Vacation Rentals by Owner

Perfect vacation rental -- a real gem

Guest: Bird-of-Flight (Minneapolis)
Date of Stay: 03/31/12 Review Submitted: 04/09/12

This home was perfect for our group of two adults and four teenage boys. It would also work well for two or three couples. The decks and interiors are exactly as the photos show and we loved the vibe of the house with lovely art and interesting books. The household management is outstanding. We found the best snorkeling on the island to be in front of the house. We had many fun outings to beaches and appreciated two small but well-stocked grocery stores within a ten minutes drive. We hope to return to this outstanding rental.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Shell Villa, Fabulous Views

Guest: Anthea (West Flamborough, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/12/12 Review Submitted: 02/29/12

We had a wonderful vacation staying at Shell Villa Feb 2012. The location is perfect, right on the ocean with fabulous beaches minutes away. The Villa was clean and had everything we needed. We sat out most mornings drinking coffee overlooking the spectacular view and watching the bird life In the gardens and even some dolphins swam by in the ocean. The large boats that pass by in the distance make great viewing and the sunsets at night were eye pleasing. I even saw the green flash!!. The deck and pool were great. This was our second trip to Antigua; we feel in love with the island on our first trip and returned to the Falmouth area because of all the attractions it has to offer. You must visit Shirley Height’s as the views are breathtaking. Galleon beach, Half Moon Bay Beach, Rendezvous beach all spectacular. If you want a relaxing vacation in a great villa, wonderful location with access to a variety of restaurants, beaches etc. This is the place. You do need an all wheel drive and we went with the Dollar Car Rental as Jenny, the owners recommended and it was fine. Jenny was very good and helpful pre and post booking as well as Helen who met us at the Villa. All in all a perfect vacation. No complaints. I wish I was still there. Anthea

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A very nice alternative to the "all inclusive" resort

Guest: Tammi (Hamilton NJ)
Date of Stay: 11/05/11 Review Submitted: 11/19/11

Me, my wife, and our daughter spent a week at the Shell Villa in early November. We normally do the all-inclusive resort vactations but wanted to try something different this time. We decided on the Shell Villa mainly on reviews we had read. We certainly made the right choice. It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable vacations we have been on. We got to see quite a lot of Antigua in a relatively short period of time. When we arrived at the airport we were met by the driver Valentino. A really nice guy and we had fun talking to him. We rented a 4x4 (which I highly recommend) and followed Valentino to the Villa which was about a 40 minute drive. When you get to the final road to the Shell Villa this is where you will find the 4x4 very useful. Its an adventurous drive but fun. We were met at the Villa by Helen who welcomed us and helped us get settled in. She and her husband Kevin were very welcoming and we learned a lot about the island by talking to them. They were truely a pleasure to meet. You couldn't ask for a better location than the Shell Villa. Right on the water with the most amazing view. On clear days you have a perfect view of Montserrat. It is very secluded and I had the feeling of being in my own private paradise. We never tired of sitting on the deck and just soaking in the view. The Villa is very clean and has all the amenities you need. It is obviously very well maintained inside and out. We enjoyed hanging in the pool. Its plenty big enough to have fun and cool off in. The kitchen is fully functional and the bedrooms and baths are very clean and comfortable. We stocked up at the local grocery store (Bailey's) and cooked most of our own meals. I also stocked up on a couple cases of the local beer for the week. Of the few restaraunts we ate at we found the best food at Trappas. We tried to do hit a different place each day. We found Pigeon beach to be the nicest (and closest). Half-moon bay and Darkwood beach were also very nice. We loved the place and I would recommend it to anyone. We hope to get back there one day. A couple things to keep in mind...You will need to rent a car and you should make it a 4x4. Also, there is no air conditioning in the Villa. However we were kept plenty cool by the large ceiling fans in each room and loved feeing the breeze coming in the large windows.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Antiguan Paradise

Guest: Ed (CROWNSVILLE, MD)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11 Review Submitted: 06/30/11

Can't imagine a more beautiful villa. The sunsets viewed from the infinity deck are breathtaking. Hearing the sounds of the waves and frogs lull you to sleep. Dipping in the plunge pool was so refreshing as well as a great place to star gaze. The villa is so comfortable and well stocked with all the necessities that you need. Don't forget to spend lots on time in the hammocks. We suggest that you stay for 2 weeks as a week is not enough.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Stars, Sun, Beach and Magic! An Antiguan Vacation.

