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Sapphire 3: Reviews From Those Who’ve Lived, Shopped, Explored & Dined in St. Lucia

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Janus, you and your team are truly the best at making a solo female traveler like me feel so good! I instantly felt like I was home.

2/21/2020

 
Simply Sensational! 

My short stay here at Sapphire 3 was probably to second my most welcomed, organic, + comfortable stays I’ve had ever. (And as a flight attendant, I travel and stay a lot of places!) 

Janus, you and your team are truly the best at making a solo female traveler like me feel so good! I instantly felt like I was home. 
​
The apartment is so perfectly located that you are conveniently able to walk to downtown/bus area, beach, etc. the views from the apartment are absolutely stunning. 

The drivers were super kind and accommodating. Shutout to Malie and Jamal for being simply the best. I could not have asked any better people to show me around. 

I highly recommend taking the private Soufriere tour and start early! It’s truly the best way to learn about, see, & feel the culture of Saint Lucia. 

I will be back! And next time, longer! 

Thank you so much! 

Sincerely 
Ti’Iana B. 
Atlanta, GA

St. Lucia is beautiful and the people are wonderful and so welcoming. Janus has been very attentive and offers a hospitality I have never experienced before.

1/1/2020

 
Sapphire Apt. 3 Soufriere St. Lucia
​I feel like I was ship-wrecked and washed up in a paradise. St. Lucia is beautiful and the people are wonderful and so welcoming. Janus has been very attentive and offers a hospitality I have never experienced before.

​I have some volunteer work in Dominica and then I will return here to St Lucia and Sapphire. Also in the future , I will return for a longer stay. 

Soon come. 
​
T


Kura + Tegan Alberta, Canada 

Things to see/go (Soufriere) to that were our favourite!! 
  • Tet paul Trail
  • Sulphur Springs 
  • Botanical Garens + Diamond Waterfall
  • Toraille Waterfall
  • Boucan Tree to Bar Chocolate Tour
  • Sunset Catamaran Cruise 
  • Anse Mamin (Best Beach!! Lots of Fish. Got to see a turtle). 
  • Hummingbird Resort  - Pool (Let us Swim in their pool even though we were not guests (We would buy a drink for courtesy). 

SO/SO Experience

Gros Piton (Very Challenging and also quite expensive. $100 US for 2 people). The Tet paul Trail has way better views and is a lot less challenging. I would definitely recommend Tet Paul over the Gros Piton Hike. 

Favourite Places to Eat In Soufriere
  • Ladera  - Absolutely Stunning Views (slightly pricey $50 per meal for each individual. Breakfast was a bit cheaper and came with complimentary juices and baked good) The food was delicious. 
  • Anse Mamin  - Beach Burger Tent (Get the fish burger it was amazing). 
  • Boucan  - Small portions, a bit pricey but food was very good. 
  • Petit Peak – (Best Cheap Eats). Chicken/fish roti is a must. 
  • Pounty’s Pizza  - (Best Cheap eats). 
  • Valelse Sports Bar + Soup Kitchen – Best Cheap Eats. 
  • Hummingbird Resort  - medium to high price range. Food was good, very small portions. 
  • Bamboo Restaurant – Cheaper prices, average food. All Drinks very strong here (No complaints lol) but if you don’t like your drinks very strong, you can ask for a bit less booze in your drink. 

Did not like – Sugar Beach ☹ 

Extremely overpriced and everyone is pretty snobby if you aren’t a guests. Beach for non paying guests is just a pile of rocks and it’s very dirty. No running water for guest bathrooms. 

If you are driving to Anse Chastanet it’s not bad, if you go slow and take your time you get there surprisingly quicker than you would think. 

Janus is a fantastic host!!! I will definitely recommend him to everyone I know that want to travel to St. Lucia, he is super accommodating and informative. It was a pleasure getting to know him. 

Thank you so much Janus!!
​
Kura + Tegan Alberta, Canada 

I’d say it is an ideal location especially if you intent to visit these attractions.

9/2/2019

 
Picture
The Best weekend getaway

Aug. 30 – sept. 2 2019

30th August

We arrived late on Friday night from UVF, didn’t stop at Massey Stores as recommended but did stop at cool Breeze gas station for essentials to get us through the night. To put surprise Janus r=provided juice and water for us which was really nice of him.

The apartment is clean, well kept, and had all essentials required to prepare breakfast. On our way up we noticed all the tourist attractions, so I’d say it is an ideal location especially if you intent to visit these attractions. We rented a vehicle from the airport, it was most convenient, and I didn’t mind driving.

