Chateau St Cloud lies in the quiet, lush centre of the island, at the foot of La Digue's tallest peak, Belle Vue or Eagle's Nest Mountain. The location may lack beach frontage but it is a mere 10 minutes walk from the coast and is far from lacking in scenic attraction. A hillside road runs from the hotel to the 300 meter summit, from where panoramic views of the green interior and neighbouring islands make a hike here well worthwhile – especially if timed to watch sunset over Praslin with a drink from the low-key 'Snack Bellevue'.
Back at base, Chateau St Cloud offers a surprisingly informal retreat given its arresting appearance and colonial history. The main building, now housing the Deluxe rooms, was once the heart of an extensive vanilla plantation. A striking white and grey manor house, it was built for its French owners at the height of Napoleonic era and named in memory of a small French town, St Cloud, just south of Paris.
Now, there are 14 rooms at Chateau St Cloud, divided into three categories – six 'Standard' rooms, four 'Superior' rooms and four 'Deluxe' rooms. The rooms vary significantly in size, style and location, with some comfortably capable of accommodating a family of two adults and two children.
The Superior rooms are wooden hillside cabins which offer private terraces and great seclusion, fine for those who don't mind the exercise of a steep stair access. By contrast, the Deluxe rooms are tasteful contemporary suites in the plantation house – with no outside space, but they do have vast, cool interiors. The fairly simple Standard rooms are much more functional, but they are a mere hop, skip and jump from the refreshing swimming pool.
Every room, regardless of level, boasts air-conditioning, a fan, international direct-dial telephone, mini-fridge, safe and tea/coffee station. In the Standard rooms only showers are available, with both the Deluxe and Superiors offering a bath too.
Chateau St Cloud makes a good base for activities around la Digue island. Travel around the island is easy with most attractions within walking distance. Alternatively, there are bicycles are for rent and traditional ox cart transfers are available to La Passe village and La Digue's main beaches. Full day excursions can also be arranged through reception, with fishing and diving trips both popular island pursuits. For those seeking to simply chill within the small hotel complex, the swimming pool and bar are open all day, there is a large pen of giant tortoises for the curious and internet access available in the reception area. A small adjoining 'boutique' sells some standard essentials, like suncream and postcards, though it must be said these are curiously alongside a selection of polyester Communion dresses and very sadly some large conch shells (we actively discourage the sale and purchase of shells). The reasonably large hotel gardens also offer scope for simple racket games and children's play.
In conclusion ... if you are happy to accept the 10 minute trip to the sea, and opt for one of the hotel's larger rooms, then Chateau St Cloud can be a good choice on La Digue. The swimming pool is a real asset, especially when the temperature or humidity is high, and its relaxed atmosphere is very equally appealing to families.
Directions: Transfers on arrival can be arranged in ox-cart or small painted bus. For those choosing to walk or cycle, take the tar road heading inland off the main coastal route at La Passe harbour. Follow this road inland, slightly uphill, until it veers to the right. After a further 5 minutes, the large Chateau St Cloud entrance sign and flag will appear and the hotel will be visible on the left hand side of the road.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: The St Cloud estate has belonged to the St Ange family for many generations.
Staff: Managing Director is Carl Mills.
Food & drink
Usual board basis: B&B
Food quality: Guests staying at Chateau St Cloud can do so on either a bed and breakfast or half-board basis. (Non-residents are also free to use the restaurant facilities at any time.)
All meals are served in the shaded, poolside restaurant. With open-sides to catch the breeze, timber floors, a wood panelled ceiling and casual tables, it has a distinctly rustic charm.
Breakfast is a tropical buffet with seasonal fruits and juices available alongside toast and eggs to order.
In the evening, traditional Creole cuisine is the speciality and Chateau St Cloud hosts a local buffet dinner with live entertainment three times a week. The hotel is especially proud of these 'feature' nights and free island transfers are available to guests from other hotels who wish to experience one of these evenings.
During the other four nights of the week, dinner is a four-course set menu (soup, starter, main course, dessert) with an emphasis is on seafood and local flavours, though a selection of international dishes are also available.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Outdoor Dining
Room service: No
Children
Attitude towards children: Chateau St Cloud accepts children of all ages.
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions on guests.
Activities: There are no dedicated children's facilities or activities at Chateau St Cloud, though a swimming pool and giant tortoise enclosure are popular with guests young and old. There is also a good amount of space in the garden for games.
Equipment: A cot is available for babies and staff babysitting can be arranged through reception.
Generally recommended for children: Yes, in general we would recommend Chateau St Cloud for families, though obvious care must be taken with the pool, road access and uneven ground on the hillside. The cabin-like rooms at the top of the hill are not suitable due to their steep access and open balconies; Deluxe rooms in the plantation house are the most secure and spacious.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: There are IDD telephones in every guest room and internet access is available at the hotel reception.
TV & radio: There are no televisions in the bedrooms.
Health & safety
Malarial area: No
Medical care: La Digue Logan Hospital is on the coast, just south of La Passe jetty, approximately 5-10 minutes from Chateau St Cloud. It offers basic health care services 24 hours a day, including dental care and a child health facility. There is an ambulance available for emergencies.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