Guest: finley (Saugerties, NY US)
Date of Stay: 02/05/11 Review Submitted: 02/22/11

We had a wonderful time and the house could not have been any more accommodating and wonderful! We so loved just sitting on the deck hearing the waves that felt so much like the heartbeat of the earth. Steady, rhythmic, assuring and cleansing. From the first sunset and the morning rainbow the next day to the adventures of driving around the island...it was wonderful. Sharing pictures with folks since we’re back has helped to relive so many moments. (You may have a few customers next year from the Hudson Valley as a result of our ravings!) The house could not have been better. Quite accommodating to naps and reading, pool dipping and helping us to connect with calm. The nearby restaurants, the sights of the magnificant beaches and mostly the people of Antigua were inviting and gracious. Rain drops would come and go but the lovely Antiguan sun was always there to comfort us. Your home is very lovely and we are most appreciative of your sharing this magical parcel of the earth with us.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Warm Weather Get Away January 2011

Guest: Paul (Indiana, USA)
Date of Stay: 01/29/11 Review Submitted: 02/15/11

>The house is in a beautiful location and the weather was perfect. I don't know that I've ever been anywhere for a week where the weather was so nice. > > We did stay close to the house most of the week. The road was a little worse than we expected (the drive in on Saturday night was an adventure - following Valentino as he swerved around the pot holes). And we had to get used to driving on the left side of the road - took a few drives to finally get used to it. > > > We did get out to Shirley Heights, English Harbor, Half Moon Bay, Darkwood Beach (via Fig Tree Drive) and Pigeon Beach (twice) and stopped at St. John's on the way back to the airport. No one was brave enough to get in the water in front of the house, so the only snorkeling we did was at Pigeon Beach. > > We stopped at Bailey's every day to stock up - (we cooked dinner at > home every night so we could watch the sunset), >> > We really enjoyed the house. Thanks for letting us rent it. It was a really nice vacation (and we missed a lot of bad weather back home.....). It is a beautiful place.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Family holiday July 2010

Guest: Martin & Katharine (Gloucestershire, UK)
Date of Stay: 07/01/10 Review Submitted: 07/18/10

It was a pleasure to be met by Valentino at the airport and guided to the villa, after the drive it was a pleasant surprise to see that the villa sits right on the sea front with a lovely sea breeze and the pool making a pleasant daily stop to cool off. The villa is well equiped and affords some great snorkelling close by. As a family we visited the whole island with our favourites being Half Moon Bay and Shirley Heights both quite close by. Shell Villa has the best of both worlds, it is situated in a secluded location yet easy for visits anywhere on Antigua. We had a lovely stay and appreciated everything that Shell Villa had to offer, including Daphne's Aloe Vera and island knowledge. The bananaquits (small birds) make welcome visits to the sugar dip and are a pleasure to watch each day from the covered decking. A fabulous place for R&R.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Perfect and serene

Guest: Hensley (Rosendale, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/12/10 Review Submitted: 03/27/10

Our stay at Shell Villa was a wonderful break! The villa is well equipped and extremely comfortable - the beds were heavenly and we went to sleep and woke to the sound of the waves rolling against the shore. The plunge pool was plenty deep and large enough to float about in the heat of the day (or to splash into in the evening after dinner). The sunset from the deck was magnificent (although we'd also recommend Shirley's Heights on Sunday evenings for the sunset and steel band, even though it's quite touristy)! We made it down the 4wd track to rendezvous bay and there was not a soul in sight - what a wonderful treat, a little slice of paradise. We plan to return with our families (this was a girls' long weekend, and all three of us have young children we plan to return with). Falmouth Harbor and English Harbor are very close by, with good restaurants and bars - we liked the Mad Mongoose for happy hour (and you may meet some of the yacht crews and get invited for a tour of a boat or two), and Abracadabra. HIGHLY recommend.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Guest: Jim Amoss (New Orleans, LA)
Date of Stay: 02/09/10 Review Submitted: 02/09/10

Sitting in the mornings and at sunset on the deck was sheer, unadulterated pleasure. We had a good balance between exploring the island and relaxing at Shell Villa. We took in the Saints-Vikings game at the Mad Mongoose, the only football fans in the house. Daphne was a gem! We bought and cooked fish and octopus from fishermen out front. Altogether a fantastic week! Thanks.

Recommended for:

Guest: Helen P. (Hilton Head Island, SC)
Date of Stay: 02/08/10 Review Submitted: 02/08/10

What a beautiful home you have at Shell Villa. It was so perfect for us and we loved every moment of our week. We loved the private setting, beautiful ever-changing views of the sea and boats. Falmouth Harbor and all the beautiful yachts were amazing. We had a nice lunch at Harmony Hall one day and a final night dinner at Shirley Heights where we had the whole place to ourselves.

