Vacation Rentals by Owner

Perfect

Guest: Bert (Tampa Florida)
Date of Stay: 04/21/12 Review Submitted: 04/27/12

There is one simple word for The Lazy Turtle " Perfect". We have stayed at various loctions in the West Indies but Nevis is certanily top on the list. The property is first class and Jane Paul and her staff are there to assist only when you need them. The pool is a must and we spent a ton of our time reading and enjoying the surrondings. From the moment you are pick up to the time you leave Jane has covered all the bases. Thanks for sharing your house for us it made for a great vacation and we will be back.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beauty on the beach

Guest: Karl V. (-)
Date of Stay: 01/14/12 Review Submitted: 01/28/12

We opted to vacation on Nevis because of its reputation for a laid-back life-style: small, quaint villages nestled in a tropical paradise, quiet and devoid of throngs of tourists. The sound of the ocean and the feel of the sun were our only two requirements. For one week we rented The Lazy Turtle, which exceeded our expectations on all levels. It sits on a lush, gardened property at the end of an untrafficked lane. There is the house, then the pool and gazebo, then a verdant spanse of lawn down to a gate and on to what turned out to be one of the prettiest beaches on the island. The beach is sloped and not very wide – we liked it because few people walked by. For those who want the wide beach sunbathing experience with the option of ordering tropical drinks while you wait to tan, one only has to walk a minute to the Nisbet Plantation next door. The Nisbet is very welcoming to Lazy Turtle renters. We spent our “wildest” night of the week at the Thursday night Nisbet barbecue where we danced, beach-side to an island band. Life at Lazy Turtle is easy. The kitchen has all the conveniences for making meals. Jane Paul gave us a list of good restaurants to try but our favorite meals turned out to be the ones we made at the house dining al fresco on the porch or in the gazebo.…huge savings, too, as prices at the better eateries are steep. Jane was island-central, she knows everyone and steered us in the right direction every time. She was unobtrusive and exceedingly kind – arranged an island tour, a must if one is at all interested in the people, culture and history. She also expedited our travel to the island, car rental, and our trip back to St. Kitt’s airport. Lazy Turtle is cleaned twice a week and is well-maintained. The main bedroom is air-conditioned and the other is not, however we found island breezes sufficient. The main focus of the house is the huge screened-in porch where cocoon-like hammocks lure you to read or sleep. The pool is just the right size for water aerobics, raft floating, or a refreshing dip after baking poolside. The beds were comfortable, made more so because sleep was against the back drop of peepers, night birds and the thrum of the ocean waves. Most memorable was watching the light show put on at night by huge fireflies at the edge of the lawn. If one is looking for privacy, nature and an accommodation that feels like home then we highly recommend The Lazy Turtle.

Recommended for:

Beauty on the beach

Guest: Karl V. (-)
Date of Stay: 01/14/12 Review Submitted: 01/28/12

We opted to vacation on Nevis because of its reputation for a laid-back life-style: small, quaint villages nestled in a tropical paradise, quiet and devoid of throngs of tourists. The sound of the ocean and the feel of the sun were our only two requirements. For one week we rented The Lazy Turtle, which exceeded our expectations on all levels. It sits on a lush, gardened property at the end of an untrafficked lane. There is the house, then the pool and gazebo, then a verdant spanse of lawn down to a gate and on to what turned out to be one of the prettiest beaches on the island. The beach is sloped and not very wide – we liked it because few people walked by. For those who want the wide beach sunbathing experience with the option of ordering tropical drinks while you wait to tan, one only has to walk a minute to the Nisbet Plantation next door. The Nisbet is very welcoming to Lazy Turtle renters. We spent our “wildest” night of the week at the Thursday night Nisbet barbecue where we danced, beach-side to an island band. Life at Lazy Turtle is easy. The kitchen has all the conveniences for making meals. Jane Paul gave us a list of good restaurants to try but our favorite meals turned out to be the ones we made at the house dining al fresco on the porch or in the gazebo.…huge savings, too, as prices at the better eateries are steep. Jane was island-central, she knows everyone and steered us in the right direction every time. She was unobtrusive and exceedingly kind – arranged an island tour, a must if one is at all interested in the people, culture and history. She also expedited our travel to the island, car rental, and our trip back to St. Kitt’s airport. Lazy Turtle is cleaned twice a week and is well-maintained. The main bedroom is air-conditioned and the other is not, however we found island breezes sufficient. The main focus of the house is the huge screened-in porch where cocoon-like hammocks lure you to read or sleep. The pool is just the right size for water aerobics, raft floating, or a refreshing dip after baking poolside. The beds were comfortable, made more so because sleep was against the back drop of peepers, night birds and the thrum of the ocean waves. Most memorable was watching the light show put on at night by huge fireflies at the edge of the lawn. If one is looking for privacy, nature and an accommodation that feels like home then we highly recommend The Lazy Turtle. Should we return to Nevis we know it’s the ONLY place we’d stay.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The perfect escape!

