Excellent base for independent holiday in St Lucia

Guest: DWHandMJH (UK)
Date of Stay: 01/22/12 Review Submitted: 02/05/12

We were looking for somewhere, non-resort, for an independently arranged holiday. Cas en Bas was perfect. Well presented with pretty much everything you might need, including small but important things like wi-fi, safe, along with the bigger things like a plunge pool, fully equipped kitchen and sun terrace. Karen and Jerome were perfect hosts; available and responsive when required. Consider using Jerome's business - Israel King Water Taxis - we enjoyed a sunset cruise on our last evening. We ate well locally using Trip Advisor as our guide. We also explored some of the area finding remote beaches, but be warned, when they tell you the road is rough, they mean it - a proper 4x4 is required for some of them. Highly recomended. PS ATV Paradise tours are a blast !

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

St. Lucia Homecoming

Guest: George & Beth (Florida)
Date of Stay: 10/21/11 Review Submitted: 11/08/11

The owners (Karen & Jerome) are a true pleasure and their very clean apartment, located to the side and under the main house, is a peek into the "real" St. Lucia complete with the sights & sounds you would not find at a resort. The living room was comfortable, as was the bathroom. Apart from a low and somewhat hard bed, one is not really lacking in the amenities of a hotel suite.You will need a SUV to climb and navigate the hill and rough road up to the home. The location is ideal with all of the North's activities a short 5 minute drive away. Stock up at the nearby grocery store before arriving and then relax around the plunge pool and read yourself to sleep. We will recommend to family and friends.

Owner response:Hi George and Beth. Many thanks for your review. We are pleased you enjoyed your return to St. Lucia. We are sorry you found the bed to be a little low and hard. It does have a firm mattress as we know this is the preference of most guests. We would probably recommend that larger, taller guests (over 6'6") might find the higher and longer box spring mattress beds found in some hotels more comfortable. We have had no other complaints about the bed (in fact 3 reviewers - Christina from Ottawa, Rick & Starr and Vanessa & Tony have all commented on how comfortable the bed is!). We always recommend if guests are hiring a vehicle to take a small 4 x 4 (such as a Terios or Jimny) and are happy to to recommend hire companies. The main roads in St. Lucia are good, but side roads all over the island can be a bit rough (we are a small island!). With a 4 x 4 guests are not restricted where they can explore. As you mention we are very well located near to all the amenities and beaches in the north of the island. Many thanks for your recommendations! Update November 25th - our road has since been re-surfaced, so is no longer rough and bumpy!

Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers.

Low season ( Sept 11) was brilliant for us

Guest: Carolyn (Devon UK)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 10/27/11

Absolutely as described and previously reviewed. Helpful owners who kindly provide some of the basics- seasonings, herbs, washing up liquid and powder so you really don't need to bring it with you!. Very comfortable and relaxing fortnight during low season. Remember to ensure any hire cars have lockable wheel nuts- we didn't, guess the rest! High point of holiday was a wonderful day trip with the Jerome on his boat 'Israel King' down the western coast to the Pitons with snorkeling at two bays, lunch ashore in Soufriere and a spectacular sunset off Pigeon Island; would suggest doing when skin acclimatised to the sun. Rodney bay has some numerous restaurants to meet every taste, Fire Grill was our favourite. The 'jump up' in Gros Islet' is an experience; open air cooking, cold beers and live music, you just can't resist the beat. Don't park near the church- see above re wheels! Much better to ring Donald from Liquid Sunshine taxis and save the hassle. 4 weeks since return, tan starting to fade but the memories of fun in the sun remain fresh- many thanks :) :D

Owner response:Hi Carolyn and Paul. Thanks very much for the review. We are pleased you have many happy memories of your vacation here. Sorry you had the problem with your spare tyre at the Jump up in Gros Islet. Most hire companies do secure the spare either with lockable nuts or padlock (depending on its' location). But it is worth future guests checking. You are the first people in my 8 years here that I have heard have had this problem... It seems you were unlucky. Thanks for the kind comments about Jerome's tour with you. He endeavours to provide a full and fun packed day and we are pleased this was the hightlight of your holiday. Looking forward to seeing you again in 2013!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

CAS en BAS apt

Guest: DJ (Kennewick, WA USA)
Date of Stay: 10/03/11 Review Submitted: 10/19/11

This apt. was very comfortable and was everything it claimed to be. It was attractive, well maintained and had all the basics needed to cook simple meals. We very much appreciated the air conditioned bedroom and the plunge pool. The view of the surrounding hillsides and sunrises was lovely. The pool area was a great place to relax after our daily hikes around the northern part of the island. We didn't try to drive as we are not accustomed to driving on the left side of the road. Next time we will probably be braver and rent a 4x4, as walking up this steep hill everyday to reach our apt. was a work out for us. Taxis will bring you right to the gate, but not the local bus. It was about 1/2 mile trek at a steep climb from the nearest bus stop up to the apt. Karen and Jerome were very flexible and willing to accommodate our needs. We also appreciated the little extras like the cold beers in the fridge to get us started and even fresh flowers each week to enjoy. Thank you, Karen and Jerome!

