‘Total Scam’ or ‘Fabulous’? Our Top Airbnb Accommodation For The Best Experience In St Lucia
Travelers headed to their Caribbean Airbnb in St. Lucia...
Day 1:picked up at the airport by one of Janus’s guys. Drove us to the Masseys for Groceries and also gave us a little driving tour of Soufriere with places to check out later.- Refreshing rain showers off and on with rainbows everywhere! Walked to Hummingbird for dinner- long walk but great food! Got a bit lost on the way back up. It was pitch black and raining.
Saved by 2 of Janus’s friends who gave us a ride back up (as we obviously looked lost!) Fell into bed as we were exhausted by our long travel day.
Hummingbird- Blue marina & tuna YUM!
Saved by 2 of Janus’s friends who gave us a ride back up (as we obviously looked lost!) Fell into bed as we were exhausted by our long travel day.
Hummingbird- Blue marina & tuna YUM!
Day 2: Woke up refreshed and made some coffee and lounged by the pool. Decided to walk to the Botanical Gardens. Pretty easy walk. Gorgeous place, so glad we went. Rain off and on all day but very brief (and refreshing) speaking of refreshments – Piton beers and weed rum at the botanical gardens snack hut. Yes. Just yes! Walked from there into Soufriere and ate at Pitit Peak gorgeous. We sat ina window, the local scene. Chicken roti and yard bird (local chicken) Delicious! Went next door to Zakas Café. Cold brew & mango smoothie. Also “space brownie” Walked back up to the villa and Janus stopped by for some rum! Early bed for our Sugar beach day tomorrow
Day 3: Had arranged for a ride with Janus to Sugar Beach. We decided not to rent a car for this trip and im glad we didn’t. The roads and drive would have stressed me out! Jordan picked us up, he used to work at Sugar beach. The roads there are crazy…up and down…when we got there we were directed off to the left and told we could rent the chairs w/ grass umbrellas or just lay our towels down.
Yes it is US$100 for 2 and YES we paid it, it's our honeymoon! The front row is reserved for guests but that was fine- the view was stunning.
Being at the base of the Pitons is a cool vantage point. Staff will come to you for food/drinks. It is an expensive place no doubt. Mixed drinks are us$14-16. Piton Beers are us$5, $6. The water is fabulous and they have floating rings you can lounge on anchored in the water- so nice! You can order small bites to be brought to your chairs by we opted to eat at the casual restaurant on the beach. It really is a beautiful spot.
We had crab cakes and coconut shrimp- yum! The grounds are just beautiful as well. It was expensive but I'm glad we went just for the views, beautiful resort and feel and vantage point. Then… it was off to the rainforest spar at Sugar beach for our couple’s massage. Wow! Just wow! We certainly had never been in an environment like that. Rainforest Tree hutd/houses. So different and relaxing. We had our couples massage in a hut with the sound of a waterfall outside. Afterwards the back door to the hut was opened to reveal a natural hot springs and outdoor shower where we could relax after (and skinny dip!) I felt like a new person after. Expensive but worth it! Back here we decided to walk into Soufriere for dinner, great walk, nice views and beautiful sunset. Decided to go to Pitit Peak again. This time it was dark and all lit up, so cute. Our meals have been so good there and so cheap! 2 meals 3 pitons beers US$40.
Yes it is US$100 for 2 and YES we paid it, it's our honeymoon! The front row is reserved for guests but that was fine- the view was stunning.
Being at the base of the Pitons is a cool vantage point. Staff will come to you for food/drinks. It is an expensive place no doubt. Mixed drinks are us$14-16. Piton Beers are us$5, $6. The water is fabulous and they have floating rings you can lounge on anchored in the water- so nice! You can order small bites to be brought to your chairs by we opted to eat at the casual restaurant on the beach. It really is a beautiful spot.
