We celebrated my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary in St. Lucia in March 2004. Because they are 70 years old, we needed accommodations that were not in the "rustic" style and yet, did not cost a fortune, since there would be 5 of us traveling together. We used the Marigot Bay site to come up with the best airline reservation price and the best car rental price as well. Very useful. After speaking to the proprietress of the Villas of Marigot, she suggested the Great House as our choice, since my parents would not likely be able to handle the steps across the harbor in the Villas. After a somewhat grueling trip from Ohio to St. Lucia, we arrived at the beautiful, bountiful, green island of St. Lucia. It was breathtaking. The taxi was already arranged by the Great House staff and waiting for us. We were relieved. I must admit, though, we were somewhat taken aback with the rough roads with their hairpin turns. I had some trepidation as to what the Great House would REALLY look like. From the web pics it looked gorgeous. When we finally pulled up to our last hairpin turn, it was into the driveway of the Great House. The pictures did not do the place justice! It was even more beautiful than any panorama could capture. We were tired, but elated with the view and the pristine accomodations. My parents were so impressed with the place. It was clean, tropical, and tastefuly furnished. I had arranged a beautiful bouquet of tropical flowers that lasted the entire time we were there. The best feature of the Great House was the oasis on the side of the house. The blue swimming pool was surrounded by lush flowers that attracted at least 10 different bird species including hummingbirds, a few colorful lizards, frogs, and very few bugs. It was never hot in the Great House due to a constant breeze. Sleeping was comfortable and sometimes we were entertained by lovely tropical tunes that reached us from across the Bay. On our last night there, we traded our favorite thing" about the trip. Without hesitation, my mother proclaimed the Great House as her favorite. Her breath was taken away when we entered on that first day.

So, anyone planning a trip with their family should seriously consider staying at the Great House. We rented a car. A taxi or car is necessary when staying at the Great House. The walk down to the restaurants is not trivial, but can be done by anyone in shape, however, you may not want to face the hill after a few drinks at Doolittle's. Also- you will need provisions for the house. We stopped at a little grocery close to the house at first, then went into Castries to the larger supermarkets for additional items. Since you are on the other side of the Bay, you will be forced to use the little ferry that is quaint, but the $2 US (each way!) can mount up after a few days, so get the pass that they offer. While my parents relaxed at the pool, we went on diving trips with Dive St. Helen's. The dive outfit was just "OK", but we had the best meals on the island during our lunch "surface interval". Avoid shore diving at Anse du Chastenet: too expensive and our divemaster did very little to facilitate our trip.