Villa Rental Overview
Castries, St. Lucia, Saint Lucia
5 Bedrooms
Property Size: 5000 sqft.
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Pets are Allowed
No Smoking Allowed
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Vacation Rental Rates Information (USD)
Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
 Weekly Rates from $2,000 to $6,200
Property Information
Brigand Hill - Nourishing the Body and Spirit
Welcome to Brigand Hill, a new, 5000-sq. ft. five-bedroom architect designed villa conveniently located midway between the capital city of Castries (most resort hotels are located immediately north of Castries) and Soufriere to the south (site of additional resort properties and points of interest).
Built by the late Wayne Brown, the island's most respected designer-builder of high-end second homes, no expense has been spared to create a unique and memorable experience for our guests.
No other St. Lucia villa offers Brigand Hill's complete privacy amid almost 500 acres of tropical splendor.
Brigand Hill is named for the Brigands, the valiant indigenous people who took to the forest and waged guerilla war against the British in the late 18th century (at the same time America was fighting the Revolutionary War), successfully retaking the island and holding it for several months.
The villa is situated within the five hundred-acre St. Lucia Estates plantation. The estate grounds encompass the Brigand Cave (a Brigand headquarters two centuries ago), a wide variety of flora and fauna, a private beach (offshore is the sunken ship "Lesleen", and some of the best scuba diving on the island), even the original plantation housing and machinery. Occupying arguably the best site on the estate, each room of Brigand Hill offers sweeping views of the mountainous rain forest to the east, the Caribbean Sea to the West or the plantation floor below.
Brigand Hill is fully staffed (cook/maid, gardener/caretaker) and the perfect place to fully and enjoyably embrace the romance and elegance of the real Caribbean.
Additional Rate Information
Nov 1 - Apr 30
1 - 4 people $398 nightly
5 - 7 people $519 nightly
8 - 10 people $639 nightly
May 1 - Oct 31
1 - 4 people $275 nightly
5 - 7 people $394 nightly
8 - 10 people $485 nightly
Christmas / Holidays
1 - 4 people $582 nightly
5 - 7 people $692 nightly
8 - 10 people $850 nightly
Vacation Rental Policies
| Payment Options: cash, check or money order |
| Deposits: 50 % deposit required. |
Other Availability
Brigand Hill - Nourishing the Body and Spirit - St. Lucia
Property Amenities
Furnishings/Luxuries Air Conditioning | Balcony | Deck | | Linens Provided | Ocean View | Porch/Lanai | |
Appliances| Dishwasher | Full Refrigerator | Microwave | | Stove |
Electronics| Internet Access | TV |
Recreation/Activities| Boating | Deep Sea Fishing | Fishing Nearby | | Group & Family Reunions | Honeymoon | Pool (Private) | | Restaurant Nearby | SCUBA Diving Nearby | Shopping | | State/National Park Nearby | Swimming | Weddings | |
Other Unlisted Amenities
The late George Poindexter built the original villa in 1964. The present owners, guests at the house since the early Seventies, bought the property and completely rebuilt from a new design (by J.Andrew Carr, of Essex, Ct) on the old footings, adding a second floor master suite, enlarged caretaker's quarters and many other features. The main house includes three bedrooms, each with private bath, the dining and living rooms and kitchen, and a two-bedroom cabana, with shared bathroom. Privacy is assured regardless of where you are in the villa.
The bathrooms feature stunning tile mosaics of the St. Lucian parrot, St. Lucian whip-tailed lizard and the leatherback turtle. All rooms feature overhead fans and Jalousie windows and doors that are designed to open up each room, encouraging the constant, gentle trade winds to flow through the house unimpeded.
Tastefully decorated with furniture crafted on the Island, complemented by imported fabrics and 450-count linens, three bedrooms have queen beds; the other two feature twin beds.
All bedrooms feature extraordinary views.
The kitchen is fully equipped and the living areas have stereo hi-fi (tape and CD; be sure to bring your favorite recordings). The patio area includes the pool, tiled terraces, extensive plantings, outdoor showers and stairs to the garden below.