We had crab cakes and coconut shrimp- yum! The grounds are just beautiful as well. It was expensive but I'm glad we went just for the views, beautiful resort and feel and vantage point. Then… it was off to the rainforest spar at Sugar beach for our couple’s massage. Wow! Just wow! We certainly had never been in an environment like that. Rainforest Tree hutd/houses. So different and relaxing. We had our couples massage in a hut with the sound of a waterfall outside. Afterwards the back door to the hut was opened to reveal a natural hot springs and outdoor shower where we could relax after (and skinny dip!) I felt like a new person after. Expensive but worth it! Back here we decided to walk into Soufriere for dinner, great walk, nice views and beautiful sunset. Decided to go to Pitit Peak again. This time it was dark and all lit up, so cute. Our meals have been so good there and so cheap! 2 meals 3 pitons beers US$40.
Day 4: Beach day! Eased into the day with some coffee by the pool and swimming/lounging. We arranged for a ride to Anse Chastanet with also the plan to walk to Anse Mamin to go the the famous burger bar. What a great day! The weather was perfect. The beach at Ase Chastanet is separated into the public on the left and private for jade mountain on the right. Separated by a casual restaurant that anyone can go to. Honestly the public side is beautiful.
Tons of diving boats dropped snorkelers off but they mostly stayed in the water. I never felt like the beach was crowded. You could rent chairs but we just put our beach blanket in the sand under the shade of a palm tree. The water was heavenly. We got a couple of beers, my husband got a Mango Mule from the restaurant. Just go in, order and bring back to your towel. I think they have beach service too…public restroom right there too!
After a while we got hungry and decided to walk to Anse Mamin for burgers! Just walk through the Jade mountain public side. Its ok! And you’ll see a sign (steps to Anse Mamin) then it’s a short, flat road along the water. We headed right towards the picnic tables. There is waitress services. The Mojitos, oh the mojitos. And then the Famous Burgers. Expensive – I'm talking us$28 but so good! I got the fish burger and my husband got the gourmet burger. Yes, eating there is gorgeous but they don’t just rely on their views- the food is excellent. We also go the ceviche which was served in a coconut. I will have dreams about that. We found some shade, laid our blankets down and spent the rest of our afternoon lounging and swimming by the beautiful rock outcroppings. The water is wonderful, so warm.
That night we had arranged for Chef Ramsey to come make us dinner at the villa. We went with the fish with garlic butter lime sauce. Oh my god, so good. And what a great guy. He brought veggies from his garden including pumpkin and et everything up, cooked and cleaned and was gone! That was so nice to have all this done for us!
*Try the Banana Ketchup at the Burger Bar
*Next time we will bring our own snorkel gears
* Also next time we will pack our soft cooler!
Tons of diving boats dropped snorkelers off but they mostly stayed in the water. I never felt like the beach was crowded. You could rent chairs but we just put our beach blanket in the sand under the shade of a palm tree. The water was heavenly. We got a couple of beers, my husband got a Mango Mule from the restaurant. Just go in, order and bring back to your towel. I think they have beach service too…public restroom right there too!
After a while we got hungry and decided to walk to Anse Mamin for burgers! Just walk through the Jade mountain public side. Its ok! And you’ll see a sign (steps to Anse Mamin) then it’s a short, flat road along the water. We headed right towards the picnic tables. There is waitress services. The Mojitos, oh the mojitos. And then the Famous Burgers. Expensive – I'm talking us$28 but so good! I got the fish burger and my husband got the gourmet burger. Yes, eating there is gorgeous but they don’t just rely on their views- the food is excellent. We also go the ceviche which was served in a coconut. I will have dreams about that. We found some shade, laid our blankets down and spent the rest of our afternoon lounging and swimming by the beautiful rock outcroppings. The water is wonderful, so warm.
That night we had arranged for Chef Ramsey to come make us dinner at the villa. We went with the fish with garlic butter lime sauce. Oh my god, so good. And what a great guy. He brought veggies from his garden including pumpkin and et everything up, cooked and cleaned and was gone! That was so nice to have all this done for us!
*Try the Banana Ketchup at the Burger Bar
*Next time we will bring our own snorkel gears
* Also next time we will pack our soft cooler!