Recommended for:

Guest: Jessie Price (-)
Date of Stay: 12/01/09 Review Submitted: 12/01/09

We loved Shell Villa! In fact we really wanted to explore the island while we were there but we had a hard time pulling ourselves away from the deck, the view, the breezes and the sound of the waves at your house. It was really great. Also we loved the whole set up and really enjoyed the kitchen. It was indeed very well stocked so we had a great time cooking. My husband John even did a little cooking (which he never does at home). By the way, we thought that the house and the setting were even nicer in real life than it looks in the photos. We were really pleased!

Recommended for:

Guest: Caleb3 (Jacksonville, FL)
Date of Stay: 10/25/09 Review Submitted: 10/25/09

We had an absolutely wonderful time at Shell Villa. We wished we could have stayed more than one week though. The home was spectacular in every way. I can't express how wonderful the views were all throughout the day. We had a couple days when Montserrat was clear as a bell and others not so much. We rented a jeep and explored pretty much every inch of the island. Our two young boys enjoyed snorkeling at multiple beaches everyday!! Every morning we got to start a new adventure. We didn't do a whole lot of eating out except for Sweet T's down the road. Good stuff. We chose to stock up on groceries and cook out every night. The cooler came in handy for picnics during our daily adventures. The only place we didn't get to see is Rendezvous Beach. Never did get to meet Daphne because we were gone throughout the day. It was such a quiet and peaceful home and we couldn't have asked for anything else.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/09/09

Words cannot explain what a wonderful time we had at Shell Villa. We all thoroughly enjoyed our fortnight's stay and still miss the late night rum on the deck, watching the stars and listening to the water lapping gently against the rocks. John and Jenny were so hospitable offering 5 star service and going out of their way to make our stay an enjoyable one. Daphne the cleaner was a breath of fresh air. We enjoyed talking to her over a cup of tea, finding out all the local news and listening to her words of wisdom. We had great fun exploring the island in our open top jeep (thanks to Manley at Dollar Rental). Rendezvous Beach was idyllic as was Half Moon Bay. We found the Antiguan people friendly and approachable and have especially fond memories of 'smiling' Harry and his beach bar at Half Moon Bay. We had lovely meals at Trapas and Abracadabra in English Harbour and the kitchen in Shell Villa was so well equipped that we enjoyed many a bbq in the outdoor dining area of the villa. David and Jenny! We very much appreciate that Shell Villa is your second home and are grateful that you choose to share it. We would thoroughly recommend it as a holiday destination and look forward to being able to return one day. Diolch yn fawr! Menna, Peter, Rebeca and Miriam Plassmann, Cardiff, GB - Wales

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/17/08 Review Submitted: 11/16/08

Jenny and David,We just got back last night from Antigua and I just wanted to send you a mail to thank you.Thank you both for having created a wonderful and unique home from home.We loved your house and were blown away by the location and the view.Even in describing it to others or looking at pictures it just doesn't work you just have to be there.I really had a great time in your house,we needed for nothing and counted our blessings ever night drinking our apéritif on your deck with the stars and the sea twinkling in the night.The children loved the pool and spent so much time in there that the ends of their blond hair turned green!(nothing that a bit of baking soda won't clear up).Sinéad the eldest girl loved the snorkeling and you are right the best snorkeling on the island is off Shell villas back deck. We were so lucky with the weather,we had sunshine every day and when it rained it was either in the morning or at night, except the day we left for the airport when there was flooding, flight late, missed connecting flight but that's all another story. We tried out a lot of the365 beaches and I'm sure all of the roads (we did more than 1000km in the4x4!).We toured all around the island did all the touristy things and a little more.A great holiday was had by all and much of it is thanks to Shell Villa.Bye for now, Breda and Bruno.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/16/08

Jenny and David, We just got back last night from Antigua and I just wanted to send you a mail to thank you. Thank you both for having created a wonderful and unique home from home.We loved your house and were blown away by the location and the view.Even in describing it to others or looking at pictures it just doesn't work you just have to be there. I really had a great time in your house,we needed for nothing and counted our blessings ever night drinking our apéritif on your deck with the stars and the sea twinkling in the night.The children loved the pool and spent so much time in there that the ends of their blond hair turned green!(nothing that a bit of baking soda won't clear up).Sinéad the eldest girl loved the snorkeling and you are right the best snorkeling on the island is off Shell villas back deck. We were so lucky with the weather,we had sunshine every day and when it rained it was either in the morning or at night, except the day we left for the airport when there was flooding, flight late, missed connecting flight but that's all another story. We tried out a lot of the365 beaches and I'm sure all of the roads (we did more than 1000km in the4x4!).We toured all around the island did all the touristy things and a little more.A great holiday was had by all and much of it is thanks to Shell Villa. Bye for now, Breda and Bruno.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/04/08