31st August

Took the Tet Paul Nature Trail walk – us$10 per person. The tour was great, tour guide very informative, the views were amazing. A lot of IG worthy pics were taken. This was a good way to start the day. Nice local meal & fresh fruit juice. The price was reasonable. It's located after Diamond waterfall. Took a drive north of the Island. Rodney Bay Mall area & Reduit beach & Castries Market& town stop (nice church square). Dinner at Valelse Bar at the end of the street.

1st Sept 

Our first stop was Diamond Waterfall & Botanical Gardens, lots of plants to see and of course the waterfall is fantastic. We skipped the mineral bath because we were headed to the Sulphur Springs next. I suggest you get your souvenirs there, I did not notice any items being sold at any of the attractions we stopped at (I am a collector). Sulphur springs & Drive in Volcano. This was amazing, a true wonder. As our tour guide said you haven’t been to St. Lucia if you if you have not visited this attraction. The baths were good, Best Facial ever. 

The last stop Anse Chastanet Beach Resort for dinner. On the way up there are a couple of places you can stop and take photos of the Pitons. Dinner was pricey but worth it for us.

2nd September

Back home to reality. LOL.

Thank You for your accommodation, we had a great time. My mom & I thank you. One island to another 😊

Nathifa & Marlene- Trinidad & Tobago

Post hike relaxation at Sulphur Springs. The Mud bath in the Geothermal pool b very relaxing and soothing.

4/11/2019

 
Arrived at airport and drove a rental to Sapphire apt. took about 90 minutes with a pit stop at the market. Rough ride up the apt. but the view is beautiful. Give a few second for the hot water to get going in the shower.

Dinner at Pitit Peak restaurant on the sea front. Great view of the Sunset. Decent food.
​
Morning Hike @ Gros Piton- 20 miles away. Drive to the base – honk around blind corners to warn oncoming traffic. Very tough hike but beautiful view en route and at the top.

Post hike relaxation at Sulphur Springs. The Mud bath in the Geothermal pool b very relaxing and soothing.

Late lunch at Mango Tree. Truly lovely view and good food and drinks. We had a great time there.
We are off to Anse Chastanet for Scuba Diving and lunch then off to Marigot Bay for the second half of our trip.
 
Thank you Janus for a lovely Visit!

Hasan & Erika, Chicago, I.L. USA

We stayed at Sapphire for 16 nights & loved every minute. We didn't rent a car but used Janus drivers which were excellent.

3/31/2019

 
We stayed at Sapphire for 16 nights & loved every minute. We didn't rent a car but used Janus drivers which were excellent. 
We did just about everything!

Including- Beaches
  • Anse Chastenet- US$15 each way (through Janus). Our favorite beach. Walk to the right and follow signs for Anse Mamin- short walk, quiet beach. They charge $36 for 2 lounges and an umbrella- we just put our towels under a palm tree! The restaurant does a lovely chicken roti-$17.
  • Sugar Beach- We went snorkeling here which was great. We got a lift-walked down to the beach- put our towels down-had drinks in the restaurant & a bowl of fries. As long as you have a receipt they will give you a lift back to the top- cheaper option. We preferred Anse Mamin.
  • Hummingbird Beach- Nice beach-rocky(in the sea) & it does get deep quickly (all beaches do this). Haggle for umbrella and lounges. 10 minute walk from apartment. We went here a lot. On Sundays its busy with locals so get there before lunch.
  • Private Beach- Head to the restaurant Petit Peak- follow the shore-line, to the right of the restaurant. Keep walking & you will see a dirt track keep following 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye to the right for some stairs down to the beach. No bar-take snacks & water. Quiet & private.

Waterfalls
  • Diamond Waterfall & Botanical Gardens- 20 minute walk from apartment. Nice morning out, gardens are beautiful, didn't use baths. You can't go into waterfall. We saw lots of hummingbirds. Opens 10am- Entry US$7 EC$17.50( just for gardens)
  • Piton Falls- Janus driver took us. Cheaper entry-can't remember. It was busy at first but we really liked it. Get there earlier to avoid crowds. It's a natural waterfall which has been man made into 3 baths. There is a car-park & about 5- 10 minute walk to the baths- Nice to relax here.
  • Toraille Waterfall- We went here as part of a tour. Very busy. Cold water and hard to stand under it for long as the pressure is harsh on your shoulders. Great place for pictures & videos. Go as part of a tour wouldn't recommend a day here.

Tours
  • Volcano Mud Bath & waterfall tour- We had a great day. Very interesting, mud baths are brilliant & we went to Toraille after then we went for lunch.
  • Hotel Chocolat tour- tree to bean$28 per person. We loved this, you get to have your own tree! We wish we had done the tree to bar experience where you get to make your own chocolate- call 1758-459-7966 to book.

