Caribbean Travel Roundup

Newsletter - Gert van Dijken, Editor

• From: Steve Otto
• Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2003 14:06:59 -0500

Here's a brief trip overview for our visit to St. John last week:

Well, back to reality after a wonderful visit to St. John last week. We took 
three of the older (17-21) kids and our 6yo, plus my wife's parents joined us 
for 5 days. Everyone had a grand time! We rented a villa from Karin at VIVA, 
but since it was a Caribbean Villas property, they met us and took us up to the 
house. Very good service from all concerned. Completely uneventful, which is 
good! 
Had a fun time planning logisitcs.  Used frequent flyer miles and got two of 
the kids down there on US Airways from OH through PA to SJU.  Another on AA 
from OH through STL, to SJU.  Three of us on AA from AUS through DFW to SJU.  
We then all hooked up and took American Eagle to STT and the Red Hook boat to 
St. John.  13 hours, but we got there finally!
Some observations: 
> 
>1. Rented two jeeps from L&L. Great service, they meet you at the dock, sign 
>the form, give you the keys and you're off! And when you leave, they meet you 
>at the dock, collect your keys and you're off to the ferry. 
> 
>2. Rented Cinnamon Ridge. This villa is up in Catherineburg at the end of a 
>road, only one close neighbor (Cinnamon Bay Estate fka Palmelund). The villa 
>has what must be the single best view on the island. Been featured on a couple 
>of magazine covers over time. It's such a good view, it's hard to read because 
>you're constantly drawn to the vista! Has a wonderful pool and spa, complete 
>with waterfall and bridge over the pool. Good deck furniture and great 
>plantings, just a wonderful outside area. The house was built in the late 70's 
>and is frankly tired. Needs some updates in the bathrooms and the kitchen and 
>could use some new furniture upstairs. But the view! 
> 
>At any rate, for the price, I think Hakuna Matata, Mango Bay or Cinnamon Bay 
>Estate would be a better value. But the views!! 
> 
>3. We had KatiLady provision the villa with some basics for the first night 
>and breakfast the next morning.  They provided everything we asked for and we 
>were pleased with the service!  (BTW I see that KatiLady is for sale).  Ate 
>many meals at the villa (there were 8 of us remember!), so was thankful for 
>Starfish Market. Really great selection, but pricier than Marina Market. 
> 
>4. Fabulous meal for just the two of us at Asolare. We didn't have a 
>reservation, but June accommodated us anyhow. She even moved the table out 
>onto the porch! A memorable experience all around! 
> 
>5. Good meals at Shipwreck, Morgan's Mango, Rumbalaya (James on guitar was a 
>nice extra), and the place at Mongoose that's right next to the deli (I'm 
>drawing a blank!). I didn't have a bad meal the whole trip! 
> 
>6. Got my fill of pate's from Hercules. Had Saltfish and beef.  YUM! No visit 
>is complete without several of those - breakfast, lunch, snack, whatever. Food 
>of the God's! 
> 
>7. Enjoyed snorkeling Hawksnest and Cinnamon. Saw more jellies than the last 
>few visits. 
> 
>The only bad thing was having to leave! Let me know if specific questions. 
>Have a great day! 
> 
>SteveO. 

• From: D White
• Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2003 18:47:28 +0100 (GMT Daylight Time)

• From: Susan Keen
• Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 08:47:02 +0100

The Inn On The Bay - Marigot Bay - St. Lucia (www.saint-lucia.com)

We came home feeling that we had spent two weeks with good friends, instead
of the usual anonymous hotel. We had a fantastic time, thank you both so
very much.... - - - - - - - - - - - - I miss the early morning mist at dawn
And my first cup of coffee I miss sharing breakfast with my feathered
neighbours I miss the tinkle of laughter that would follow Normands banter
and jokes from somewhere around the pool... I miss Louise, with her soft,
quiet, unassuming manner - and her outrageous breakfasts... I miss the
gentle decisions for the day ahead - to relax by the pool, head for the bay,
hire a car, take a tour. But no. Perhaps just the pool today. And the suttle
decisions of the evening - supper in the bay, or Castries, or the Jump Up -
Or a good bottle of wine and nibbles - at home - I miss leaving the deck mid
afternoon for the tranquility and stillness of the terrace; with the shimmer
of sea, flutter of humming birds and gentle lapping of waves far, far
below... I just miss. Thank you both ... for the perfect holiday! Susan and
Leif Keen - Oxfordshire, England -

• From: Lambert, Cheryl
• Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 11:24:26 -0400

We discovered Marigot Bay while taking a one-day catamaran tour around the
coast of St. Lucia in February 2001. It was so beautiful and peaceful, we
were determined to return there for a vacation. We noticed the buildings
overlooking the bay and wondered if they were actually available as tourist
accommodations. So it was off to the internet.

We came upon the Inn on the Bay. We looked no further. Their website is great
and is wealth of information, not only about the Inn, but about the
many things to do on the island. The testimonials were wonderful, the
guests have nothing but good things to say - and it's all true.

The breakfasts on the deck overlooking the bay were fantastic. Such a picturesque
setting to accompany Louise's marvelous muffins, incredible croissants, fabulous
fruits, coffee, juice etc, etc. 

Normand is always there to ensure you have everything you need -
arranging tours, suggesting restaurants, driving us to and from Marigot Bay,
and of course those jokes - yes, those jokes..........

The tours were great - the Jungle Tour with Kendall; Les Pitons - there's
something magical about them; the north shore for a shopping and
beach day; the Friday night Jump Up Party at Anse La Raye; the tour to
Castries. We did all of this in one week and Normand arranged everyting.

It was a different holiday for us. We normally take all-inclusive vacations,
staying at large hotels and becoming lost in the crowds. We felt special
with Normand and Louise. They pay attention to detail and treat their guests
like friends.  Our vacation was so relaxing.

We certainly plan to return and can highly recommend the Inn on the Bay.

Paul & Cheryl Lambert - Cumberland, Ontario, Canada

• From: Chuck Glazer
• Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 16:03:25 -0400

• From: Jodi Tiffany
• Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2003 14:10:30 -0400

• From: Bill Clark
• Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2003 12:21:04 -0400

• From: Shelly Zable
• Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2003 15:34:14 -0700 (PDT)

• From: Ralph Harris
• Date: Sat, 9 Aug 2003 16:55:37 -0600

• From: Jennifer Hunter
• Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 15:24:57 -0700

We had the pleasure of staying with Normand and Louise at their beautiful 
home in Marigot Bay for two weeks in December 2002.  They are warm and 
hospitable people and they continually went out of their way to make us feel 
welcome – by the end of our stay we felt as though we had made friends, a 
welcome change from the usual hotel experience.

Their home is situated on a hillside with a magnificent view, and we enjoyed 
a homemade breakfast on the deck each morning, a lovely start to the day.  
Louise’s muffins are delicious, and Normand’s sense of humour kept us 
laughing all day!

They organized everything for us, from day trips to a car rental, and their 
advice on places to visit and restaurants to try were excellent.  We didn’t 
have to worry about anything and this really allowed us to just relax and 
enjoy paradise!

We had a simply wonderful time.  Booking our stay at the Inn on the Bay was 
the smartest thing we ever did, and we certainly chose the most beautiful 
place on the island.  We highly recommend Inn on the Bay to anyone planning 
to travel to St. Lucia – you won’t be disappointed, in fact you probably 
won’t want to leave!!

Jennifer Hunter, Vancouver, BC, Canada