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Sapphire 1: Reviews From Those Who’ve Lived, Shopped, Explored & Dined in St. Lucia

​​Explore all the Trailblazers. They’ll put you on the right path.  
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We also loves walking from Anse Chastanet to Anse Mamin (ans past Anse Mamin is another beach that nobody was at..

3/17/2020

 
Highlights
  • View outside the doors
  • Volcanic Sulphur Baths
  • Beaches!!!

Sugar Beach is Beautiful but we did not vibe with the people there

Loved the local beach in town

We also loves walking from Anse Chastanet to Anse Mamin (ans past Anse Mamin is another beach that nobody was at.. on my map its called Anse Jambon…be prepared to get your feet wet but is walkable) Hiking The Gros Piton was good but challenging and a little cloudy at the top- make sure to go early as it get hot and sweaty- but make sure it is clear.

​Talk to Janus about Pitit Piton because he has Knowledge about it and you have a better view. It may not be as scary as you think it is.

Book through Janus- he will get you a deal and it will be what you want for a good price. If you get a chance also hang out and talk with Janus.

Botanical Gardens & Mineral baths were a nice surprise. We ate a fancy dinner and the house and it was delicious- their raw fish was amazing and passionfruit sorbet was my highlight
​
Saturday – early- is a market in Soufriere- the sour oranges were also amazing

Marisin & Nathan
Olympia USA

So far, our highlight has been sugar beach, Anse Mamin and an amazing dinner at Ladera!

3/9/2020

 
So far, our vacation in St Lucia has been amazing! we want to thank Janus and his team drivers who have helped us and drove us from place to place.

The hospitality has been great and we couldn’t ask for anything better! So far, our highlight has been sugar beach, Anse Mamin and an amazing dinner at Ladera! (highly recommend) thanks again janus for starting off our trip on a great note!

Now we are off to tackle gros piton then explore the north side of the island for a few days! P.S the black puppy across the street is the best greeter!!  

Anna –Rose & Alex 
Marathon , ON, Canada

We did a trail, Boucan restaurant, Sulphur Springs, local beach, Anse chastnet beach and jade mountain

3/6/2020

 
​First off, we want to say what an amazing island St. Lucia is! we had such an amazing, adventurous trip! we started in a small fishing village in canaries, where we went to tikaye and saw one of the most amazing waterfalls hidden in the mountains, this was one of the highlights of our trip!

​We also stayed in Rodney bay, where we got experience the pearl, then to pigeon island, gros islet street party, reduit beach and much more! 

We ended our stay with janus in Soufriere and what an amazing end to our trip it was! we did a trial, Boucan restaurant, Sulphur Springs, local beach, Anse chastnet beach and jade mountain – All we can say is WOW! Soufriere has so much more to offer, but we absolutely loved every moment of our trip. 

Thanks again janus for an amazing end to our trip ! 

Rebeca & Alrick

We just loved the apartment + the panoramic views from every window + the terrace. I can’t believe what the hotels charge for the same view! Janus was a great host + we will definitely be back.

12/30/2019

 
We stopped in St.Lucia for 3 days on our way to St.Lucia to do a liveaboard sailing cruise. We were hoping for a few days of R+R and that’s exactly what we got! I will admit that we were not ambitious in our exploring, but we did manage to get to Anse Chastenet & Anse Mamin on our first full day to the Sulphur springs + mineral spa/ diamond waterfall on or 2nd day. Like many who have stayed here, we preferred Anse Mamin.

We got there late in the day (around 2pm) + were able to rent two of the hotels lounge chairs under a palapa for $33 US. We were told they don’t usually rent them to non-guests but luckily 2 guests had just vacated them when we arrived, so they were happy to rent it to us. We stayed just before sunset & then headed back it was peaceful + wonderful!

The next day we headed into town around mid-afternoon + went to the Sulphur springs at 3pm hoping to miss the cruise ship crowds. The crowd was light + we loved the mud bath experience! Afterward, we had just enough time to hit diamond falls + the mineral baths. It was a short 5-mins walk to the falls + the walk to the botanical gardens along the way was lovely.

The public mineral baths were closed but they had our private bath room, so we decided to do that it was well worth $7 per person! so relaxing we got a couple of rim punches from the café + took them into the private hut with us. It was a great day to unwind!


We visited Ruby’s pizza twice during our stay + a little disappointed they didn’t have pizza either time but the food we did have was excellent + the service was fabulous. We just loved the apartment + the panoramic views from every window + the terrace. Well worth the price!   I can’t believe what the hotels charge for the same view! Janus was a great host + we will definitely be back. 


                                                                                                             Thank you!

​What a splendid week/ we are sad to say goodbye but could not have asked for a more lovely holiday! Janus was so friendly and the apartment met all our needs! Best beaches sugar beach & Anse Mamin
Best Restaurants; mango Tree & Boucan 

Thanks Again!! 😊 

Chris and Parka (Winder Prk, CO) 

We Were very impressed with Apt. 1. Wonderful view particularly and Janus is an excellent host and very professional in looking after his guests. We arrived late the first day, having stopped at the supermarket en route as suggested. The following day we walked to the Botanical Gardens  and waterfall which was worth the visit. The rest of the day we spent in Soufriere. Zaka’s for coffee, Orlandos for a lovely lunch and then just relax at the beach with a rum punch.

