The Pitons Stargroves - overlooking the Pitons  

Description from the owner

Sometimes a house captures and expresses the spirit of a place so perfectly that it seems to be part of the natural landscape. Pitons Stargroves, perhaps the most unique villa in the Caribbean, is one such home. Located on a gently rolling hill near the tiny village of Morne La Croix, just a few miles from the sleepy port of Soufrière on the southwest side of St. Lucia - a region of small fishing villages, mountains and valleys, carpeted in rain forest, which seasoned travelers often speak of nostalgically as "the way the Caribbean used to be" - the villa looks as if it had actually grown right out of Gros Piton Mountain.

Built from... native materials - Greenheart wood from the St. Lucia rain forest and volcanic rock that bubbled to the surface millions of years ago - the villa makes full advantage of its natural surroundings. The west side of the house is an "open wall," inviting one of the world's most breathtaking views into every room. It's also open (literally) to the fresh sea breezes of the Pitons valley and so well ventilated naturally that there's no need for air-conditioning.

Step out onto the villa's multiple decks and take in the panorama of the western cliff of the Gros Piton and the majestic Petit Piton - symbols of St. Lucia and a World Heritage Site - against the deep blue of the Caribbean Sea.

The villa has a spacious living room with a volcanic waterfall as its central theme and a full-size dining room that seats eight in complete comfort. There's a master bedroom suite, with a king-size bed, private sitting deck and full bathroom. Two guest bedrooms (one with a king-size bed, the other with twin beds) share an adjoining bathroom. The bathrooms are uniquely designed with shower stalls (but not tubs) cut into the volcanic rock. A third-story tower serves as a private sitting room or sleeping area. Because of the open design, expect to see small visitors now and then - innocent little lizards and frogs that come and go, happy to be left to their harmless ways, as you relax in the safe and cozy calm under the netting of your four-poster bed.

Pitons Stargroves was built for seclusion and intimacy and it's a tradition we seek to preserve. The villa has no television, telephone or internet connection. You'll need a cell phone to access the outside world and the staff. But our guests prefer it that way. Some never leave the villa grounds at all during their stay…with its inexhaustible scenery and setting, the villa is a real world unto itself. Enjoy your own scenic swimming pool fed by a small stone waterfall, for a private, refreshing dip just outside your door.

Comfort and privacy are guaranteed by the villa's 24-hour staff of two, Mary and Pious, who are available to clean, arrange sightseeing tours or to be your personal guides on island adventures. Mary, who serves as housekeeper, will be glad to cook for you as well in exchange of a fee. Please note that the guests are also responsible for buying groceries and drinks.

While there are no resort services or activities directly around the villa, the Jalousie Plantation Hotel and a superb public beach are only five minutes by car. The award-winning Dasheene Restaurant at the world famous Ladera Resort is also just a short drive away. For hiking enthusiasts, the Gros Piton Nature Trail sits right in the villa's backyard. For travel from the villa, you can arrange for a car rental, or use the services of Ben, our dedicated taxi driver (taxi fares extra).

Please note: This property is not suitable for young children because of the tower in the house and the open stairway to the pool.Read more

Additional Location Information

Location Type Away from it all, Ocean, Tropical

Additional notes from owner

- Note the above rates are for 2 people. Please inquire for rates for more than 2 people.
- Rates are in US$ per week and per day (not for each person). Single: deduct 10%.
- Taxes, fees and security deposits may apply.

This "2 free nights" special offer applies only to new bookings for all stays of 7 nights or more through December 17, 2010.
- Children under 2 years free. Children under 14 years: $20/night.
- Minimum stay at Pitons Stargroves is three days.

What Past Guests Are Saying

• Anony m
  Toronto

  Unique experience!

  Left on 08/03/2012 for a stay in June 2012
  
  

  We stayed for three days in June, 2012, after several days in Marigot Bay. Piton Stargrove is quite stunning. Wish we had more time to stay there -- the photos do it justice, but only partly. Our family could not understand people's complaints about the nighttime "noises". Nature is nature, and we did not even notice - certainly did not disrupt our sleep. Mosquitoes, etc were a non-issue for us. One day was noisy as the groundskeepers were at work for quite a while, but otherwise quite relaxed & secluded. David and Mary & Pious were very nice, helpful and accommodating. Mary made us a dinner that is still memorable
  
  Two pieces of advice. Because it is so secluded, be sure to get groceries on the way there -- the taxi who led us there did not. Pious was great taking us back to town to get groceries, but it meant about hour or more, round trip, Also, we would advise bringing some reading lights/flashlights. There are many different floor levels, about one to three steps between them. It would great if David were to put s string of Leds at the step edges to see them in dim light. But meantime, bring a light and also for reading in bed.
  Then wake up and enjoy the incredible views!

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Friends

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• wentmissing
  Cincinnati, Ohio

  Best Location--House is a destination of itself

  Left on 04/05/2012 for a stay in March 2012
  
  

  Really, this house has the best location possible---when we were boating around the island we looked up between the Pitons and there, smack dab in the middle, we saw the tower of the house sticking up above the palms on the ridge. It is an eccentric house--no walls, minimalist and organic architecture. It was a perfect rainforest experience---the insects' night music, waking up to a rainbow arced between the Pitons, the birds flying through during the day---we felt like kids in a tree-house on a hidden adventure. We were traveling with another couple---the house was perfect for 2 couples, with separate sleeping wings, bathrooms and balconies. We had other friends staying at Jalousie and anse Chastenet---they came over one night for Mary's home-cooked meal of fish and chicken---it was the best meal we had on the island, and the home's premier location and unique ambience made the night a treasured travel experience for all. The house really made St. Lucia a stand-out trip from our other Caribbean trips. Mary and Pious were great ambassadors of St. Lucia, making us feel welcome and safe---they were always there when needed but unobstrusive otherwise. We had plans to tour the island, but when we arrived at the house, we felt no need to do anything but stay there, relax and take in the view---it was the perfect getaway. Tips: rent a car, but have it delivered to the house so that you take a txi (Ben's) to and from--it's hard to find; have the driver stop at the grocery becuase once you arrive you are not going to want to leave; definitely have Mary cook for you; bring a little travel torch so that you don't have to break the rainforest spell of darkness during the night if you need to visit the WC etc. The only hesitation I would have about booking would be if there are people with mobility problems or tiny tots in your party: the home has lots of stairs and balconies. (Actually, I would not recommend St. Lucia in general to people with mobility issues--the island is very hilly, with steep, rough roads.) So, assuming you are fit and grown, I can't imagine a more perfect place to stay on St. Lucia.

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  Detailed ratings for this rental

  • Check in
    
  • Cleanliness
    
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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Friends

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  Was this review helpful? Yes