2023
Herdman
United KingdomNothing could have been better other than the bugs, which was/ is unavoidable!
Fantastic place to stay, hosts were wonderful
Stayed in April 2023
Reviewed: 13 April 2023
Jessie
United Statesnone
the history of the place, close to airport
Stayed in April 2023
Reviewed: 26 March 2023
David
United KingdomThe location, the peace and quiet.
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: 13 November 2022
Elise
United Statesno real direction as to when was breakfast dinner maps property lines
gorgeous greenery
Stayed in November 2022
Reviewed: 16 May 2022
Richard
United Kingdomnothing
fantastic environment to stay in - slight challenge to get o the sandyish beach but worth it for its isolation
Stayed in May 2022
Reviewed: 18 March 2022
Mateusz
United KingdomWe really enjoyed our stay in the Balenbouche Estate! The hosts were very welcoming and the estate is located in a very picturesque part of the island. The cottage was spacious and comfy - it had cooking amenities and the internet worked fine.
Stayed in March 2022
Reviewed: 13 March 2022
Jeremy
United Kingdomno door on the toilet
mosquito. needed a little extra care with sealing the doors.
Stayed in February 2022
Reviewed: 16 January 2022
Sophie
United Kingdomnothing! (bring mossie spray!)
beautiful old plantation estate, looked after lovingly in great location with private beach. the cottages are amazing with lovely grounds and a beautiful old barn for morning yoga!
Stayed in January 2022
Showing 1 – 25
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