Renowned resort properties, Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet, have recently expanded the offerings at their Emerald Estate Organic Farm to include a craft micro-brewery and a medicinal herb garden where guests are invited to learn about St. Lucia’s native practice of holistic medicine.
In partnership with St. Lucia’s award-winning Antillia Brewing Company, which is known for its signature tropical brews with Caribbean flair, the brewery at Emerald Estate Farm uses volcanic spring water derived from an onsite natural spring to ensure a sustainable brewing process of the highest quality. Working together with the team at Antillia, Emerald Estate brewers are pioneering new recipes and brewing methods that draw from the island’s lush topography and rich local culture.
Two craft beers are currently available to resort guests, a Soursop Ale made with tropical fruit grown onsite and a Bois Bandé Stout that uses the head brewer’s secret family recipe and is made from herbs and spices that include the native bois bandé, which comes from the bark of a local tree and is rumored to be an aphrodisiac. Brewers are also working to substitute locally grown cassava for the imported malt typically used in beer, which will enable Emerald Estate to grow and harvest all the produce needed for brewing from their very own farm. The result will be one of a select few “Estate Beers” in the world and the Caribbean’s first fully local beer. Also in the works: an ale brewed with raw, unfermented cacao, which is native to the island and grown at the farm. When harvesting cacao beans, the sweet, white pulp from the beans holds a rich juice. For the first time ever, this juice will be incorporated into the brew. The resort will soon be offering a full menu of exclusive, locally crafted beers and seasonal ales.
Paying homage to the island’s indigenous influences, rich history and traditions, the resorts’ Horticultural Manager Damian Adjodha recently designed a garden of herbs and flora with healing properties. The ‘indigenous healing circle’ is located at the heart of Emerald Estate Organic Farm with coordinates that mark north, south, east and west, keeping with native tradition. The garden is encircled with raised beds of volcanic stone with a living teepee made of Moringa trees at its center that create a sheltered meditation space. The Moringa tree is one of the world’s greatest superfoods and a great source of chlorophyl and iron. Additional herbs currently growing include ginger, turmeric, basil, Panadol plant, shado beni, fennel and more. Guests of Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet are invited to tour the garden as part of an interactive experience on how to holistically treat various ailments. Check out Damian giving Top Chef’s Nina Compton a tour here.
Nightly rates at Jade Mountain start at $1225 in a Sky Sanctuary based on double occupancy. Nightly rates at Anse Chastanet start at $430 in a standard suite based on double occupancy. Rates are subject to 20% VAT, service charge/resort fees and tourism levy. To book visit www.jademountain.com or www.ansechastanet.com
