Vacation Rentals by Owner

Beautiful villa!

Guest: Jenni W.
Date of Stay: 03/30/12 Review Submitted: 04/08/12

We loved Villa Zatarra! It was so open and breezy, clean and beautiful! Veron was a fabulous tour guide and the use of the car made the vacation perfect as we were able to drive everywhere. St. Lucia is an awesome island and we are definitely going to return and stay at Villa Zatarra. Thank you!

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Beautiful Villa Zatarra!

Guest: Jenni W.
Date of Stay: 03/30/12 Review Submitted: 04/07/12

We had the most amazing time in St. Lucia and a lot of it was due to our stay at Villa Zatarra! It is an amazing villa inside and out! So open and airy and bright and clean. Veron (the owner) was so helpful showing us around, arranging for David "Big Runner" to take us to and from the airport and arranging for the use of the car was perfect - we drove everywhere! Don't be intimidated by driving - it only takes a day to get used to getting around. And Mary made our beds and straightened up for us every day so we were truly on vacation. When we come back to St. Lucia we will definitely stay at here again!

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

Relaxing stay at Viila Zatarra

Guest: katie h.
Date of Stay: 03/08/12 Review Submitted: 03/16/12

My partner and I both stayed at villa Zatarra for one week in March. The view from the Villa is gorgeous and we enjoyed relaxing by the pool.The owners were helpful and on hand at any time we required their assistance. The villa is spacious and the master bedroom and bathroom are lovely. If we did not go out to eat, the kitchen has everything needed to prepare meals. The villa is located in a fairly quiet area with a beach a 10 to 15 minute walk. We hired a jeep with help from Veron and Rob (owners) to explore the island. I recommend the villa to anyone wanting to get away and relax but also have the option to go and see the island life of St Lucia, We will definitely be back to visit the villa again.

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Perfection

Guest: Jon K.
Date of Stay: 02/17/12 Review Submitted: 02/26/12

When we entered through the mahogany wooden gates, the sound of the waterfall spilling into the pool set the perfect tone for a relaxing vacation. The owner was there to greet us with a warm smile and a chilled bottle of wine. The website photos do not do enough to show the calming decor, or capture how the room layout finishes and colors flow together. The master bed and bathroom are exquisite - especially the private terrace that overlooks the green golf course which is offset by the blue waters. A great spot for morning coffee or an afternoon nap on the hammock. Though not as grand as the master, the second bed and bathrooms exceed that of any fine resort rooms. If we did not go out to one of the fantastic restaurants for dinner, the kitchen has everything needed to prepare a fine meal. We would eat outside with some candle light while listening to one of Zi's jazz records. The owner took time to drive us around Cap Estate and Rodney Bay to show us the various beaches and restaurants. After that, we used the SUV to explore on our own. Veron was also very helpful with booking tours, and would always follow up to make sure things we're going as planned to make sure our trip was just what we wanted. The last notable little perks provided by the Villa are wi-fi, coffee maker and cell phone. Villa zatarra was amazing and made our vacation perfect. We are recommending these accommodations to anyone planning a trip to the Caribbean, and will stay there when we return.

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It's an amazing rental!

Guest: Michel K.
Date of Stay: 01/04/12 Review Submitted: 02/01/12

My wife, my 5 yo son and I stayed at Villa Zatarra for 3 weeks in January 2012. We paid a reasonable extra and rented the jeep of the owners. We are "discerning" travelers, I would even say difficult ones in the sense that our standards are high. I will not repeat here all the nice things written in the previous reviews, but I will only say that they are all true, and more. Quite frankly, compared to other options on the Island (luxury hotels or similar villas) this particular property offers a really great ratio quality/price and, as a bonus, the owners are quite helpful whenever you have questions or special needs.

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A great time in St. Lucia

Guest: Terry G.
Date of Stay: 12/03/11 Review Submitted: 01/04/12

Villa Zatarra is everything the other reviewers say it is. It's a beautiful home, and it did feel like a home, and it is in a great location. It's away from what business there is in St. Lucia, but it is an easy drive into Rodney Bay. We rented the 4x4 from Veron, and she was so kind to drive us around showing us where the stores and restaurants were. Thank you Veron! We had a relaxing vacation, making most of our meals at the villa which was well equiped. I also agree tha Big Runner (David) was super. He met us at the airport and made us feel very welcome to the country. When he couldn't drive us back at the end of the trip himself, he arranged for another driver who suddenly stopped in the middle of the island. There was David parked on the other side of the road so he could say goodbye to us before we left. We mostly snorkeled, but we did the Segway Tour too and it far exceeded our expecations. The Segways are easy to ride and a good way to get into the jungle a bit and see the views from up high. We were very happy with our stay and highly recommend Villa Zatarra!

