Simply,utterly and truly fantastic

Guest: Steve N.
Date of Stay: 07/23/11 Review Submitted: 09/11/11

Wow - what a holiday! We looked at the reviews from previous guests, but never expected such a fantastic holiday. There are not enough superlatives to describe this villa, its position, its layout, its location and above all the care taken to ensure that we had a truly memorable holiday. From the moment we contacted Maran, we felt that she gave us her utmost attention, ensuring even the finest details were looked after and that everything ran like clockwork. The car was organised (including the permit on the first morning), the fridge was stocked, the restaurants were recommended and even the trips were mapped out. Nothing felt like too much trouble. The villa itself is simply wonderful - the pool is refreshing, the deck and gardens spacious, the shade and seating areas of the patio welcoming, the views become etched in your memory. Everything has been planned to the finest detail. The indoor garden, the en-suites, the games room, the airy and light lounge. The villa has everything for a family or large group. We even sampled the bananas and coconuts from the gardens. Maran and Richard and their family make you feel so welcome and treat you like friends. Shanta cooks and cleans and is so friendly. The position of the villa means that it is 10 minutes from the main tourist areas, the beaches and the shops, yet it feels like your own calm, peaceful and serene paradise. The use of the car means that you can 'nip' to the beach and a few minutes later you can be lazing by the pool. The restaurants are superb. All cater for children and they are made to feel welcome, with no request being too much trouble. Our favourites being the Coal Pot, Big Chef Steakhouse and the Cliff at Cap. Having said that we ate out each evening and never had a 'bad' meal. In short - if you want a spacious, peaceful and beautifully maintained villa, look no further than Chateau Devaux.

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

A WONDERFUL WINTER ESCAPE. BREATHTAKING!

Guest: Lisa (Maine)
Date of Stay: 03/11/11 Review Submitted: 03/24/11

We left Maine in mid-March after a particularly snowy winter to find paradise. From the moment we booked our vacation, Maran was easily reached by email for questions. Upon our arrival, she arranged transportation from the airport making our trip first class. We arrived at the villa and spent the entire week entranced. From the clifftop views, to the relaxing pool, to the indoor garden and birds flying about, we felt truly connected to the outside. This villa was clean, enticing with plenty of room for the four of us to move about, but would easily accomnodate larger parties. Our daughter loved swimming in the pool first thing in the mornig, and after dinner. Our boat excursion to the Pitons arranged by Maran was the highlight of the week. Take her advice on everything! Would go back again and again!

Owner response:Hi Lisa, Thank you for your wonderful review. It was so nice meeting you all. Ruby is a true gem :) Olivia speaks of her often. We do hope you"ll come again soon, especially during school holidays so the girls can have some real fun. Take care of yourselves and do keep in touch. Love from the Devauxs

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

Amazing and breathtaking

Guest: Todd Male (Ann Arbor Michigan)
Date of Stay: 06/25/10 Review Submitted: 03/20/11

When life is busy, sometimes you have to stop and smell the roses. What better destination than Chateau Devaux. Great for both a spacious romantic getaway ( which is what we did!) to a family gathering, I can't imagine a better place to go anywhere in the world, especially at this bargain rate. Maran and Richard are truly wonderful people, whom we now consider friends. Maran's attention to detail, desire to help in any way she can, whether pre-trip or during the stay, is such a luxury. As far as the property goes, what can I say, it's stunning. It's spacious, luxurious, and accommodating. The cliff views are unrivaled, and the sunsets are like none I've ever seen. I know with young children, it will probably be awhile before we get back, but we count the days until we can be back in paradise. Thank you Maran and Richard for sharing your piece of heaven with us!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children.

