Brigand Hill

Staff

The staff know the who, what, where and why of St. Lucia, so be sure to enlist their help in assuring the success of your holiday.

Regis "Reggie" George is responsible for maintaining the villa and its grounds. Ask him or his wife Layne for any needed repairs, or for details on reaching beautiful private beaches, waterfalls, mountain hikes or trips by local fishing boat. Reggie can also arrange for local seafood and can light up an evening with bamboo tiki torches. A bamboo cannon can also be demonstrated! Reggie's wife Layne acts as chief cook and housekeeper. For parties of 6 or more, we add a third staff person.

Airport Pickup

Best Guide Book

Hands down, the one you want is Indigo's "St. Lucia". A copy is available for reference at the villa, where we also provide information on all St. Lucia's attractions

Currency

St. Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean currency (universally referred to as "EC"). One US dollar equals 2.7 "EC". You're best advised to employ EC; while USD, travelers checks etc. are readily accepted, you may suffer on the exchange rate. Generally, local prices are somewhat lower than most guests expect, though the larger hotels charge US-type rates for food, beverage and services.

Grocery Shopping

For big "shops", we like Julian's Supermarket just north of the Vigie Airport; we also like the small fruit / vegetable store in the same mall. Marigot Bay's ship store has some groceries and wine, but at premium prices. Better to shop at other local supermarkets. The open-air market in Castries offers a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, pottery, and native crafts at excellent prices (though be prepared to barter). Layne can shop for you for a fee of $35.

Reggie or Layne can direct you to one of the two wine shops.

Clothing Optional OK?

Certainly--but best when the staff is off site!

Telephone

The telephone number at Brigand Hill is 758-458-3917. Calls may be dialed directly from Brigand Hill to the US and Europe; on outbound calls, guests are requested to use a credit card or to dial collect. Please call Layne ahead of your arrival at her home (758-458-3628) or on her cell (758-715-7168).

Internet

Wireless access is available.

Entering St. Lucia

A passport is required to enter the country. If you elect to rent a car, you must obtain a St. Lucian driver's license (good for three months; obtain at the airport when you disembark). Drive on the left side of the road (as you would in the UK) and be especially careful on Friday afternoons (pay day in St. Lucia and a day when the rum shops do excellent business). Don't pick up hitchhikers around Soufriere they will likely panhandle from you with heart-rending tales of personal misfortunes in life (all clever fiction). Tourists are charged a departure fee of $26.

Using taxis

Taxis can be the best bet if you plan to spend most of your time at the villa, with only a few trips around the island. Layne can estimate costs and book one for you, but be sure to negotiate the driver's fee ahead of time (and be clear about the currency). Obviously, the St. Lucian driver knows his way around and liberates you to enjoy your fill of food and drink.

Tipping / Mandatory Service Charge

While staff salaries cover their basic responsibilities, Reggie and Layne rely on gratuities for an important part of their income. Guests typically tip approximately $35-$50US$ per individual guest (adults and children) per week, divided between Layne and Reggie.

Electric System

The electric current throughout the villa is 220 volt A.C., not what you're used to in the U.S. Adapters are provided, but be aware that the island's power supply is very "dirty"; consequently, we strongly urge the use of surge suppressors, which are provided, before plugging in appliances.

Provisions for Brigand Hill

With notice, we will stock the villa with food and beverages before you arrive.

A standard grocery list is included below as a “starter”. For a fee of $35.00 US per trip, Layne will do the shopping for you. If you would like to delete anything or add something, please call Layne one week prior to your arrival at 758-715-7168 or 458-3628

In addition to basic “starter” groceries, Layne will shop for and prepare, a simple creole meal your first night. Then you should sit down with her and plan a general meal schedule for the rest of your stay. Layne can also try, with advance notice, to obtain local lobsters and fish.

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY FOOD ALLERGIES.

First Night:

Pumpkin soup Curried chicken Island rice Green leaf salad or cabbage salad with Layne’s dressing Assorted fruit for dessert

Possibilities for other nights:

Fish fritters Beef, fish, lamb, goat - creole, baked, fried, curried Lobster Pasta Side dishes: potato salad, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, macaroni and cheese, pumpkin and chives, red kidney beans, christophene, and dashene.

Lunches:

Tuna salad sandwiches Cold cuts with cheese Grilled cheese Hamburgers and hot dogs

Other items typically included in Layne’s basic “food shop”:

Coffee OJ Crackers Soda Water - purchased in 2 gallon containers Mayonnaise Olive oil Salad dressing Cereal Milk Butter Bacon Eggs Cheese Fruit, vegetables, carrots, potatoes Beer, Wine, Liquor - she will purchase for 2 nights and then get direction and money from you. Please specify your requirements. Tuna Snack food - potato chips and nuts, etc. Bread

Basics that will usually be in the House:

Tea bags Flour Salt Ketchup Mustard Mayonnaise Jam Onions Garlic