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Great Wedding/Honeymoon

Guest: Wes (Folsom, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/12/11 Review Submitted: 11/01/11

My wife and I just returned from our destination wedding in St. Lucia. We were very fortunate to come upon Villa Zatarra. It is as nice as it seems and more. The villa is very well kept and clean. The view to the Atlantic is very nice and soothing. We would definitely stay there again, and hope to very soon. Veron was extremely accommodating and very helpful with anything we needed. She and Mary (the nicest housekeeper in St. Lucia) went above and beyond with everything and had very nice touches to make the special time for my wife and I that much nicer. With the villa on the northern part of the island, driving is necessary if you want to venture into town or other parts of the island. Veron works with a local cab driver and he was fantastic. Bigg Runner (David) was super accommodating and was a lifesaver when it came to shuttling our wedding party to the ceremony. He was our guy when it came to going somewhere, just call him and he was there shortly. David was nice enough to call us when we got home to ensure that we had a good time and made it home safely. All in all, we would recommend this to anyone that is interested. Some of the wedding guests came by to visit and all of them loved it! It is a very relaxing villa and you can't go wrong. We hope to visit again very soon! Thank you Veron, Mary and David!

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

Wonderful Home!

Guest: Mark P. (-)
Date of Stay: 06/01/11 Review Submitted: 08/31/11

My wife and I very much enjoyed the home. It was interesting, decorated well, and very clean. It was close to the beaches and to the town for restaurants and shopping. The owners were very kind and thoughtful and acomodating to the point of taking their personal time to show us the "secret" beaches! All in all we would give this home very high marks, and we are well traveled people who have enjoyed the best.

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

Awesome

Guest: Rodah (Dubai, UAE)
Date of Stay: 05/05/11 Review Submitted: 05/12/11

Had an Awesome time at the Villa, It's a true home away from home. Lots of space, great view and great Location and definitely very Romantic. Thanx Veron and Rob for being such good Hosts...

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

Perfection!

Guest: Carissa K.
Date of Stay: 03/23/11 Review Submitted: 09/22/11

Villa Zatarra is even more gorgeous in person, if you could possibly imagine that! It is sparkling clean (very important to two American women in thier 50s), private and secluded enough for us to feel absolutlely safe the entire week during our "sister vacation". From the moment we inquired about the villa, Veron and Rob were the perfect hosts, providing everything and anything we needed to accommodate our desires and make our stay comfortable, beginning with their friend Dave picking us up at the airport, arriving to a complimentary bottle of wine, and including a private tour of the Cap Estate and town area by Veron. The available cell phone was so convenient which we used to contact Veron whenever we had a question and to call our local friends, as well as to call for Dave's taxi services throughout the week. He brought us to the gardens, drive in volcano, Pitans, grocery shopping and to many evening events, and always took great care to see that we were comfortable, safe and having fun. What a great guy! We loved lounging around the beautiful private plunge pool, and having drinks and munchies on the upper bedroom balcony. What a view! A quick walk down the hillside on the road brought us to our favorite beach location, the beach at the Cotton Bay Resort. Oftentimes we were the only people on the beach and the swimming was divine. We enjoyed watching the kite surfers and the horseback riders there as well. You can enjoy drinks at the Cotton Bay outside bar and lunch or dinner at their beachside dining area. A quick walk back up the hill (or 5$ taxi ride if you are lazy after a long day in the sun) brings you back to the breezes and airconditioned bedrooms of the villa. The cleaning service throughout the week and the offering of laundry service if desired were delightful conveniences for us. There is so much more to do than I describe here, but we were content to just be laid back in our paradise of Villa Zatarra in gorgeous St. Lucia. But just be sure to go see Rob if he is performing on the island during your stay. He is a wonderful musician - you will love his music and performance! Can't say enough about our trip - it was perfection thanks to Villa Zatarra, Veron and Rob!

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

In a word... exceptional

Guest: Bryant (Fayetteville, NC)
Date of Stay: 03/08/11 Review Submitted: 03/23/11

It is always nice to go to new places and wind up feeling like you are in good hands. This was certainly the case during our stay at Villa Zatarra. A driver was arranged for our pickup at the airport and he was our "go to guy" throughout our stay. Bigg Runner can tell/show you all things local and is always willing to please. Upon arrival at the villa, our hostess Veron was there to greet us and show us the ropes. We were immediately stunned to say the least. The villa offered so much it is hard to categorize. From the exceptional view, gourmet kitchen, glamour baths, to the luxurious master suite, there was not one thing we wanted for during our stay. Veron was the BEST, even taking us on a tour of Cap Estate and inviting us to hear her husband, Rob, sing/play sax at Buzz Restaurant in Rodney Bay. Gratefully,Veron was willing to help us coordinate nearly everything we did on and off the island. She has a top notch operation and I would go to St. Lucia no other way. This was the honeymoon of which my wife and I had dreamed. If looking for your Caribbean vacation destination, look no further. You have found it!!

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

Peace, Love & Serenity

Guest: Scott and Lora (Winona, Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 01/29/11 Review Submitted: 02/28/11

Villa Zatarra is absolutey breath takingly beautiful, everything in this villa has been hand picked by the owners, Rob & Veron, to be stunning, attractive, & very pleasing to the eye of every-guests who enter. Very well maintained and comes with the most wonderful cleaning staff of one, "Mary" yes, one, woman does the work of four! We spent alot of time at the Villa and why not, Veron made sure we had everyting, we were in paradise. We had 23 "never to forget" wonderful days in paradise. We love, love, love, this place and the Taylor family. We will be back again and again and again. Love & Miss You Villa Zatarra Family :) Scott and Lora Abramson from Winona, MN

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

Awesome little hideaway

Guest: Sim (Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/19/11 Review Submitted: 08/19/11

We stayed there in Jan of 2011. The house is nice and clean and a lot larger than we thought from pictures. The pool was big enough to keep our daughter busy in. The owners are great they arranged for a lady to come give massages the day we arrived which was an awesome way to start our trip after a long flight. We were very happy that we were picked up from the airport I don't know if we would have found it on our own the first night. We had an awesome time in St. Lucia and would recommend this home to anyone. It is out of the way so a car rental or car and driver rental in a must.

