Hi Guys,
First of all I would like to say how amazed I am by this book. When I picked it up, I thought it was gonna be just a normal guest book, but it was so much more than that, it’s like a little island treasure guide. I love it! 😊 We are staying at one of Janus’s place for only 2 nights before we head to other parts of the Island. My Fiance and I flew into St. Lucia with Separate flights and the driver who Janus had organized for us had waited particularly as my fiance’s flight was delayed 5 hours (so did I, but that’s a different story 😊) He had refreshments in his car for us, he also offered us to stop by a supermarket if we needed it. It was pretty late by that time and the shop was closed but they reopened it up just for us, so we could buy some essentials. He also took us to a restaurant and waited till our takeaway got ready. We didn’t get to meet Janus, the driver was the one who handed us the key. We had a really relaxing day at the apartment, walked down the village and pet some strayed doggies and kitties (in fact one of them is chilling at our front door right now too 😊) Our power had gone out but came back fairly fast in 4-5 hours. The Apartment is really nice and clean, AC is a lifesaver at midday. Balcony is absolutely stunning and lovely. The area feels safe and is very quiet. We have most of our activities planned out from other accommodations, but if we wouldn't, we would totally stay here for longer. I wish you all a lovely stay. 😊 Zsofi & Jou Our experience here was very peaceful and fun. The apartment was super clean and well organized.11/17/2017
Our experience here was very peaceful and fun. The apartment was super clean and well organized. The view of the Pitons are just amazing and relaxing when sitted at the balcony.
As local we are so delighted in having this treasure (the pitons) in our homeland. It was just what we needed, a treat away from our busy schedules. We express our gratitude to Janus and Fabian and also Aaron for being such wonderful hosts. Aaron toured us to Morne Coubaril, the Piton Falls and the Sulphur Springs. He brought us to Marie’s Restaurant where we were served savoring meals which reminded me of my wife’s cooking. Generally the experience was superb! Though our stay was short we enjoyed every moment and have no regrets choosing this villa. We look forward to visiting this amazing villa Again Johnacia & Glen St. Cyr Castries St. Lucia Mom & Son
We had an awesome week in St. Lucia. Nice flat and nice people around. Big shouts to Janus for the nice falls and the flat! The best place we discovered was Enbas Saut Waterfall. We had a nice helpful guide and an awesome hike to the forest. Don’t miss the Hot Suplphur Springs to cool down your Muscles after long Hikes. Safe travels, Many thanks to Janus for a wonderful, easy stay. I had the pleasure of touring the new villa he is furnishing- it is so luxurious that I’m scheming on how to convince my whole family to come back and stay in it!
I rented a car which in retrospect I don’t recommend although by day 3 Janus said I was driving like a local. But if you’re reading this, you’ve likely already made your choice- if you’re driving, go slow and know that locals will give you a hand if you need it. I loved the botanical gardens and Marie’s Café had an excellent buffet lunch of homemade creole food-delicious! Zaka’s Art Café was very cool and damn fine cup of coffee. Practical tip – if you miss the Massy’s on your way from Vieux fort, there are several en route to Pigeon Island if you’re going that way. Thanks Janus Kelly, Oakland Califonia We came to St. Lucia for a long weekend to be part of our friend’s wedding. Our first night we cooked and relaxed in the apartment. On our first full day, we spend the morning at Hummingbird Beach about a 15-minute walk. Hummingbird beach is quiet and pleasant and very close by. That afternoon the wedding party took a catamaran cruise to a few of closest beaches for swimming and snorkeling. So, fun, if you have the chance to take a similar coral beach tour. We went all the way to Marigot Bay which was beautiful.
On Saturday, we were attending a wedding which was held at La Haut Resort/plantation. It was just up the mountain and a gorgeous working farm. We were told it was a great place to enjoy a meal. On Sunday, there was lots of rain and during a break we went to Anse Chastanet beach and rented some cabanas with the wedding party. The sand at Anse Chastenet is dark and volcanic but the water was to murky for snorkeling. From there we walked to Anse Mamin and the snorkeling there was great. We also checked out the ruins of the 1800’s sugar plantation about 2-minute walk from Anse Mamin, there are also great burgers on the beach but they are $20-30 US. On our last free day, we took a water taxi to Sugar Beach and spent the entire day. The water taxi was $20us each way and it was fun. There are free chairs on the right side of the beach for anyone to use. The snorkeling in the protected area is fantastic. We ate lunch at the Tapo’s Restaurant right on the beach which was pricey but definitely the best lunch we’ve had! Overall a great trip made even better with a great place to stay. Thank you, Janus! 😊 Nate &Emily Raleigh, NC, USA Local food: Pitit Peak: lunch was very good, pretty simple but good food. With 2 drinks, it was $60US for 2 salt-fish fritters and bacon wrapped plantains were the best. Ruby’s: Just down the road and a pretty good dinner. We shared a pizza, wings and a bottle of wine. Pizza was good and it was nice to have left overs. Dinner for 2 was $50US. Sugar Beach: Tapas Bar (the biggest Tapas servings I’ve ever had) This was our favorite meal and best atmosphere overlooking the beach and excellent service. Also, most expensive, $100US without drinks This is a great place to stay, great value and Janus was awesome in attending our needs and answers our questions. Loved the view from the balcony, we spent a lot of time there, reading and relaxing.