Summary of on-site amenities:
Wireless Internet access
Cable TV (Pending)
Snorkel equipment
Fresh organic fruits and vegetables (in season)
Library; books, CD's
Jalousie windows and doors
Outdoor swimming pool with fountain
Five bedrooms
Overhead fans in all rooms
Four bathrooms
Modern, fully equipped kitchen
Washer and dryer
Hair dryers in all rooms
Outdoor showers
(Turkish) terri-cloth robes
Separate cabana, including two of 5 bedrooms
'Garden of Eden', a work-in-process destined to include all the fruits,
vegetables and flowers of the tropics
Stereo system (tape and CD)
Car rental available from Brigand Hill at below-market rate
Safe for valuables
Several airlines fly to St. Lucia from the US and Canada, including American, Delta, Air Canada, Air Jamaica, US Air, BWIA and others. European guests can obtain fights from airline BWIA, British Airways, Virgin and others. When possible, we advise booking flights into Vigie Airport in Castries (it's only 30 minutes from Brigand Hill) rather than Hewanora (1 1/4 hours). Both take smaller planes and private jets (including Challengers and Gulfstreams); the former can't take jumbo craft.
Airfares to St. Lucia vary widely and often without apparent reason. Best to plan your vacation early and so improve your chances of nabbing a cheap fare.
Guests typically arrive on a Saturday. For a small fee, the staff can stock food and drink for your first few days, and they can also, for a modest fee, fill the larder for your entire stay. We recommend a typical Creole meal on the night of your arrival.
Finding The Villa is easy; we're less than a mile south of the village of Anse La Raye, midway between Castries and Soufriere on the coastal highway.
Property Activities
A week at Brigand Hill can be anything you want, full of vigorous activities such as mountain biking, Piton climbing, scuba diving and hiking. Some guests prefer a week of reading good books, lounging by the pool, napping and sampling the superb Caribbean cooking of our staff (with many ingredients coming from our organic garden), even discovering new fruits and vegetables--plantain, avocados, mango, yams, pineapple, etc. (all grown on our property).
Brigand Hill includes many enticements designed to keep you at the villa--great views in every direction, pool and fountain, outdoor showers and private beach. Many guests like to start their day with a walk through the plantation and a swim off our private beach.
Swedish Massage available.
Our staff has been trained in Swedish massage, by the staff of the Stratton Mountain, VT Sports Center Spa. The therapeutic benefits of massage are well-known and we think you'll agree--what better place to enjoy one than on our terrace with swaying palm fronds overhead and beautiful views everywhere around you. Fees are $15 / $25 plus tip for a half / full hour, paid directly to our staff.
A typical week at Brigand Hill might go like this.....
Saturday. Stop at supermarket on way to Brigand Hill from airport and pick up groceries, wine, etc. We recommend the J. Q. Charles Supermarket (if you fly into Vigie Airport in Castries, it's just north of the airport) or Big J's in Roseau, which is on route to the villa from either airport. If you prefer, our staff will shop for you (a fee of $25 is charges for this service). Arrive at villa in time for swim off our beach or pool, cocktails, dinner. Plan menus and activities with Brigand Hill staff.
Sunday. A great day to get to know our plantation. Hike to back of the estate and, if you're especially adventurous, have Reggie guide you to the Brigand Cave. Note the many wild orchids, plus the Bird of Paradise, and giant ferns. Finish the hike off with a swim. Consider dinner at Marigot Bay or nearby Ti Kaye Village (we are respectively 15 and 10 minutes away). Ask Reggie to arrange a boat trip to Soufriere and points south for the next day (approximate cost for one-day boat charter with captain is approx. US$140.)
Monday. Meet boat in Anse la Raye and motor south to Anse Chastenet for superb diving and snorkeling. Bring equipment from villa or rent on site. Make Soufriere your first stop and visit the Diamond Baths and Gardens (an easy walk from the village). Back to boat and retrace steps to Anse Chastenet, visiting bat cave on the way. After beachside lunch, motor further south to Jalousie Plantation, located between the Pitons, and snorkel the preservation reefs right under the Petit Piton. After a cocktails, head back to villa, possible stopping at Anse Cochon for another swim.
Tuesday. If summer, inquire into turtle watch by calling Jim Sparks at 452-9829. Ask Reggie to order up some lobsters (a one-day lead time). Get early start on trip to Maria Islands, home of the St. Lucia Whiptailed lizard and the Maria Island snake. Take Atlantic side route south to National Trust office (phone 454-5014) directly across from Hewanorra Airport. Guide will take you to the Island. Brings swimsuits, as there is a superb beach on the island. If so inclined, continue on the "circle route", stopping at Ladera (just south of Soufriere; phone 459-7323) for cocktails. Enjoy the superb mountaintop view of the Pitons and the Jalousie Plantation below.