Tet Paul Nature trail- Opens 8am $10 per person. Recommend! beautiful views, easy just some stairs. Spent about 1 hour here.

Gros Piton Hike:
  • Check weather for a cooler day
  • Get there for 7am
  • $50 per person
  • you stop every quarter to rest, take pics and drink
  • It took us 1 hour 40 minutes. Very challenging but worth it. Recommend!

Zip-lining at Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park- $75 per person- 1 hour, 8 zip-lines. The people were excellent, its very safe& fun. We loved it. Defo recommend!

Food
  • Ruby's- Lot's of great reviews in the book but wasn't open the whole time we stayed.
  • Fedos-5 minute walk. Open for lunch- cheap & lovely- recommend!
  • Pointy's Pizza- turn right at fire station, great pizza & pool table at back. Cheap.
  • Pier 28- We had two lovely meals there, great cocktails (strong) & cheap. GO GO GO.
  • Dreams- Smoothies are amazing, great lunch here & great place to drink.
  • Petit Peak- Okay meal here- great fish a bit more pricey. Worth a visit.
  • Whispers- I didn't like my chicken burger, partner loved his fish & chips- cheap.

Supermarkets- small one 10 min walk. Good for water, small bits- opposite school. Main one is on the same road as church.

Hope this all helps.

To Janus and all the drivers, Jermal, Kevin, Dimitri & Janus dad. Thank you for a lovely stay. You were so lovely & helpful. We have had the best time. Loved being able to cook, the bread & fruit you brought us & the apartment. Netflix was a great treat & the views are incredible.
Loved it!

Amy & Elliot (UK)

Our favorite place to eat was Hummingbird, tasty food, presented beautifully.

3/15/2019

 
Sapphire 3 We will recommend our friends to stay here.
We have had a great time. We used Janus' drivers to get to where we wanted to go. Very efficient, polite and punctual.
​
We walked up to diamond falls and botanical gardens-beautiful! Our favorite place to eat was Hummingbird, tasty food, presented beautifully. Very relaxing with view of Pitons and hummingbirds all around.

Thank you Janus for your guidance. We will recommend our friends to stay here.

Mandy and David
UK

We were only at Sapphire for 3 nights, wanted to stay longer but the apartment was booked which is not surprising as this place has given us the best value for our money throughout our stay.

2/15/2019

 
We were only at Sapphire for 3 nights, wanted to stay longer but the apartment was booked which is not surprising as this place has given us the best value for our money throughout our stay. We came here specifically to dive so spent most of our time at Anse Chastenet. The diving is so good and the hotel dive operation very professional and safety concious.

​Would highly recommend even though a little expensive (we paid 270US$ for 2 dives for both of us). if not diving would still recommend Anse Chastenet & sister beach Anse Mamin for snorkelling. Lunch there is of high quality if expensive-the burgers are awesome! At night we ate at Ruby's Pizzeria & Grill(a short walk from here) which provides wholesome & inexpensive food. The pizzas are far too big and we needed doggy bags.

also ate at Petit Peak in town which was also good. We didn't do any tours-sulphur springs, mud baths, peak nature walk, piton fall etc-because we are moving to Hotel Chocolat next where we expect to take the full advantage of its proximity to these attractions.

​Unfortunately didn't see much of Janus as he and we were mostly out and about and we didn't need any of his obvious organisational skills.Having met him we can see why he has made such a success of tourism on this amazing Island.

​We have stayed at Marigot Bay, a must see, Rodney Bay and Gros Islet ( to watch England v West Indies test match) and have thoroughly enjoyed our stay so far. Thank you Janus for helping to make it so memorable.

Barry & Wendy, Oxford UK

We had a car so we explored lots of the island. Had a lovely stay.

2/3/2019

 
Had a lovely stay.

We had a car so we explored lots of the island.

Highlights:

Fond Doux Plantation:

We did the $24 tour & snack. The food was plenty for two but not that great and when you are hungry you will eat anything.
Funny and informative guide.

Diamond Falls & Botanical Gardens:

$7US per person entrance fee which is modest & includes a soak in mineral hot springs water. We opted to pay another $7US for a private bath which to me is worth it. In fact the next day we did it again but only paid$7US for the private bath. We asked at gate.

Beaches we went to
​
Sugar Beach (long walk from private parking lot but only $5US.
Anse Chastenet Beach: scary drive but short, Toot your horn. Beach is nice but lots of floating plant debris.
Pigeon Beach long drive from here. 2hr it took us. It was very nice. Make a day of it.

There is a supermarket called Eroline on the same road as the church.

Janus is super nice as well as Demetri.