We are Frugal travelers and didn’t want to spend $65-80 US a day to rent a car or US $100+ for taxi rides, so we did a lot of walking within Soufriere and used Janus’s car service for short trip to places like Gros Piton US$20 each way. Highly recommend utilizing the service. Janus recommended all our pick-up times, thank you Janus and drivers! The walk to the core of Soufriere took us about 20-25 mins going at a leisurely pace, although a bit convoluted, we think the shortest route is – walk out of apartment, go left down the hill, at dead end (yellow house) turn right, at next dead end turn right then take first left, when you get to another dead end turn right, when you can see a road on your first left (left leading) to soccer Stadium take it and where it ends go left for a short distance then take a quick right and you’ll see a bridge at the end. Take the bridge and then either go left to go to the main drag or right to stay on quarter streets. The much simpler route is to go to left at step three above at dead end then right at Ruby’s. We opted for the interior route because its unpleasant walking alongside the busier streets (not pedestrian friendly). We took the bus to Castries and Rodney Bay (have to transfer to another bus in Castries). This is the cheapest form of transportation at E.C $8.00 each way/person. Note that this mode of travel is not for faint of heart or those prone to motion sickness. Basically 1.5 hrs or non-stop curves, and drivers are very aggressive. Good thing it’s cheap! What we did and where we ate: 1. Belle View by waterfront – enjoyed or lunches 2. Hummingbird Resort beach – decent but no chairs or cabanas and not much shade until late afternoon. 3. Castries Market – massive market (event on Saturdays) very cool! 4. Diamond Falls & Botanical Gardens – (25 mins from Sapphire) – we are nature lovers, so we enjoyed it! (US$7/person) 5. Anse Chastanet/Mamin – road out there is atrocious, Anse Chastanet only had a few Cabanas for non-resort guests and they were all taken, so we went to Anse Mamin (have to pay US$50! So just found a shady spot and laid on our towels) which was nice and quiet but beware of the prices at the bar (US$20 for one drink!) 6. Gros piton – we are both active in out mid 30’s and are experienced hikers and for us the hike was fairly hard but don’t let that deter you – just take your time and lots of breaks, because the reward at the and is worth it (EC$88/person US$37) 7. Sugar Beach – great experience because we patronage the restaurant. We were able to get a trolley ride to the beach and back. Would be a long walk, otherwise. Our meal (lunch) was awesome but pricey (US$100 for a drink each and our meals). Lots of free chairs for non-resort guests (right side of beach) no umbrellas but mostly shaded (we were there from 1 to 4) 8. Pigeon Island – neat old ruins and view from Fort Rodney Bay was awesome. Nice small beach there if you’re looking for something quieter than Rediut Beach (water taxi from Reduit beach was US$40/person round-trip. 9. Spinnakers restaurant on reduit beach, both had the jerk beef wrap and found them very tasty and reasonable prices. 10. Reduit beach – very nice white sand beach. We went to the public beach area at the south end to avoid paying for beach chairs (no beach chairs there though) 11. Coconutz Bar in Rodney Bay – 2 for 1 cocktails after 5:00. Quiet when we were there but seems like it would be a happening place (pool tables, dance floor etc.) 12. Rodney Bay – seems to be the most commercial part of the Island. Lots of shops, restaurants etc. 13. Tet Paul Nature Trail- easy trail and our guide was very informative. Awesome views of the Pitons although we missed our because it was cloudy and raining (US$10/person) 14. Fond Doux Holiday Plantation – really enjoyed this experience. Great Tour guide and awesome snacks at the end (more like a lunch. US$40 for the tour and snack option for both of us.) All in all and amazing trip. We love St. Lucia! Mel & Broodie Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada We spent 4 night here in Soufriere and had a wonderful time. We visited the mud bath for $5.50 US each and it was a great experience.
We went for a swim under the Torille Water Fall $3 US for 2 and snorkeling at Anse Chastanet. We hiked Gros Piton for $37 US/ec plus tip for our guide. You must have a guide during the hike it’s recommended. We started our hike around 7:30am to be back before the heat. It’s about a 3.5 hr – 4 hr hike and the second half is quite a climb but a great challenge for adventure seekers’. The cab to go to Gros Piton is $40 us round-trip. Make you’re your guide take you to the second look off, they tend not to take you unless you ask them. Spectacular view of Pitit Piton and the village below. 1. Pack at least 1.5 ltrs of water each 2. Eat a big breakfast before 3. Pack snacks for the top 4. Wear proper foot wear, hiking down will be a challenge in sandals 5. Bring our camera! Have Fun! Tommy & Steph Nove scotia, Canada I’m writing this note, sitting outside on the patio with the beautiful view of Soufriere, the Ocean and of course the Pitons..
