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My Endless Villa Search -Villa Maria, Hale Lani, Belvedere
My Endless Villa Search -Villa Maria, Hale Lani, Belvedere
I'm having trouble making a decision on the villa search ---we're looking at Villa Maria, Hale Lani, Villa Belvedere, Viridian Garden, Anansi (new from Catered To). Have also thought about Beit Hawa, which is quite a bit less expensive. There will be 5 of us---mom and dad and 3 older kids (college age)--- possibility of a 6th. We love lots of sunshine, an in-your-face water view, and an easy drive to the Beach Bar. Flip-Flop has given me a great report on Hale Lani. Haven't seen much on the other choices. Any reports on the other villas? Thanks much.
---Jim
Jim,
My friends stayed at Belvedere in May of 2006. It definitely has in your face amazing views of the water and a very easy drive to the Beach Bar. It's in a great neighborhood. I was not impressed at all with the furnishings of the villa. It was pretty beat up at that time. It may have been given some TLC since they so I'd be sure to ask the management company.
Good luck in your search!
Nancy
My friends stayed at Belvedere in May of 2006. It definitely has in your face amazing views of the water and a very easy drive to the Beach Bar. It's in a great neighborhood. I was not impressed at all with the furnishings of the villa. It was pretty beat up at that time. It may have been given some TLC since they so I'd be sure to ask the management company.
Good luck in your search!
Nancy
NancyB
I agree with Belvedere. It was in need of an overhaul but does have beautiful views. We stayed at Beit Hawa before it even had a hot tub. No pool if that needs to be an option for you. Beautiful area but also was in need of some upgrades. A caretaker lives in the apartment below but we never saw anyone else on the property the whole week we were there.
We stayed at Villa Maria summer 2006. Killer water views, out to sea or towards the Westin, whatever you prefer... While grilling, dining, in the pool, lounging on the deck, etc. Liked the outdoor music capability (plugged in my MP3), the small bar downstairs near the pool was convenient to grab a cold one out of the fridge without going in the house 
Multilevel pool design was unique, we liked it, you could sit in the water on the shallower levels.
The separate building with the master allows you to put the kids in the main building, our group was similar to yours, worked out for us.
We did feel it was a bit worn, had trouble with the key at the main door, the rental agent that took us couldn't get it to work, had to enter another door and work the deadbolt from inside. Kitchen not way up there on the amenities list, IIRC there was no toaster, which we thought was something all would have. No show stoppers, but we've stayed in better equipped for similar $$$, IMHO you're paying for the location/view.
Minor point - no shade while in the pool for quite a period of time in the afternoon... after a beach in the morning and wanting to spend some time in the pool, would've liked some less than direct sun... You're on the western side of the point, down from the peak, very little breeze... Got fairly hot and some had issues with too much sun... There was a small area with a couple of chairs that would be undercover during much of this afternoon time, but wouldn't accommodate everyone, several steps from the pool.
Just re-read, and not sure how my "hot" afternoon comment came across, but this past summer we stayed in Coral Bay, it was windy enough at times that we felt it was too cool to be in the pool, so it's not like we don't like the heat. Or maybe we're like Goldilocks, we want everything just right!
Multilevel pool design was unique, we liked it, you could sit in the water on the shallower levels. The separate building with the master allows you to put the kids in the main building, our group was similar to yours, worked out for us.
We did feel it was a bit worn, had trouble with the key at the main door, the rental agent that took us couldn't get it to work, had to enter another door and work the deadbolt from inside. Kitchen not way up there on the amenities list, IIRC there was no toaster, which we thought was something all would have. No show stoppers, but we've stayed in better equipped for similar $$$, IMHO you're paying for the location/view.
Minor point - no shade while in the pool for quite a period of time in the afternoon... after a beach in the morning and wanting to spend some time in the pool, would've liked some less than direct sun... You're on the western side of the point, down from the peak, very little breeze... Got fairly hot and some had issues with too much sun... There was a small area with a couple of chairs that would be undercover during much of this afternoon time, but wouldn't accommodate everyone, several steps from the pool.
Just re-read, and not sure how my "hot" afternoon comment came across, but this past summer we stayed in Coral Bay, it was windy enough at times that we felt it was too cool to be in the pool, so it's not like we don't like the heat. Or maybe we're like Goldilocks, we want everything just right!
Thanks for the helpful comments so far. Had remembered comments that Belvedere might be looking worn. Catered To tells me that Villa Maria has just been refurbished with new furniture, and the kitchen remodeled---so its looking pretty good ---I love the location/view. Beit Hawa seems like a nice spot for the money, but my 3 daughters might be upset about not having a pool (I prefer the ocean so its not a big deal to me).
---Jim
Your villa search sounds just like mine in terms of what's on your list. I don't know if it's taken during your dates, but have you looked at this house: http://destinationstjohn.com/palm_hill.htm?
It was my first choice but I was overruled. I believe it's near Belvedere. If you want, I'll send you my villa spreadsheet - we're dealing with the same types of properties and we had six ppl.
It was my first choice but I was overruled. I believe it's near Belvedere. If you want, I'll send you my villa spreadsheet - we're dealing with the same types of properties and we had six ppl.
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aroobagirl
- Posts: 316
- Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2007 2:58 pm
- Location: Fairfax, VA
Iowa, we just returned from Hale Lani and loved it! The only things I would comment on - no tv in bedroooms which I like to fall asleep to. The main living room can get warm if no breeze but wasn't a problem. There are only two lounge chairs by the pool but the verandah above has seating and shade overlooking the pool. The lower bedrooms would be great for older kids. Feel free to IM if any specific questions.
After the problems you had with your villa I bet your friends wished they had not been so quick to overrule Palm Hill!!alw1977 wrote:Your villa search sounds just like mine in terms of what's on your list. I don't know if it's taken during your dates, but have you looked at this house: http://destinationstjohn.com/palm_hill.htm?
It was my first choice but I was overruled. I believe it's near Belvedere. If you want, I'll send you my villa spreadsheet - we're dealing with the same types of properties and we had six ppl.
alw---Palm Hill is one I've had my eye on for a while----looks great--but its not available the week that we'll be there.
Aroobagirl--Thanks for the good feedback on Hale Lani---looks very nice too. I may e-mail you with a question or two. I'm sure I'm making this harder than it needs to be---several options look great.
Aroobagirl--Thanks for the good feedback on Hale Lani---looks very nice too. I may e-mail you with a question or two. I'm sure I'm making this harder than it needs to be---several options look great.
---Jim
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Berlingirl
- Posts: 499
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:09 pm
- Location: New England
