Island Mix Waterfront Café and Authentic Local Art Shop
Island Mix Art Emporium is a café and art shop that has a way of enticing you in…so when I was asked to write a sponsored post for them – I was enticed! As always, our aim at Island Effect is to be an excellent, trusty guide for you, so all opinions are our own!
This hidden treasure trove of authentic local arts, gifts, fashion and souvenirs -Island Mix- is found down the driveway marked by a brightly coloured sign that draws you in to ‘the mix’…
Step through the foyer into the shop and you’re immediately immersed in a shopping haven full of colour and beautiful local products.
Meander through the collections of eye-catching jewellery, luscious soaps, local teas, island-fashion, sculptures, paintings and artworks, to the French doors onto the Patio Cafe, where the breeze blows refreshingly off the Rodney Bay Marina.
The Café at Island Mix boasts a beautiful porch looking out over the prettiest view of the Rodney Bay Marina. The Marina and surrounding hills are an eclectic backdrop of Caribbean living – colourful roofs, bright white walls and lush gardens. You will often catch glimpses of silvery fish in shoals or leaping and splashing in-between the yachts and small boats.
Signature ‘art-tables’ are scattered across the space, inviting you to sit and relax and stay a while. You might just feel as though you’ve discovered your own personal sanctuary.
Enjoy a glass of fruit-of-the-season local juice, coffee or an ice-cold beer, with relaxing ‘old-school’ soundtracks playing in the background. Treat yourself to one of TripAdvisor’s best Rum Cakes, ‘Bondyé sa Bon Brownies’ (Gluten-Free), Guyanese Pine Tarts (pineapple) or a tasty Roti and you will soon be one more member of the Island Mix Fan Club. And Island Mix is kid-friendly, with benches and a lawn area for playtime.
This spot has become a local favourite for creatives of all sorts, so likely you will bump into a few artists here as well, getting together to exchange ideas or working quietly in the inspiring setting. And the owner, Nadia, will have you feeling like old friends and family in no time.
Once you have found it, tucked away off Seagrape Avenue in Rodney Bay, you will realise why so many people spend a lot more time here than they’d planned!
The ‘Gallery Wall’ on the Island Mix Cafe patio is an ever-changing space for local art
The Island Mix Shop – the best place to shop for authentic Saint Lucian arts, crafts, gifts
Nadia Jabour, the proprietor, conceived Island Mix as an oasis for creators to sell their work in a setting that was purpose-designed to show-off their talents. Island Mix Shop now sells work of over 80 local and Caribbean artists and creators: Beautiful island fashion and stunning art-jewellery, sumptuous natural body products, artisanal herbal teas and rich chocolate; décor, souvenirs, paintings of all sorts, sizes and budgets and really, much more that you just have to see for yourself, including jewellery created by Nadia under her own label, Designs by Nadia.
Nadia Jabour – the Owner and Heart behind Island Mix
A natural host, you will find Nadia at her worktable putting together new pieces for her collection; in the kitchen supervising the rum cake baking, or expertly flitting from table-to-table, engaging guests with her easy smile and warm welcome. Hailing originally from Guyana, Nadia lived and worked in several countries around the world before making Saint Lucia her home in 2009.
Customized Service and Special Orders
Island Mix will source items for you to suit your needs: special occasions, hotel/restaurant/villa decor, etc. Island Mix and many of the artists who supply the shop, will accept custom orders or special commission.
If you would like an Island Mix satellite shop at your location, this can also be arranged. Currently Island Mix manages mini-shops at Cap Maison Hotel and East Winds. Just speak with Nadia to make arrangements.
Special events
Caribbean style English Fish ‘n’ Chips
Every Thursday night from 6-8pm, people ‘in the know’, flock to Island Mix for their parcel of delicious fresh local fish and chips served English style, wrapped in paper, with malt vinegar, tartar sauce and ketchup on the side. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a mix of regular locals and visitors, and kids are always welcome. Book ahead (1 758 584 7877) as there’s limited supply and it’s very popular. You can eat in or take out. $25EC (US$10)
Afternoon or High Tea
A delicious spread of local tea cakes and sandwiches, great for a personal treat or for a special occasion with friends. Only available booked in advance.