Day 2- we went to Sulphur Springs which was fun and walked down mango bay for lunch which was great and into town with a stop at Belle View Bar and beach bar for the rest of the afternoon.
Our last day- sadly janus arranged a taxi to take us to Anse Chastanet and up to Rodney Bay.

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will highly recommend Janus and Sapphire Apt. or may come back to stay at one of his other properties. Nothing was too much trouble.

​Lynn

We are pale and just over 60 so just looking at the Pitons Suited us!! Breakfast each day on the balcony, evenings watching the sun set, drinking rum-bliss.

10/17/2019

 
March 15th- 22nd   Gt, Britain 
Chris & Jinn
7 nights here at Sapphire!

Arrived after a stressful time in the UK, intending to relax! We are pale and just over 60 so just looking at the Pitons Suited us!! Breakfast each day on the balcony, evenings watching the sun set, drinking rum-bliss. Enjoyed moving around Soufriere in beautician. We walked to The Diamond Botanical Gardens- beautiful place and worth a soak in the in the mineral baths. Stopped at Rub’s on the way back to cool off with piton, water + ice cream. Ate there on one evening to, good food recommended. 

Other eateries ... Fedo’s- Casual, Cheap

Petit Pick- Perfect at Sunset, Very good food

Orlando’s- more a tasting experience, excellent quality but sittings on the balcony with booming music next door clashing with Orlando’s music not the best (it was Friday) 

Hummingbird- wonderful food (best we had!) 

The beach at Hummingbird was the only one we went back to, beach bar their perfect cooling off. Great trip in car organized by Janus, up to Marigot Bay + Back to drive in volcano and Tet Paul with lots of shops + viewing on the way, plus rum tasting and bread and bananas. 

Tips if you don’t hire a car:

- Use Janus for searching the Island taxis
- Small Supermarket (Shoppers Choice) on the corner just past the school is fine for basics + water if you’re walking back in the heat
- Without US $ we worked in EC $. Bank of St. Lucia, ATM charge less than others. E.g. First Caribbean 
- Carry water + insect repellent always!

Special thanks to Janus, Fabian + Jamal(drivers) we’ve loved being here.

Unfortunately whilst I was here the tropical storm Dorian took effect!! Janus brought a flashlight and got someone to deliver food. Janus (thoughtfulness and reliability) made this trip well worth it.

8/28/2019

 
I came back from Dominica to St. Lucia for three days before returning to London.
​
In my short stay here Janus was a fantastic Host. He organized me on affordable taxi from Castries and another taxi to UVF airport. I arrived late on the Sunday and Janus had left some food juice and water for my arrival.

Whilst I was here I got to visit Soufriere Beach Park which was lovely but fairly quiet and Anse Chastanet which was excellent. The food was delicious and the food was spectacular.

Unfortunately whilst I was here the tropical storm Dorian took effect which meant we weren’t meant to leave our residence after 6pm. Janus brought a flashlight and got someone to deliver food. Janus (thoughtfulness and reliability) made this trip well worth it

Will definitely return to the lovey apartment and hope to meet Janus again soon

Good luck to all of you that come to St. Lucia.

Our second week here at Sapphire in Soufriere. Here are our top Do’s & Don’ts

8/25/2019

 
Eue & Daud WA, USA

Aug. 19 – 25, 2019

We came to St. Lucia for our Honeymoon . It has bee one of the best trips we’ve made. During our first week we stayed in Royalton St. lucia Aug. 11- 19th (north, gros isalet) Then did our second week here at Sapphire in Soufriere. Here are our top Do’s & Don’ts 

Activities
  • 1. Piton Falls: Beautiful waterfall with mineral water, surrounded by the forest. So Beautiful! Perfect for a morning stroll & Soak $3usd entrée.
  • 2. Snorkel: We used feel good water taxi and Tour’s St. Lucia to see some of the best reefs. The cost is US$75.00 for half a day. But I you don’t want to pay, take your snorkel 
  • (or rent) and visit turtle reef- Anse Chastanet, Anse mamin the other side of the beach, Anse Cochon
  • 3. Tet Paul Nature trail: wonderful hike with beautiful views of both Pitons. Go with morning before it gets to busy and hot
  • 4. Diamond falls &Botanical Gardens: so Beautiful and perfect when you need a break from the beach and sun. The falls is view only but you can pay to use the mineral baths
  • 5. Soufriere Drive-in Volcano & Mud baths: a very interesting experience: to see the pit and mud boiling in the volcano is unreal! But our favorite was the mud baths we recommend to get there @ 9:00am sharp otherwise it gets very busy!!!

