​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Airbnb, Villa & Vacation Homes In St. Lucia
Everything You Want (and Need) to Know About Islander Villas and Our Properties
From Sapphire Apartments to Serrana, Sargas, and Saba- Your Most Pressing Questions Answered
How do most couples that stay at your villa eat? Do they mostly cook after buying groceries or go out to eat?
Since our villas & apartments are self-cater; guests purchase their supplies from the supermarkets and like any normal home make their breakfast, lunch, dinner etc. The option of reserving our private chef is also another option.
How much will it be to either rent a car, or rent a driver to drive us around St Lucia?
For car hire and rental rates we recommend Islander Cars St. Lucia. As for hiring a driver, you can opt for our on-call chauffeur service.
How many people are allowed to stay at the property?
This depends on the property that you have chosen. If you have chosen Sapphire Apartment 1, 3, or 4, the capacity is two people, whereas Sapphire Apartment 2 as well as Saba, Serrana, and Sargas Villas can hold up to four people.
Is there an additional charge if I have more than 2 people in Sapphire 1, 3, or 4 or more than 4 people in Sapphire 2, Saba, Serrana, or Sargas Villa? What about children?
Yes, there are additional charges for a higher occupancy. Specific charges and policies can be found in the terms and conditions of the online platform you used to book your rental (AirBnB, TripAdvisor, VRBO, etc).
Do the properties have enough beds for everyone?
Absolutely. Sapphire Apartments 1, 3, and 4 have a queen bed suitable for a couple, while Saba, Serrana, and Sargas Villas as well as Sapphire Apartment 2 have two queen beds that sleep two people each.
What is the bed configuration in each property?
In Sapphire Apartments 1, 3, and 4, the queen sized bed is located in the sole bedroom. For Sapphire Apartment 2 there is a queen bed in each bedroom. In Saba, Serrana, and Sargas Villas, there is a king size bed located in each of the two master bedrooms.
What is the bathroom configuration in each of your properties?
Bathrooms are located within the bedrooms of our properties. For example, in Sapphire 2, there is an ensuite bathroom in each bedroom and in Sargas, Serrana, and Saba Villa, there is a master bathroom in each of the master bedrooms.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies are dependent on the terms and conditions of the platform you use to book your apartment or villa. AirBnB, VRBO, TripAdvisor and other platforms each have their own unique cancellation policies.
Do your properties require a deposit? If so, when will it be returned?
The deposit you pay to stay at one of our properties will depend on the platform that you use to book it. Airbnb, HomeAway, Flipkey and TripAdvisor all have their own deposit charges and return policies.
What charges might be incurred through Islander Villas if I am booking through an outside platform such as VRBO or AirBnB?
While most costs related to your rental, including deposits, are based on the policy of the booking platform, we do offer additional for-cost services such as transportation, tours, and private chef service that are available on demand.
Are utilities included in my apartment or villa rental price?
Absolutely! All utilities, including electricity, water, and cooking, heating, and cooling are included in the price of your villa or apartment rental.
Is there a cleaning fee or cleaning deposit for my rental property?
This depends on the length of your stay. If you have booked your property for a full week, one day of maid service is included in your booking price. If you are staying for a shorter duration, you have the option of setting up a date and paying for housekeeping service.
No, we do not charge a cleaning deposit in Sapphire Apartments or any of our three luxury villas (Saba, Serrana, and Sargas). We also do not charge a cleaning fee unless there has been extensive damage to the unit.
Are there climate controls in my apartment or villa? If so, is there an adjustable thermostat?
Absolutely! The comfort of our guests is our number one priority, which is why fans and programmable air conditioners can be found in Sapphire Apartments, Serrana Villa, Sargas Villa, and Saba Villa.
Does my villa or apartment rental included linens or do I need to bring my own?
All of our properties, from Saba, Serrana, and Sargas villa to Sapphire Apartments include clean, comfortable bed linens as well as towels for your convenience.
Are toilet paper and paper towels provided in your rental apartments and luxury villas?
Yes. We work hard to make your stay as all-inclusive as possible, and this means providing the little things such as toilet paper and paper towels so that the only thing you have to do upon arrival is enjoy your stay!
Do your rental units include necessities such as dish soap and laundry detergent? What about hand soap?