Owner response:We are pleased you enjoyed your vacation. Many thanks for the review! Most of our guests do hire a vehicle and so far no one has had any problems! Those that do not, tend to walk down the hill in the morning to catch the bus, but take a taxi back at the end of the day! Or some guests just use taxis. You can actually take quite a few taxis for the day around the local area for the cost of a days car hire! But a lot of people like the convenience of having the car all the time and it's great to have for exploring further afield. We hope you will visit again!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers.

Serene and Authentic Experience!

Guest: ReRe (Connecticut, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/21/11 Review Submitted: 08/09/11

My husband and I stayed here for two weeks from July into August. From the moment we arrived, Jerome and Karen were wonderful "hosts" and were always there when we needed them. They have mastered the art of being available, while not being intrusive at all. The cell phone they provide is helpful and they always answered or returned our calls promptly. We relied on their input for a few excursions and ideas for travel and it was nice to have them as a resource. Jerome operates a water taxi service and he took us on a day trip the the Pitons. It was spectacular! The apartment is accurately depicted in the photos. It is spacious and secure. We appreciated the bars on the windows for extra safety since it is on ground level. However, the property itself is also secure, as it has a locking entry gate. The location is ideal because of the wonderful breeze that comes from the Atlantic Ocean. It is quite refreshing and keeps the property cool. Coming around and into the apartment, we were surprised by how refreshing the breeze was to us on a hot day! There is a nice view of the ocean and the shubbery around the patio is beautiful. The plunge pool was by far my favorite thing about this apartment (aside from the hosts)! We loved coming home from our daily excursion and having a cocktail in or near the pool. It gets nice afternoon sun and it is so tranquil. We did hear the neighbors from time to time, but that is to be expected in any neighborhood. We actually enjoyed the sounds of St. Lucia--especially the goats in the next yard. It was quite entertaining to hear them on their more active days. This never disrupted our stay, though. Lastly, we loved the "extra" things that were not expecting...These included: a Brita to filter the tap water, fresh cut flowers, fruit, bug spray, spices and seasonings to name a few. It was a pleasant surprise to find these things. We loved our stay and cannot believe what a bargain it was in comparison to other properties. We did rent a 4x4 and made great use of it it during our stay. There are some great beaches that are more hidden. Our favorite was Smugglers Beach. It has a hammock attached to a cliff over the ocean!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers.

Schöne komfortable Ferienwohnung

Guest: Karin (Basel, Switzerland)
Date of Stay: 07/06/11 Review Submitted: 07/26/11

Die moderne und sehr saubere Ferienwohnung ist ideal für einen ruhigen entspannten Urlaub. Wir, 2 Erwachsene und 1 Kind haben die zwei Wochen genossen. Die Einliegerwohnung in einem Privathaus verfügt über ein grosses Schlafzimmer mit individuell einstellbarer Klimaanlage und Ventilator und voll eingerichteter Küche mit Wohnzimmer und Ventilator und ist in einer ruhigen Wohngegend gelegen und doch nahe beim Touristenzentrum und Strände. Wir genossen die Privatsphäre auf dem Sitzplatz mit Pool und der schönen Aussicht. Die Meeresbrise war wundervoll. Vielen Dank Karen und Jerome für den schönen Urlaub.

Owner response:Hi Karin. Thanks very much for your review. As it's in German I've translated it for our English guests! "Beautiful comfortable holiday aparatment This modern and very clean holiday apartment is ideal for a calm, relaxing vacation. We, 2 adults and 1 child, enjoyed it for two weeks. The flat, part of a private house, consists of a large bedroom with an individual AC and celing fan, fully fitted kitchen with a living room and ceiling fan and is in a calm residential area close to the tourist center and beaches. We enjoyed the private outdoor sitting area with a pool and the beautiful view. The sea breezes were wonderful. Many thanks Karen and Jerome for a wonderful vacation. "

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

A perfect getaway

Guest: Bermuda Explorer (Bristol, WI)
Date of Stay: 06/20/11 Review Submitted: 07/13/11

