Fantastic and would do it again in a heartbeat!

Guest: ctulen (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 01/11/12 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

My friends and I stayed at Villa Ivrea in January 2012. We booked it after seeing it on the internet and conversing with the owners and property managers. The pictures do not do it justice, the place was absolutely stunning. The decor was Italian-themed, well decorated, and completely furnished. The view from the pool terrace was of Martinique, and beautiful blue waters of the Atlantic and Caribbean. The view was absolutely amazing. The house and grounds were gorgeous, exactly like the pictures. The villa itself was extremely clean and the property was well maintained. The kitchen was very well equipped with anything you may need. The house had wireless internet, as well as a good sound system. Many of the rooms had tv's. The house came with a maid and chef, Bertha, and her services were excellent. Her meals were very good, and maid services were of very high quality. She had a very pleasant personality and was helpful when asked touristy questions which I'm sure get old. The house manager, Carmen, was also very good. She was attuned to our needs and concerns and followed up with action when necessary. The recommended driver, Victor, was very good. He was timely and professional and also doubled as a great tour guide, full of helpful suggestions. The house was very secure and was surrounded with a large barbed-wire fence...not that it needed that kind of security; it was required by code. The driveway had a large iron security gate. Walks around the 'neighborhood' were very nice, felt totally safe and we enjoyed the gorgeous mountain views. Only problems we experienced were with the microwave which was not working, the built in safe in the master suite that was broken and could not be opened, and the main entrance security gate. None of these issues were a big problem at all, although Carmen was very attentive and offered to address the microwave issue before our arrival, if need be. The pool water was a little dingy when we arrived, but Carmen had the pool service to the house immediately and addressed the problem. Due to the constant cross winds, the pool water was pretty chilly and we did not go in it much although the temp was in the 80's. We were a little disappointed with the water temperature, but swam at the beaches nearby and that was wonderful. My only suggestion was to heat the pool or add a hot tub. We would absolutely go back, if you are going to Cap Estate in St. Lucia, this place is a gem.

Owner response:Dear Colin and friends, we are delighted to learn that you had a fantastic time in Saint Lucia while staying at Villa Ivrea. You are right, the property setting and the water views are indeed amazing. Even though you were gracious enough to state that the small problems you had were not a big deal to you, we feel compelled to make sure this does not happen again. We want all guests at Villa Ivrea to have nothing but the fondest of memories of the villa and beautiful Saint Lucia. While the villa is duel voltage, we decided on 110 stainless appliances to fit the custom kitchen. Unfortunately the size and style of the microwave could not be replaced on island, but is being received in a couple of weeks for replacement. We have the counter top in the interim for guests who need a microwave. The gate will also be addressed by installing a new automatic system. Concerning the pool, it is true that this being the coldest and windiest time of the year, the water can sometimes get a bit cold for some people. We will take your suggestions to heart and give the pool heater consideration. We look forward to hearing from you again and for an opportunity to assist you in having an even better experience next time you want to stay with us.

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

January 2012 - 10 day vacation

Guest: erin & chris (Arlington, VA)
Date of Stay: 01/11/12 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

This property was fantastic and perfect for our annual vacation with friends. The weather was gorgeous, the island is lovely and the people are super friendly. Bertha (the housekepper and cook) and Carmen (the proptery manager) were always very friendly and helpful whenever we had questions, as were the strangers during any of our outings around the island. Victor, our airport driver was also a wonderful guide. Fro the rest of the trip, we had our own car and we found driving to be fairly simple. The house itself was comfortable, felt safe, and had up-to-date electronics that met all of our needs. Bertha made great food, and the kitchen was great for us to prepare fun meals. Our only complaint is that due to the strong winds up on the cliffs, the patio pool was too cold to enjoy. We would recommend a solar cover for the pool or adding hot tub somewhere on the property. Also, we highly recommend Rodney Bay Marina and Village, Pigeon Island beach and national park, and also renting a water taxi to go down to Soufries. In Soufries, we highly recommend the mud baths at the sulphur springs - it was fantastic! Our overall experience

Owner response:Dear Erin, thank you for your kind comments about Villa Ivrea. We are happy to hear that Bertha and Carmen made your stay a very pleasant one and allowed you to enjoy such a beautiful island. Concerning the pool, it is true that this being the coldest and windiest time of the year, the water can sometimes get a bit cold for some people. We are already looking into the proposed pool-heater solution. We hope you decide to come back and stay with us again in the near future.

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

Great Time At the Villa

Guest: tlc (Yub City, California)
Date of Stay: 09/26/11 Review Submitted: 10/09/11

It was wonderful to wake up to a breathtaking view of the sea in such a beautiful home. We had a great time in our week at the villa. Bertha, the cook/housekeeper, was easy to work with and provides a great meal. It is so nice having meals prepared, no worry about where to eat and you know it will be good. Also gives you more time to just relax around the pool and enjoy the view, several of which was a stunning sunset as the villa is located up high enough so nothing really obstructs the view. The villa had just about everything you need. The bedrooms were very nice, of course, master was extra special. The reading room upstairs was great as provided ac, so we played games and other entertainment in the evenings in cool comfort. Downstairs without ac was still comfortable as the paito doors all opened up to allow a good breeze. Pictures of villa are very accurate. You will enjoy your stay here, we certainly did. Would recommend an auto to get around, Driving a bit challenging, but not too bad. Recommend doing the zip line as short and easy drive and is in the rainforest, which is wow. Then back to the villa for a refreshing beverge, as you relax on the patio and and take in view. Rodney Bay is also close and has many great restaurants for the unfortunate time Bertha the cook is on a day off. Also, feel comfortable in knowing if you have any problems or questions, Carmen the manager, will be at the ready to take care of you. You will not be disappointed with your stay at Villa Ivrea.