We have previously stayed at 3 homes in St. John in the US Virgin Islands, but this home in Antigua was our favorite. The moment you open the gate and realize the incredible views and the privacy, you'll know you made a great choice. There is nothing like being this close to the water. The open air feeling of the house is wonderful, and the pool and deck are perfect. It may be hard to tear yourself away from the serenity of the house, but keep in mind that you'll be in close proximity to some beautiful sights. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a peaceful, tropical getaway.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/18/08

Shell Villa is truly paradise.If you are looking for a special place to get away from it all, this is it. Our time there was in early June and the weather was perfect.We enjoyed a little bit of everything sunshine,morning showers and beautiful rainbows over the ocean. Accomadations are outstanding and very complete.When they say you only need your beach towel and sunscreen they mean it!!! The Stracks from OK USA

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/21/08

Just a note to let you know we really enjoyed our stay in Antigua. Shell Villa is beautiful and John , Jenny & Daphne were just wonderful. The winds were up while we were there so snorkeling off the rocks was not possible. We did get to go fishing on Obsession and had a reat time catching 19 kingfish . We took lots of pictures and are going thru them now. Pictures will help the memories last a long time.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/24/08

We only stayed at Shell Villa for four nights but it was such a wonderful, relaxing time that it felt longer! We had high expectations from seing the pictures and reading the comments but I have to say that even so, we were overwhelmed with how wonderful Shell Villa was. The privacy, peaceful setting, view, layout of house, stocked kitchen and the deck were all increadible. What an awesome place! We will be back!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/01/07

You always worry that the pictures you see on the Internet are not what you get when you arrive. But, with Shell Villa, the opposite is true. Shell Villa is absolutely wonderful. The privacy is wonderful. The views were spectacular, as promised, and the sound of the surf so relaxing it was hard to take time out to see anything else. We could not believe how thoughtfully the home had been stocked - everything from a cooler (with ice packs in the freezer) for your picnics to hammocks for relaxation. We would definitely stay there again - it is better than any hotel I saw on the island - and you have it all to yourself.

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/01/07

Our family has just returned from our stay at Shell Villa (July 2007) It is such a beautiful, serene spot. We were refreshed and revitalized when we left. I think the most memorable of our experiences was taking a wrong turn on the way to Rendezvous Bay and ending up on a treacherous road that led to the top of a high hill. We loved Rendezvous Bay….what a great spot. It is probably the most beautiful beach on the island and we were the ONLY PEOPLE there!Our teenage daughters enjoyed looking for tropical fish in the pools of ocean water and snorkeling. They loved Half Moon Bay...another lovely beach with waves big enough to ride. They also enjoyed relaxing in the pool in the evenings.Although we were there in the off season there is still plenty to see and do...or you can stay at the villa and just relax.I don't know of any other place where you can enjoy such privacy, comfort and beauty. We would definitely return.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/31/07

Our family has just returned from our stay at Shell Villa (July 2007) It is such a beautiful, serene spot. We were refreshed and revitalized when we left. I think the most memorable of our experiences was taking a wrong turn on the way to Rendezvous Bay and ending up on a treacherous road that led to the top of a high hill. We loved Rendezvous Bay….what a great spot. It is probably the most beautiful beach on the island and we were the ONLY PEOPLE there! Our teenage daughters enjoyed looking for tropical fish in the pools of ocean water and snorkeling. They loved Half Moon Bay...another lovely beach with waves big enough to ride. They also enjoyed relaxing in the pool in the evenings. Although we were there in the off season there is still plenty to see and do...or you can stay at the villa and just relax. I don't know of any other place where you can enjoy such privacy, comfort and beauty. We would definitely return.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/07 Review Submitted: 03/08/07

We enjoyed a three week stay from Mid January to Feb 5th, 2007. All we can say is that our time at Shell Villa was so good, that we have booked it for four weeks in March, 2008. Highly recommend this magical place. Absoulutely no problems, only great moments on the spacious new deck with our 2 and 3 year olds enjoying the stunning sunsets and patio side dinners!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/06 Review Submitted: 11/29/06

