We arrived at the Bel Jou just in time for breakfast, two different melon, pineapple, banana and fresh croissants, home made jams and marmalade served with good coffee, it was a lovely welcome on a specially laid out table for the 8 of us who had flown in from Barbados.
I immediately knew I was going to love this place, the views from the top of the hill down to Castries and the harbour below was perfect, sweet little brightly coloured houses dotted on the hillside surrounded by lush vegetation. Our room wasn't ready but strangely enough this didn't bother me, I was totally relaxed and happy just to wander around my new surroundings. The hotel only has 52 bedrooms, all with a balcony overlooking the beautiful tropical garden and the Caribbean Sea, there is also 12 further small bungalows for single guests. The swimming pool was an adequate size with comfortable sun loungers, everywhere inside and outside of the hotel was kept spotlessly clean.
All the staff were exceptional, always smiling, friendly and professional. It is an all inclusive hotel and is owned by Saga, solely for Saga guests. All meals were taken on the outside verandah although you could dine inside if you wanted to, the quality of the food was excellent. I loved sitting outside on the verandah for all our meals, it was always warm even when it rained. Our holiday included several excursions around the island, all of them enjoyable, I fell in love with the island, but always felt happy to return to the Bel Jou and it's peace and quiet. I really couldn't fault it – I am a really fussy hotel guest and can normally find something to moan about, not on this occasion though, it is definitely my Little Gem and I can't wait to return one day.