Guest: Dana & BJ (Portland, Ore.)
Date of Stay: 10/24/11 Review Submitted: 11/12/11

All the comforts of home but in a beautiful location in paradise. The pictures are accurate but don't come NEAR to capturing what it feels like to be there in person. What can we say? Everything---EVERYTHING---about the Lazy Turtle felt right, thanks to who owns it (Jane and Lara) and how they maintain it. The house and pool are cleaned twice weekly. The garden---cared for by a lovely older gentleman---creates an amazingly beautiful and private surrounding. The kitchen is stocked with everything but food. The grill is ready to fire up anytime. The screened patio is PERFECT---for reading, games, meals, naps, or when you've had enough sun for a while but don't want to be inside (also a wonderful barrier for mosquitos, which are sprayed for regularly). The access to the beach and to the Plantation Inn beach bar is perfect---just close enough, but not TOO close. The lounge chairs by the pool and the gazebo are lovely in- and out-of-the-sun options all day. And LAST BUT NOT LEAST---the pool. Where do I start? I had no idea the pool would be my absolute favorite part but it was. Before we arrived, it seemed like a nice feature and I assumed we'd be down at the beach all day and maybe take a dip at night. But turns out seeing and hearing the beach was a wonderfully sufficient backdrop to floating peacefully and privately in your own pool. If you're looking for a private getaway with access to people and places when you want them but isolation from them when you don't, Nevis and the Lazy Turtle are absoutely perfect. Lara's and Jane's arrangements and recommendations were MOST valuable and appreciated. Bonnie's greeting and tour of the house was very welcoming, and she's a phone call away if you have questions or need anything. Marlon Brando's tour was definitely a worthwhile 3 hours---basically acquainted us with the whole island, history, attractions and driving customs (very handy!). But mostly, we miss the pool. Thank you, Jane, Lara and Bonnie, for a most wonderful getaway and for the care while we were there. Against our better/selfish judgement, we're telling EVERYONE about the Lazy Turtle!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our Refuge

Guest: sam L.
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/15/11

Nevis was not an island where we felt welcome. The clerks in stores never spoke, never said thank you, smiled etc. Lots of people hanging around the streets, and cars taking both lanes, stopped while people talked, not caring that you were behind them. Not the most attractive beachs. Grocery stores not up to American standards-lack of fresh fruit, vegs and decent bread, but a new store is coming. The house became our refuge. It was clean, no ants roachs etc, and parts have been remodeled and updated. Beautiful gardens iin a mostly secluded setting. The pool was a godsend.Lots of attractive seating areas, with a large screened porch, many hammocks and attractive furniture. Internet access, Ipod dock and DVD player & sattelite TV. Kitchen lacking in some amenities, but workable. Only the master bed room has A/C, rest of house could really use it! The owner is very diligent, called 3 times to make sure we were OK. Very quiet,lovely views, lots of wildlife right in the backyard. Lots of biting bugs in the early morn and at dusk, OFF provided by owner, much appreciated. We were happy to be away from the glitz, noise, and traffic of some other islands.

Owner response:We greatly appreciate the reviewer’s kind comments about Lazy Turtle Villa; we regret that the reviewer did not appreciate the life style of the island. Nevis is a small island, and a small community, in which everyone knows everyone else. People tend to socialize in the streets and even from double-parked cars. They do not intentionally mean to be rude. This is part of the natural slow rhythm of the island. Shy by nature, particularly with strangers, initiation of good-humored conversation will readily bring out a friendly smile. Nevisians are well educated, religious, bear no grudges and very proud of their island. It should be noted that Nevis is trying to nurture agricultural production, and a number of roadside produce stands provide a variety of local fruits and vegetables. The Charlestown open market provides a plethora of produce. However, because of the limited market, part of the charm of the island, the majority of food products must be imported. The availability of products in the stores, although very adequate, certainly cannot be compared to the variety available in the US or even in the more commercialized Caribbean islands. There are natural beaches galore, unspoiled, not crowded some with close off shore reefs teeming with tropical sea life.

Recommended for:Age 55+

Attention to detail!

Guest: Nikhil D.
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/31/11

From the outset Lara and Janes attention to detail was outstanding.they provided so much information that planning the days was a breeze. The villa was perfect, the pool length was just enough for even adults to swim and all of us spent more time in the pool than anywhere else. Eating out was easy but after the first couple of days we shopped and started cooking at home. Nothing like sitting with family in the verandah and feeling the breeze cone through the house. House and pool were perfectly clean and were cleaned twice in the week that we were there. Everyone we met was friendly, the island was small enough to explore well and is still frozen in time rather than commercialized. If you like quiet peaceful Island life, this is the place to visit. In particular: 1)Jane is a very attentive host. Her crew is a well oiled machine. The pickup at the airport and the trip across the narrows to the house was fantastic. 2) tour with Marlon, courtesy of jane was an absolute joy. Marlon is a true gentleman. 3) The botanical gardens and the Thai restaurant inside are outstanding. 4) oualie beach was perfect for kids 5) Rumors had great food to eat and is close to the house. 6) meat pies at the snackettes were great. We bought the entire lot one day. 7) The perfect pool at the house 8) the par 3 course close to the villa We hope this wonderful hideaway stays as unspoiled as it is. Hope to get to it again in coming years. We could not ask for more from the owners or the island.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.

Great villa!

