Sunday- 8/13/17

Picked up from Sandals Grande by Aiden from Janus’ transport. He was super nice & took us to a grocery store to pick-up some food and drinks. He was also very helpful in finding us an ATM. He drove us to Serrena and stopped at a few viewing spots so we could take pictures. Beautiful View and felt like we were on an awesome excursion.

We arrived at the Villa around 3ish where Janus welcomed us with open arms. I did my research about Serrana and everything I read about how amazing the villa & Janus were true. The Villa is more beautiful than the pictures and I wish we stayed there more than Sandals. We spent the afternoon on the Terrace Listening to music and Admiring the views. That was the most relaxing part of our Honeymoon Yet. We drank Pitons and called Janus to ask where we could get a quick bite to eat and he said he would come pick us up to show us around. He gave us some tips for exploring and made us feel very safe. We had dinner at Pitit Peak which was the best meal we had all week.

​Sandals was Beautiful but the food made me nausea. Ii felt immediately better as so as we ate dinner. My husband had the Mahi and I had a pasta dish. Next, we wanted to do some bar hopping. Went to a little bar by the dock for a Piton and then we found SKIPPERS. We absolutely loved this place and had the best night so far. Have some Piton and shots with Tonya the bartender. We made some great local friends and took fun pictures. People will get you to buy stuff for them, just say no thanks and they will be nice and go away. Then we made the walk back – wear comfy shoes! We sweat the whole way up + immediately jumped in the pool for star gazing-amazing

Monday-8/14/17

Slept in and made breakfast. It was an on and off rainy day so we spend the first half of the day by the pool while it was pouring and the sun still shinning. Was some of the best things I’ve experienced! Nothing beats the view from the pool and you can’t help but smile the whole time. Rain showers are very quick and we got to see a rainbow over the mountain. We tried to walk to lunch before we went to Sugar Beach but got lost so we called Janus and he found us within 10 minutes. Note: Rubis & Fedos were closed so we think it was since it was Monday. Janus had a driver who was his very nice brother, take us to lunch before the beach. We went to Pier 28. I wasn’t a fan of the chicken Burger but my husband liked his burger. Next onto Sugar Beach. This was another amazing spot. The view is truly Breathtaking as the beach is situated between the Pitons. Driver drove as far as he could and then we took and adorable looking shuttle to the beach. We got there about 3pm and it was practically empty. We put our towels in the resort side and floated in the water for the next 2.5 hours. It rained on and off there but again it was amazing to float with that view of sun-shower. Get some Pitons and that worked for the receipt you have to show to get shuttle back up the hill. I bought a cute beach cover-up wrap from a little hut on the local side. There is a warm waterfall on the way to Sugar Beach but it closes at 5pm so we missed it. Janus brother, took us to the grocery store to get some stuff for dinner. Snapper fillet YUM! Word of advice (bank of St. Lucia didn’t work for us, the bank on the other side did) Just finished dinner and relaxing on the terrace. Use the rings in the drawer next to stove for bugs. Also spray bug spray on yourself. Spent the rest of the evening reading on terrace while hubby snoozed in the chair next to me. That’s a perfect way to end a gorgeous night!

Tuesday-8/14/17

Last full day here ☹ I keep saying to my husband-I wish we were here the whole times instead of Sandals! I don’t even mind waking up to the rooster every morning his name is Rufus. We also love the bird at the kitchen sink window who visits every morning his name is Pierre. There is also the tiniest frog on the patio-his name is francois. We spent the day going to fedos for lunch – don’t get chicken roti too much bones! Walked to hummingbird beach & spent the afternoon playing with the local kids & jumping off the pier. Next walked to Lifestyle for souvenirs. Such a nice lady. Finished the afternoon at Skippers. Spent the evening in the pool. Went to Ruby’s for dinner-No pizza ☹ Had caprese salad & fish fingers-very good! Walked across the street to the best Karaoke bar ever. Look for a little boy Isiah & Make sure he’s okay! His dad is the DJ. Walked home in the pouring rain and it was awesome!

Wednesday 8/15/17

Time to leave ☹
Janus – thank you for everything. We will be back hopefully at your new Villa. This place is 100000000x better than Sandals  and I am so glad we got to experience the best part of our honeymoon here!
Thank you! Thank you!