Wednesday. A quiet day at the villa in preparation for the next day's climb of the Gros Piton. Perhaps a walk or drive to Anse Cochon for great snorkeling (10 minutes away). Possible turtle watch at night (from March through July; call Jim Sparks 452-9829, to arrange.)
Thursday. Get an early start to Soufriere and climb Gros Piton. It will take about two hours to ascend, slightly less to come down. Pack lots of water. Climb is not dangerous, but vigorous and requiring some fitness.
Friday. To Castries to visit the open-air market. Lunch at the Coal Pot, on the water just north of town and serving superb cuisine. Golf at Cap Estate or Sandals course. Spend afternoon at Le Sport, remembering to book spa treatments ahead of time. Book dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in Rodney Bay ( we especially like The Steak House or Razmataz Tandoori Restaurant), leaving time to stop by the weekly jump up held every Friday night in Gros Islet or Seafood Friday in nearby Anse La Raye.
Saturday. Relax at villa and prepare for departure.
While Brigand Hill and the local area offer many diversions (Friday night's Seafood Friday in Anse La Raye is not to be missed), guests can sample St. Lucia's many other nearby delights.
Just 10 minutes away is the horseshoe-shaped Anse Cochon beach which features Ti Kaye's great beachfront bar and restaurant. This magnificent beach also offers wonderful snorkeling and an onsite dive shop serves scuba fans.
Another approach is to have our staff arrange for a boat to take you down the coast, enabling you to sample many different beachs and snorkeling (equipment is provided for Brigand Hill guests) spots. Be sure to stop at Anse Chastenet to check out their superb undersea life and bar-restaurant. (Only the brave DRIVE into Anse Chastenet).
Continue to Soufriere and the marine park between the Pitons at Jalousie Plantation. This would be a good time to visit Soufriere's "Sulfur Springs" "drive-in" volcano, gardens and mineral baths. Imagine bathing in the same tubs as Napoleon's favorite soldiers! But you can (his wife Josephine grew up in Soufriere).
Diving
St. Lucia offers superb diving with fully equipped dive facilities at several locations, including nearby Ti Kaye Village. Call ahead to Island divers, who take great care of Brigand Hill's guests. They also offer a safe one-on-one "Discover Scuba" package for first-timers.
If you plan on diving, bring your valid NAUI/PAADI card, but plan to rent tanks on island at Ti Kaye (Anse Cochon), Oasis Marigot or Anse Chastenet. Leave your spear fishing gear at home, though; St. Lucia prohibits such fishing (but encourages the other, deep sea kind, and many charters are available).
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Whale and dolphin watching is available via boats operating out of the Rodney Bay and Soufriere areas.
Game Fishing
Several charter operators are located in the Rodney Bay area. We favor Hackshaw's, which is conveniently located in the Vigie Bay marina next door to the Coal Pot Restaurant. Tell the owner, Chris Hackshaw, that you're staying at Brigand Hill.
Car Rental
All the major car rental companies are represented on the island. Rates are relatively high, so we encourage our guests to take a cab to the villa, then call the firms and negotiate a good rental. They will deliver the vehicle to the villa. Layne knows where to get the best rate at any time.
Savoring St. Lucia's Natural Wonders
The St. Lucian government has worked hard to make the island's magnificent features easily accessible to visitors while, at the same time, creating employment opportunities for its citizens.
14 nature trails (the most on any island in the Caribbean) varying in difficulty and length dot the island. Through the Forestry Department's hard-won success in restoring the endangered St. Lucian parrot one can see parrots on many of the trails. Visitors can now visit the Maria islands off St Lucia's south shore, home of two creatures--the whipped tail lizard and Maria Island snake (the rarest in the world with only about 100 in existence)--which only live on this 26-acre windswept island.
Piton Climb
St Lucia's two most prominent landmarks are the Pitons just south of Soufriere. Contrary to popular wisdom, these are not "dead" volcanoes; in fact, they are volcanic cones and both can be climbed. The Petite Piton has a forbidding reputation and some hikers have fallen off (a fatal miscue). The larger Gros Piton is safer, though still a test on one's fitness (plan on a drink at Ladera and a nap afterward). The Government requires that each party take a guide on the climb (a good idea; we've gotten lost on the descent) for a small fee. The view from the top is breathtaking.