Relaxation, Comfort and Peace in St Lucia

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/16/11 Review Submitted: 02/24/11

My family and I arrived in St Lucia to 85 degrees after leaving NY where it was 9 degrees. We knew then we were in for a wonderful vacation, but had no idea how at home we would feel at Chateau Devaux. When we walked inside it was like entering a Hollywood set, with an atrium right in the middle of the house! That plus the spacious bedrooms made us feel transported a celebrity's home. We immediately changed into our bathing suits to take a dip in the lovely pool with a breathtaking view over the ocean. We understand why Maran can't part with her cliff! The outdoor space, where we spent 85% of our time at the house is equally impressive. There is plenty of room for a large party. Lots of seating, relaxing areas as well as a dining table for 10-12. The tradewinds make for a very comfortable temperature at the villa with the added advangtage of keeping mosquitos away. It was always enjoyably warm at the house, even when it was sweltering elsewhere on the island. Maran offered excellent suggestions for things to do and see and we really enjoyed our day on the catamarran she organized for us. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home and warm hospitality! The Clearys, New York

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

HAD A BLAST

Guest: Birthday Girl (Peace River, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/24/11 Review Submitted: 02/15/11

Stayed at Chateau Dexaux on Jan 24-Feb 7/11 with 3 other couples. Had a BLAST. Property is as it appears. Vehicle was a little rough, but it got us to where all 8 of us wanted to go! Maran, Richard and the kids were GREAT, what a wonderful family.Russell, the driver, picked us up, to and from, the airport with beer stop along the way. THANKS RUSSELL. We did 2 excursions, one catamaran tour (Mango Tango), which was an all day tour by catamaran, bus to sulphur springs, visited planation and back on the boat for 45 min snorkle. RUM PUNCH ALL THE WAY! Lunch at the planation was very good. Ziplining was EXCELLENT. 12 lines to zip on, just walking up to some of the lines was tiring! But our guide that took us there, Gordon, was SUPER. Overall, the property was clean, safe, well cared for, a few geckos, no SNAKES, some ants and birds in the house but still AWESOME. Thank you Maran and family, only my tan is fading, not the memories!

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

Our Second Trip back to a Paradise!

Guest: Guy (North NJ)
Date of Stay: 11/08/10 Review Submitted: 12/22/10

Simply put, the beauty of this location and the Villa intself made our decison easy for this year's vacation! Chateau Devaux is a wonderful, secluded villa perched on a bluff at the very north end of the beautiful and friendly island of St. Lucia. The beautiful lights of Martinique are easily visible from the comfortable porch or even better the gazebo, a perfect place for that evening repast and pleasant conversation. The hospitality of our hosts, Richard and Maran, began well before our arrival. Richard went out of his way in assisting us with special arrangements we needed with the St Lucia government to make our visit a success. Our group needed special licenses from the St. Lucian authorities and Richard and Maran served as our local agents to make sure our license requests and payments got to the right persons and offices in the government in a timely manner. The pictures of the Villa, pool, and gazebo area don't do justice to the wonderful ambience and beauty of this location and home. The Villa itself is HUGE with ample open space, numerous bedrooms (air conditioned), and a spacious, a well equipped open kitchen with plenty of pots, pans, and dishware to make cooking easy if you choose. Although the Villa is on a secluded road, you are only minutes from the nearest town, Gros Islet, with plenty of shopping, beaches, the Rodney Bay port, and of course the famous Pidgeon Island national park. And testament to these words...Are we coming back? You bet! Thanks Richard and Maran. Look forward to seeing you again soon! Regards, Guy, lovely NJ "The Villa was above and beyond what I expected. The layout was perfect for vacation, it provided that open air - island feel that I had hoped for. But, at the same time it felt like home. This villa has to be one of the most comfortable places to stay that I have ever experienced! The hosts were a perfect 10. when I met Richard and Maran, I felt like we were old friends. You become part of their family when you walk through the door. It doesn't get any better than this !!" Todd, Denton, NC "Chateau Devaux is indeed a lovely, spacious, comfortable villa in a beautiful natural setting. That, combined with the honest desire of the hosts, Richard and Maran, for their guests to have an enjoyable and memorable experience there, is a wonderful combination. Experiencing a relaxing week there in delightful warm weather and pleasant sea breezes provided a welcome relief from a cold December in the US. Kent, NC

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

Trip of a lifetime

Guest: fireguy1997 (Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/03/10 Review Submitted: 11/28/10