Yes, our rental units include hand soap, laundry soap, and dish soap for your convenience. In the event that you have allergies or would like different products, they can be purchased at the nearby market.
Are any toiletries provided in my rental apartment or villa? If not, or if I would like to purchase some, where could I do that?
Guest comfort is our number one priority. As such, all toiletries are included in the bathrooms in Sapphire Apartments, Saba Villa, Sargas Villa, and Serrana Villa.
Do your rental properties include hair dryers?
Yes. All of our rental villas, except the apartments (Sapphire); Saba, Serrana, and Sargas Villas include hair dryers in the bathrooms.
Is there internet access in your rental properties? What about Wi-Fi? Is there a fee to use the internet?
Absolutely! Staying in touch with family and friends is an important part of any vacation. You will find that all of our apartments and all villas (Saba, Serrana, and Sargas) include wireless high speed internet access at no additional charge. If you are staying in Serrana, Saba, or Sargas Villas, you will even find that your property includes a guest computer that you can use to communicate with loved ones, catch up on email, or update social media!
Are there laundry machines in your properties?
Sapphire Apartments 1-4 has washing machines but no dryers, clothes are hang on a line outside. Saba, Serrana, and Sargas Villas do include laundry machines (washer/dryer) so that you can wash and dry your clothes without having to worry about finding a Laundromat. We want your vacation to be as relaxing as possible, and this means creating rental properties that are truly all-inclusive.
Do your villas and apartments include a dishwasher? If so, is dishwasher detergent provided?
No, our apartments and villas do not have dishwashers in the unit. With that said, however, our units do have double sinks as well as dish soap.
Do the kitchens in your apartments and luxury villas include cooking and eating utensils such as silverware, plates, and pans?
Yes. While dining out in a new country can be a remarkable experience, we know that there may be meals that you want to prepare in the comfort of your villa or apartment. You will find that the kitchen in your rental property is equipped with everything you need to prepare and enjoy a fresh meal, including pots and pans, plates, bowls, and silverware. Glasses and coffee cups can also be found in your unit.
Are blenders available in your rental properties?
Absolutely! There’s nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing frozen drink under the Caribbean sun, and you will find that Serrana, Saba, and Sargas Villas as well as each of the Sapphire Apartments include a blender so that you can create the beverage of your choice.
Do your apartments and luxury villa rentals include microwaves and/or toasters for guests to use?
Guests will find that microwaves are provided in all of our rental units, and Sapphire Apartments, Serrana, Sargas and Saba Villas all include toasters and other everyday home appliances.
Will there be a coffee maker available in my rental apartment or luxury villa? If so, is coffee provided or available nearby?
Yes, all of Islander Villas’ properties include coffee makers. After all, coffee is an essential part of the morning for many of our guests.
Is my rental property located near popular attractions?
Absolutely! All of our properties, from Sapphire Apartments to Saba, Sargas, and Serrana Villas are located in the historic former St. Lucia capital of Soufriere, home to the Piton Mountains, the botanical gardens, Diamond Falls-the world’s only drive-in volcano, and much more!
Can I book a tour of Soufriere? Where can I do this and how much can I expect to pay?
Yes you can. For an additional charge, your airport pickup can be altered to include a tour of Soufriere or you can book a tour through our partner company Real St. Lucia Tours. Prices depend on the stops you would like to make, but are the best on the island!
Are there restaurants located near my rental apartment or villa?
Yes. Soufriere is home to many of St. Lucia’s best restaurants including Fedo’s, Orlando’s, Ruby’s Pizzeria, Dasheene, and more.
Is there a grocery store or market within walking distance of my rental property?
The nearest grocery store is about a fifteen minute walk each way from Sapphire Apartments as well as Sargas, Serrana, and Saba Villas. While we recommend booking a stop at the grocery store during your initial ride to your property from the airport, we do offer an on-call chauffeur service for an additional fee.
Are there any souvenir shops nearby? Where are the best shops found if I would like to buy local crafts to take home?
Much like grocery stores, souvenir shops are located about fifteen minutes each way by foot. Our on-call chauffeur service would be happy to take you, though there is an additional fee for this service. If you are making a visit to Castries during your stay, you will also find a wonderful open air market with local arts and crafts and more available for purchase.
