Impeccable hillside villa with infinity pool, piton views, and fantastic staff! A truly great getaway location. Family friendly staffed villa with stunning views of the Pitons, set in the blossom-filled hills above Soufriere (sleeps up to 12) Named after the audacious little finches that eat fruit from your hand, Bananaquit House is a 10-minute drive from both the beach and St Lucia’s former capital, Soufriere. This is a comfy, stretch-out and kick-your-shoes-off villa, where the only thing better than watching the sunset is watching the sunset with a rum punch in your hand. Panoramic views over the Pitons are amazing, and the open living/dining room, with its white walls and candy-striped sofas, is a delight. This 5 bedroomed summery home is perfect for a large family. Kids will vie for a mezzanine den from which they can spy on the grown-ups playing cards or watching a DVD. Parents will love the fact that they can escape to the main bedroom’s private panoramic terrace. You won’t find too much gadgetry (WiFi’s reluctant to get going and there’s no TV reception), but if you can do without the bells and whistles you’ll find the hours slipping by very pleasantly, accompanied by birdsong, sunshine and children’s excited discoveries. Some of the nicest staff we’ve ever met will take care of your every need: there’s a fine in-house cook (or you can self-cater), cheery housekeepers, a gardener/security man who keeps the pool clean and the house supplied with good vibes, and, last but not least, a soppy German shepherd, Oreo, to fall in love with. Prices from $715 per night