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

New fans of Villa Zatarra

Guest: ZatarraFans (Alexandria, VA and Fayetteville, NC, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/18/10 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

Staying at Villa Zatarra was a huge part of our St. Lucia experience for my husband, sister, and me. The house was beyond our expectations and even better than the pictures. The villa is spacious and beautifully furnished. We especially loved the comfy day bed, hammock, pool, peaceful atmosphere, and gorgeous views of lush green landscape, tropical flowers, and the Atlantic Ocean. The kitchen is well stocked with spices, tea, serve ware, and most appliances. Other nice touches include a local cell phone, wireless Internet service, daily housekeeping, cable TV, AC in the bedrooms, electronic safe, hairdryers, converters, tourism resources, and books left by past visitors. The housekeeper was attentive and respected our privacy by cleaning after we left for the day. Veron and Rob were very gracious proprietors. From the moment we sent our first inquiry, Rob and Veron could not have been more helpful. They quickly responded to our emails and were extremely welcoming. Veron greeted us the night we arrived and was accommodating when our plane was delayed. We enjoyed Veron’s driving tour of the neighborhood, complete with the best beaches to visit, stunning views, and her favorite espresso shop. She and Rob have deep roots in the community, so they can offer plenty of recommendations of places to visit or eat. Besides sharing a local’s opinion about restaurants, Veron helped us make some arrangements. The villa is in a great location – about a 5 minute drive to Rodney Bay. It is in a mostly residential area called Cap Estate near several nice resorts. You can take advantage of these resort’s well-kept beach areas (we enjoyed The Landing’s beach because of its Pigeon Island view and complementary lounge chairs/umbrellas).It is near two grocery stores, so we stocked up on breakfast food, snacks, and drinks. Rodney Bay has countless restaurants of all varieties, night spots and the marina, which is the departure point for some boat tours. Since our trip had more rain than expected, we appreciated having plenty of space to stretch out while waiting for the rain to stop. Be sure to rent a car so you can visit other parts of the island. Besides adjusting to driving on the left side of the road, we had no problems getting around or finding parking. We highly recommend Villa Zatarra and can’t thank the Taylors enough for their hospitality. Our one regret? We were unable to see Rob perform! Maybe next time…

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

New fans of Villa Zatarra

Guest: ZatarraFans (Alexandria, VA and Fayetteville, NC, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/18/10 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

Staying at Villa Zatarra was a huge part of our St. Lucia experience for my husband, sister, and me. The house was beyond our expectations and even better than the pictures. The villa is spacious and beautifully furnished. We especially loved the comfy day bed, hammock, pool, peaceful atmosphere, and gorgeous views of lush green landscape, tropical flowers, and the Atlantic Ocean. The kitchen is well stocked with spices, tea, serve ware, and most appliances. Other nice touches include a local cell phone, wireless Internet service, daily housekeeping, cable TV, AC in the bedrooms, electronic safe, hairdryers, converters, tourism resources, and books left by past visitors. The housekeeper was attentive and respected our privacy by cleaning after we left for the day. Veron and Rob were very gracious proprietors. From the moment we sent our first inquiry, Rob and Veron could not have been more helpful. They quickly responded to our emails and were extremely welcoming. Veron greeted us the night we arrived and was accommodating when our plane was delayed. We enjoyed Veron’s driving tour of the neighborhood, complete with the best beaches to visit, stunning views, and her favorite espresso shop. She and Rob have deep roots in the community, so they can offer plenty of recommendations of places to visit or eat. Besides sharing a local’s opinion about restaurants, Veron helped us make some arrangements. The villa is in a great location – about a 5 minute drive to Rodney Bay. It is in a mostly residential area called Cap Estate near several nice resorts. You can take advantage of these resort’s well-kept beach areas (we enjoyed The Landing’s beach because of its Pigeon Island view and complementary lounge chairs/umbrellas).It is near two grocery stores, so we stocked up on breakfast food, snacks, and drinks. Rodney Bay has countless restaurants of all varieties, night spots and the marina, which is the departure point for some boat tours. Since our trip had more rain than expected, we appreciated having plenty of space to stretch out while waiting for the rain to stop. Be sure to rent a car so you can visit other parts of the island. Besides adjusting to driving on the left side of the road, we had no problems getting around or finding parking. We highly recommend Villa Zatarra and can’t thank the Taylors enough for their hospitality. Our one regret? We were unable to see Rob perform! Maybe next time…

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

Awesome place!

Guest: Sybillo (Manhattan, NY, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/16/10 Review Submitted: 03/31/11

I have stayed at many non-resort accomodations before and i must say this place is by far the BEST. The owners are readily avilable and accessible. The villa is beautifully decorated The view is breathtaking The furnishings are gorgeous, remninds me of stuff i saw in Bali Lots to do although truth be told.......you never really want to leave the villa.

