There are a few places on earth where a single house, the work of a gifted and original spirit, captures and expresses its surroundings so perfectly that it seems almost to have emerged right out of the landscape itself.
Villa Pitons Retreat is one of those rare homes. Built high on a hilly knoll near the village of Morne La Croix, the house was once the private residence of the remarkable American interior designer, architect and yachtsman John DiPol, who in the 1960s put down roots in St. Lucia and went on to build the world-famous Ladera Resort between St. Lucia's landmark Pitons with its awesome open design and 'infinity' pool. Villa Pitons Retreat carries the open design concept to amazing effect in complete privacy...discretely served by a dedicated staff of two.
The house makes the absolute most of its awesome natural surroundings. Every suite is open to view the emerald bay of Anse des Pitons- a World Heritage Site.
The house makes the absolute most of its awesome natural surroundings. Every suite is open to view the emerald bay of Anse des Pitons- a World Heritage Site. Outside, with its low roofs and louvered folding doors along the frontage, it has the subtly lit, yet imposing privacy, of an old French plantation villa. In fact, it's built onto an old mill.
Inside, the light of the Caribbean plays among deep recesses shaped by the gray granite of St. Lucia's volcanic geology and cedar woodwork from the island's ancient rain forest. All of which is brightened by the genius of traditional Italian tile masons. Each floor is a visual masterpiece, where earth-red clay squares lay the ground for stunning original inlays - a coat of arms, the Southern Cross, a giant octopus crowning a seaworld shower. The tiles continue to inspire and amaze outside, where the pool terrace is emblazoned with a comet trailing through stars.
The villa's Old World and Caribbean nuances come together in the kitchen, where blue-green tiled counters, breadfruit-wood cabinets, rustic surfaces and stained-glass windows add visual flavor to its impressive modern appointments, including double-door fridge, and a full-size commercial range fit for the most discriminating culinary creations.
The master bedroom suite has its own tub and shower (crowned by the magnificent octopus mosaic), twin ceramic sinks and dressing room. Two guest bedrooms share an adjoining bathroom with a large tiled walk-in shower. Each bedroom has a queen-size four-poster bed. Another bathroom with shower next to the game room can be reached from either guest room whenever the shared bathroom is occupied.
Villa Pitons Retreat is a place for travelers who really wish to get away. To preserve its seclusion and intimacy, the house has no land line telephone. We'll provide you a cell phone to access the outside world and the staff. The villa has a TV-DVD system which will allow you to watch movies and play your CD's. There is also an iPOD compatibility switch which you can use.
Comfort and privacy are guaranteed by the villa's staff of two, Granny and Gregg. Granny, who serves as housekeeper, will be glad to cook for you an evening meal at a cost of US$10 per person, per dinner. Please note that the guests are also responsible for buying groceries and drinks. Mary can cook creole meals upon request.
Villa Pitons Retreat is safe and comfy day and night. Because of the open design, expect to see small visitors now and then – innocent little lizards and frogs. They’re harmless and happy to come and go undisturbed, as free as the birds in the trees outside your doors.
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).