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

Beautiful villa with terrific ocean views--see you next year!!

Guest: Angelina Corradin (Piemonte, Italy)
Date of Stay: 07/18/11 Review Submitted: 10/06/11

Wow, what a lovely relaxing vacation. Villa Ivrea has the best water views you can possibly imagine. The place is absolutely gorgeous; with all the comforts of home. Bertha, the maid/cook is quiet but ultra efficient. Her meals were such a treat. We tried lots of her local dishes, and the plantain lasagna. We will definetely tell our friends about our find in St Lucia

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

Gorgeous View, Gorgeous House

Guest: Cindy (Monmouth Beach, NJ)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 06/01/11

We stayed at Villa Ivrea in April 2011. The views were breathtaking, and the house is beautiful, but also comfortable. It is exactly as the pictures showed! Carmen the caretaker was very helpful, responsive and friendly. The housekeeper Bertha was a pleasure. And Lisa, the owner was very helpful with planning and recommendations. If you do want to venture away from this wonderful property, Rodney Bay is close by with many restaurants, beaches and water activities; we went there often. But we did spend days lounging around the pool and decks. We were an extended family with teenagers and young adults; everyone loved the house and the island.

Owner response:Dear Cindy, thank you for your kind comments. Bertha and Carmen enjoyed taking care of your lovely family. We heard there was an exciting element to the vacation---an engagement! We look forward to your next visit. Congratulations to the newest member of the family. This summer Bertha will take Italian cooking classes. There will be some delicious pasta dishes, among other island specialties, to add to the menu under Villa Ivrea's theme of "a taste of Italy in the Caribbean".

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

A Multi-Million Dollar Property with A Multi- Million Dollar View.

Guest: Ruth (NYC)
Date of Stay: 03/26/11 Review Submitted: 04/08/11

My family and I stayed at Villa Ivrea, March 26 - April 2, 2011. We rented a car from View-Fort and drove straight to Cap-Estate where Villa Ivrea is located. Lisa, the property owner, provided us with detailed directions to the villa. At the villa, we were warmly greeted by the villa manager, Carmen. Since we were a bit self sufficient, we had most of our evening's shopping done prior to our arrival at the Villa. The property is simply stunning. The villa is well decorated, pristinely kept yet extremely warm and comfortable. We simply fell in love with the villa and the views did not hurt either. We have traveled quite a bit, and we have often rented a villa as we have teenagers. This property and (it's views) is simply a cut above all else. And that includes some fine hotels among the mix. All of our needs were attended to. Security was excellent and responsive . If you have issues with steep hills, note that they prepare you for great views. Steep hills equals excellent views!

Owner response:Erhard and Ruth it was a pleasure to have your lovely family stay at Villa Ivrea. We look forward to your next visit!!

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

Guest: Angelina & Tony B. (-)
Date of Stay: 04/10/10 Review Submitted: 12/10/10

Lovely view of Martinique, especially at night. Very relaxing and with all the comforts. Wish we could have stayed longer.

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Magnificent Property!

Guest: John and Melissa (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 02/13/10 Review Submitted: 05/26/10

We recently spent our honeymoon at Villa Ivrea. What a place! Loved the architecture, the interiors and especially the gorgeous views of the sea. It was our third trip to Saint Lucia, but the first time we vacationed on the Northern part of the island. Their knowledgeable Concierge made sure we had all the treats corresponding to the occassion. Will not hesitate to go back very soon.

Owner response:Dear John and Melissa, it was great making your honeymoon such a special occasion. Come back to Villa Ivrea soon!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Breath-taking!

Guest: S, (UK)
Date of Stay: 01/18/10 Review Submitted: 04/04/10

We stayed at Villa Ivrea for two weeks at the end of January 2010. It was truly breathtaking, the Villa itself is beautiful in design and the location is truly stunning. You are so close to the ocean, you can sit up in bed with doors open in the morning and look at the stunning view of Martinique across the water and gaze at the waves crashing in the Ocean in-front of you and listen to the sounds of nature. As a family, we travel back and forth to St Lucia frequently and have staid at a variety of locations but this is certainly one of our favourites and we would certainly recommend it.

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

Guest: Franck & Ines LEFORT (Lyon/France)
Date of Stay: 12/07/09 Review Submitted: 12/07/09

We recently stayed at Villa Ivrea with our two young sons. As a freelance writer, I am always captivated by places that inspire and can release a wave of creativity for my next project. Villa Ivrea is such a place, with its fabulous views, elegant setting and its oh-so-chic architecture. Unfortunately, our four-day stay did not allow us to explore much of the island and we are already planning to come back next year. The kids were highly intrigued by the possibility of watching some whales, but I guess we came at the wrong time of the year as they did not show up. We highly recommend Villa Ivrea to families that want to enjoy a unique, beautiful island in an elegant and ultra-comfortable setting. IL

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