East Winds

In 2016, a poignant revelation moved East Winds to action: numerous children were forced to abandon school prematurely due to their families' inability to afford books and uniforms. 

With the average cost of books reaching $370USD—an overwhelming expense for many families—East Winds recognised the imperative to alleviate this burden.

East Winds established their Family Foundation, directly confronting the root causes of educational barriers faced by their staff members' families. 

Through this hands-on initiative, the hotel has provided essential school supplies to over 65 children annually. Beyond books, uniforms, bags, and stationery have been extended to further ease the strain on struggling families.

The impact of these efforts resonates deeply: what was once a grim statistic—50% of girls leaving school by age 12—has been transformed. Today, all children of East Winds staff remain in school until at least age 16, a testament to the Foundation's transformative influence.

Moreover, East Winds actively champions educational initiatives on the island.  Through support for recreational reading books, extracurricular activities, sports equipment provisions, and practical training opportunities for students, the hotel fosters pathways to success for St. Lucia's youth.

By ensuring children's continued access to education, East Winds not only invests in individual futures but also nurtures a culture of empowerment and resilience that reverberates throughout society.

St. Lucia is a small island developing state (SIDS), facing economic challenges where poverty and inequality persist, particularly in rural areas and among marginalised communities. 

East Winds serves as a beacon of ethical hospitality, where every aspect of operation is imbued with a commitment to inclusivity and community empowerment.

Craftsmanship at East Winds echoes the island's rich heritage, sourced locally to preserve authenticity and bolster the local economy, ensuring traditional crafts thrive and local family businesses are supported. 

The hotel's commitment to education extends beyond its gates: all staff who left school early are offered the chance to further their education.

Beyond the workplace, East Winds staff actively engage with the local community, visiting schools to impart valuable lessons on citizenship and career prospects. From teaching kindness to animals to advocating for responsible pet care, these interactions inspire future generations.

What was once a male-dominated industry has evolved; in 2016, only one female was present on the property, but now there's a balanced 50/50 gender split, fostering inclusivity and equality.

Emphasising local empowerment, East Winds prioritises hiring St. Lucian citizens, contributing to community growth. The hotel's support extends to employees' families, with school uniforms provided for their children. 

With a mindful approach to procurement, East Winds rarely purchases outside the island, except when essential, thus supporting local industries and minimising carbon footprint. Through these practices, East Winds not only offers an authentic experience but also fosters community resilience and social responsibility.

Since 2014, East Winds has relied solely on solar technology to heat all water in the guest rooms on the property, resulting in a 25% reduction in fossil fuel energy usage.

Following the implementation of the water treatment plant in 2017, East Winds has significantly minimised wastewater by repurposing it as greywater for their extensive gardens. Complemented by lush tropical landscapes including a kitchen garden yielding fresh herbs, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, this recycled water not only nurtures the vegetation but also diminishes the demand for precious freshwater resources.

With an unwavering commitment to organic food production, the beachside restaurant stands as a testament to East Winds' dedication to sustainability. By sourcing fresh produce from local farmers and supplementing with ingredients from its own organic garden, the restaurant upholds the highest culinary standards while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint and supporting responsible farming practices.

In alignment with their ethos, East Winds deliberately avoids purchasing fish from industrial fishing operations. Instead, they prioritise sourcing from traditional fishermen who adhere to sustainable practices, ensuring that only necessary catches are made, and specific size and type requirements are met. This mindful approach not only maintains culinary excellence but also promotes environmental conservation and responsible fishing practices.

These initiatives underscore East Winds' broader commitment to reducing waste, promoting responsible consumption, and fostering a harmonious relationship with nature while simultaneously supporting local economies.