Owner response:Thanks for your review Sybil, So gald you share the same sentiments as all our guests that have stayed at our villa. It was a pleasure to accommodate you and hope to see you again. Don't forget to tell all your friends about us!! Power of the word!!

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

Paradise for a week...

Guest: Jackie & Robin (Dallas, TX)
Date of Stay: 10/14/10 Review Submitted: 10/25/10

Wow…In this instance, what you see is indeed what you get. The villa was exactly as the pictures depicted on the website. From first contact Veron was very responsive and answered all my inquiries quickly and in-depth. I had arranged for a helicopter transfer and she was kind enough to confirm for me. Veron arranged our ground transportation and David “Big Runner” was there to meet us when the helicopter arrived. He kindly let us make a quick stop at the supermarket and then whisked us to the villa. Veron was there to meet us and gave us the tour along with explanations for the cell, amenities etc. We decided to be adventurous and rented a car for a day which Veron arranged for and delivered to us and after a quick tour of the local area we set off to see some sites on our own. The view from the villa is outstanding and the beautiful sunrise encouraged us to get up early each morning to witness the spectacular sky. The pool was glorious and we spend many hours relaxing in it. In addition, the grounds were immaculate and as a plant lover I was truly in bliss as I took it all in daily. Although rustic in nature the villa is decorated in a delightful and very tasteful manner. The kitchen was fully outfitted and I was able to cook full meals without a problem. Numerous times we ventured down to Cas en Bas beach and even popped in to have brunch at the nearby Cotton Bay Village resort. We visited so many places on the island and did so many great activities that I can’t even begin to write about it, but it was always comforting to return to our peaceful haven each evening. Veron and Rob thanks for helping to make our 25th anniversary celebration a great one. The hospitality and everything else was superb…I get the feeling that we will definitely keep in touch.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

FUN IN PARADISE

Guest: Tommy & Anne (Boydton, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 09/24/10 Review Submitted: 10/10/10

It was love at first sight from the very moment we drove onto the beautiful Villa Zatarra grounds. Upon arrival, Veron gave us the grand tour of our own "private paradise" in paradise. The pictures online did not do justice to the actual beauty and feeling of tranquility and serenity one feels upon entering this awesome home-away-from-home. Veron knew that our family was celebrating three birthdays upon arrival, so she surprised us with a delicious birthday cake for us to enjoy on this special day! Veron & Rob certainly put a lot of attention to architectual detail with ornately carved wood, stonework and lovely furnishings with complimenting decor. "Breathtaking" in one word!!! Many thanks to Mary, the villa housekeeper, who worked hard to keep every area clean & tidy throughout our stay. We enjoyed the open-air style of the first level allowing the ocean breezes to blow throughout, yet spoiled with the luxury of the air-conditioned bedrooms. The relaxing pool with its lovely waterfall feature was one of our favorite spots which was enjoyed any time of day from morning breakfast to star-gazing at night. Several afternoons we opted to rest by the pool after busy mornings of scuba diving or snorkeling. Also we enjoyed the attached patio--perfect for grilling out on those nights you felt a little too tired to venture out to the numerous surrounding restaurants. The upstairs balcony was the perfect get-away for lazy time in the hammock or capturing your perfect sunrise photo overlooking Cas en Bas and the surrounding St.Lucia Golf Resort. Rob, a local celebrity/musician, was so kind to arrange for us to attend one of his saxophone performances at a nearby resort! Words cannot describe how talented he is---every note played from the heart & soul--quite inspirational for those of us who appreciate that the live performance shows the true quality of a great musician. We were delighted when Rob & his son presented us with his CD "Rise Up" as a going-away gift! Adding more excitement, we extended our stay an extra 3 days since the villa was fortunately available. This gave us time to complete our list of many activities that are a "must" for first timers to St.Lucia, such as rainforest ziplining, climbing the Pitons, & visiting such historic sites as the drive-in volcano, mineral springs, & botanical gardens via a fun catamaran tour. Many thanks to Veron & Rob whose hospitality was outstanding! We truly feel we made lifetime friends whom we shall never forget!

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

Spectacular Vacation Destination

Guest: Ian & Jess (New York, New York)
Date of Stay: 09/17/10 Review Submitted: 09/24/10

I don't even know where to begin. Villa Zatarra is THE most impressive vacation destination my girlfriend and I have visited in our lives, and we travel a lot. I am writing this moments after we arrived home, because I couldn't wait to get the word out. Every aspect of our stay (save the the weather on one day) was perfect. The villa, which i understand the owners', Rob and his wife Veron, designed themselves, was so beautiful, we hardly wanted to leave the property. My favorite moments of the trip may have been just sitting with Jess by the pool and taking in the view. With that said, when we did explore the island, we had detailed directions (Veron arranged a rental vehicle for us to drive) to nearby sights, beaches, great restaurants and bars. We took a tour of the island with BiggRunner (a great guy, recommened by Rob and Veron, affordable, hilarious, knowledgeable), and saw some stunning views. Without a doubt, the absolute highlight for me (a huge live music fan) was the opportunity to see Rob (again, the owner) play sax. The guy is just über talented, and if you get the chance to see him play, it is imperative that you take advantage. Thanks so much for the wonderful week. Can't wait to go back!