Day 5:Easy morning at the villa drinking coffee and eating local fruits including “paw-paw” papaya. We walked into Soufriere- hot one today. We had lunch at Michael’S Jen Mwen which is a friendly colourful place by the water. Fish roti for me and the husband had the national dish – salted fish and green fig (banana) He loved it!
We then headed to the Soufriere beach park which has a great little bar and great beach with with clean nice water and amazing views. It's nice to see everyone taking advantage of the park as I understood its new. Great job! We had a couple of drinks then headed to the waterfront for our first of three boat trips with Mystique Man- The Sunset cruise. This was wonderful. The weather was perfect to be out on the water. We boarded their catamaran at 4pm and took a leisurely cruise around. It was great to see everything from the perspective of the water. The crew is great- unlimited drinks are included in the ticket price. Also they came around with little snacks several times and a sparkling wine toast at sunset. So many nice couples in the boat as well- try to snug the netting up front!!! After the cruise we had a hunting for pizza. We happened to then stumble upon hippos pizza on a side street up from the waterfront. They were selling pizza by the slice at a kiosk. We snugged salt-fish pizza, bacon Pizza and pepperoni pizza to bring home YUM!!
We then headed to the Soufriere beach park which has a great little bar and great beach with with clean nice water and amazing views. It's nice to see everyone taking advantage of the park as I understood its new. Great job! We had a couple of drinks then headed to the waterfront for our first of three boat trips with Mystique Man- The Sunset cruise. This was wonderful. The weather was perfect to be out on the water. We boarded their catamaran at 4pm and took a leisurely cruise around. It was great to see everything from the perspective of the water. The crew is great- unlimited drinks are included in the ticket price. Also they came around with little snacks several times and a sparkling wine toast at sunset. So many nice couples in the boat as well- try to snug the netting up front!!! After the cruise we had a hunting for pizza. We happened to then stumble upon hippos pizza on a side street up from the waterfront. They were selling pizza by the slice at a kiosk. We snugged salt-fish pizza, bacon Pizza and pepperoni pizza to bring home YUM!!
Day 6: Saturday, so we decided to walk to Soufriere for the Farmers market. This takes place in the Pavilian next to the bus stop. Lots of Venders. Mostly fruits and vegetables , great selections. Finally got my coconut to drink out of! After, we browsed. We walked back over to Zaka’s for a cold brew coffee. Wow, it really is some of the best.
We were looking for a breakfast spot, we asked them and lo and behold they said they would make an omelet for us, so yes. Also we received a huge basket of bread with butter and the best marmalade jam. Addiction!!! W also bought a Zaka’s original carving on the wall. Zaka was there aswell and so nice.
We arranged for a driver to just pick us up there and just bring us to Sulphur springs. I’m really glad we did this. We ended up hitting it at a time that wasn;t busy…I guess it can get crazy. The locals are known to go at night. The pools are very hot. You get wet and then smear mud from the buckets all over. The mud then dries, you jam it up for pics and you get back in the pool to wash it off and your skin is so soft. Relaxing! We were driven back to the villa and hang out a bit. Then walked a short bit down into the village and finally eat an early dinner at Fedos (they close at 5:00pm) Had a garlic shrimp- YUM! Such A cute, clean place. And the closest food place to the villa. Then back to the villa to relax! Been spending most every night by the pool, skinny dipping, watching the bats and fireflies, a nice cooling off time after the climb back up.
We were looking for a breakfast spot, we asked them and lo and behold they said they would make an omelet for us, so yes. Also we received a huge basket of bread with butter and the best marmalade jam. Addiction!!! W also bought a Zaka’s original carving on the wall. Zaka was there aswell and so nice.
We arranged for a driver to just pick us up there and just bring us to Sulphur springs. I’m really glad we did this. We ended up hitting it at a time that wasn;t busy…I guess it can get crazy. The locals are known to go at night. The pools are very hot. You get wet and then smear mud from the buckets all over. The mud then dries, you jam it up for pics and you get back in the pool to wash it off and your skin is so soft. Relaxing! We were driven back to the villa and hang out a bit. Then walked a short bit down into the village and finally eat an early dinner at Fedos (they close at 5:00pm) Had a garlic shrimp- YUM! Such A cute, clean place. And the closest food place to the villa. Then back to the villa to relax! Been spending most every night by the pool, skinny dipping, watching the bats and fireflies, a nice cooling off time after the climb back up.
