Fond Doux Eco Resort unveils new chocolate bar
Written by Radio Caribbean International on February 8, 2021
Fond Doux Eco Resort unveils new chocolate bar for 42nd Independence Anniversary
In commemoration of Saint Lucia’s 42nd Independence Anniversary and on the 18th Anniversary of the employment of Ms. Cornelia Judy Felix with Fond Doux Eco Resort, the Directors Eroline and Lyton Lamontagne have created a new chocolate bar “Judy’s Milk Chocolate” in recognition of her long and outstanding service.
Fond Doux Eco Resort first started as a historic agricultural plantation, which diversified in 1999 as a Heritage Tourism site offering daytime tours and lunches to cruise ship passengers and tour operators. Ms. Cornelia Judy Felix who hails from the craft community of Choiseul commenced her employment with the company in 2003 as a Tour Guide. In 2006 when the Heritage site diversified into eco-tourism with the addition of three cottages, she was then transferred to the Food and Beverage department where she developed a passion for cooking and baking. Having had no previous experience in that field Ms. Felix worked her way around the Kitchen with the help of many well-known consultant chefs making sumptuous Saint Lucian dishes whilst adding her own Caribbean twist.
In October 2017, Ms. Felix received hands on training from a professional chocolatier in Trinidad & Tobago on the processing of chocolate; from the bean to the bar prior to the grand opening of the resorts Chocolate shop “Plas Cacao” which now produces 60% and 70% chocolate bars. Today, Ms. Felix remains the resorts senior chocolatier and has trained other staff members on chocolate production.
Executive Director Eroline Lamontagne said, “Covid 19 and the effects of this pandemic has created challenges around the world and as part of our diversification and sustainability efforts we decided on further merging of our agriculture and tourism product; our team created the idea of a Saint Lucian chocolate aiming for the Saint Lucian market.”
Due to shifting taste buds, Ms. Felix has since expanded production on the chocolate flavors to include almonds, mixed fruits, cashew nuts, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, bay leaf and milk chocolate just to name a few. These chocolate bars are currently available at the resorts boutique and sister company ’Eroline Foods in Soufriere. “Judy’s Milk Chocolate” bars will soon be available at other supermarket outlets across the island.
Upon receiving this recognition for her long and oustanding service, Mrs. Felix had this to say, “I am extremely passionate about my job and I am thrilled to be recognized for my years of service.” I feel honored to be the face of the Fond Doux Chocolate and to serve as an example for my community of Choiseul to prove that with dedication we can all excel.”
“Now that the vaccines are readily available to the world and the longing for travel increases, we remain optimistic about the future of the Tourism Industry and that there would no longer be barriers for our local Saint Lucian guests to participate and sample the hotel offerings across the island. ” added Managing Director Lyton Lamontagne.
Despite all the happenings across the globe the eco resort has continued to refurbish and upgrade its amenities. The historic Angelina Villa, which was once a one-bedroom villa, is now a spacious Deluxe Two-bedroom cottage perfect for large families or a group of friends. Comfortable modern-day furnishings have been incorporated in the courtyard area as well as artisan designs to accentuate the surrounding tropical fauna.
A newly designed bar” En Bas Cacao” made from local rainforest bamboo has been added to the Trois Basain Pool to enhance the service at the pool area and allow guests more time to bask in the natural rainforest splendor. In addition, a look out deck was constructed at the top of the Lamontagne trail on property offering breathtaking views of the Petit Piton and Sugar beach bay. Underway is a new spa and the relocation of the front office. The eco resort boasts that its geography and the seclusion of its facilities makes it the perfect vacation retreat to socially distance and stay safe whilst adhering to all government protocols.
