St Lucia: Chocolate Making Class & Estate Tour Fond Doux

Summary

Fond Doux chocolate class with estate tour and hands-on tasting

You’ll walk St Lucia’s Fond Doux Estate with locals who know every tree, crack open fresh cocoa pods, dance (yes, really), then shape your own chocolate bar with help from real chocolatiers. Sip coconut water under shady trees and leave with both sticky fingers and a story worth telling.

What’s the experience like?

I walked into Fond Doux Estate not really sure what to expect — maybe a quick look at some cocoa trees, a bit of chocolate talk, you know? But right away, the air smelled different. Earthy, but sweet too. Our guide, Samuel, waved us over with this big grin and started telling stories about how chocolate’s been part of St Lucia forever. He picked up a cocoa pod and just split it open right there — I actually tried the pulp (tangy and slippery, not what I thought chocolate would taste like at all). There were chickens wandering around in the background, pecking at nothing in particular.

We wandered through the old estate buildings as Samuel explained how they process everything by hand. Then came something called the “Cocao-rina Dance” — which honestly made me laugh because I’m not much of a dancer, but everyone joined in anyway. The floor was cool under my feet and someone played music on their phone. It felt silly but kind of freeing? After that we got to make our own chocolate bars with one of the chocolatiers (I think her name was Marie). She showed me how to pour and shape the chocolate — mine came out a little lumpy but tasted rich and a bit fruity. We drank coconut water straight from the shell; it was cold and slightly salty-sweet after all that stirring.

I left with smudges on my hands and a bar of chocolate wrapped in paper — still warm from being made. The whole thing lasted about two hours but honestly I could’ve stayed longer just listening to Samuel talk about his childhood here. If you’re looking for a private chocolate making class in St Lucia that’s actually personal (not just watching through glass), this is it. I still think about that weird tangy taste of fresh cocoa pulp sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chocolate making experience at Fond Doux

• Arrive 10 minutes early
• Learn history of chocolate
• See cocoa bean processing
• Watch Cocao-rina Dance
• Receive hands-on chocolate training
• Create your own chocolate bars
• Savor Fond Doux organic chocolate

Top questions

How long does the Fond Doux chocolate making class last?

The experience lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is pickup included for this St Lucia chocolate tour?

No hotel pickup is included; free parking is available if you’re not staying at the resort.

What do you get to do during the private chocolate making class?

You’ll learn about cocoa processing, watch or join the Cocao-rina Dance, make your own chocolate bar, and enjoy coconut water.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is included; only coconut water and your handmade chocolate bar are provided.

Are walk-ins accepted for this Fond Doux Estate tour?

Walk-ins are accepted if space is available but advanced reservations are recommended.

What should I bring to the St Lucia chocolate workshop?

Arrive 10 minutes early; comfortable shoes are helpful for walking around the estate grounds.

Can children join this private chocolate making experience?

The activity is suitable for most ages; check directly if you have specific needs or concerns.

What’s included

Your day includes guided storytelling around Fond Doux Estate, hands-on training from experienced chocolatiers as you craft your own chocolate bar from scratch, entry to see traditional cocoa processing (including joining in on their Cocao-rina Dance if you want), plus cold coconut water to drink and free parking if you’re driving yourself.