Day 7: Sailing trip with Mystic Man! I’m not sure how this happened but we were the only 2 people on this! 43 ft sailing boat up the coast stopping for lunch in Marigot Bay. Great crew. Andel & David. Such great conversations with the crew, really nice guys. Perfect sailing day. We got lots of info about what we were looking at by the crew. Relaxing and beautiful!
We stopped at a snorkel site on the way to Marigot Bay. This was great! Saw sea urchins , brain coral and tons of fish. Then back on the boat to Marigot Bay. Wow! What a beautiful Habour. We sailed right up to the dock in town and were escorted to an adorable restaurant on the water. Amazing views. We were given the choice of chicken or fish (included in the sail price, also one drink included) We both got fish, husband got rum punch while I got a piton beer. After lunch we wondered a bit along the docks to see the mega yachts and sail boats. Back on the boat to sail back to Soufriere. And unlimited rum punch and piton beer also in the price of the sail. At the docks. We sat at the small bar at the entrance and grabbed a beer. Chatted with the locals. Everyone has been so nice. We walked back over to Soufriere beach park. It was a Sunday and packed! Lots of kids jumping off the docks and families enjoying the day.
The water is great here and the little bar has good prices. We hang out swam had a few pina coladas . The water has been glorious and warm. On our way back to the villa we decided to stop at a bar/restaurant that has piqued our interest- it doesn’t have a sign but it has a large Campari banner. Turns out it is called The container bar and what a find. When we showed up it was quiet but we were greeted by Jaso who said we could have BBQ chicken with chowmien. We said yes and he said it would be about 1 hour. We decided to hang out on the front porch picnic tables with few beers. The food was made on a large charcoal grill which seems to be the norm here. Jaso cooked us up an amazing meal and introduced us to his sister Cindy which he said was the real cook. She served us dessert which was kind of a dense twinkle cake! Yum! We told Cindy we were going deep sea fishing on Tuesday and said if we caught anything bring it by- so nice. Already planning to be back. Such reasonable place too. Local eating is the best!
We stopped at a snorkel site on the way to Marigot Bay. This was great! Saw sea urchins , brain coral and tons of fish. Then back on the boat to Marigot Bay. Wow! What a beautiful Habour. We sailed right up to the dock in town and were escorted to an adorable restaurant on the water. Amazing views. We were given the choice of chicken or fish (included in the sail price, also one drink included) We both got fish, husband got rum punch while I got a piton beer. After lunch we wondered a bit along the docks to see the mega yachts and sail boats. Back on the boat to sail back to Soufriere. And unlimited rum punch and piton beer also in the price of the sail. At the docks. We sat at the small bar at the entrance and grabbed a beer. Chatted with the locals. Everyone has been so nice. We walked back over to Soufriere beach park. It was a Sunday and packed! Lots of kids jumping off the docks and families enjoying the day.
The water is great here and the little bar has good prices. We hang out swam had a few pina coladas . The water has been glorious and warm. On our way back to the villa we decided to stop at a bar/restaurant that has piqued our interest- it doesn’t have a sign but it has a large Campari banner. Turns out it is called The container bar and what a find. When we showed up it was quiet but we were greeted by Jaso who said we could have BBQ chicken with chowmien. We said yes and he said it would be about 1 hour. We decided to hang out on the front porch picnic tables with few beers. The food was made on a large charcoal grill which seems to be the norm here. Jaso cooked us up an amazing meal and introduced us to his sister Cindy which he said was the real cook. She served us dessert which was kind of a dense twinkle cake! Yum! We told Cindy we were going deep sea fishing on Tuesday and said if we caught anything bring it by- so nice. Already planning to be back. Such reasonable place too. Local eating is the best!
