Fantastic!

Guest: Downendgirl (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11 Review Submitted: 06/14/11

Just returned from an unfortgettable 2 weeks at Sur Le Mer. The pictures do not do justice to this villa, it's larger than you think and is so well equiped and comfortable. The location is perfect if you like privacy & tranquility as you are not overlooked, we spent most nights just sat on the very spacious balcony listening to the crickets and swimming in the very large infinity pool whilst looking out over the beautiful Caribbean. Then retiring to the biggest most comfortable bed we have ever had and believe me we have been lucky in experiencing villas worldwide! The housekeeper, Luenda is a absolute sweetheart, she is meticulous with the cleaning and full of local knowledge, always smiling and cheerful, I wish I could bottle it! She respected our privacy but having said that I had plenty of laughs with her. I would recommend hiring a jeep as the road to the villa is alittle 'rough', but nothing to be scared of, and the location is perfect as you are only 10 mins drive to Rodney bay, for restaurants, supermarkets, shops,beaches and bars etc., and 10 mins drive in the other direction brings you into Castries, where you can experience the wonderful local markets and do try the Roti at Aunties in the market, it's delicious. There is a path at the villa which is an easy 5 to 10 mins walk which takes you to the beaches at East Winds and Windjammer where you can get a meal or beer, but be warned you will be paying hotel prices. It is not recommended however to use the path at night due to it's narrowness, but believe me it's very safe when you can see where you are going. The beach at Rodney bay is fine sand but backed by hotels, however take time to walk along to the end, left side looking at the sea, and you will find a very friendly local bar, where you will be made very welcome and the beers are half the price of the hotels and try her wonderful fish cakes, only $1 each. The people of St Lucia are the most friendliest we have encountered so please repay them by eating & drinking at their establishments which are full of characters who make you welcome. All in all, I would highly recommend Sur Le Mer and hope to return next year.

Owner response:We are so pleased that you both enjoyed our wonderful Caribbean home. Thank you for taking the time to share with us your experience at Sur La Mer and on the island of Saint Lucia. We sincerely hope to see you again soon. All the best, Dorothy and John De Young

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

Relaxing Hideaway for Couples and Families

Guest: Christina & Ryan (Mississippi, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/02/11 Review Submitted: 06/11/11

Sur La Mer is an absolutely stunning place with breath-taking views! The pictures represent the house perfectly-what you see is what you get and more! While this was our 10 year wedding anniversary trip without our children, I would definitely recommend this house for families: There is plenty of room, the property is fenced in, and the closest beach is only about 5 minutes to walk! Also, the grocery store, the restaurants in Rodney Bay, and Reduit Beach are a 10 minute drive away, so shopping with the kids doesn't become a major excursion! Also, we rented a car at the airport and found our way to Sur La Mer without any problems-Ena provides very detailed directions and the drive, while adventurous at times, is easily accomplished. In all, we very much enjoyed our stay at the house and on St. Lucia. The seclusion of the home is ideal to relax and decompress, which is what we were looking for in a vacation rental. We sought serenity rather than the hustle and bustle of the resorts and Sur La Mer is the perfect place to get away from it all. We are definitely planning to return but will bring the children along next time. Thank you for a wonderful time!

Owner response:We are so pleased that you enjoyed your visit to Sur La Mer. We are always happy, when we hear that guests have enjoyed themselves at our wonderful Caribbean villa. As you said, Sur La Mer's views, its seclusion and its proximity to Rodney Bay Village make Sur La Mer an exceptional villa. We thank you for being guests and hope to have you back in the future with the rest of your family. All the best, Dorothy and John De Young

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

great vacation

Guest: famof4 (silver spring, md)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/28/10

This is a terrific vacation home. It is close to restaurants, beaches, and the view is beautiful. Highly recommend.

Owner response:Dot and I are so pleased that your family and you enjoyed our island home. It always pleases us to hear that guests have enjoyed themselves. We really appreciate the feedback. Hope you get a chance to visit Sur La Mer again. All the best to you! John De Young

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

Guest: Caroline Haigh (Charlotte, NC, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

Dear John, A belated email to say what a truly wonderful time we had at your perfect house in St Lucia. We just loved every minute and were devastated not to get marooned there due to any volcanic ash cloud! What a special place - sitting on your verandah with nothing in sight but the Caribbean Sea is truly magical and feels like there is no one else around. We also had some wonderful meals in Rodney Bay (Buzz was especially friendly and great food) and a fun day out to the Pitons, Volcano etc. We would just love to visit again next April... All the best and a big thanks for your wonderfully helpful team in St Lucia. Luenda was lovely, Robert hugely helpful and the car hire lady just brilliant. Caroline

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Guest: Billy and Nancy (Charlotte, NC, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/01/09 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

Hello John, We made it home safely, and now are trying to re-adjust to the work world. We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our trip. You have a beautiful house, but I have to tell you- Luenda made it a "home". She is fantastic. We truly enjoyed her company and unselfish personality. What a find you have there...... We hope to make this trip numerous more times, and of course would like to stay at Sur La Mer. The information you've provided on the web is more than accurate, and the accommodations and all the efforts to meet our needs were excellent. Thank you and your Team again, Billy & Nancy

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Guest: Milton Keynes (Charlotte, NC, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

The pictures did not lie. Sur la Mer was of a very high standard with everything you could want ... as long as tranquility is what you are looking for. View and the pool were superb and the option of the housemaid would be ideal for the VERY lazy holidaymaker. airconditioning in the bedrooms ensured a good nights sleep so that you were ready each day to relax on one of the 3 veranda areas. Prior to arriving we were given plenty of information on the best way to arrive ( let them arrange the taxi ... the track up to the villa is not so easily found in the dark on the 1st night .. in the dark! ) as well as information on restaurants and sightseeing. No beach at the villa but a 10 minute stroll along the cliff brings you to a lovely bay ( with the facilities at the windjammer landings hotel open to non residents who want to eat / drink there - we booked the "caribbean" night which was of a high standard ) . You need a car, ideally a 4X4. It isn't cheap but lets you explore the island and is essential for the trips to the supermarket and restaurants. Come to chill with the St Lucians. The island is friendly but not so cheap. Some events were a bit basic ... the jump up at Gros islet was a bit of a let down but get out there and explore ! I would totally recomend the villa if you want a little bit more relaxed freedom than a hotel. My girls ( young teens ) were happy to chill but some might miss the "extras" of the all-inclusive hotels.

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