This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
4/10 Poor
Jacqueline P.
18 January 2017
Rented and Paid for 28 Days--Stayed for 7 Days
Just looking at the picture above of Villa Ann Marie, I'm reminded of exactly why I chose the villa. My goals were extremely simple: to decompress from an extremely intense year of working weekends and of speaking at multiple events per week (as an introvert) & always having to run for planes or appointments every single day, etc. All I wanted was to unplug and soak up quiet, beauty and good food, and read and write. The image and description of the villa seemed to be just what I needed to recharge for 2017.
Starting with the positives, Cosmos who owns the villa with his wife Gina, was wonderfully communicative and accommodating before my arrival. They also provided a one-month rate, which was discounted over what I would have paid for 28 days at a daily rate. He arranged my pick up with Larry who was great and all went extremely smoothly, including a stop at the grocery store so I could get the basics. I think this villa could work wonderfully for someone with a very different situation and set of vacation goals as, Cosmos was very forthcoming with all of the great options for various excursions on the island, which would have been great for someone seeking an adventure. But, with constant domestic and international travel, I literally just wanted to be still and spend my time reading & writing on the veranda with only daily walks.
Challenges were post-arrival. First I was escorted to a room & told "this is your room" which was confusing since I rented a 3 bedroom villa so I didn't expect to be assigned a room? Then I was told that one of the rooms was "under construction" and I was shown the other room, which had no windows so it's true that this would not be my choice. That room was firmly locked. (It was like renting an SUV, showing up, & being given a 2-door economy car.) I don't use air con at all but was told that it could only be used during certain hours and they kept the remote. Plus, there were signs like "do not enter" "keep door closed" etc, throughout all of which felt institutional. Upon request, they shared the remote, covered the signs, and removed the pool table, feeding table & treadmill, as items I wouldn't use that cluttered the living room. They did try to accommodate my efforts to make the space more appealing.
Deal Breaker: Morning revealed that the view from the veranda (planned daily reading/writing haven) is a large hideous construction site with drilling, hammering, & trucks engines all day. Tranquil Paradise Lost!
Jacqueline P.
Stayed 28 nights in Dec 2016