North side
  • 1. Pigeon Island: this park is full of history, great hikes and beaches. Perfect for the day, go explore, snorkel & have lunch @ Jambe de bois. Order their roti. Its wonderful. Bring lots of water to stay hydrated.
  • 2. International Pony Club: if you’ve always wanted to ride a horse on the beach, this club will take you! Spent half the day I saddle , exploring the wilderness.
  • 3. Castries Central Market: visit the fish market and veggie market in Castries. Get the mangos!
  • 4. Gros Islet Friday Nights Street party: come hungry, eat all the street food, dance drink & party. You will have a blast.
  • 6. Cooking class: if you have the time do go take a cooking class at Orlando’s Soufriere. It is a lot of fun and you learn how to coo amazing food.

Top Restaurants

Soufriere: 
  • 1. Orlando’s
  • 2. Pier 28 & Mystic breeze
  • 3. Ruby’s (Valelse)
  • 4. The Mango Tree

Gros Islet:
  • 1. Nailed fisher man
  • 2. Jambe de bois
  • 3. Spinnakle’s Restaurant & Beach Bar


Beaches:
  • 1. Anse Cochon- snorkel
  • 2. Pigeon Island Beach Park
  • 3. Reduit Beach- be aware lots of local sellers

P.s the hill going down is the best way to get to town.

Little black dog mom across the street is very friendly. We nicknamed her ‘’mama’’ She loves attention.

P.s Everything we did on here is accessible with google maps.

If you need an ATM

First Caribbean is on Bridge Street nest to Chosieul credit union

Good luck and enjoy St. Lucia

We had a great time here in Soufriere for the second half of our honeymoon in St. Lucia.

8/18/2019

 
Grey & Amy. USA

Honeymooners

We had a great time here in Soufriere for the second half of our honeymoon in St. Lucia. (First half was in Marigot Bay)

Overall Recommendations:

Activities: 

Diamond Botanical Gardens & Waterfall – Beautiful- walking distance from here

Soufriere Beach by Humming Bird Resort- walking distance, lovely beach and water feels great and refreshing, we went 3x

Snorkeling at Sugar Beach – incredible, so many fish, feel like swimming in an aquarium. Took a water taxi there for us$40 so didn’t have to pay an entrance fee.

Gros Piton Hike- guide sets an easy steady pace, so not so hard if you are in shape, but coming down can be a bit tricky so we were a bit sore the next day, but worth it, great view and accomplishment hiking in a rainforest.

Sulphur Springs  & mud baths- felt great after the Gros Piton hike relaxing, great for skin.

Food:

Fedos – affordable, good food, close

Gens Mwen- along water front, very good and affordable- saltfish and fids and chicken roti, cheap.

Pier 28 – great wings – cheap

Belle Vue-great calalou soup and fish fries but pricey for more entrees

Zaka’s – great coffee and smoothies

Mango tree-was our spurge – buffet ($50 per person) was incredibly delicious with an outstanding view of the Pitit Piton

Street foods – fun to try! Fried bakes, sandwiches

Bakery on the street down to the beach- great bread and scones
​
Bought candies and fruits, peanut bottle types. Treats from a lady at I think it was called carneys bar on the way down to the beach (buy fruit from the street)

Thank you Janus and your team for a great stay! You all were very helpful with rides and reservations! Very friendly and helpful team we had an awesome time. Thank you!
​
Greg & Amy Larson

We had an awesome first days on island so much to see, so little time.

8/2/2019

 
Thomas & Marte Norway
24-30, 2019

We had an awesome first days on island so much to see, so little time. Thanks to Janus for his warm hospitality. Always there when you need him.

Do:

1 go to Anse Mamin beach- right next to Anse Chastanet beach instead of Sugar Beach, no people, beautiful beach, cheaper sun beds
2 Snorkel @ Anse Chastanet Beach – WOW!!!
3 Hike Pitit Piton.
4 Go zip lining with rain forest adventures up north
5 Visit Marigot Bay
6 Hike to En Bas Saut waterfall but be aware of snakes.
7 Mud Baths and drive-in Volcano- your skin get so soft.

Eat:

1 The Mango Tree- beautiful view and amazing food and good prices (book in advance)
2 Bamboo restaurant- little expensive but nice food
3 Anse Chastanet beach restaurant- loved their salad
4 Hummingbird resort- good food near-by
5 TreeHouse restaurant- what a hidden treasure- a little expensive


All in all:

Rent a 4x4, roads here are crazy
Sugar Beach is expensive- US$50.00 pp for sun beds
Food is so good no matter where you go
Trip advisor is your best friend
Thanks Again Janus!

Had an amazing time while staying at Sapphire 1 for 4 days.

7/21/2019

 
​Maurin & Monte from Poland 

Had an amazing time while staying at Sapphire 1 for 4 days. Climbed Gros Piton, visited Anse Chastanet several times and Sugar Beach. Recommend going to Soufriere waterfront to buy fresh fruits. Amazing avocado and passion fruits. We had a rented car- 4x4 as roads here are not so good.

Enjoyed our stay a lot.

Thanks
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