Guest: MikeinTx (Texas)
Date of Stay: 05/01/11 Review Submitted: 06/22/11

We had a great time at the Lazy Turtle.......renting is the way to go! The villa is great.....plenty of room, great screened in porch, and your own pool with a view! We spent most of our days just hanging out at the villa and swimming in the pool. There is also a small trail (50 yds) at the back end of the property to get to the beach (but you can also walk on the road around the property). Very easy to get everywhere. I encourage any visitors to open a tab at Nisbet, for those times you want an easy meal or drink.....we did breakfast there every morning.....very relaxing! Laura, Jane and Marlon were all very helpful and made the trip a pleasure! We will be back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great vacation

Guest: cotton clan (Cheshire CT)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 05/21/11

My family and I had the pleasure of staYING AT THE lAZY TURTLE tHIS aPRIL 2011. wE LOVED IT. tHE BEDS WERE COMFORTABLE, AND THE KITCHEN HAD EVERYTHING WE NEEDED. tHE LOCASTION WAS PERFECT QUIET, BUT NOT FAR FROM ANYTHING. THE BEST PART WAS THE HUGE SCREENED PORCH. WE SPENT HOURS THERE READING SLEEPING IN THE HAMOCKS . i HAVE NOT BEEN THAT RELAXED IN YEARS!! mARLON WAS THE MAN. HE WAS ABLE TO ARRANGE EVERYTHING

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Heavenly Home in Nevis

Guest: Di (SC, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 03/27/11

If you are looking for a place to relax, look no further. The Lazy Turtle, with all the comforts of home, incorporates luxurious tropical views, private pool, easily accessible ocean, fencing of brightly colored foliage, hammocks inside & out, & a delightful gazebo for reading in the shade. In addition, Jane serves as the consummate hostess to answer any questions we might have about life on the island & to make suggestions about not-to-be-missed places. Being at the Lazy Turtle next door to Nisbet Plantation is a definite benefit as well. Since we were able to run a tab at NP, we enjoyed many afternoons at their ocean-front bar, ate delicious meals served 3 times daily, and participated in their delightful Thursday night BBQ. In short, we had the best of both worlds--the privacy of our house, pool, & yard & the socialization of an elegant plantation. Some days we opted for privacy & home-cooked meals; other days we enjoyed meeting interesting people from around the world. We have taken many trips to various areas of the world, including Hawaii, but nothing compares to Nevis' laid-back, restful vacation character. The wonderful, friendly people here make us anxious to return, & Jane's hospitality guarantees that we'll be staying at the Lazy Turtle.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Napping in Paradise!

Guest: Marlon (Gurnee, IL)
Date of Stay: 02/12/11 Review Submitted: 02/27/11

As a surprise for my wife, I looked for a vacation destination that offered a relaxing atmosphere, absent of the typical ‘spring break’ crowd, and the possibility of coming home more relaxed than frazzled from our vacation - the Lazy Turtle lived up to that expectation and more. While we, and most of our friends, had never heard of Nevis, the trip could not have been more perfect, and Lara (owner) was extremely helpful in answering my questions to relieve any 'pre-book' jitters; even found great airline pricing for me. Jane Paul (Owner of Coral Reef Villa ) was our host during our stay as she and her husband live on Nevis several months of the year. We appreciated her presence so much as it took the guess work out of our event planning. The pictures of Lazy Turtle on VRBO, while great, do not do the place justice. The owners have made every accommodation to ensure you have everything at your fingertips; including our recommendation #5 below. We very much enjoyed having a private pool available to cool off after a day out on the town. I didn’t expect the pool to be such a welcomed feature but it certainly became one. The climate is so perfect that air conditioning isn’t really necessary – we opened the large sliding doors to allow for the evening breeze, and sounds of the ocean waves, to permeate the home. The view from the screened porch is breathtaking, and the close proximity to the ocean is ideal. Our recommendations: 1) Rent a car for the duration of your visit. I considered only renting a few days as we planned to relax and read - glad we decided against that. Having a car at your disposal 24/7 is very useful. 2) Purchase groceries during your stay – eating out every meal is both time-consuming and expensive. 3) Plan for more than a 1 week visit; we stayed 12 nights and it was just about right (maybe 10 would be optimal but definitely not 7 – too short). 4) Make reservations in advance to reserve a spot during their ‘special event’ night (e.g. pig roast, beach BBQ, etc). 5) Prepare a picnic lunch for a visit to Lover’s Beach (large umbrella, ice chest, and folding chairs are available for use at the Lazy Turtle) – worth the time. 6) No need to exchange dollars or EC’s prior to your visit; both are welcomed and easily converted, if necessary, as well as most major credit cards. THANKS again Lara and Jane for the use of your beautiful home and all your hospitality.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Treat Yourself!

Guest: eileen e. (Upstate NY)
Date of Stay: 11/07/10 Review Submitted: 11/19/10

Nevis is a gorgeous, lush island awash in brilliant color. The people are lovely. It is easy to get around, there are many places of architectural and historic interest, and the food is varied and quite wonderful. In short, it is impossible not to have a thoroughly enjoyable trip to this most interesting, relaxing and visually stirring place. The Lazy Turtle is a perfect home from which to explore this special island. The website description is entirely honest and accurate. The home is spotlessly clean and charming. It sits on a large property with mature, generous and vibrant gardens that evoke an English cottage style so much more interesting than the the typical artificial tropical resort type of garden. The Lazy Turtle's gardens are unsurprisingly filled with hummingbirds and other birds attracted to the many colorful, nectar bearing flowers. The owners of the property are completely on the ball: savvy about the island, well organized, genuinely helpful and just plain nice and lovely to talk to. There is no bait and switch here: they really want you to enjoy their home and their island. They have assembled a crack team of housekeeper, on- island manager, driver, pool people and gardener, all of whom make one feel welcome and create a strong impression that things are under control. Their efforts provide all of the conveniences of being in a first class resort with the added benefit of total privacy and lots of space. In addition, the owners arrange for your transport from St Kitts to Nevis (a considerable value) via taxi over stunning scenery on St Kitts to a short water taxi ride to Nevis. This is a welcome convenience, especially to first time visitors tired from the trip. This is a destination to recommend without reservation. Eat at the old plantations: Golden Rock, Hermitage, Nisbet (right next door) and Montpelier. Gallipot and Pizza Beach are close by, fun, casual and tasty. The local spiny lobster is sweeter and more tender than Maine lobster. Local wahoo is excellent. Use the spa facilities of Nisbet next door. Drive the island, hike the rainforest, look for monkeys, all kinds of birds, colorful amphibians, goats, sheep and donkeys. Be in the moment, step back in time. We'll go back.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Nevis for our honeymoon, we will be back!

