We spent 8 unforgettable nights at Fond Doux Eco-Resort in March and can’t recommend it highly enough. The weather was spectacular — 78–86°F each day — with the occasional refreshing rain shower that passed quickly and left everything even more vibrant. We stayed in two of the resort’s cottages, each designed in a charming island cabin style reminiscent of Swedish stugas but with a beautiful French Creole twist—gingerbread woodwork and intricate cutouts that made each building feel both rustic and refined. Both cottages were equipped with modern, efficient air-source heat pumps that kept the interiors delightfully cool and comfortable with whisper-quiet operation. Our favorite was the hilltop cottage: perched high in the trees of a steep, working cocoa plantation; it offered complete privacy, a private plunge pool, and a front-row seat to the lush surroundings. We woke up each day to the sight of ripening bananas, cocoa pods, and vibrant flowers just outside our window, accompanied by a constant parade of hummingbirds, finches, and countless other tropical birds. At night, we drifted off to a natural symphony of crickets and frogs — no traffic, no neighbors, just the sounds of the rainforest. Fond Doux offers a quiet, warm, and technology-light atmosphere that invites you to truly unwind. The cottages are beautifully appointed with luxurious king-sized beds, outdoor showers thoughtfully integrated into each room, coffee makers, refrigerators, and even transformers for charging devices — but notably, no televisions, which we saw as a real plus. The absence of screens helped us unplug and enjoy the natural surroundings even more. The water was clean and fresh-tasting, and refill stations around the property made it easy to stay hydrated while avoiding single-use plastic bottles. Whether we were sipping a drink at the peaceful patio bar, swimming in one of the pools, or enjoying rich breakfasts and delicious dinners at the open-air restaurant, we felt completely at ease and immersed in the setting. The decor throughout the resort is beautiful and tasteful, offering a strong sense of place and charm — all at a fraction of the cost of nearby ultra-luxury resorts. That said, there are small compromises and signs that some original material choices haven’t weathered perfectly: some bathroom tile work shows patching and a vinyl decking experiment on a few walkways, and the pool deck hasn’t fared well under the island sun. While delicious and welcoming, the restaurant can occasionally get overwhelmed during busy times, leading to some variability in service timing. None of this detracted from our overall experience. The new lap pool under construction during our visit suggests that the property continues to receive thoughtful investment and expansion. We mention these minor flaws only to note that if you’re expecting $1,000+/night stone-foundation villas, tennis courts, and ultra-modern suites, there are resorts down the road built to that global luxury standard. But that’s not what Fond Doux is about. The vibe here was more our speed — hikers, nature lovers, off-the-beaten-path travelers, mostly middle-aged guests more likely to have a book than an iPad. There’s plenty to do nearby — from beautiful beaches and botanical gardens to chocolate factories and excellent local restaurants. The highlight of our trip was the resort’s expertly maintained circular one-mile nature trail. It climbs steeply up the mountain with rope and root railings and rewards you with one of the most breathtaking views of the Petit Piton we have seen all week. The front desk team was always helpful and happy to arrange taxis, make reservations, and offer tips for exploring. We also loved the on-site historical and cocoa plantation tours, which added depth and meaning to our stay. Knowing that longtime St. Lucian entrepreneurs locally own Fond Doux and employ so many dedicated staff with long tenures made the experience even more special. The care and thoughtfulness behind every resort aspect — from design to environmental impact — was palpable. To top it all off, we had a smooth, direct JetBlue flight into the nearby airport, making travel days easy and stress-free. Fond Doux is a place of beauty, serenity, and soul — and we’re already dreaming of our return.