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

Villa Zatarra Rocks!

Guest: Jennifer K. (Dallas, Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/22/10 Review Submitted: 07/30/10

We have nothing but great things to say about Villa Zatarra. The villa was beautifully appointed and situated perfected in Cap Estate with a breathtaking view of Cas en Bas and St. Lucia Golf Resort & Country Club. From the moment we arrived in St. Lucia we were taken care of like family by our hosts, housekeeper and driver. Veron was at the villa when we arrived and gave us the grand tour of the villa. She graciously provided a cell phone for us to use and made sure we felt comfortable in our home away from home. The villa was kept very clean and our laundry was done by Mary, the villa's housekeeper. David/"Big Runner", met us at the airport and shuttled us around the island during our stay. He treated us with brief history lessons of the island while in his care. He also made sure we tasted some of the best Creole cuisine the island had to offer. His services were invaluable and much appreciated. Be sure to stretch your legs and walk to Cas en Bas, it's worth the two small hills. The zip lining was a blast as was scuba/snorkeling with Scuba Steve. The water falls are freezing, but worth the intense massage given by the water falling. Ask about visiting the rum distillery, but be sure you're a fan of rum because there are so many varieties to taste! We could go on and on about how amazing Villa Zatarra is, but we'd run out of words to describe it. Just book it and know that you'll be staying at a beautiful villa, lovingly built and cared for by two very special people.

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

An Amazing Honeymoon

Guest: DeRon & Chavonne (Mitchellville, MD, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/16/10 Review Submitted: 07/22/10

We arrived late at night to St. Lucia being greeted by our tour guide for our Honeymoon, "Big Runner" who set the tone for what was to be an experience that we'd never forget. Once we arrived at the Villa, Veron welcomed us in and immediately made us feel at home. Instantly we fell in love with the breathtaking Villa! Veron and Rob have taken their time to cut out a small portion of paradise for everyone to enjoy. We spent a lot of time at the Villa and exploring St. Lucia. I can't say enough about Big Runner. If ever you wanted to meet a friend in St. Lucia, it would be him. His vast knowledge of the island makes him more valuable than any pamphlet or map could ever be. And to be celebrating our honeymoon during Carnival was an added bonus we didn't even expect. Veron is an angel! She made our honeymoon so special by going out of her way to make sure we were accommodated. The cutest gesture came from her daughter who placed a heart of flowers on our bed. And the added honeymoon gift that she surprised us with was unbelievable. She walked us through every inch of the home and made sure we were comfortable before she departed. We can't thank her enough for all her efforts. We took a walk down to the beach, had breakfast at the resort restaurant, and wrote our name in the sand. Every curve of the island lead us to discover something new. Veron recommended we take in the market early on Saturday morning, which we did, and spent hours there sampling different fruit, and having lunch in the alley! Yummy! Also, take in the Zip-lines in the Rain Forrest, and go jet skiing in Rodney's Bay! Although we had to cut our trip short by a day, there is nothing different that we would have done! The Villa Zatarra is amazing! We left St. Lucia feeling we made bonds that would last forever. The people of St. Lucia were all so very nice. If you get the opportunity to stay, please do so! Enjoy the Villa by sitting on the deck at night watching the stars, grilling on the open pitt grill, or just relaxing in the room! Thank you Veron and "Big Runner" for making our Honeymoon the cornerstone of what our love is to become in the future. We will always cherish our time in St. Lucia and look forward to returning! GOD Bless!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Villa Zatarra- a GREAT place to stay!

Guest: Bruce (Bakersfield, California, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/15/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

Our recent visit to St. Lucia was incredible- largely in part to our lovely accomodations at Villa Zatarra. Rob & Veron are so warm & inviting- Veron was even waiting for us at the villa with ice cold Piton Lagers (the must-try local beer)! After such a long flight, that was a real delight! The villa itself is wonderful- the constant ocean breeze blows through the first floor & the views are second to none. The pool was very refreshing (it was used daily) & we were even able to cook using the built-in barbeque one evening. The rooms are both large and air conditioned. The kitchen came equipped with everything needed to cook complete meals at home (we did do that on occasion!) & the decor (courtesy of Veron) was absolutely wonderful! Our driver (arranged by the owners), David "Big Runner", was GREAT! Very knowledgeable about the history of the island & his sense of humor was good as well! He really made some great calls with local eateries & suggestions for places to visit. All-in-all, a wonderful experience- the villa is beautiful, very well kept & we even had our laundry done during our stay (thanks Mary!). The location is great- a short walk to Cas en Bas (beach) or the St. Lucia golf club & a short drive to Rodney Bay (lots of good eateries & night life). We would recommend Villa Zatarra for your vacation experience in St. Lucia & do hope to get there again for a repeat visit! Thanks again to Rob, Veron, "Big Runner" & Mary for making our vacation the best it could be!

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

Villa Zatarra - what a wonderful world!!