Day 8: We were greeted at the door by one of our frequent drivers Jordan with fresh grapefruits from Janus. OMG! Spoiled for all other grapefruits. These are huge and juicy. There’s a juicer in the villa, take advantage of it.
Got all fancied up for our lunch at Jade Mountain. They were all booked for dinner slots (I waited till the last minute) but could accommodate lunch so sure! Jade Mountain was the first pictures of St. Lucia I had ever seen and I always wanted to visit. We got a ride over and made it through security. We were shuttled up the mountain what could you say. Its stunning! The service is the best so far and the grounds and views are amazing. Apparently we just missed Kevin Hart!! Grilled octopus for lunch with beef tenderloins and a veggie wrap- amazing. Also the drivers are 10/10. Try the basil ginger margarita. Afterwards the staff said we can go a level higher to check out the celestial deck, WOW! They are great about taking pictures too!. I can see why this was one of the top resorts in the world!
Afterwards we decided to go to Ladera resort for Sunset. A friend of mine had stayed there and said it was a tradition to have a drink at the bar and watch the sun set. We got a ride over and got there about 3pm. No reservations needed for the bar. We were one of the only people there. Service is …spotty and the drinks are not as near good as what we had at jade mountain, but the views are amazing. You are perched up between the Pitons over looking sugar beach. Very tree-house like. There were small rain showers and it was so beautiful because the staff wasn’t paying to much attention to us, we were able to later move into the front row seats for the sunset and it was a beautiful one! By that time we were hungry again so we got dropped off in town to decided to try Pier 28. We sat at the bar and I ordered honey bbq chicken wings and husband got the jerk chicken sandwich- both really good. Very friendly bar tender. Off to bed early for deep sea fishing.
Got all fancied up for our lunch at Jade Mountain. They were all booked for dinner slots (I waited till the last minute) but could accommodate lunch so sure! Jade Mountain was the first pictures of St. Lucia I had ever seen and I always wanted to visit. We got a ride over and made it through security. We were shuttled up the mountain what could you say. Its stunning! The service is the best so far and the grounds and views are amazing. Apparently we just missed Kevin Hart!! Grilled octopus for lunch with beef tenderloins and a veggie wrap- amazing. Also the drivers are 10/10. Try the basil ginger margarita. Afterwards the staff said we can go a level higher to check out the celestial deck, WOW! They are great about taking pictures too!. I can see why this was one of the top resorts in the world!
Afterwards we decided to go to Ladera resort for Sunset. A friend of mine had stayed there and said it was a tradition to have a drink at the bar and watch the sun set. We got a ride over and got there about 3pm. No reservations needed for the bar. We were one of the only people there. Service is …spotty and the drinks are not as near good as what we had at jade mountain, but the views are amazing. You are perched up between the Pitons over looking sugar beach. Very tree-house like. There were small rain showers and it was so beautiful because the staff wasn’t paying to much attention to us, we were able to later move into the front row seats for the sunset and it was a beautiful one! By that time we were hungry again so we got dropped off in town to decided to try Pier 28. We sat at the bar and I ordered honey bbq chicken wings and husband got the jerk chicken sandwich- both really good. Very friendly bar tender. Off to bed early for deep sea fishing.
Day 9: 3rd outing with Mystique man and we were pleased to see the sme crew from our sailing trip. And miraculously enough. We were the only 2 guests again! So the day was beautiful. We throwed 6 lines out in the water. We went south and started to encounter some rough seas which started to make my husband very seasick again lucky we were the only 2. The fish were biting but we really needed to get to calmer waters which we did. We spent the next few hours around the coast but no more bites. Oh well!! My husband was disappointed he got seasick but what can you do? Afterwards we headed to our local beach park. We needed a dip as the day had gotten very hot. We decided to bite the bullet and rent chairs in the shade. US$20 for 2 chairs and that also gets you a voucher to used the bathrooms and showers for free. Dips in the ocean- it gets so deep there. And a few drinks and the husband felt much better. We watched the sunset and decided to head over to the Container bar (empty handed, no fish unfortunately) Cindy was there and so nice, we didn’t have fish! She cooked us a local chicken stew with pasta salad and as we waited we chatted with some locals. Really love this place. The stew is chicken in a delicious sauce with pasta salad. Plantains potatoes and coleslaw. Honestly delicious! And cindy is so nice. She gave is the twinkle desserts again with homemade chocolate sauce. By this time we were exhausted and headed home for a dip in the pool.