We had a great time as you should too.

John USA NJ
Knud Denmark Copenhagen

We encourage EVERYONE to walk around, stop into the bars and talk to the locals. They are all very friendly. Everyone says hi back as you walk by them.

1/25/2019

 
Jan 12- Picked up at the airport by Ramiah. Took us grocery shopping because the stores would be closed by the time we got to Soufriere. Very nice & informative. He showed us how to get to the beach, store and certain restaurants. 
​
Went to Ruby's for dinner. Wings were amazing and the steak was good. Very pricey though 

Jan 13- Walked to Hummingbird Beach. Ordered a drink at Hummingbird Resort & we swam in the pool.
Too much writing, LOL - Here is point form. 

Highlights

SARGAS! Wow, amazing, great view, comfy bed, catered meal (delicious)! WOW! 1 day wasn't enough. Hope to return next year for a week there. 

Sugar Beach - Paid $100US to use beach. If we wanted a chair it was another $50. $ went towards your food and drinks for the day. It didn't take long to use $14US for a bottle of water (WHAT?). $14US per cocktail. Lunch was good but not fantastic. 

That being said, the place is peaceful. People (waiting staff) not very friendly, however, the driver was.
Glad we did it but would not go back. 

Hummingbird Beach Resort- 

Nice to find out that if you order a drink, you can have use of the pool & washrooms! Perfect, especially after spending a few hours on the beach.

This place is very peaceful. Lots of Hummingbirds. Good food. Really good cocktails. We plan to return for dinner one night. 

Check out the pink powder puff flower,the hummingbirds love them.
We asked for a tour of the rooms and they showed us around. View from honeymoon suite is very nice.

Pounty's Bar - Delicious pizza, great staff, good conversation. Great price. Open from Wednesday - Sunday at 6pm for pizza. Opens at 10 everyday for the bar. 

Tet Paul- Fantastic view. Get the guide(no extra cost). They will show you a lot more than if you go on your own.

Anse Chastenet & Anse Mamin:- Walked to Anse Mamin. Very nice. Fish Burger was delicious!

Boucan by Hotel Chocolat:- Great view. Good food, service was good. Lava cake exceptional. A little pricey.

Mango Tree- Better view than Boucan. Fantastic food. Great Service.

Sapphire 3- Cooked dinner here! Asked for a pan to cook chicken legs in the oven and voila! Janus is willing to help out any way he can! Thank you!

Enbas Saut Trail - Not for the faint of heart. Strenuous walk up mountain. Then 2000 steps down to the waterfall. THEN 2000 steps back up. Very muddy & slippery. Strongly recommend water proof hiking boots. The walk back was good. Bring water!

Summary - we encourage EVERYONE to walk around, stop into the bars and talk to the locals. They are all very friendly. Everyone says hi back as you walk by them.

Thank you Janus & staff for your help and drives. We are looking forward to seeing Sabre when it is done (and maybe staying for a few days at it!!)

Favorite eats:

Hummingbird Resort- Food is really good.
​
Pounty's Pizza is delicious! 

We cannot recommend breakfast because we made our own every morning, however we kept hearing the breakfast at Hummingbird's & Fedo's was good.

We also tried the food at the green shack on Hummingbird beach, it was good and inexpensive. 

Janus you're an amazing young man and we enjoyed talking to you. We wish you all the best and good luck with your future plans. 
​
Take care of your family and we hope to see you again sometime. Looking forward to your visit to Canada.

Steve & Brenda Devlin
Almonte, Ontario Canada

Worried about reversing all the way back on a narrow road with a steep drop off to one side - That’s how good the host was, he just appeared the one time we were in a tough spot.

11/22/2018

 
​Max + Rae, 

Not a lot to say that other’s haven’t said already! Great hosts, friendly locals, and trust the suggestions made by everyone before us! 

Best Snorkeling: Sugar Beach 
​
Best meal so far: Martha’s Table (Closes early, fit it in after a hike, mud bath, or piton falls visit). 

But we really enjoyed everything we did. Ruby’s, Fedo’s, Zaka’s, Anse Chastanet. 

Fun aside, as our drive back from Anse Chastanet, we took a new route through some single lane crumbly concrete mountain roads. A quarter mile in. we ran into construction making the narrow road impassable. Worried about reversing all the way back on a narrow road with a steep drop off to one side, I got out to ask how long the construction would take (I’m truly a terrible driver). Who was overseeing construction? None other than our main-man and guardian angel Fabian, who happily offered to take over driving until we could get back to a turn around spot. That’s how good the host was, he just appeared the one time we were in a tough spot. 

Enjoy your stay,  - Max + Rae 
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