Guest: Texan Cowboys (Dallas, Texas USA)
Date of Stay: 07/05/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

Villa Zatarra was absolutely beautiful, clean, and easily accomodated our family of five. Veron (owner) did a fabulous job of decorating and the villa was a refuge and sanctuary every time we entered. The views were breathaking, with tropical flowers, plants, and of course, the sea. As a bonus, "Mary" the housekeeper ensured that the house was tidy everyday and our laundry was kept clean- a perfect way to truly relax on vacation. Our children enjoyed the swimming pool and Veron was kind enough to bring her children and their friends over to help our son celebrate his birthday with a outdoor cookout, pool party, and birthday cake-a birthday he will never forget. One special treat was that Veron arranged for a massage at the Villa on the balcony overlooking the sea and tropical gardens.... Veron and Rob (owners) invited our family to one of Rob's performances one evening and they gave us his CD to bring home as a souvenir. We continue to listen to Rob's smooth tropical jazz and the music takes us back to our wonderful vacation everytime we hear a note. Veron and Rob were wonderful to work with-very professional, helpful, and welcoming and we would higly recommend Villa Zatarra to anyone looking for the perfect tropical getaway. Thank you for everything! We miss you Rob, Veron, Zanaii and Kyai!! (Lucky, too!)

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

Breathtaking Villa

Guest: Anne H. (Hanover, PA, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10 Review Submitted: 06/23/10

Villa Zatarra was extraordinary to say the least. The pictures on the website are beautiful but in person, it is even more so. It was hard to tear ourselves away from the Villa to tour the Island, which is absolutely magnificent. It was a very short drive from the Villa to Rodney Bay where the restaurants were as fantastic as the beaches. The owner's were gracious and went out of their way to accomodate our every need. There was nothing we lacked and each day was a new adventure as we sampled the exquisite cuisine and explored the culture that is uniquely St. Lucia.

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

Perfect 20th anniversary vacation

Guest: james v. (Md not far from DC)
Date of Stay: 04/19/10 Review Submitted: 04/28/10

My wife and I recently celebrated out 20th anniversary staying at VIlla Zatarra; we were thrilled with the accommodations at the villa. The listing on VRBO is quite accurate; in fact, the pictures do not do it justice as it is more beautiful than one can imagine. The property was well maintained as the housekeeper comes in everyday (except Sunday). Owners Rob and Veron were very helpful in answering our questions and concerns, and Mr. Cosmas, our guide and chauffeur for the week, couldn't have been nicer. I would recommend this property to friends and relatives; my wife has commented that she would like to go back to Villa Zatarra. You can take a short walk to the Cas En Bas beach (about 20 minutes) and lounge at one of two places when you get there. We also visited Smuggler's Cove (great beach but the walk back up the hill is very tiring) and the two (2) beaches on Pigeion Island. We also went zip lining at the Rainforest (about a 30 minute ride) and that was wonderful (even though my wife and I are over 50). There are many restaurants close by in Rodney Bay; our favorite was the Big Chef Steakhouse - unbelievable food. We also like Key Largo Italian Restaurant for an afternoon pizza and also had a lovely meals at Spinnakers and the Lime. Our only (very big) disappointment was going to the Edge, a french restaurant, where the portions are miniscule (bring your magnifying glasses) and extremely overpriced. It was our 20th anniversary celebration which the Edge staff was aware of; they didn't wish us happy anniversary once. The staff was actually unpleasant and impersonal; I had to find the waitress twice for questions. Nevertheless, our stay was wonderful; can't blame Rob and Veron for the Edge (it was Mr. Cosmas' only mistake all week) - it was our choice to go there. We will hopefully come back soon to Villa Zatarra and enjoy another ten days of bliss.

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

Wonderful Place

Guest: DJ@DJ (NY)
Date of Stay: 04/17/10 Review Submitted: 05/03/10

I stayed at this villa for 7days and I am already clearing my calendar to return. The decor is AMAZING! 1. Location: well placed, close to everything 2. Safety: We felt safe, the place has a great security system which we never turned on 3. Facilities: The pool is GORGEOUS, rooma are well decorated and there is a view of the oces from all angles 4. Owners: The husband and wife team are very friendly, all our needs were met, they even invited us to go out with them since the husband is a celebrity musician on the island My overall view of the place: your little paradise on an island paradise. There were days we never left the villa; there was no need to. Absolutely breathtaking.