Sailing
Yacht Charters by the day or week, bare boat or with crew are readily available at Moorings in nearby Marigot Bay. Chateau Mygo at Marigot offers an excellent day sail, including lunch. This is a great way to see the beauty of St. Lucia's coastline or some of the nearby islands like Martinique. Local ferry companies offer a one-day trip to/from and bus tour of Martinique and other Islands.
Turtle Watching
Another initiative that was started 18 years ago by the St. Lucia Naturalists Society and the Fisheries Department is safeguarding the leatherback turtles when they come ashore in the months of March through July to lay their eggs. Magnificent creatures as big as a Volkswagen Beetle, some turtles have ventured as far as Australia before returning to St. Lucia to deposit their eggs. The Turtle Watch Program has succeeded in protecting the nesting turtles from human predation, initially through all-night vigils and now by enlisting the former predators as allies. Two years ago 14 young people from the community were trained to conduct and monitor the turtles and they now manage the beach site, charging tourists a modest fee to observe the leatherbacks! This is considered by many as the model for community-based conservation projects in the Caribbean. Brigand Hill's staff can arrange such a turtle watch, sometimes accompanied by Jim Sparks (an American living here for 27 years), former chairman of the St. Lucia National Trust and the individual behind this success.
Golf
The island has two golf courses, the 18-hole Cap Estate Country Club and a 9-hole layout at Sandals. Both are open to the public and rent shoes and clubs. Tee times are seldom necessary. In addition, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Arnold Palmer have been retained to build new 18-hole courses, in the Northern & Southern ends of the island.
ATV Tours
Kurt Verhaegen of ATV Paradise Tours www.atvstlucia.com offers a great tour through the 1000-acre Fond Estate in MIcoud. We and our guests loved the experience. Call 455-3245 for reservations.
Zip-Lining through the Jungle Canopy
This is a new attraction and very exciting (and quite safe).
Windsurfing
The best windsurfing in the world can be had at St. Lucia's southern end. Equipment rentals and instructions are readily available.
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A suggestion - the hotels often welcome "day guests", sometimes charging a small fee. Four worthy of consideration are nearby Ti Kaye Village (Anse Cochron beach; a superb new small hotel), Le Sport (located in the North, close to the Cap Estate golf course), Ladera, on a mountaintop just south of Soufriere, and Jalousie Plantation, located below the Petit Piton. The first is only minutes away and free, the second offers a wide spectrum of spa treatments (but you are advised to book ahead); the third has an outstanding kitchen and view and is well worth visiting for lunch or dinner (and dallying by their pool and deck). It was to this hotel that Superman flew to pick a flower for Lois Lane, in the movie of the same name. Jalousie is the handiwork of Lord Glencomer (Colin Tennant), intimate of Princess Margaret and developer of Mustique earlier in his career. Lord Glencomer retains some property in the plantation and hosts nightly entertainments.
Property Resources
Visit this Vacation Rental's Website
Testimonials
"This place is truly amazing!!! We're never at a loss for things to look at around the villa or going to the Pitons. Anse Chastenet, Pigeon Island, Js. Reserve, etc. One week isn't enough. We can't wait to return and see more of the island."
-Dave Kamouti & Pam Adams, Winston Salem, NC
"We want to thank you for letting us stay in this wonderful house! Can't wait to come back. Thanks to Layne & Reggie for their hospitality & great food!"
Helm's & Hirsch's, NC & MA
"St. Lucia is a dream destination. So many things to see and do on the island. Scuba diving and snorkeling was great...we recommend Scuba Steve at the Ti Kaye! Layne's massages are terrific."
-Clay, Ceil, Patrich & Stephen Cook, Winston Salem, NC
"This place is so beautiful & peaceful. This Villa has everything you can want."
-Tom, Cathy, & Lanie (Picerno), West Trenton, NJ
"Lush, rich mountain scenes. Warm sunshine, refreshing rain showers. Many thanks for creating a place of solitude & serenity."
Tim & Sandy (Morgan), Elkhart, IN
"A week of Fantasy Land. No thoughts of life back home. The beauty, the people, the history, the island lifestyle is definitely like another world. Be sure to use the H2O taxis. Seafood Friday had great food & fun people."
