St. Lucia beach chalet

The beach chalet is a renovated already existing building and required no new development. This provides an alternative to the environmental consequences of large scale development of all-inclusive resorts or large hotels. Local trades people were employed in the renovation of the beach chalets. Materials were bought locally. Goods to furnish and equip them were bought in local shops. The chalet had fallen into disuse as it had not been maintained; we renovated, painted and newly furnished and equipped it. Our actions have stimulated others in the community; two other beach chalets have been improved by local people to use as holiday homes. The grounds around the chalet has also been improved, grass is cut, and rubbish is cleared.

In all our cottages electrical appliances are newly purchased and comply with modern standards of energy efficiency. We turn off lights and appliances when not in use. We will fit energy saving light bulbs as soon as we have supplies. All cottages have showers to reduce water use. We have a laundry scheme where we only change towels and sheets after 7 days.

Beer bottles can be recycled if guests leave them for us and guests can avoid packaging by buying fruit and vegetables from the street market, where you have to take your own bags. The local people repair items, rather than disposing of then and getting new ones.

The cottage provides work for a manager-housekeeper, grounds man, plumber, electrician, handy-person and additional income for our regular taxi driver and the car hire office. We only provide accommodation, for all else: food, drink, entertainment, shopping, tourist activities and transport, guests go out to the local community. The chalet is located within walking distance, 5 minutes by bus from View Fort, where local fruits, vegetable and fish can be bought from the markets and stores.