WOW! WOW! WOW! is all you can say. This is a wonderful place. Richard and Meran go out of their way to make sure that no details are overlooked. From the first time I made contact to the time I arrived home they made sure that my family and I were looked after. When we arrived Richard picked me up gave me a quick tour took me to get my licence. All my tours were organized before my arrival. I didnt have to do anything other than send an email telling them what I wanted to do. The Devaux`s go above and beyond to make sure that the guests feel welcome. They give up their own comforts to ensure your trip is everything that you want it to be. The house is very clean and well maintained. The rooms are large with great beds (other than they are too comfortable and you dont want to get out of them). The outdoor living space and pool are amazing. The view from the deck an gazebo are 1 in a million. You never want to go inside because you want to take in every minute of the breath taking view. The nights are great also to see the fire flys and the lights of martinique are amazing. The pool and deck are very nice with lounge chairs, an outside bar, and a gazebo with a great hamock to take a relaxing afternoon nap. I cant wait to go back! This is one caring family with a great warm welcoming home. I Cant say enough about how great this place is!!!! A+++++++ Thank you for the great trip Richard, Meran, and Shanta Your Party guest, Robbie

Owner response:Hi Robbie. Thanks for the review. It truly was our pleasure to host you and your parents. You are a wonderful family and it was a priveledge to meet you all. We all enjoyed your company and our kids especially loved your work adventure stories and all your wild animal pics. We look forward to hosting you again. Until then......party on dude! Love, the Devauxs.

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

Fantastic time - you will NOT be dissappointed

Guest: richard & adrian helen and sphie (UK)
Date of Stay: 07/08/10 Review Submitted: 07/28/10

we had a fantastic time at chateaux deveaux. the place is quite stunning. we had food provided for us This was exceptional and delicious as well as being very good value. Richard and Maron were great hosts and we had one of our best holidays we have ever had. 9 of us stayed and it accommodated us with exceptional comfort. Thank you again for the holiday we will definately be returning

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

Extraordinary experience - You will not be disappointed!!

Guest: Family of Six R Us (West Hartford, CT USA)
Date of Stay: 04/16/10 Review Submitted: 05/09/10

We traveled to this location with four children ranging from age 2 to 15. Firstly, the property and views and exceedingly gorgeous! Secondly, Maran and Richard could not have possibly been more accommodating! They attending to every minor and major request we had and did so with genuine warmth and happiness. We will definitely return due not only to the spacious, gorgeous home, but because of their hospitality and friendliness. Based on our experience, it seems almost impossible for someone to go and not absolutely love this place, their personal attention, and the beautiful island. Thank you to Maran and Richard for going out of your way to ensure a spectacular week for our family!

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

Wonderful Location and Hosts

Guest: R Mike G (Des Moines, Iowa)
Date of Stay: 02/02/10 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

Chateau Devaux is a wonderful, secluded villa perched on a bluff above the confluence of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean at the very north end of the beautiful and friendly island of St. Lucia. The hospitality of our hosts, Richard and Maran, began well before our arrival and they went out of their way in assisting us with special arrangements we needed to make our visit a success. Our group needed special licenses from the St. Lucian authorities and Richard and Maran served as our local agents to make sure our license requests and payments got to the right persons and offices in the government. With their keen local knowledge of the way things work on St. Lucia, they ensured that our requests were not sidetracked or misplaced. Richard’s and Maran’s help was invaluable and saved us a lot of time. Richard and Maran also made sure that we had some special items upon arrival to the surprise of one of our group members and they continued to work with us throughout our stay to make sure we had what was needed to make our visit a success. They located special items of equipment, made sure we had proper local directions, made suggestions for dining and special local activities, and arranged for a guide to help some of our group climb Petit Piton, one of the signature topographic landmarks of St. Lucia. Richard and Maran were also very accommodating in allowing our group to install some temporary items on the villa and surrounding grounds, which greatly assisted our activities. The villa is very spacious and well equipped. For a video (six minutes) of the villa see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkoR-RVGBHY Here are some comments from some of the members of our group: "This villa has great facilities, super views, and attentive folks to make one's stay pretty much perfect." Budd "Good accommodations, great hosts, and spectacular weather ... the perfect Caribbean destination." Wey "The chateau is everything you could hope for in a Carribean destination. Our gracious host's Richard and Maran, attended to every detail and are now good friends". Dan

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