Embracing the Spirit of Seasonal Celebrations in St. Lucia
As the dawn of a new year fills us with boundless hope and enthusiasm, the Caribbean island of St. Lucia offers a unique opportunity to rejuvenate and indulge in an extraordinary culinary experience. At Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet, sustainability isn’t just an ideal – it’s a crucial mission, and the resorts curate memorable experiences that nurture the soul and preserve the planet.
Throughout the year, these luxury destinations celebrate the vibrant flavors and rich culinary heritage of St. Lucia, inviting guests to embark on a sensory journey that awakens the senses and enriches the spirit. From the Banana Bonanza to the Cacao Ceremony, each seasonal festival is a testament to the island’s commitment to sustainable practices and the preservation of local traditions.
Indulging in Tropical Celebrations: A Year-Round Culinary Calendar
Rejuvenating the Soul with Healthy Indulgence
As the new year dawns, Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet invite guests to embrace a profound focus on the culinary experience. The resorts’ renowned chefs, including Frank and Sherma, showcase their expertise in modern Creole cuisine and guilt-free indulgence through a Healthy Dessert Class, where the sweetness of local ingredients and sustainable practices converge.
The Banana Bonanza celebration takes guests on a culinary odyssey, honoring the beloved bananas of St. Lucia through a delightful array of savory and sweet creations, all while promoting sustainable practices and traditional culinary heritage.
Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet believe in the art of sharing their exquisite cuisine, inviting guests to embark on an extraordinary gastronomic journey that nourishes the soul and preserves the planet.
Celebrating St. Lucia’s 45th Independence Anniversary
As St. Lucia commemorates its 45th Independence Anniversary, the resorts invite discerning guests to partake in the month-long Annou We-y culinary celebration. The Pineapple Paradise experience immerses palates in the celebration of the Caribbean’s iconic pineapple, with chefs crafting a delightful array of pineapple-infused dishes, desserts, and cocktails using local, seasonal ingredients.
The festivities commence with a traditional Cacao Ceremony, celebrated for its heart-opening and grounding properties, inviting guests to uplift their spirits, enhance vitality, and unlock personal spiritual intentions.
Romantic Dining Under the Stars
For those seeking an unforgettable Valentines Day experience, Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet offer a romantic Under the Stars experience, with private dinners on the Anse Mamin beach or the Celestial Terrace, complemented by select champagnes or wines.
Exploring Local Cuisine and Seasonal Ingredients
Throughout the independence celebrations, the resorts’ culinary team, led by Chefs Frank, Elijah, and Ruban, showcases their passion for local and seasonal cuisine. Guests can indulge in a series of gourmet food and wine dinners, as well as nightly tasting menus and Friday afternoon Cook Like a Lucian sessions in the Jade Club.
To conclude the St. Lucian Lobster Season, Chef Ruban hosts a Caribbean Beach Tandoori Lobster dinner, celebrating the island’s vibrant culinary heritage.
Elevating the Culinary Experience: Cooking in Paradise
Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet’s commitment to sustainability and culinary excellence extends beyond their seasonal festivals. The resorts offer a unique experience called “Cooking in Paradise,” curated by consulting chef Allen Susser, a James Beard Award winner.
This exclusive event invites guests to embrace the breathtaking views of the majestic Piton Mountains rising gracefully from the Caribbean Sea, while indulging in a divine celebration of creamy and nutritious avocados through gourmet dishes, appetizers, and desserts.
Guests can also explore the resort’s Emerald Estate Farm, participate in tasting menus from Chef Elijah in the Jade Club, and indulge in the Anse Mamin Beach Burger Bash & Cocktail Clash, which transcends the ordinary beachside dining experience.
For those seeking a deeper connection to the island’s culinary heritage, the resorts offer a bean-to-bar chocolate tour and a sensory chocolate tasting adventure, as well as the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of rum mixology on Sundays.
Honoring Earth’s Wonders and Environmental Stewardship
Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond their culinary offerings. On Earth Hour, the resorts join communities worldwide in turning off non-essential electric lights, demonstrating their dedication to environmental stewardship.