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

Villa Zatarra, a wonderful experience

Guest: Scotlad (Scotland UK)
Date of Stay: 04/15/10 Review Submitted: 04/30/10

We could not have been happier staying here. The villa was extremely comfortable and had every facility advertised and everything needed. The pool was glorious and so warm; the patio large and comfortable on the loungers, both in the sun, and in the shade of the palm covered area. The lounge / living area was so well furnished and the fully fitted kitchen was a delight to use for the times we didn't use the barbecue or go out to eat. Both bedrooms were ensuite and so cool with the AC. The furniture and fittings in the bedrooms and bathrooms were to an excellent standard and the shaded balcony outside the upstairs bedroom with its "oh so decadent" hammock and furniture made a complete suite of the upstairs. The views from the balcony as well as from the pool and the patio, over the golf course and down to Cas en Bas beach were stunning. While we were there, we rented a car from the owners, at a very competitive price, so we were able to wander off and sample all the delights of the island, from the restaurants to the beaches and everywhere. We followed Mr Taylor's advice on where to visit " off the beaten track" - places like Anse la Raye for the Friday fish evening, around all the small roads around the Pitons and the rain forest. We went on the Sunset Cruise out of Anse Chastanet followed by an exhilarating fast Water Taxi, in the dark, back to Castries. The pool and the Villa were kept superbly clean by Mr Taylor' and his staff, leaving us to enjoy ourselves. Having stayed at many places throughout the Caribbean I can truly recommend Villa Zatarra as a wonderful place to stay on vacation. Places to recommend :- The beach all along Rodney Bay, Cas en Bas beach ( very shallow), scuba or snorkelling at Anse Chastanet, Castries street market, Rituals at Rodney Bay anytime ( but especially on a Friday evening), Gros Islet Experience late Friday night, and so many other restaurants and places too numerous to mention. However, reserve at least a couple of evenings to spend "at home", relaxing and barbecuing in the dark, dipping in the pool and having a few Rum and Cokes or Piton beer, listening to the crickets and the tree frogs. You will really enjoy yourselves.

Owner response:Thank you very much, I believe that you enjoyed your stay alot!

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

Hermen and Marianna (Bermuda)

Guest: HSMS (Bermuda)
Date of Stay: 04/07/10 Review Submitted: 05/08/10

We could have not chosen a better villa to spend our vacation in St lucia. Although we did not get the opportunity to meet the owners Veron and Rob, the villa, its amanities, the hospitality from Chris (Rob's brother) and Cosmas, significantly exceeded our expectation. The promptness of Veron and Robert in providing us with all details was exceptional. They have done an excellent job with the villa, you get that cosy and comforting feeling as soon as you walk in. We absolutely loved it. We will definitely be back next year for the Jazz festival. Thank you so much Veron and Rob, take care and see you next year.

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway.

ExcellentGreat vacation home

Guest: orange50 (Calgary Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/25/10 Review Submitted: 04/26/10

ExcellentGreat vacation home jimjar Calgary, AB, Canada Review Submitted: April 18, 2010 Date of Stay: February 2010 During our three week holiday on St. Lucia, Villa Zatarra was the perfect home away from home. Owners Rob and Veron have created a beautifully designed, open air style retreat with all the amenities you need to create a great vacation. We spent many hours lounging by the pool, reading in the hammock and enjoying the ocean breeze and sunrises from the deck off the master bedroom. Rob and Veron went the extra mile to make sure we felt welcome and that we had a good orientation to the area in order to take advantage of the many excellent restaurants, beaches, kite surfing and the music scene. We’d highly recommend this home for your holiday. Enjoy.

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

Great vacation home

Guest: jimjar (Calgary, AB, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/25/10 Review Submitted: 04/18/10

During our three week holiday on St. Lucia, Villa Zatarra was the perfect home away from home. Owners Rob and Veron have created a beautifully designed, open air style retreat with all the amenities you need to create a great vacation. We spent many hours lounging by the pool, reading in the hammock and enjoying the ocean breeze and sunrises from the deck off the master bedroom. Rob and Veron went the extra mile to make sure we felt welcome and that we had a good orientation to the area in order to take advantage of the many excellent restaurants, beaches, kite surfing and the music scene. We’d highly recommend this home for your holiday. Enjoy.

Owner response:Thanks so much for your review of our villa Jim and Stephanie. It was a real pleasure having you stay and getting to know you guys so well. I hope we can visit you all one day in Canada aswell as find you a nice property down here for you to move to. Keep in touch and keep practicing that trumpet!! One Love Rob & Veron

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

Guest: Cheryl KIngston (Charlton, MA)
Date of Stay: 01/15/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

My husband and I truly enjoyed our stay at Villa Zatara. The villa and it's grounds are so aesthetically pleasing you feel the need to walk around to catch it at different angles. The views of the ocean are wonderful along with the soothing ocean breezes. My favorite was lounging in the hammock on the upstairs balcony, what a relaxing pleasure. We spend many a day at the local Almond Bay Beach (a true jewel). Check it out and ask for Miguel at the oceanfront bar. You will enjoy this villa and St. Lucia. The worst part about St. Lucia is having to leave.

Owner response:Thanks for your lovely response Cheryl. We are really happy you guys had a good time. I spoke to the fish guy today and he was really grateful for the sales. Fresh fish delivered to your door daily..it cant get better than that. We'd love to have you back anytime. Have a great year!! Rob & Veron

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Guest: Kathryn18 (New York City)
Date of Stay: 01/06/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/10

The beautiful caring family that owns and keeps this house is the big surprise for any family (or even couple) who is lucky enough to spend time in St. Lucia. Villa Zatarra is a bit of a dream to stay at, even for a moment in time. Don't miss this lovely well appointed nest with a view (above a golf course) to the the sea!