Guest: The honeymooners (Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 11/01/10 Review Submitted: 11/16/10

My wife and I had an amazing time in Nevis and at the LAZY Turtle villa. The property is beautiful and was an amazing view to wake up to everyday. Marlon was very helpful and as a matter of fact everyone on the island was super friendly. I have been to quite a few places before that were beautiful and interesting, but none effected me like Nevis. My wife and I will certainly be making our way back to the island and more specifically would like to return to the Lazy Turtle Villa. The experience made for a wonderful honeymoon. I told all of my co-workers about our experience and hope some of them will have the pleasure of visiting this little piece of paradise. Thank you!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Awesome Anniversary

Guest: Thankful (Knoxville, TN, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/05/10 Review Submitted: 08/18/10

My wife & I have traveled internationally before & love Florida beaches, but have never been on a Caribbean vacation. In anticipation of our 20th anniversary we looked to spend 10 days with lonely beaches, opportunities to explore, in a “non-touristy” place. In short, WE FOUND IT! The weather was great—clear every day except the last. A very occasional, brief shower cooled things down, bringing rainbows. Low humidity & breezes made temperatures perfect! The Lazy Turtle is a wonderful, clean little villa with charming furniture & amenities. The pool is bigger than it looks in pics. The sights & sounds of unspoiled Caribbean abound. Coconut trees & deserted beaches stretch for miles as you walk along the beach south, & an exclusive historic resort frequented by the likes of Prince Charles is steps up the beach north, of which one can take advantage—the perfect combination. The people of Nevis are a treasure. Low crime, English-speaking, friendly & helpful; we met friends that we’ll always remember. IF lying on the picturesque beach & snorkeling in the life-teeming, clear water becomes lack-luster (is this possible?), there are many other things to do. We like to hike & learn. There’s much history. Ruins from colonial days abound and old buildings & churches all have great stories. It was good that we took the tour on our first day to get our bearings. We climbed Nevis Peak (dead volcano in the center of the island), & our guide was a joy! It was a hard climb (or should I say crawl?). You must rent a car & explore. There are many quaint restaurants (not cheap), gardens, beaches, shops, & other things waiting to be discovered. We drove around the island a lot! It was fun, and by the time we left we were quite familiar with it (AND driving on the left side of the road). We are not the partying/bar-hopping sort, & quite frankly, it was great to be on a conservative island not dominated by spring-breaking teens (or adults wishing they were). Jane was wonderful to work with, & called to check on us. All the people/contacts she arranged or suggested were great. We were the first to benefit from the new air conditioner. It was nice, but really not necessary. In fact, I liked hearing the waves, birds, & other night sounds at night. Bottom line: I really can’t imagine how it could have been much better! Contact the owners and they can direct you to our blog posts from our trip with pics. Feel free to email us, too.

Owner response:Thanks you! It is nice to meet people who love Nevis as much as we do!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Lazy Turtle Villa, A must!

Guest: jecca (St. Augustine FL US)
Date of Stay: 05/14/10 Review Submitted: 06/05/10

My husband and I have been to basically every island in the Caribbean, looking for the most quiet relaxing laid back place we could find. We found it. Nevis is small and easy island to get around with your own car. You can be as lazy as you want- just soaking up rays at the pool or many beaches, or as active as you want golfing, hiking, snorkeling etc. As small as it is I was amazed at the fabulous restaurants! However I know for a fact where we stayed MADE our trip. They have many houses high up, but we wanted to stay near the beach... Lazy Turtle Villa was the perfect spot. The huge open air porch was the best part. We could always be outside with the wonderful breezes! We had our own pool, and could walk through our beautifully landscaped yard to the ocean. Nesbit Plantation is just next door, so we could eat there if we didn't feel like cooking. Or we could have a drink at their beach bar. Plus my favorite they had afternoon tea! So you see we had the best of both worlds. The privacy of our own home with plenty to do! After so many trips to the islands I've been through some crazy things with renting homes, cars, and unforseen mishaps. Thats where The Lazy Turtle owners made a world of difference. I've never gotten off the plane and been swept away to a car, boat, car, right to the place I'm staying where my rental car awaits with the paper work on the kitchen table. Those working with The Lazy Turtle taking care of you made it feel like the Ritz Carlton. They do everything! Not to mention each one of them are an absolute joy to work with. Why stay at a huge resort with tons of people when you can have the same attentive care in the privacy of your own home?! So Jane Paul and team, my hats off to you. You have created a memorable experience for my family with ease and perfection and all the comforts of home. We look forward to being part of your Nevis family. We have truly found a piece of paradise thanks to you. This is one place no one should miss.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect West Indian beach house