Our family of four (9 & 1 year old) stayed here for two weeks and it couldn't have been nicer. The owners are truly gracious and go out of their way to make sure you are informed and have everything you need. It's the little things that count, so here's what we appreciated most, above and beyond all the great things the other reviewers wrote. 1) The kitchen was stocked with some food items we needed upon arrival, which is nice when you're traveling with little ones. 2) The St Lucian cell phone they provide is invaluable, both for calls within the island and calling the USA. It was only about 50 cents USD per minute for calls to the US. 3) Fresh flowers in the kitchen and bedroom. 4) No need to bring a power converter, the house is wired for dual currents and has dual outlets. 5) Owners are only a knock or phone call away. 6) The little pool is perfect, we used it every day. 7) Being at the top of a hill, the breezes are practically constant which is lovely. 8) Unlike many places we've stayed, the wireless internet here works all the time and is fast. Some things to consider. An SUV is practically mandatory for navigating 75% of St Lucian roads. The cellular coverage is EXCELLENT in St Lucia. Make sure you get a data plan before you leave, and use your smart phone to navigate around as there are no street names. If staying here, try and fly into SLU to avoid a very long drive from the other airport.

Owner response:Dear Sam. Thanks very much for the review! We agree if guests are hiring a vehicle that a 4 x 4 is best and always recommend this. All the main roads in St. Lucia are good but once you go off the beaten track many roads are unmade. SLU airport is very convenient (only about 15 minutes drive to Rodney Bay) but unfortunately there is only one international flight from the USA (American Eagle via San Juan) that arrives here. Most international flights arrive into the international airport UVF in the south of the island, which is where most of our guests arrive. Most hire a vehicle at the airport and drive up. To date no one has had any problems or got lost with my directions! It is 1 1/2 hours drive to Rodney Bay, which is the main tourist area on the island, so pretty much all the visitors arriving into the country have this transfer. It is a scenic drive up the east coast if you arrive during daylight hours. We were so pleased to host your family and are happy you had a great vacation.

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

Ideal Jazz Location

Guest: Babs (London England)
Date of Stay: 05/03/11 Review Submitted: 05/28/11

We spent 2 weeks in this wonderful clean apartment in May2011, it was an ideal location for jazz and very central to all the amenities and social activies. Having a plung pool really did it for me and my husband. Karen & Jerome are wonderful people and very helpful. Although my husband was from the island comming back to the island was heaven, this was a great private get away. Thanks to both of you.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children.

Perfect for experiencing St. Lucia

Guest: Christina Bates (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/11/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

My husband and I stayed for 16 days in this lovely apartment. It is situated in a very quiet, nice residential St. Lucian neighbourhood (as opposed to posh off-island mansion estate area). Being located on a hill, there are continual cooling ocean breezes. The owners are very friendly and helpful and are happy to help to arrange tours or give information about their island. The apartment is attached to the owner's home, but has a feeling of complete privacy. The entrance to the apartment is at the side of the house. When you enter, there is a large kitchen/living room. The kitchen is completely outfitted for four people; there is no dining table, but we often ate outside anyway. There are stools in front of the kitchen counter, but they are too tall to be comfortable. The living room has two chairs and a fouton couch that folds down to a bed. Beyond the kitchen is a very large, if sparse, bedroom with very comfortable bed, and a bathroom with shower and tub. All is spotless and well kept. The tiny plunge pool is terrific at the end of a long hot day. The apartment is not located in a tourist area. We rented a car, and got around the whole island. If not car rental, you could walk down a few blocks to the main road and catch a bus. Or arrange to go on a tour. If you want to avoid the resort crowd and really get a taste of St. Lucia, I highly recommend this place.

Owner response:Hi Tina and Phil. We are pleased you enjoyed your vacation and managed to explore so much of the island! Many guests (like you) enjoy our quiet neighbourhood and the fact they are less than 5 minutes drive (or bus ride) to the tourist area of Rodney Bay with its' beaches, restaurants, bars, shops, supermarkets and the marina. The golf course is also close by in the other direction. By the way we have chopped 3 inches off the kitchen stools so they are much more comfortable now! It was a pleasure to meet you both and we hope you will choose to visit our beautiful island again!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

Fine, clean, private place to stay.

Guest: Annie (Salem, OH)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11 Review Submitted: 01/26/11

The hillside apartment was perfect for us. Very clean, comfortable, and we felt safe. Karen & Jerome were very helpful in giving tips for exploring the island, etc. We went to sleep and awakened to the sounds of crickets and birds - a wonderful summertime feeling for us Northerners. :) I would stay here again - much more spacious than a hotel, more amenities, and half the price!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children.