Mystic man also took us to the bat cave which is very close to Soufriere beach park. Apparently all of the island fruit bats gather there, you could hear them! They fly out at nights
Mystic man also took us to the bat cave which is very close to Soufriere beach park. Apparently all of the island fruit bats gather there, you could hear them! They fly out at nights
Day 10- last full day here and the plan was to hang out at Anse Mamin beach but what do you know, its raining! Currently hanging out and updating this book. We’ll see if it clears later! We needed food so walked back down to Fedos beause the husband wanted to try their beef, I got the garlic shrimp again. He pound the meat again,, a bit tough but great flavor.
After that we walked down Barons drive past Pitit Peak to meet our friend Dave who we had chatted with the other night at the container bar. He had mentioned a rum bar that would be good for sunsets. That was a great walk. We saw fish tied up hanging in the ocean, this was the fishermen’s neighborhood. We got some weed rum and Pitons and sat on the rocks with Dave watching the sun set. We then all decided to go bar hopping. First stop was the outdoor bar at the end of the pier. Apparently there is an affiliation with Pier 28. We met Andrew the head chef at Sugar Beach who came from the UK! Then off to the yard where it was karaoke night. More beers and the husband sang “I try” by Macey Gray. Then back to the container bar to close off the night. More skinny dipping that night! We don’t want to go!!!
Thoughts so far!
1. Buy Dramamine
2. Get your pool time (skinny dip!)
3. Get bug spray but didn’t really need it!
4. Local Meals are the freshest and least expensive and we really enjoyed meeting the locals ourselves in their culture. You’re staying in Soufriere! Get out!
5. We personally are glad we didn’t rent a car. Was it more expensive to get rides? Maybe but no stress! Priceless!
6. People here laid back and friendly . It’s a different culture for sure but that’s the beauty of it. We learned so much by talking to locals. Had a long football discussion on the beach when it was discovered we were from Massachusetts!
7. Relax buddy! You’re on vacation. We never do trips like this so wanted a stress free existence. And we got it!
Thank you Janus
The Lajoies Honeymoon
@spellboundsalem- Instagram highlight
Jan. 2020
After that we walked down Barons drive past Pitit Peak to meet our friend Dave who we had chatted with the other night at the container bar. He had mentioned a rum bar that would be good for sunsets. That was a great walk. We saw fish tied up hanging in the ocean, this was the fishermen’s neighborhood. We got some weed rum and Pitons and sat on the rocks with Dave watching the sun set. We then all decided to go bar hopping. First stop was the outdoor bar at the end of the pier. Apparently there is an affiliation with Pier 28. We met Andrew the head chef at Sugar Beach who came from the UK! Then off to the yard where it was karaoke night. More beers and the husband sang “I try” by Macey Gray. Then back to the container bar to close off the night. More skinny dipping that night! We don’t want to go!!!
Thoughts so far!
1. Buy Dramamine
2. Get your pool time (skinny dip!)
3. Get bug spray but didn’t really need it!
4. Local Meals are the freshest and least expensive and we really enjoyed meeting the locals ourselves in their culture. You’re staying in Soufriere! Get out!
5. We personally are glad we didn’t rent a car. Was it more expensive to get rides? Maybe but no stress! Priceless!
6. People here laid back and friendly . It’s a different culture for sure but that’s the beauty of it. We learned so much by talking to locals. Had a long football discussion on the beach when it was discovered we were from Massachusetts!
7. Relax buddy! You’re on vacation. We never do trips like this so wanted a stress free existence. And we got it!
Thank you Janus
The Lajoies Honeymoon
@spellboundsalem- Instagram highlight
Jan. 2020