LOVE JOSEPHA ND KATRINA
LONG ISLAND NEW-YORK

Alex & Kristen                   
Travel from Virginia Beach VA

Sunday 8/6
Arrived without any issues and got through customs in 15 MINS! Steven was waiting for us and gave us a comfy ride to the Villa to meet Janus. We got a quick tour and unpacked, this place has everything you could ever need! And one glance out the window… you know instantly that you came to the right place. Janus gave us a ride to the Soufriere Waterfront and we had a quick bite at Pitit Peak. Watched ‘’The Pearl’’, the local party pirate ship by the Pier. Beautiful Views, quiet and a cricket match on TV! Head back to the Villa after a long Day. WE’RE THERE!!!

Monday 8/7
Had some coffee, OJ’s bread with amazing hot sauce, all of which Janus had ready for us in the villa. Caught a ride to the Market and stocked up on Breakfast food, coffee, Pitons!!! Drinks and snacks. Headed out for a beach day at Anse Chastanet/Anse Mamin. Glad we came in the slow season. Had it mostly to ourselves. Spent most of our time at Mamin. Got a few drinks from the resort bar (expensive but good) Insanely beautiful Black sand beach, we will go to. Janus Made us a reservation at Mango Tree, A restaurant at Stonefield Resort. Epic Sunset View and setting, great food and super reasonable considering you are on a rainforest cliff facing Pitit Piton sipping on an amazing rum punch with nutmeg…Do it! Great dinner, great first day, sure a beautiful place. Back to the Villa.

Tuesday 8/8
Woke up early, coffee and light breakfast and we were off to Gros Piton. We were one of the fast groups there (fast to the top) and we met up with Mervin our guide. Mervin is the man ‘’The Mountain Goat’’ He even has a sign that proves it! Kristen and I are pretty athletic, and we were up for the challenge, but it was an intense Hike starting at 650ft and finishing at 2500ft, you cover serious vertical relevation in a short amount of time. The view at the top stretched 200degrees, exposing the southern and of the island to Coconut Bay all the way to the Mountains in the North. It is worthy, noting that my wife Kicked my ass on this Hike…in slip ons, flat boutique vans. It is an amazing experience and we recommend it. Bring water along. I wore a heavy backpack with camera gear, water and snacks. Don’t do what I did, bring water, your smartphone for pics, this is all you need. Stopped at Sulphur Springs on the way home from Gros Piton. A natural wonder but we went at Lunch time and it was crowded. Our guide/driver Jamal told us that was 50% of the normal crowd! The spring is Hot! But it did feel amazing on oursuper shaky legs after the climb. We rubbed the mud, rinsed it off and we were on our way. About 20 minutes total. Hit up Fedos for lunch and got a delicious and rewarding cheese burger! Cheap, fast, easy. Back to the Villa to chill out! Heavy rain-shower rolled in and the most intense Rainbow appeared in the valley on the left as if it was slashing the turquoise roof of Janus’ house. Amazing, took 300 photos. Fried Plantain, mango Slices and cocktails for dinner. ‘’Point Break’’ (the original) on Netflix and we out!

Wednesday 8.9
Arranged for a 9am pick-up for Sugar Beach! If you like to party and we do, you will like Sugar Beach. Situated between Gros Piton and Pitit Piton, Sugar beach is pretty close to perfect, because we got there early, we got our choice in beach chairs and made ourselves at home. Cornel had all of the intec and even call head to let Bonita know we were coming. We had a perfect spot watching cruise and snorkel tours come and go while we relaxed under a tree with Dr. Twist, Blaze and Lesta! Blaze is the smoothie Man on a yellow Kayak, best frozen drinks we ever had. Bonita was sweet, had cheap Pitons and was willing to watch our camera bag while we went snorkeling. Find these people and strike up a conversation. A highlight for sure Fedos to go on our way home. Chicken roti on Point. Villa Relaxation and Hotel Chocolat for Dinner! Boucan was amazing. Everywhere you go, you get a new glimpse of the Pitons! And this view is no different…Gorgeous. The food was tasty and interesting, and the rum ounch is strong! Crème Brulee with Mango ice-cream for dessert, so good. Another amazing day. Janus is the best, his drivers too! We are half way and having an amazing time.

