We've stayed at Bayside Villa Apartments for our three trips to Saint Lucia and our stays are usually two weeks. I cannot imagine ever staying anywhere else. John and Shirley are always ready to welcome us "home". We've seen all three apartments, but have only stayed in the La Rose apartment, but met and enjoyed knowing guests from the other two apartments. Each apartment is very clean, smells nice, has nice grounds with florals, has cool a/c which is fabulous after a day's outing.(Be sure to turn it off when you leave for an outing.) The linens and towels are nice and fresh. You are furnished with a beach towel for use during your stay. There is a washing machine and drying room for your use at no extra charge. The kitchens are furnished with everything you need to make a nice meal, which makes these apartments a plus. You will also be given a cell phone for use on the island with minutes ready to use. The views from the windows and the porch/patio are truly amazing. One can see passing cruise ships coming into the harbor and often there are four at a time in port, freighters coming and going, all types of boats, Pilot boats to guide the ships in and out, as well as the ferry, and the city view of Castries is beautiful in the day or nighttime. You can see the George Charles Small Airport across the bay, but just sitting on the patio taking in all the beauty is amazing..In the distance one can see the idlans of Martinique as well as resorts and homes on the mountain side. The views are beautiful and the photos on the website are real and it is truly what one sees, plus more. There is a light house across the bay and one can drive to it for a closer look through a pleasant neighborhood. I cannot say enough about our stays on this property and each apartment has a safe to store your passports and other articles if you so desire. We feel very safe on this property in the day and night time. Another very nice feature is that the owners, John and Shirley Douglas live on the property and are very helpful and want you to have a nice vacation and see their island, but they also do not invade your privacy. Ask them questions of what you wish to do and they will direct you. I encourage you to rent a car, so you can drive around and see the island.The people on the island are nice and friendly, but we do not talk with them if we are out walking in town. If spoken to, we say hello and keep waling. Upon arrival at the apartment, you will be given a cell phone with minutes already on it and then one can add more minutes if desired at the Lime Phone Store in Rodnay Bay. While at the Lime Store, go next door to Sea Island Cotton for some pretty clothing and souvenirs, as well as some cute jewelry and other accessories-all priced reasonable. While in Rodney Bay, the beach there is large with beautiful views of boats docked in deeper water and there is a restaurant on the beach called Spinnakers. If there are cruise ships in port you might not want to go to Rodney Bay beach because the beaches will be crowded with people from the ships. Also, in Rodney Bay one can take a Segway Tour. A closer shop to the apartments is Caribelle Boutique that is up the mountain side past the college with a large balcony overlooking the entire city. It is truly a wow moment, just like what you will say when you see your apartment at Bayside. Across the road from the apartments is Sandals La Toc, which is a large property. Buy a day pass and you will be able do use all the facilities just as their over night guests do, who by the way, pays a huge amount of money for their stay and they do not have the view that the apartments do, plus you have to get dressed for meals. In your apartment at BaySide you can eat in your own kitchen in your PJ's if you want to and on your own porch/balcony while enjoying the views. Do Not forget sunscreen when you go to the beaches or to Sandals. In Saint Lucia the sun is intense and a sun burn will spoil your trip. If you choose to not rent a car, John can arrange for your pick up at the airport and the driver will stop at the grocery store. The island beer is Piton. Add a little lime slice and oh my goodness how good it is and I am not big beer drinker, but the Piton Beer is really good, especially at day's end. Piton Beer or a Coke sitting on the porch cannot get much better watching all the water and air traffic. And, for a short drive around the Bay is The Coal Pot and The Brown Sugar Restaurants - both on the water and both very good. And for a day trip to the Pitons on the south end of the Island with stops along the way is the large party boat one can take at Vigie Cove which you can see from the apartments. Another place that is not far to drive is Marigot Bay, which has an uncrowded beach with tall swaying palms and a large grocery store on the way.. We highly recommend BaySide Villas for the location is handy to just about every place you want to go and they have no foot or car traffic as they are off the road yet easy to find. Remember Sandals is almost across from the street to the apartment. If you prefer to have John arrange your pick up at the airport, but want to rent a car he can also arrange for this too and the car will be brought to you. It might be best to arrange this prior to your arrival. And, if all else fails and you don't want a car, the bus is just up the little hill. or you can take a taxi. Bayside Villas have never failed to please us and we will return again this year. I almost forgot there is WiFi internet. This is your place to stay unless you want to stay in an over priced resort! Thank you John and Shirley for always making our stays so nice and pleasant! We love our home alway from home and you always make us feel like family..