We have made several trips to the Caribbean and stayed in other houses and hotels. Without a doubt, Shell Villa was our best by far. It has the comfort, the views and the seclusion of a first-rate hotel and yet being in the house feels so much like visiting a well-loved family home. We had a wonderful two weeks and we shall be back in the spring. Can't wait to see that view of Montserrat and the volcano with its plume of black smoke against the red evening sky. David and Jenny, you have a wonderful home in Antigua.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/06 Review Submitted: 11/23/06

Shell Villa is unquestionably something very special. The photos indicate that you are close to the sea. When you get there you realise just how close! The fact that you look out over rocks and not a sandy beach is actually a great benefit, as the house, notwithstanding its amazing seascape, remains wonderfully private. There is a small sandy beach a short walk away and other great beaches not far off. The house is very well appointed, the beds are very comfortable, the small pool is heavenly and the new decking superb. It's hard to believe there could be more relaxing locations in the world from where to watch the sunset. My wife, two children and I enjoyed a fantastic week at Shell Villa. We arrived in something of a storm and had some concerns about our ability to secure the shutters and doors firmly. But this is clearly a rare occurrence and for the remainder of the week we had a blissfully peaceful time with lots of sun, gently cooling breezes and a perpetual cocktail hour! Daphne is lovely. John and Jenny (who live way up on the mountain where the view is just awesome) were extremely helpful with the few generator niggles we had. All in all Shell Villa is just a great place to be and somewhere that will remain in our dreams of beautiful Antigua!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/06 Review Submitted: 08/23/06

We had a wonderfully relaxing time. The Hammock was sooo relaxing that we have decided to get one oursleves we know it will not be the same but it will bring back the happy memories - until we return to Shell Villa. The snorleking directly in front of the Villa was excellent, we saw all of the fish and coral referenced in one of the books in the Villa plus many others too! Daphne was marvellous - the place always looked as fantastic as the day we arrived after each of her visits and also for recommending the use of Aloe Vera for when my Sons shoulders were blistered from too much sun - the blisters disappearded in 24 hours!!! The Villa was well stocked upon our arrival I particularly aprreciated the can openner attached to the cool box , just in case we forgot (well I am a bloke so I would appreciate that sort of thing wouldn't I :-) )We would highly recommend Shell Villa to anyone!!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/25/06

My husband and I spent a week at Shell Villa-I am a travel agent and we take 1 to 2 trips every year so we have been to most of the caribbean islands and have also travelled extensively in Europe. I can honestly say that our trip to Antigua and especially to Shell Villa ranks as our favorite vacation by far. The house was impeccably clean,comfortable, stocked with everything you could possibly want or need, and has the most beautiful views. The snorkeling out front of the house was the best on the island. We were very lucky to witness the most amazing sunset with Montserrat smoking and the sky and ocean bathed in pink. This house is truely what dreams are made of!! thank you Jenny and David-can't wait to get back next year!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/08/06

The house was wonderful and well-appointed. The view was gorgeous. Insects were not much of an issue. We had a lovely vacation. The people of Antigua are friendly and well-mannered (except for the taxi drivers!). I would recommend your villa to anyone. The drive to rendezvous bay was quite an experience. We didn't have a jeep, just a 4wd suv. Thanks again

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Sophie F. (Montreal, Quebec)
Date of Stay: 05/01/06 Review Submitted: 05/04/06

We had a wonderful time at Shell Villa. We are a family of 5 with three girls from 3 to 7 years old. We all enjoyed the intimacy and beauty that the villa provides. The girls enjoyed the pool, the shell picking in front of the villa and thought their beds were princesses beds with the muskito nets. I guess it is impossible to explain how peaceful and beautilful the villa and surroundings are. We visited many beaches and they were all beautiful. The best one was Rendez-vous Beach (although to get there might be a challenge). We were alone on a magnificient beach with turquoise sea. Hard to beat! Restaurants were also great. We liked Trapas with the kids, good and affordable. Abracadraba was also lovely. We loved the view and atmosphere of Harmony Hall but were a little dispointed with the food. I guess coming from Montreal makes us a little more demanding on food. Overall a wonderful vacation, now that we have experienced renting villas, we don't want it any other way. It will be a difficult choice for us next year since we have a rule never to visit the same place twice (there is so many great places to see!!!) We might bend the rule for Shell Villa! Thanks for sharing your home! Sophie, Ray, Azelie, Rose and Iris Montreal, Canada

