Pic du Paradis Review

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Pic du Paradis

Fodor's Review:

From Friar's Bay Beach, a bumpy, tree-canopied road leads inland to this peak. At 1,492 feet, it's the island's highest point. There are two observation areas. From them, the tropical forest unfolds below and the vistas are breathtaking. The road is quite isolated, so it's best to travel in groups. It's also quite steep and not in particularly good shape, becoming a single lane as you near the summit; if you don't have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, don't even try it. Parking at the top is iffy, and it's best if you turn around before you park. It may not be so easy later.

Near the bottom of Pic du Paradis is Loterie Farm, a peaceful 150-acre private nature preserve opened to the public in 1999 by American expat B. J. Welch. Designed to preserve island habitats, Loterie Farm offers a rare glimpse of Caribbean forest and mountain land. Welch has renovated an old farmhouse and welcomes visitors for hiking, mountain biking, ecotours, or less strenuous activities, such as meditation and yoga. Raves accompany lunch and dinner fare at the Hidden Forest Café since chef Julie Purkis took over the kitchen. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday. The Loterie Farm's newest attraction, the Fly Zone, allows Tarzan wannabes to soar over the forest canopy on the longest zip lines in the Western Hemisphere. Rte. de Pic du Paradis, 97150. 590/87-86-16 or 590/57-28-55. EUR 5. Daily sunrise-sunset.

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