The Stewarts, Atlanta, GA
"In all of our travels to the Caribbean and Hawaii, our stay at Brigand Hill is by far the best. First, the accommodations at the villa were spacious and comfortable. We all had private rooms that had a unique view of the rainforest. From the master bedroom, there was a 360 degree view of the entire valley and the ocean. Second, the people of St. Lucia were hospitable and helped us with our sight seeing and shopping excursions. Whether we ate the delicious food prepared by Layne or ate at one of the local restaurants, our meals fit all of our party's palates. We had the opportunity to look over the entire island and the beauty is beyond description. We look forward to returning to St. Lucia and Brigand Hill. Thanks again to our gracious host Mike Seely and to Layne & Reggie for their gift of hospitality.
Sincerely, "
--Ron & Kathy Lew, Thousand Oaks, California
"We had a MARVELOUS TIME at Brigand Hill--your beautiful home in St. Lucia. Layne and Reggie couldn't have been nicer. They made our stay very comfortable and easy. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed every moment."
--Valerie and Jim O'Halpin, Stamford, CT
Brigand Hill was even better than I had expected. Layne, the cook, was like family after day 1 and her food was amazing! The views at the Hill are spectacular! And with the proximity of Brigand Hill to some of the top beaches, snorkeling and scuba sites, and resorts on the island, this place is truly unmatched! I hope to go back as soon as I possibly can!
Dutch Cameleon
San Francisco
Wow! How fortunate I feel to have stayed in such an amazing place like Brigand Hill. Truely amazing! The accomodations surpassed my expectations and the service was great: food, drinks and if you like to pamper yourself, a 60 minute swedish massage. I had a great time and I hope to return soon.
Date of Stay: May, 2008
May 16, 2008
I spent one week at the gorgeous Brigand Hill Villa with a group of friends and I have to say that it was by far one of my favorite vacations!
The driveway is surrounded by a very nicely kept garden with tropical flowers and the house is beautiful, open and it is equipped with pretty much everything you need. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, all with private bathrooms and no TV which was a plus to me. There is a nice sized pool overlooking the lush forest in the back of the property and a hammock, great for relaxing while enjoying a cold Piton beer!
Brigand Hill is located on the North West of the island; I strongly recommend renting a car to get around St. Lucia, it is worth it! It takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from the International Hewanorra Airport to the villa. Other St. Lucia attractions and places of interest are within 15 to 20 minutes from the villa.
Lynne, the housekeeper at Brigand Hill was great! She cleaned our rooms daily and cooked some amazing food for us! She even did our laundry when needed which was a great thing. Her Swedish massages are great as well, so I recommend you ask for one!
Lots of PRIVACY and overall a great place to stay!! Thanks for an amazing week.
belita76
San Francisco, CA
Stayed for a 1 1/2 weeks at Brigand Hill during May 2008. It was an absolutely amazing experience. Some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving on the island is a short walk away from the house to a secluded beach (the Ti Kaye resort is also close by - also a very fun place to visit). Lynne George (the housekeeper) caters to your every need including amazing food (best jerk/curry chicken I've ever had), keeping the place tidy, and really nice massages. The views from the house are unbelievable (I felt like I was swimming in a pool in the middle of Jurassic Park). Anse de La Ray and Canaries (fun full village fish frys at both towns on weekends... really friendly locals - say hello to Rock Bottom and Jaron) are 5-15 minutes via car.
If you're looking for a cheesy, typical American touristy experience, you're probably better off at one of the cookie cutter "Mikey is mignon" resorts at the North end of the island. If you want a real vacation that combines beach time, water activities, relaxation, natural beauty, and a true St. Lucia experience consider Brigand Hill.
Liked — The dog - Lucy... Friendliest dog I've ever met. Leaving the dog was the hardest part.
Disliked — Leaving. I wanted to stay another month.
My friends and I were greatly surprised by the quality of the house/amenities - everything was wonderful. The cook, Layne, had a truly jovial spirit and an awesome talent in the kitchen. The bedrooms were beautiful and open, the pool/deck was perfect, the landscape was surreal. Brigand Hill, and the trip to St.Lucia in general, was a truly wonderful experience that I will never forget.
TheHearth
NYC |
 Reservation Information
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Mike
Cell Phone: 802-867-5992
Day Phone: 772-343-1732 Winter
Evening Phone: 802-867-5992 Summer
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