Owner response:A poetic review!! Thankyou Kathryn, it was a pleasure to meet you all and spend time with you guys parasailing. I'm really glad that you got the chance to do it. Have a wonderful 2010 and I hope we get to see you all again, perhaps in your neck of the woods next time!! NAMASTE......:)

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Guest: andrew and jannie fipps (raleigh, nc)
Date of Stay: 07/08/09 Review Submitted: 07/08/09

my wife and I just returned from our wonderful honeymoon on St Lucia. The people, beaches, restaurants, and bars were all spectacular, but what made it an unforgettable trip was Villa Zatarra and it's great owners Rob and Veron. The pictures don't even do it justice (sorry rob). They have carefully combined character and cozy, with authentic luxury. I could write on and on about this villa and how it surpassed our expectations but it would be easier to say that; if you are traveling to St Lucia, or the caribbean for that matter, and you stay anywhere else you have made a mistake. Thanks guys for our best vacation yet!

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Guest: Peter & Barb (Calgary, AB Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/25/09 Review Submitted: 05/25/09

We just returned from a three week vacation to Villa Zatarra also known as paradise. There were 4 of us on this exquisite retreat. The villa is fabulous. We would start our day by enjoying our morning coffee by the private pool and finish it on the deck with a glass of wine under the stars. The villa is spacious and beautifully decorated thanks to Veron. It comes complete with everything you could want. We prepared many a meal in the large kitchen. Rob and Veron look after your every need including arranging for massages on the upstairs balcony, pure decadance! St Lucia is a beautiful island and when we could pull ourselves away from the villa we spent many hours exoploring this wonderful place. Stay at Villa Zatarra you will not be disappointed. Thank you Rob and Veron for allowing us the pleasure of making your villa home. We would love to come back!!!

Owner response:Thanks for your lovely comment guys. It was a pleasure to have you all stay at our villa and we're very happy to know you enjoyed it as much as you did. You're welcome back anytime. Rob & Veron

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Guest: The Sandberg Family (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 04/23/09 Review Submitted: 04/23/09

We’ve just returned from a week at fabulous Villa Zatarra. Rob and Veron are very gracious hosts. The wonderfully decorated villa was exactly what we were looking for: quiet, secluded and immaculate. We spent our days by the small pool (with a great view of the ocean) and then nights in town for dinner. Rob and Veron had a car available for day trips exploring the island. The kitchen was perfect for cooking the few meals we prepared. One of the highlights of the stay was listening to Rob play his saxophone during brunch at one of the local resorts. Our fourteen-year-old daughter, Lucia, was delighted to visit her namesake island and is more than ready for a return visit. So are we. It was truly a great time.

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Guest: Sue Gowar (Surrey, UK)
Date of Stay: 03/06/09 Review Submitted: 03/06/09

My husband and I have just returned from a two week holiday at this beautiful villa. Our son and daughter in law joined us for a week and we all agreed that this is a very special place. The views across the golf course to the sea are magnificent and we loved the peace and privacy that this villa offers. The villa itself is beautifully furnished and very well equipped. We shall be back!

Owner response:Thanks Sue, it was a pleasure meeting you and your family, and really hope to see you all again sometime soon...

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Guest: Mena Family (Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/17/09 Review Submitted: 02/17/09

Our short stay at Villa Zatarra added years to our lives and left us completely rejuvenated from the cold Canadian winter. The entire ambiance of Villa Zatarra, was spectacular....the views, the ocean, the nearby beaches, the breezes, the pool, the well cared for garden and Veron's Balinese inspired decorating touches. The sumptuous decor created an aura of relaxation and exquisite living. I look forward to seeing Villa Zatarra on the next cover of Maco (a Caribbean Lifestyle magazine)! We will definitely be back for a longer visit next time.

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Guest: Margaret Smith2 (Scotland)
Date of Stay: 12/11/08 Review Submitted: 12/11/08

What a wonderful place to stay. There were four of us. The owners,Rob and Veron Taylor were so welcoming. They made our stay absolutely the best that anyone could have had. The main bedroom upstairs with a wonderful balcony, hammock etc was so comfortable, well presented and with the AC, was so comfortable for a cool night. Our friends in the other bedroom were equally comfortable with the AC and the wonderfully comfortable bed. The TV's in each room were superfluous to the wonderful atmosphere ( although we did check that they gave all the channels) The living areas,so wide, spacious and comfortable were an area to entertain in, or just simply relax in.The fully fitted kitchen had everything we needed to do whatever we wanted. Outside, the pool and sundecks were the ideal places for sunbathing and relaxing, the pool so gorgeous to cool off and splash around. We so enjoyed all the colours from all the flowers around and we barbecued several nights under the shade of the palm covered patio. A truly wonderful experience. We could not recommend anywhere more highly than Rob and Veron's Villa, and we have stayed so many places both in the Caribbean, the States and Europe over the years. Please book it - you won't be disappointed. The views are something you will never forget.

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Guest: Sybillo (Manhattan, NY, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/04/08 Review Submitted: 07/04/08

This villa is superb, i was there for 2 weeks and decided to stay an additional week. The Taylors (the owners) are great, they totally cater to your needs. The views from the villa are beyond words. I would have a cup of coffee in a rocking chair on the deck in the morning followed by a run next to the golf course. The afternoons i spent sun bathing by the pool and the evenings were strictly for a glass of wine while sitting out on the deck while enjoying that wonderful sea breeze. I would highly recommend the villa; they know i WILL be a returning guest! Thanks Rob and Veron for such a wonderful time!

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