My husband and I recently spent our honeymoon at Stonefield and we still can't get over how fantastic the experience was. Everything was top-notch from the service at the front desk / management, our villa - Jacaranda, food at the Mango Tree, and list of available activities to partake in.
We arrived at Stonefield late in the evening and were checked in by one of the security guards who was very helpfull. The moon was full and we could see the outline of the Petite Piton which made the both of us extremely excited for the coming day. The concert of chirping crickets and frogs lulled us to sleep. Sunrise, WOW! the views from our villa were absolutely incredible and in fact every view from Stonefield is incredible. We wanted to stay in a villa that had a fully equiped kitchen so we could prepare our own meals and save money and Jacaranda provided this. Soufriere is an easy downhill walk to the grocery store where we stocked up on food for some lunches and dinners. Also, don't forget to stock up on some Piton beer and Bounty rum. The front desk arranged for a taxi to bring us back to our villa so we didn't have to walk back up the hill. I totally recommed using the taxi/shuttle service - it's not that expensive especially if you split it with other guest as we did and they are extremely prompt. My husband is 6'6" and the pool at our villa was deep enough to cover his head! Bring your own rafts to enjoy the pool even more. Also, the outdoor shower is awesome, I wish we had one. Jacaranda is not air-conditioned but with the two ceiling fans we never thought it was hot. Sleeping was very comfortable.
Stonefield is situated on a mountain side with amazing views of the Gros and Petite Pitons. The property is very lush and the staff encourages guest to pick the fruit growing on the trees. We picked mangoes, bananas, and grapefruits to use for our meals. The mangoes weren't particularlly ripe and our cleaning lady overheard me saying this and later that day she surprised us with a bag of ripe mangoes! Also, I asked our driver some advice on buying a fish from a fisherman and he suggested that he buy it so we wouldn't get overcharged. He saved us money and even gutted and scaled the fish so I didn't have to hassel with it. I really can't say enough about the property - it's beautiful! We liked going to the Malgretout Beach because we felt like it was our own beach which is rocky instead of full sand. Most people take shuttles to Jalousie or Anse Chastenet which left Malgretout to ourselves. WARNING! the walk back up to Stonefield is really steep. We live in Colorado and didn't have issues with this but other guest thought it was too steep. Jalousie is also pretty because of the white sand.
We enjoyed our trip to the volcano and botanical gardens. My husband is a geology nut and really liked the volcano and all of the bubbling mud. Going to the botanical gardens allows you to learn the names of all of the plants and flowers that are growing on Stonefields property. Our guide, "Alex the Great" is a walking encyclopedia. We also decided to climb the Petite Piton instead of the Gros because they say it is more difficult. Boy, was it ever difficult! Climbing the Petite is very technical and the hardest climb that we have ever done. There are no switch-backs and it is completely a vertical climb, all 2,600 feet of it. Once up top you are rewarded with such an amazing view. If you aren't afraid of heights and physical exertion this is the climb for you. If not, opt for the Gros Piton with its steps to get you to the top. P.S. I was incredibly sore the next day and the massage at the Bamboo Door took care of it. The last excursion that we signed up for was snorkeling. The variety of fish was numerous and we highly recommend it.
We loved the food at the Mangoe Tree and were very surprised to read reviews that called it mediocre. We ate breakfast there everyday and thought that the service was great. Remember, your in a country were time isn't that pressing of an issue. Enjoy the views and relax. Lunch and Dinner are yummy as well. You must order the cheeseburger for lunch, I'm not joking.
What we liked best about Stonefield was our villa, the views, the food, and the staff. Ernie is a great General Manager and he is doing many things right. You must realize that there are mosquitos and no-seeums. You will get bitten. Bring plenty of deet and itch relief. Also, Stonefield is a destination for those who want to relax. This is not a place for those who crave nightlife on their vacation. In all, this is one of the best vacations we have ever been on, we cannot wait to come back.