Thursday 8/10
Walked into town to catch our 9 am snorkel with Mystic Man. We had a 40ft sailboat to ourselves for 3 hours. Awesome to finally see Soufriere from the Sea. Went to three pretty nice snorkel spots (Pinacles, Coral Garden and Superman’s Flight) Superman’s Flight sits right under Pitit Piton with a beautiful reef that dramatically drops off into the deep. With a little time left we took a jog a couple of miles out to find Some dolphins. Tropical spotted Dolphins to be exact. Incredible experience to stand on the bow and watch the Dolphins Catch a ride! A great time! We headed back up the hill to the villa to relax and have some snacks. Janus brought us a couple mangoes and a pineapple…his hospitality continues! Relaxed until Cornel pick us up @ 6 to take up to Ladera. Amazing Views as it is perched In the rainforest between the Pitons, overlooking Sugar Beach. Drinks Were expensive but dinner was delicious. Only downside was it was a bit buggy. Cornel was ready and waiting and we headed home after a beautiful evening

Friday 8/11
Another rooster wake up call and Janus picked us up to show us the progress on his New Villa! Soon to be completed, it looks amazing and we will likely try to book it when we return. Views and amenities cannot be beat. Cant wait to see the finish product. Caught a ride to Tet Paul Nature Trail. Pretty cool and very quick, amazing views of the Pitons (very similar to the top of Gros Piton if not better at some view point) We would recommend but take your time! Off to Anse Manin for Lunch, snorkeling and seclusion. We love this beach. Cornel picked us up at the villa to take us to a local spot to show us the Friday night scene in Soufriere. A super nice guy was going all the cooking. First thing we started was ‘’fish guts’’ which is exactly what it sounds like, but delicious if you try it! That was followed by some amazing Mahi cooked in a very unique way with breadfruit and a avocado. Some of the best foods on this trip. Cornel introduced us to everyone who came through, such a great host. Back to the Villa!

Satruday 8/12
Our stay is coming to an end! Bitter sweet but we are ready to get back to our two little boys. Dinner reservation at Jade Mountain, so no big plans other than that. Took a walk to Diamond Fall Botanical Gardens…easy walk, beautiful place and no guide…it was nice…lots of amazing plants and hummingbirds. The grey Sulphur Springs are also a sight. Got some gifts for the kids at the shop and headed home for some rest and relaxation. Found a dry coconut at Anse Mamin and Janus sent over a helping hand with a machete to open it up for us. Very low key until we got to Jade Mountain…this place is Breathtaking. Kind of wish we had done dinner here twice, although it is easily the most expensive. We got drinks and dinner for 2 for $275 US. The food, the service and the views made it worth it. Can’t wait to see some of the photos we captured here. Make sure you go there, make your reservation early and enjoy!

Sunday 8/13
Packed up the Villa and headed back to VA. Thank you Janus for a most amazing trip. Your drivers and hospitality are top notch and we can’t to come back. Soufriere is a beautiful place and we will miss it!

​Note to Janus: We’ve stayed in quite a few Airbnbs, but your hospitality has truly been the best! Keep the great work and good luck with your budding business! Christine and Joe. 

Travel Log
Sunday July 30: Jo & I land at UVF Airport after a whirlwind 2 days of getting married and seeing off friends and family. Our flight was about an hour delayed, so we missed out on the grocery store (closes early on Sunday). However Janus was waiting at the Villa with eggs, milk and bread to get us stared for breakfast the next morning. what a gem. Took a little nap by the pool, and then walked down to Ruby’s for dinner. 

Ruby’s  - Service is amazing, prices are a little high for what you get but the convenience (proximity to the villa) is worth it. Pizza has a frozen pizza vibe, but not in a bad way. Also tried the burger, which was good and filling. If they have the orang & lime juice, get it! We came here 2X. same great waiter. “Vegetarian Approved😊 

Monday July 31: waking up to this view is really special. Today we started a tradition of breakfast on the terrace: juice, coffee, toast, and eggs (you don’t need to eat to much because there’s a ton of great food to try on the island) oh and of course fresh mangoes! 

