07 Jun 2014
A New Interactive Chocolate Laboratory To Launch At Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia

Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

Resort guests staying at Jade Mountain and at the adjoining sister property Anse Chastanet can now choose from a variety of chocolate infused activities, including: chocolate sensory tastings, educational estate trips and truffle making classes on a year-round basis. Chocolate lovers will be further enticed by chocolate inspired dishes, tasty cocktails and pampering body treatments in the resort's restaurants, bars and spa. And for the ultimate chocolate fest, visit Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet during the resort's annual Discover Chocolate Festival from 11th – 14th October 2014.

Here are a few sweet chocolate examples of what guests can anticipate experiencing at Jade Mountain:

Chocolate Sensory Tasting; An awakening journey through the flavor palate of cocoa and chocolate. First taste the cocoa bean, which is the very first step in chocolate production, and end the tasting with the strongest type of cocoa mass while sampling all steps in between. As a culmination of the sensory tasting session, guests get to sample some homemade truffles and a variety of Emerald Estate Organic Chocolate bars. Tuesday from 10:00 - 10:30 am in the Emerald Restaurant. Offered on complimentary to resort guests

Discover Chocolate: Taking the Chocolate Sensory Tasting a step further, guests participate in the actual making of chocolate in the Chocolate Lab. Guests learn the basic techniques of making chocolate, tempering chocolate ,creating their own fudge and making personalized chocolate bar. Tuesday from 10:30 - 11:30 am in the Chocolate Lab.  $45/£27 per person; Minimum 2, maximum 6 persons per session.

The Emerald Estate Tree to Bar Tour: Guests will visit the Emerald Estate for a Cocoa Tour to experience the complete cycle of “Tree to Bar” production, learning about the history of chocolate in the Caribbean and the production process. At Emerald Estate, guests will first witness the natural side of cocoa including tasting raw cacao while discussing the fermentation, sun drying and polishing of the beans. Then they will return to the Chocolate Lab, where the host will elaborate on the technical part of making the perfect chocolate bar. This 2 hour guided experience takes guests through cocoa bean roasting, grinding and conching in the making of chocolate to create the perfect snap and shine. Along the way, guests will enjoy an invigorating cup of local cocoa tea and the Emerald Estate's organic chocolate bars that range from 60 %, 70 % and 92 % Bittersweet. Guests will receive a Bar of Emerald Estate Organic Chocolate as the farewell souvenir to take home. Monday from 9:00 - 11:00 am, $75/£45 per person. Minimum 2, maximum 6 persons per session.

The Chocolate Alchemy Package: Chocoholics can also get a taste of Jade Mountain and its Estate Grown Chocolate with the resort's new Chocolate Alchemy package. Guests will enjoy a chocolate welcome amenity and cocktail upon arrival, a decadent Chocolate Lovers' Breakfast in Bed celebration, a pampering chocolate infused 1-hour spa treatment (per person), followed by a learning excursion at the resort's Emerald Cocoa Estate. A Chocolate Sensory tasting followed by an interactive class in Jade Mountain's chocolate laboratory to learn basic techniques of making chocolate, tempering chocolate, creating fudge and making a personalized chocolate bar is also included in the Chocolate Alchemy package experience.

The Chocolate Alchemy Package is valid for travel 15th July – 15th October, booking required by 31st August 2014. A 4-night stay on basis of Jade Mountain's Chocolate Alchemy package starts at US $5,050/£3,016 per couple and includes airport transfers, along with breakfast and dinner daily.

Nightly rates at Jade Mountain start at US$ 1,275 (approx. £775*) in a Sky Sanctuary.  Price is based on two persons sharing, all rates are subject to 8% tax and 10% service charges. 

*Prices in Pounds Sterling correct to current exchange rate

Press photos of Jade Mountain can be accessed here ; culinary press photos can be accessed here 

www.jademountain.com

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For further press information on Jade Mountain, please contact Grifco PR on 0207 385 7090 or email Charlotte Rous Charlotte@grifcopr.com or Nadia Walford Nadia@grifcopr.com

About the Chocolate Laboratory at Jade Mountain

In close collaboration with the resorts' Consulting Chef Allen Susser, Jade Mountain's Emerald Estate Organic Chocolate and Chocolate Laboratory are managed by the resorts' very own Chocolate Alchemist and Director of Pastry Wouter Tjeertes.  For the past 17 years, Wouter Tjeertes worked in a number of countries before calling St. Lucia his home. Born in The Netherlands, he knew he wanted to be a Pastry Chef from a young age and worked his way up through several highly recognized pastry shops and hotels in Europe and the Caribbean. Along the way, he developed a strong passion for cocoa and chocolate which led to a deep-rooted love affair with the Caribbean region. He says, “Making use of the incredible flavor palate the Caribbean has to offer and maintaining the highest possible standards of quality are my greatest obsessions."