Is there anywhere near my rental unit where my children could play, such as a park?
Unfortunately, no. While resorts tend to provide more family oriented amenities, Islander Villas’ properties are geared more towards couples and adults (though children are of course welcome).
Do you provide transportation to my villa or apartment from Hewanorra (UVF) Airport?
Absolutely. When you book one of our properties, whether it is one of Sapphire Apartments or Saba, Serrana, or Sargas Villa, you will find that we provide discounted airport pickup and drop-off service whether you are arriving via Hewanorra (UVF) International Airport or George F.L. Charles (SLU) Airport in Castries.
Is parking available at my rental unit in the event that I decide to rent a car?
Yes, there is parking available at Sapphire Apartments as well as Saba, Serrana, and Sargas villas where you may park a rental car during your stay.
Is public transportation available and, if so, does it stop near my rental apartment or villa?
While there is public transportation available in Soufriere, the stops are rather inconveniently located in regards to the villas, as they are designed to offer privacy. It is worth noting, however, that Islander Villas can offer excellent discounts on rental cars via a partner company as well as their own on-call chauffeur service.
Does my rental apartment or luxury villa have a pool? If so, is it gated? What about pool towels?
While Sapphire Apartments do not have a pool, guests of all the villas (villas) Saba Villa, Serrana Villa, Sargas Villa and all future properties will find that their property includes a romantic private infinity pool with outdoor seating and views that look like they came out of a travel magazine. The pool areas are secure, but there is no locking mechanism to prevent children from entering as the villas were designed for adult guests. Pool towels are provided at Serrana, Saba, and Sargas Villas.
Are your properties managed by the owner or by a property management company?
All of Islander/Janus Villas properties are owned and managed by Janus Gyan, who owns a number of St. Lucia’s top travel industry businesses. Not only does this mean personalized, friendly service at every turn, but it also means that you have access to discounts on everything from tours to rental cars.
What do I do if I have a problem with my rental?
If you have any questions or problems with Sapphire Apartments, Saba Villa, Serrana Villa, or Saba Villa, we encourage you to contact us immediately and we will make it right. You may contact us via the website or by calling 1-758-486-1561 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Is Soufriere safe? Are there any safety concerns I should know about before booking a rental villa or luxury apartment?
Soufriere is one of the safest cities in St. Lucia, which has a naturally low crime rate. As with any vacation rental it is advised to lock the doors to your car and property and to exercise basic safety measures, but we take great pride in a very low instance of crime throughout the island.
love staying at Airbnbs vs hotels. We are flying into UVF at about 4pm. What would the cost be to get picked up? Also, any chance we could arrange a ride to the Royalton.
Guests at all our villas and apartments are offered discounted airport transfer rates of US$60.00 one-way From our International Airport Hewanorra and And US$65.00 From George Charles (Castries) Airport. We also offer discounted rates to any location island wide from our Villas and apartments for US$65.00
Is There a private chef option that comes when I book my St. Lucia Rental?
Yes. St Lucia Airbnb guests will find themselves with access to our on-call private chef service. Chef Ramsey is one of the island’s top chefs and will proudly tantalize your tastebuds with fine local cuisine.
Booking your vacation rental is easily one of the most exciting parts of your St. Lucia vacation. After all, your villa or apartment will be home base. Ground zero for fun. You want a property that is not only going to provide a comfortable place to sleep, but that will be the living embodiment of a vacation in paradise. Islander Villas properties are designed for exactly this. But your vacation rental selection is more than exciting… it is also perhaps the most important decision you will make during your trip.
Because your villa will be the place you spend every night and part of every day, it is important to know exactly what you are going to get, what is included in the price, and what to expect. While we love to surprise and delight our guests with amenities and above average service, we want to make sure you know exactly what to expect when you stay with us. Whether you are staying at Sapphire Apartments or Saba, Serrana, or Sargas luxury villas, we have the answers to all of your most important questions
Because your villa will be the place you spend every night and part of every day, it is important to know exactly what you are going to get, what is included in the price, and what to expect. While we love to surprise and delight our guests with amenities and above average service, we want to make sure you know exactly what to expect when you stay with us. Whether you are staying at Sapphire Apartments or Saba, Serrana, or Sargas luxury villas, we have the answers to all of your most important questions