Guest: Susan W. (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 04/18/10 Review Submitted: 04/22/10

My husband and I had originally planned to stay at Nisbet Plantation (near the Lazy Turtle) but we discovered this villa and realized we would enjoy the privacy and luxurious space of renting our own house with a private pool on a beach front location. The owners are friends with the folks at Nisbet, so we set up an account our first day and enjoyed their beach front bar and lunches outdoors, plus made dining arrangements for two nights--all on our "tab." Lazy Turtle has all the comforts you need to fully relax on vacation, and the owners provide lots of dining tips, a local driver and guide who makes renting a car for the week a snap, maid service, pool cleaning (both twice a week) and wonderful suggestions about how to enjoy Nevis. The house has ceiling fans everywhere and a beautiful large screened lanai that looks out at the private pool, lawn, and pathway to the beach. There is lush tropical foliage everywhere, maintained by the gardener--the owners take excellent care of everything, so it's all clean, well functioning, and comfortable. We stocked up on basics for breakfast and snacks at a local grocery, then found fascinating places to dine each night or to have lunch. Nevis is rich in history, and we loved exploring the island. Lazy Turtle is the perfect place if you enjoy privacy, tropical beauty, proximity to excellent dining experiences and sightseeing, and being right on the ocean.

Owner response:Thank you Suzanne! We pride ourselves on making this a stress free vacation. We would like to you to feel like you are in a resort, without the resort fees!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect West Indian beach house

Guest: Susan W. (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 04/10/10 Review Submitted: 04/18/10

My husband and I had originally planned to stay at Nisbet Plantation (near the Lazy Turtle) but we discovered this villa and realized we would enjoy the privacy and luxurious space of renting our own house with a private pool on a beach front location. The owners are friends with the folks at Nisbet, so we set up an account our first day and enjoyed their beach front bar and lunches outdoors, plus made dining arrangements for two nights--all on our "tab." Lazy Turtle has all the comforts you need to fully relax on vacation, and the owners provide lots of dining tips, a local driver and guide who makes renting a car for the week a snap, maid service, pool cleaning (both twice a week) and wonderful suggestions about how to enjoy Nevis. The house has ceiling fans everywhere and a beautiful large screened lanai that looks out at the private pool, lawn, and pathway to the beach. There is lush tropical foliage everywhere, maintained by the gardener--the owners take excellent care of everything, so it's all clean, well functioning, and comfortable. We stocked up on basics for breakfast and snacks at a local grocery, then found fascinating places to dine each night or to have lunch. Nevis is rich in history, and we loved exploring the island. Lazy Turtle is the perfect place if you enjoy privacy, tropical beauty, proximity to excellent dining experiences and sightseeing, and being right on the ocean.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Bring bug spray

Guest: Jerome S. (Bonaire, Netherland Antilles)
Date of Stay: 04/03/10 Review Submitted: 04/22/10

The first night we were greeted by half a dozen huge roaches in the bathroom and more followed the next few nights.When we notified the owner we were told her husband did not want to deal with this aggrevation, yet we were the ones stuck with the roaches. The house is NOT a "villa". It needs to be updated, especially the showers. The beach is terrible. Most of it has been eroded by storms and what is left is covered in sea grass that makes swimming very unpleasant. Do not be fooled into thinking you can snorkel here because there is nothing to see in the water (besides seagrass). The wildlife around the house consists of cattle and goats that graze there constantly (not exactly National Geographic). Also the Nisbet Plantation hotel is insanely expensive for food. A beach BBQ is $60 per person plus tax! For the same money Lazy Turtle charges you could be on Beautiful Saba or St Barts. Save yourself the disappointment and go there instead!

Owner response:This review contrasts sharply with the many favorable ones we have received in person, in our guest book and on web sites. When they first arrived, unlike most guests who are awed by the view of the ocean, tropical gardens, and gazebo as seen from the villa, these guests curiously expressed utter indifference. Lazy Turtle Villa has a half-acre fenced in and is privately concealed with palms and flowering shrubs fronted by an azure sea A few animals such as goats and sheep occasionally visit outside the yard for a short time and once in a while we might see a mother monkey and her young one. Insects are an integral part of the tropical environment and we do our utmost to control them with regular periodic pest control inspections and treatment if necessary. When the guest contacted us at our home nearby we immediately went over to offer our help with traps and spray. Exterminator services were offered which the traveler declined. No prior guests had complained of such, nor did subsequent guests. Pest control inspection revealed no evidence of infestation of any kind and two very experienced ( over 25 years each ) housekeepers saw no signs of a problem. We are fortunate to be located in close proximity to the Nisbet Plantation, an upscale intimate four-star resort. Our guests enjoy the privacy, economy and flexibility of their own villa yet can avail themselves of the many amenities offered by Nisbet. Their weekly Beach Barbeque is presented in a picture postcard beach side location enhanced by Caribbean music and a delicious buffet of a multitude of Caribbean delights including a large number of dessert choices. It is well worth the $60 cost. NEVIS is for people who value friendly welcoming Nevisians on a 36 square mile island with a population of only about 11,000 people. Nevis does not have cruise ships, gambling, and high rises. It does have a rain forest, many historical sites such as the home of Alexander Hamilton, golf, tennis, many hiking trails and beaches We have had only pleased guests on our properties. Most of our guests are repeat visitors and our guestbook at the villa and on online reviews are full of positive things to say about our place. We do everything we can to ensure that our guests have an enjoyable vacation and we will continue to do so. We have a local reputation on island for treating our guests and staff really well and have enjoyed meeting and helping our guests for years. We take tremendous pride in this work

Recommended for:

Just another day in Paradise!

