international cuisine with a very strong touch of Caribbean flavors, particularly St. Lucian specialties. We offer daily specials and host our Signature Ladera Sunset Fish Fry on Thursday nights—an open-air concept at our main pool where guests dine under the stars and enjoy barbecue or fresh fish and live music. We’re fortunate that most of our seafood comes directly from St. Lucia, so it’s very fresh daily.” The resort’s experiential offerings extend beyond dining to include hands-on activities that create lasting memories. “We’ve collaborated with a St. Lucia Rum Company to let our guests create their own rum at The Hideaway, Ladera’s on-site Rum Bar,” explains Renee’-Badal. “They take a miniature bottle home with them, so for future anniversaries or gatherings with friends, they can open it as a memento of their stay with us.” LOCAL CONNECTIONS AND SUSTAINABILITY Ladera Resort’s deep integration with St. Lucia extends far beyond aesthetics. “We are very proud to say we are one of the only resorts on the island where, apart from our general manager, everyone at Ladera is local,” Renee’-Badal states. “We’re all born and raised on the island. That’s something we are very proud of because many other hotels have international flair, but everything is authentic when you stay with us.” This local-first employment strategy supports the island’s economy while ensuring guests receive genuine St. Lucian hospitality. The resort’s location near Soufrière, a historic town on St. Lucia’s west coast, allows for meaningful connections with local communities and businesses that supply everything from fresh produce to handcrafted furniture. “We foster a culture of passion and authenticity, and we continue to empower our team through training and career development, helping them further their education,” explains Renee’-Badal. “It’s like a family, whether you’re a guest or a team member.” The resort’s sustainability manifests in various initiatives, including garden tours that showcase the 22 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
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