Cool Breeze: we know it’s just a gas station. But try the big foot snacks, tropical gummies, and creamy ice cream bars! On + Coconut Shirley Biscuits!! 

Tet Paul  - Fun quick and easy hike with really gorgeous views. Guide was nice and informative. You basically are expected to tip guides everywhere so plan accordingly. Flora is gorgeous, too. We bought apricot rum for our toast at the restaurant there. 

Fedo’s – A tru locals restaurant less than a 10 minute walk from villa. The roti (chicken) was on point and only cost $10.00 E.C. The local juice was also great here. 

Boucan – had dinner at Hotel Chocolat. Everything was great and we found the prices to not be too terrible. Great cocktails and desserts. Also vegetarian approved! ( This was his fav btw.) 



Tuesday Aug 1

• Anse Chastanet – a lovely little beach, if you survive the drive down! (hopefully you rented a 4-whieel drive equipped car, unlike us). It’s very hilly and rocky. Like a very long version of Janus Highway. Drinks at the bar are tasty and you can rent snorkel gear for US$11.00. we saw rainbow fish, all sorts of coral and even a flounder. 
• Petit Piton – Menu was limited by 2:30pm. Got salftish, onion righ and chees sandwish. It was fine. 

Wednesday Aug 2 Rainy Day Activities! 

• Sulphur Springs – we did the tour and enjoyed, but its short and not a must. Te mud does make your skin feel great but your clothes will smell, like Sulphur after. Also, there are no lockers, so you’re bet living belongings in the car. 
• Diamond Botanical Gardens – If you like plants, you’ll want to stop by these pretty gardens. The waterfall is more stunning in person than in photos!! We walked from the villa it’s not too far. 
• Marie’s Local Cuisine – Immediately after the entrance to the gardens, you’ll see this little spot. It’s great taste of local cuisine, if not a little over priced. Still $16.00 USD isn’t bad, sinc it comes with juices and ice cream for dessert! 

Thursday Aug 3
We chose to use it

• Sugar beach on a rainy day, since we just wanted to have a drink and get a glimpse of the view. We got a couple of snakcs but they were really overpriced. Drinks were good though. However we spent US$60.00 and had to ask for them to bring us napkins when they brought a check. Not our fave. 
• Mango Tree – we decided to make a rez here after reading some good reviews. Thursday was BBQ Buffet nigh, but at $50.00 US for the local food we had yesterday at Marries it seemed really steep. Vegetarian options were slim. Also rum punch was too heavy on the grenadine. Skip it and go to Boucan. 

Friday Aug 4

• Gros Piton – like me you’ve probably read a lot about this hike. So here’s my take on it. The hike is 4 miles and is said to take 4 hours. I took short breaks and stopped 5-10 minutes at the summit and did it in 3 hours 15 minutes. I am F, 29 yo, and workout regularly. Rent a walking stick, and bring exact change $1.00 US or $2.50 EC. But watch out for fire aunts! Not a fun way to start. This is not an easy hike, there are lots of steps and rocks rumbling. But I didn’t find it super challenging. I just considered it a 4 hour workout session and was fine. Wear exercise clothes and bring 1 liter of water. And maybe a small towel for sweat. The views at the top don’t show the Petit Piton, so if that’s what you want to see, stop midway or do Tet Paul Instead. This hike is for those who want a physical challenge. That said, if you’re in shape and don’t have bad knees, you can totally do it. 
• Martha’s Tables – this place is so good. Food is great and Martha’s daughter, who runs the place is very sweet. Highly recommended the creole shrimp. The sides are filling enough for a vegetarian, too! Vegetarian approved! 

Saturday Aug 5: 

• Anse Mamin – tucked beyond Anse Chastanet is a secluded beach that feels like it washed up from the south pacific. Do not miss this place. We hid out under a big tree that served as a natural umbrella. The waters are warm and the sand is hot and volcanic black. This bar is great for cocktails and burgers too. Not cheap. But actually delicious veggie, chicken fish burgers, too. There are trials, so bring sneakers if you like nature trails. Vegetarian approved!