Guest: Jim from NC (Garner, North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 04/22/10

Absolutely wonderful! The house and pool were extremely well kept and very comfortable. Everything was taken care of for us. Transportation to and from St. Kitts airport was arranged. Marlon picked us up and took us to the house and then delivered our rental car. It was like having a private concierge service. I can't say enough good things about how well we were taken care of. What I found most striking about Nevis was how gracious everyone was. Not just our host who was awesome but all the people on the island made us feel welcome and that they truly appreciated us visiting their island. I've been to about 15 foreign countries and have never felt so comfortable or welcomed. We can't wait to go back.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Just another day in Paradise!

Guest: Jim from NC (Garner, North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 04/16/10

Absolutely wonderful! The house and pool were extremely well kept and very comfortable. Everything was taken care of for us. Transportation to and from St. Kitts airport was arranged. Marlon picked us up and took us to the house and then delivered our rental car. It was like having a private concierge service. I can't say enough good things about how well we were taken care of. What I found most striking about Nevis was how gracious everyone was. Not just our host who was awesome but all the people on the island made us feel welcome and that they truly appreciated us visiting their island. I've been to about 15 foreign countries and have never felt so comfortable or welcomed. We can't wait to go back.

Owner response:Thanks Jim, What most people love the most about Nevis are the people. Nevisians are friendly and gracious. Nevis has one of the highest literacy rates in the world and is very safe. We are so grateful to know of these lovely people. See you next year!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Could not be better

Guest: Vineyard Mary (Martha's Vineyard, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/17/10 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

This is my second time at the Lazy Turtle. I can't imagine a more relaxing vacation. So much was done for us including arranging for transfers to the villa, having a rental car waiting at the house, telling us all the great place to go. It allowed us to relax instantly. The villa sits on the beach surrounded by flowers. There are so many places to sit and watch the ocean: the porch where we ate, the hammocks that dot the property, the gazebo, the pool. The villa is lovely with every convenience you could imagine: wireless internet, beach chairs, towels etc. We just had to bring a bathing suit and we were good to go! Save us a spot this time next year!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Could not be better

Guest: Mary from the Vineyard (Martha's Vineyard, MA, US)
Date of Stay: 03/17/10 Review Submitted: 04/10/10

This is my second time at the Lazy Turtle. I can't imagine a more relaxing vacation. So much was done for us including arranging for transfers to the villa, having a rental car waiting at the house, telling us all the great place to go. It allowed us to relax instantly. The villa sits on the beach surrounded by flowers. There are so many places to sit and watch the ocean: the porch where we ate, the hammocks that dot the property, the gazebo, the pool. The villa is lovely with every convenience you could imagine: wireless internet, beach chairs, towels etc. We just had to bring a bathing suit and we were good to go! Save us a spot this time next year!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We come back every year

Guest: Fine and Dandy (Mullica Hill, NJ )
Date of Stay: 02/13/10 Review Submitted: 05/16/10

We have been coming to the Caribbean Islands since the early seventies, and over the years, have rented villas on islands throughout the Caribbean. For the last several years we have rented either Coral Reef or Lazy Turtle from Jane and Ron Paul. Everything about the experience was first rate. Both properties were very well maintained and comfortably furnished. Our hosts were certainly very accommodating. For instance, when we mentioned that Rich was a little unstable and would feel better if the shower had a grab bar, Jane had one installed when we were staying at Coral Reef, and remembered it the following year when we rented Lazy Turtle, and had one installed there, as well. The location is perfect; situated on the beachfront and only a short walk to Nisbet Plantation Beach Bar, great for lunch and socializing. Nevis is our favorite Caribbean Island, good beaches, many excellent restaurants for dining out. The locals are truly welcoming to visitors, and the crime is minimal. All in all, you can't go wrong with either Lazy Turtle or Coral Reef. We give both a five star rating.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Slice of Paradise

Guest: In Love with Nevis (Rouleau, Sask, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/30/10 Review Submitted: 06/14/10

My husband and I spent two lovely weeks at the Lazy Turtle and we absolutely loved it there. Even though our flight was delayed by weather, our pre-arranged transportation was waiting for us at the airport and safely delivered us to the water taxi. Taking the water taxi across to Nevis was an amazing treat! Thank you Jane! There was nothing to dissapoint at the Lazy Turtle. From the incredible views from every room, the beautiful beach and the amazing treatment from Jane and all her staff. The villa has everything one needs to have the vacation of a lifetime. Jane (and previous guests) has provided a list of restaurants and activies. All of which come in very handy. The villa is near several excellent restaurants, as nothing is very far away on Nevis. The house itself is wonderful. We enjoyed sitting in the lanai and enjoying the breezes or just hanging out by the pool. The beach is also a great surprise. You can walk down the beach and hardly run into any other people. Nevis is an island where one can be as busy or as laid back as you want. There are numerous Heritage sites to visit and many beautiful beaches to explore. Two weeks are not enough to see all that Nevis has to offer. The Lazy Turtle is a fantastic experience and I have recommended this property to friends and family.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Most relaxing vacation yet!