This apartment is just perfect! Perfect location! Very clear and modern with everything you need. Janus and the rest of his team are really there for you. A special thank you to Jamal & Fabian who took care of driving us around. Volcano tour and Sulphur Springs. We had a blast at the mud baths, Tet Paul Nature Trail is also a must. Not long to do but the views are amazing. Sugar Beach is not to be missed either. And I almost forgot Fedo’s Restaurant is not to be missed for a great local lunch. We had booked a boat ride with Solomon’s water taxi. He took us by boat to Castries, visited the big market. Took us to the beautiful Marigot Bay for lunch. After lunch, we went snorkeling at Anse Chastanet. Solomon provides great service and if you want his tour can include also a home-made lunch prepared by his mom. Hike up this Piton! OMG! I’m glad I didn’t give up ¾ of the way. Be prepared to climb up rocks. If you want to challenge yourself this is a must. We are leaving today to go spend 3 days up north. We would definitely stay here again and I will be sure to let my friends from home know about this beautiful apartment. Thank you to Janus, his team and to the friendly people of St. Lucia From Montreal, Canada Carmelina & Manon xoxoxo We have just finished a 3 night at this beautiful apartment (…wish we spent more). Janus is an amazing host very hospitable and willing to help out in any way that he could.
What an adventure! Especially if you drive here from the airport or are heading north like we are. Here are some of the highlights of our short but magnificent stay. Les Petit Peaks 4/5 – Great creole food/ a little slow in delivery….but hey, it’s the island’s, mon! Anse Chastanet 5/5 - Beautiful beach, decent snorkeling, excellent views of pitons. Volcano 5/5 – Sulphur Springs – do the mud bath/but get there early (before 11am) – lots of cruise ship visitors. Volcano tour - interesting/informative combo $12.00 pp USD. Diamond Fall +Botanical Garden 3/5 – Beautiful gardens, cool waterfall,…too many people. Single file at some points – go early US$7 per person. Mineral baths is simply small swimming pool where other tourist gawk at you. US$6.00 pp, bit of a rip off. Sugar Beach – Tell them you are eating at the restaurant to take shuttle down the ill – very steep. Amazing views/ very good snorkeling, expensive drinks at bar (bring your own). Thanks again Janus! Tim & Sandy We had a great time in Soufriere escaping from a very cold/rainy/snowy Pacific NW winter! A few of our Favorites: *Taking water Taxis! Our first three days we didn’t have a car so we took a water taxi to Anse Chastanet one day and Sugar Beach the next. It was wonderful to be out on the water! $60 USD round trip. We used Mystic Man Tours both times. They have an office on the waterfront, near the second jetty. Very nice people. Sugar Beach and Anse Chastanet/ Mamin. Sugar beach is busier with lots of cruise ship passengers coming to snorkel but amazing water and views. If you go to Sugar Beach look for ‘’BLAZE’’ who sells coconuts and fruit smoothies out of a yellow kayak on the right side of the beach. Try some fruits you can’t get at home. One the right side of the beach there are FREE chairs. The other chairs are $50usd pp at Sugar Beach. They will also offer you a snorkel for an hour for $10 USD pp which is worth it, although we heard snorkeling at Anse Chastanet was better but they make you pay a $55 deposit in cash. Anse Chastanet/Mamin is quieter, beautiful, water a bit rougher. Both Amazing. Tet Paul Nature Trail. We were told it has better views than Gros Piton. Amazing views of both Gros Piton and Pitit Piton, the small villages surrounding the area and the blue water of the Caribbean. Do it, you won’t be disappointed. Fond Doux Plantation ‘’ Tour and Snacks’’ $20 USD pp – worth the money. Ate fruit off the tree (cocoa, Grapefruit), watched a brief cocoa making demonstration and ate yummy food. Mud baths. Get there early (9:00am) or late (4:00pm) otherwise you will be over ran w/ cruise ship folks. Where else can you rub mud on your partner in public and have it be Okay?! Food: We loved Fedos and Ruby’s Pizza. We really love Ruby’s. Really good food and very friendly staff. Support a new-ish small business. I grew up around NYC and this is the closest to NYC Pizza I’ve has even in the states! We went multiple times to both places. Reasonable prices, places the locals go, good food! Thank you, Janus and Fabian! We loved our time in St. Lucia. Erin & Jeremy Portland OR |
WEATHER IN SAINT LUCIA
While most places in the world have four well-defined seasons, its proximity to the equator means that this is not really the case for the island of St. Lucia. Archives
February 2020
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