During the month of April, the resorts celebrate the splendor of the Emerald Estate Farm and the brilliance of seasonal organic ingredients through the Farm to Fork Ital experience, a tribute to harmonious living with Mother Nature.
Guests can revel in the spring harvest, learn to craft delectable dishes, and explore the culinary charm of papayas through the Papaya Panache celebration, all while savoring the resort’s dedication to local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients.
Embracing the Vibrant Flavors of Caribbean Festivals
As the year progresses, Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet continue to immerse guests in the vibrant flavors and cultural celebrations of the Caribbean. From the Sizzling Jazz Food & Arts Festival in May to the 17th Annual Mango Madness Festival in July, the resorts invite travelers to indulge in a symphony of taste and experience.
The Sizzling Jazz Food & Arts Festival ignites the senses with bold, flavorful, spicy, and fresh experiences, complemented by the serenade of local jazz artists in the intimate Jade Club. Meanwhile, the Mango Madness Festival celebrates the essence of mangoes, with gourmet creations, cocktails, and immersive culinary experiences that pay homage to the vibrant flavors of local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients.
Savoring the Bounty of the Caribbean Sea
As the summer months arrive, Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet shift their focus to the abundance of the Caribbean Sea. The Fisherman’s Feast, a national holiday known as Fete Peche, concludes with a Bubbles and Fins seafood tasting menu thoughtfully paired with effervescent bubbles from around the world.
Throughout the summer, guests can indulge in the finest local and seasonal Caribbean Lobster during its prime season, with Executive Sous Chef Elijah presenting a magnificent 5-course Spiny Lobster Tasting Menu. The resorts also offer a West Indian seafood tandoori cooking class led by Chef Ruban, celebrating the harmony of flavors between the Caribbean and India.
Embracing the Spice and Rhythm of the Caribbean
As the heat of summer fades into the vibrant colors of autumn, Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet embrace the roots, rum, and carnival spirit of the Caribbean. The Roots & Rum Gourmet Mondays feature a curated four-course dinner, each course paired with a Caribbean rum that complements the cuisine.
The resorts also welcome rum enthusiast, author, and journalist Robert A. Burr to delve into the rich history and culture of Caribbean rums, offering guests ample opportunities to taste, discern, and discover the finest rums.
Celebrating the Flavors of Creole Heritage and Chocolate
In October, the resorts embark on a vibrant journey celebrating St. Lucia’s rich culture and heritage. The Creole Heritage & Chocolate Month Celebration showcases the entwined history of Creole and Cacao, with the resorts’ handcrafted Emerald Estate Organic Chocolate serving as a testament to generations of local expertise.
Guests can immerse themselves in the traditional St. Lucian Cacao Ceremony, participate in Creole culinary delights, and discover their artistic talents in complimentary art classes led by local artists.
Indulging in the Caribbean’s Culinary Tapestry
As the year draws to a close, Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet invite guests to experience the harmonious blend of Caribbean flavors while dancing to a tropical beat, capturing the essence of the holiday season.
The Feast of Saint Luce, Patron Saint of Light, marks a celebration of light triumphing over darkness, good prevailing over evil, and the renewal of life. Guests can sip their after-dinner cocktail while taking in the celestial view of the universe and countless shooting stars on the Celestial Terrace.
The resorts also offer a Jade Twist to Christmas dinner, with a six-course tasting menu featuring award-winning dishes and local favorites, as well as a Lionfish Dinner on Boxing Day, contributing to the effort to control this invasive species.
As the new year approaches, Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet invite guests to ring in the new year with a full night of Jade Mountain Cuisine, offering a sophisticated adventure in comfort. With a six-course tasting menu, including a welcome Champagne Cocktail, and panoramic views of the fireworks display, it’s a memorable start to the new year.
Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet have crafted an unparalleled experience for those who appreciate the finest cuisine and the comforts of a 5-star resort. From seasonal festivals to exclusive culinary experiences, the resorts seamlessly blend luxury, sustainability, and the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean, inviting guests to indulge in the Caribbean lifestyle and create lifelong memories.