Guest: marcus loves nevis (London, England)
Date of Stay: 01/23/10 Review Submitted: 05/04/10

My wife and I really enjoyed this place. The villa is well appointed, super clean, with everything you need to prepare a gourmet meal. The master bedroom has a gorgeous king size mahogony bed with super comfortable sheets and a view of the ocean. My wife liked the gazebo in the afternoons where she read while watching the sailing ships. I liked lounging in the pool and walking down to the beach on the private path. The owners were very helpful and pointed out so many great places we would not have otherwise known about. They helped us book flights and took care of our transfer from the airport. They made us feel like real insiders! This is a great place if you want privacy and the feeling of your own home. We have already booked for next year!

Owner response:Thanks Marcus! We look forward to seeing you again soon. We are pleased to have guests from all over the world. It is actually quite easy to visit Nevis from England, with direct flights from London to St. Kitts. St. Kitts is a short ferry ride to Nevis (you can see St. Kitts from the villa). When traveling to Nevis, look for flights to both Nevis and St. Kitts.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We keep coming bacK!

Guest: Beth and Frank (Haddonfield, NJ)
Date of Stay: 12/26/09 Review Submitted: 05/19/10

We were last in Nevis five years ago with friends and returned this week for a perfect family vacation with our children. The Lazy Turtle was the perfect base on the best beach on the island. We truly enojoyed exploring this wonderful island and relaxing by the pool. The house had everything we needed and more. It was clean and airy and we felt instantly at home. Stress gone! Thank you again, Jane, For your help during our stay and for making us feel so welcome. We had lots of laughs and lost of fun. We will let our friends back home know that hte Lazy Turtle is the perfect spot for an escape from winter. Nevis is truly a special place....

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fabulous!

Guest: Angelo A. (Guilford, CT)
Date of Stay: 12/19/09 Review Submitted: 04/10/10

Our week at Lazy Turtle could not have been better! We loved the villa, it was so cheerful and pretty. Waking up to the sounds of the ocean was so pleasant. We also enjoyed the hammocks, the pool, the gazebo and the porch. So many places to relax! Very private, yet it was a great launching point to the island attractions. Our hostess, Jane, could not have been more helpful. She had so many great suggestions that were off the beaten track and we felt we had a really island experience, not just "tourist trap" one. Marlon was a star, we knew he was great the moment he picked us up from the airport. He had a rental car waiting for us at the house which made everything so easy. I was able to cook at few nights (thanks for the list of grocery stores!) and we went out to some fabulous restaurants the others. We got a tab at Nisbet Plantation Inn, next door, so we had drinks in the afternoons after walking the beach. This was very convenient and the manager was very gracious. Say hi to Dan the bartender! I could not imagine a more relaxing holiday!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What an oasis!

Guest: Sally and Todd (Pembroke, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 05/02/09 Review Submitted: 06/06/10

My husband and our 5 year old daughter and I stayed at Lazy Turtle for a week and had a such a relaxing and wonderful time that we are already planning on booking again for next year. The villa was perfect for traveling with a child as we could put her to bed and still enjoy some quiet adult time in the evening. We could sit in the screened porch overlooking the beautiful ocean or one of us could even take a quick dip in the pool- much better than being stuck back in a small hotel room by 8pm as were on other vacations with our daughter. The villa was very well equipped and extremely clean, and the surrounding gardens were beautiful and well maintained. We loved the pool and gazebo overlooking the ocean and our own path to the beach where we would go for early morning walks to collect conch shells- most mornings we had the beach completely to ourselves! The owners were extremely attentive- from helping to arrange transport from the airport and car rental, suggesting dining options or snorkeling spots, best places to buy groceries and also arranged a sitter so we could go out for a romantic dinner to beautiful Montpelier Plantation. Some of our luggage was delayed for a couple days and Jane came through for us with the necessities and even a bathing suit for my husband! We loved the laid back and friendly atmosphere of Nevis and the wonderful dining options. We prepared most breakfast and lunches at the villa and went out every night to sample the wide variety of amazing restaurants on the island- our favorite being lovely Nisbet plantation just a short walk from the villa We are already counting the days till we return next March....

Recommended for:

Paradise Found

Guest: Suzie O, (Montreal, Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/13/08 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

While my husband and I were looking forward to our honeymoon on Nevis, I had no idea how fond we would become of Nevis and of the Lazy Turtle Villa. At the end of the stay I felt like I was leaving "my home", I was so comfortable there. The villa is very private with a great pool. There are beautiful views of the ocean from each room. The garden is gorgeous with flowers everywhere (we counted 15 different kinds). I sat on the gazebo every afternoon and read or just stared at the ocean. The owners have left no stone unturned, they arranged for transportation, a maid, a pile of excursion suggestions and a beautiful sun filled home. The entire experience was stress free! The kitchen was fully equipped and they left us a comprehensive list of where to buy groceries or where to go out to eat. They provided high quality sheets and towels as well as great little extra's like beach umbrellas and chairs, books and CD's. The wireless internet was helpful as was the blender! We will definitely coming back to "my home"!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Paradise Found

Guest: Suzie O, (Montreal, Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/13/08 Review Submitted: 04/10/10