Parties
Contact Nadia to arrange exclusive use of the facilities to celebrate your special occasion, launch a product or host any small event.
Classes
Get creative at Island Mix – take a class!
If you feel inspired to unleash the artist in you, or even if you are convinced you’re not an artist, sign up for an art class hosted by one of the featured Saint Lucian artists and you’ll not look back!
Art classes are available to suit everyone – and if you feel the need to relax while you paint – try Art & Wine!
One-on-One or group sessions – painting – acrylics, watercolour, oils; portraits; landscapes and more or drawing with graphite or coloured pencils…even street art sessions can be arranged.
Language – Kwéyòl (Creole)
If it’s the local lingo you want to get familiar with, then book your class to help you navigate the intricacies of the Kwéyòl language. One-on-One, family, friends, business groups are all welcome
Kids Art Classes: Each week a happy group of kids can be found exploring with paints, pencils and paper under the guidance and encouragement of Naja Simeon.
Kids Craft Classes: Another group will be getting creative with all sorts of crafts projects guided by Joanne Massiah
Everyone is welcome, but it’s advisable to call to book a place as space is limited. 1 758 584 7877
At the end of these sessions the place is full of happy faces as the kids carry home their precious creations.
Craft for 5-8 yr olds – Wednesdays 4-5pm, $25EC (about US$10)
Art for 5-8 yr olds – Wednesday 4-5pm, $30EC (about US$12)
Craft for 3-5 yr olds –Thursday 4-5pm EC$20 (about US$8)
Short Courses and workshops
Off and on, various short workshops are available such as, photography, soapmaking, Kwéyòl (Saint Lucia’s local language)
Want to teach a class here? If you have an idea for a class you’d like to give, just contact Nadia to discuss what you have in mind.
Accommodation – AirBnB / Booking.com
With French doors opening out to a private patio facing the beautiful view of the bay, this comfy double room comes with a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, microwave and kettle. Here, you are 5 minutes from the beautiful Reduit Beach and a stone’s throw from duty-free shopping, supermarkets and loads of bars and restaurants and a 10-minute drive from world-famous Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party. This is the perfect place to spend a vacation.
What people say about Island Mix on AirBnB
Quick Facts
Credit cards accepted; EC dollars and US Cash (smaller, clean bills, no coins)
Opening hours 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday (Thursday until 9pm)
Parking available
Kid friendly
Free Wi-Fi
10% service charge applied to food and drinks consumed on the premises
Contacts
Owner / Manager – Nadia Jabour
facebook.com/CaribbeanIslandMix/
Instagram.com/island.mix
email
Call (758) 584-7877
How to get there
Click on this What3Words address to be taken straight to the exact spot on the map: The turnoff into seagrape Avenue is at http://w3w.co/laced.jangle.venturing
The Island Mix Shop and Café are at https://w3w.co/mysteries.camouflages.neighed
Lucian Directions
Coming from the highway, drive or walk between the Rodney Bay Mall and Baywalk Mall. You’ll see Hobie clothing store on your right – big windows with lots of clothes on display – keep going. You’ll see a side-road on the right with signs to Big Chef, Tapas, Jamrock, Ojas Spa and the one you’re looking for, Island Mix – turn in and go about 50 yards until you see a driveway to your right – it’s the first real turnoff and you’ll see the signs on the fence. Just go down to the bottom and you’ll find Island Mix. Parking is available in the forecourt or along the right side of the driveway.
Nice site, glad to see it. I was looking for an Air B&B there.
Thank you – yes, Island Mix’s Airbnb room is quite popular!
Thanks finola, this is such a wonderful synopsis of Island Mix.
Hope to see all of you soon
Thanks Nadia -it’s pretty challenging to express all that can be found at Island Mix in a short article!