While my husband and I were looking forward to our honeymoon on Nevis, I had no idea how fond we would become of Nevis and of the Lazy Turtle Villa. At the end of the stay I felt like I was leaving "my home", I was so comfortable there. The villa is very private with a great pool. There are beautiful views of the ocean from each room. The garden is gorgeous with flowers everywhere (we counted 15 different kinds). I sat on the gazebo every afternoon and read or just stared at the ocean. The owners have left no stone unturned, they arranged for transportation, a maid, a pile of excursion suggestions and a beautiful sun filled home. The entire experience was stress free! The kitchen was fully equipped and they left us a comprehensive list of where to buy groceries or where to go out to eat. They provided high quality sheets and towels as well as great little extra's like beach umbrellas and chairs, books and CD's. The wireless internet was helpful as was the blender! We will definitely coming back to "my home"!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Breathtaking and relaxing

Guest: dotti (Woodbridge, CT)
Date of Stay: 09/07/08 Review Submitted: 09/17/08

We have just returned from the Lazy Turtle on Nevis and I highly recommend this little piece of paradise to those looking for a true Caribbean vacation. The secluded setting is breathtaking- the turquoise surf breaks on the reef to the front and an amazing and spectacular Mount Nevis is the back drop to the rear. A sweeping lawn is surrounded by tropical foliage and coconut palms, with a private pool and a gate to the sandy path to the beach. The charming 2 bedroom, 2 bath home is open and light and enclosed with a huge screened porch furnished brightly. If you are looking to get away from the “canned resorts” and want a leisurely break away, somewhere special, you will not be disappointed with the Lazy Turtle. The owners went the extra mile to ensure that we had a stress free trip. We were impressed with the people they have employed on the island (concierge, housekeeper and driver), which allowed us to truly relax in paradise.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Breathtaking and relaxing

Guest: dotti (Woodbridge, CT)
Date of Stay: 09/06/08 Review Submitted: 09/17/08

We have just returned from the Lazy Turtle on Nevis and I highly recommend this little piece of paradise to those looking for a true Caribbean vacation. The secluded setting is breathtaking- the turquoise surf breaks on the reef to the front and an amazing and spectacular Mount Nevis is the back drop to the rear. A sweeping lawn is surrounded by tropical foliage and coconut palms, with a private pool and a gate to the sandy path to the beach. The charming 2 bedroom, 2 bath home is open and light and enclosed with a huge screened porch furnished brightly. If you are looking to get away from the “canned resorts” and want a leisurely break away, somewhere special, you will not be disappointed with the Lazy Turtle. The owners went the extra mile to ensure that we had a stress free trip. We were impressed with the people they have employed on the island (concierge, housekeeper and driver), which allowed us to truly relax in paradise.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Return to Paradise

Guest: Lisa K. (MO, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/24/08 Review Submitted: 04/10/10

The home we rented was accurately described on the website and actually had more to offer. My husband and I honeymooned on Nevis 21 years ago and wished to have our children feel the same kind feeling from the islanders that we experienced. They were not disappointed. From the moment we were greeted at your home by Bonnie and our experience with Marlon (car rental) and Carmen (housekeeper and savior!) we felt nothing but welcome. The accommodations were spotless, the beach beautiful and our hope is to bring our grandkids back some day. Nevis is special to our family and your hospitality made it more so on this visit. Again, I thank you.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Return to Paradise

Guest: Lisa K. (MO, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/11/08 Review Submitted: 08/12/08

The home we rented was accurately described on the website and actually had more to offer. My husband and I honeymooned on Nevis 21 years ago and wished to have our children feel the same kind feeling from the islanders that we experienced. They were not disappointed. From the moment we were greeted at your home by Bonnie and our experience with Marlon (car rental) and Carmen (housekeeper and savior!) we felt nothing but welcome. The accommodations were spotless, the beach beautiful and our hope is to bring our grandkids back some day. Nevis is special to our family and your hospitality made it more so on this visit. Again, I thank you.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Return to Paradise

Guest: Lisa K. (MO, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/11/08 Review Submitted: 08/12/08

The home we rented was accurately described on the website and actually had more to offer. My husband and I honeymooned on Nevis 21 years ago and wished to have our children feel the same kind feeling from the islanders that we experienced. They were not disappointed. From the moment we were greeted at your home by Bonnie and our experience with Marlon (car rental) and Carmen (housekeeper and savior!) we felt nothing but welcome. The accommodations were spotless, the beach beautiful and our hope is to bring our grandkids back some day. Nevis is special to our family and your hospitality made it more so on this visit. Again, thank you!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Stay in Paradise

Guest: DarrenG (Belton,Missouri )
Date of Stay: 04/25/08 Review Submitted: 07/19/08

We stayed the last week in April through the first week in May and loved every minute. The house had everything you could think of from coolers to beach towels to plastic bags. The information the owners provided before we actually even got there made our trip to the island very easy. The new pool had just been completed before we got there and it was very nice. The rental car company was excellent and Marlon, the owner, was great. He brought the car to the house and made sure that we had a map of the island. The description on the website was perfectly accurate. We recommend this rental to everyone and anyone that wants a relaxing and peaceful vacation.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

stay in Paradise 2008

Guest: DarrenG (Belton,Missouri )
Date of Stay: 04/25/08 Review Submitted: 06/18/08

We stayed the last week in april through the first week in may and loved every minute. The house had everything you could think of from coolers to beach towels to plastic bags. The information the owners provided before we actually even got there made our trip to the island very easy. The new pool had just been completed before we got there and it was very nice. The rental car company was excellent and Marlon, the owner, was great. He brought the car to the house and made sure that we had a map of the island. The description on the website was perfectly accurate. We recommend this rental to everyone and anyone that wants a relaxing and peaceful vacation.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.