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/06 Review Submitted: 02/28/06

As school teachers, my wife and I have been doing Carribean islands for the last 15 years. Shell Villa was by far the most romantic setting we have stayed. The sunsets, candlelight,sound of the surf,the glide of the sailboats, the gentle breezes, the birds- what more can I say. Next winter we will both be retired and we plan to stay longer.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/06 Review Submitted: 02/27/06

We had a wonderful time on Antigua. Shell Villa was beautiful as were all the people we were fortunate to meet. We are so glad we chose your end of the island and not some resort as we felt quite like natives by the end of our stay. The setting is as others have described, you feel like the island is your own, but as three ladies celebrating our 60th, we did not feel isolated. The road is a bit bumpy, but affords wonderful views of Falmouth Harbor eah time you travel it. Daphne is a treasure and John and Jenny so welcoming. We cannot imagine anyone not falling in love with this place.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/06 Review Submitted: 01/22/06

We had a wonderful time at the villa. The house is lovely, and the setting is exquisite. It is very well maintained, and quite comfortable. because of the way that the house is situated, we felt like we were on our own private island - sitting on the front patio, we could not see houses anywhere, and felt intruded upon when the occasional boat or yacht went by in the distance. The cooking facilities were fine - and there was a sufficient quantity of staples that we did not have to stock everything to mnake meals (and we replaced items we used or at least provided equivalent value before we left). We had 4 people in the house in 2 bedrooms. The house handled that many easily - we never felt that we were in ewch other's way. We even set up the master bedroom patio so that it was private to us alone. The trip to Rendezvous Bay is even more arduaous than I had expected even in a Pathfinder; I would not choose to do that regularly - or more than once, actually. I highly recommend Shell Villa, and would return without any hesitation whatsoever.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/06 Review Submitted: 01/18/06

We had a wonderful vacation at Shell Villa over New Year. The Villa was everything that was promised and more. It is well equipped, beautifully maintained and filled with wonderful artwork. Daphne was great and helpful. We enjoyed the beautiful sunsets from the verandah after daytrips to different beaches. One of the favorites of course being the Half Moon Bay. Our favorite restaurant was Abrakadabra, great service and excellent food. Shirley Hights was a nice experience although very crowded. We thank Jenny and David for sharing their perfect vacation home with us and look forward visiting there again.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/05 Review Submitted: 11/25/05

Dear Jenny and DAvid, I have finally got around to this. We stayed at Shell Villa in April/May this year. It was delightful. The children and ourselves loved the solar power and the pool and the rocks. My son spent most of his time building rock pools on the shore and then coming in for swims in the pool. We alos went snorkiling directly out form the villa.The view for the yacht races was marvellous and the sandy beach up the rutted track was a great find. It is best to have a four wheel drive though to get through. We would love to come again. All the best. Barbara, Hew, James and Issy.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/05 Review Submitted: 10/24/05

The house was WONDERFUL! It has to be tough being here, especially during the winter, knowing you have something like that in such a beautiful place as Antigua. We all had an excellent time. The suggestions you made as far as beaches and restaurants go were fantastic. The Sticky Wicket was a great call, as was Smiling Harry's! The hike to Rendezvous was an adventure. You might warn people to wear long pants, we encountered a lot of thorn bushes. But it was well worth it. We had the beach to ourselves the entire day. And your guest who said the best snorkeling on the island was right in front of the house was absolutely right. I would conservatively estimate that I saw 10-20 times as many fish right there than anywhere else we went. Much more varied species, some absolutely unbelievable in their beauty. We thank you so much for all of your help, advice, understanding, flexibility, and most of all for your willingness to share your wonderful home with us. It's truly a special place. We only hope to return one day soon.

Recommended for:

Guest: Connie and Norbert G
Date of Stay: 07/08/05 Review Submitted: 07/07/05

Dear Jenny and David, We are still coming down (and trying to retard the descent) from our lovely week at Shell Villa. Every single day we commented on how lucky we were to have selected it over any other option on the island. It is a piece of heaven. We were so comfortable and so pleased with everything there, and eagerly look forward to a time when we can return... Also, Jenny and John couldn't have been more gracious and we enjoyed visiting with them. Thank you for all of your suggestions on activities and dining. We took advantage of many of them. We had very good dinners at Alberto's,Abracadabra and Le Cap Horn, and had some fine ones at home as well... Meals at home overlooking the sea were beyond compare! We found the best snorkeling right off your rocks, and then at Rendezvous Beach... we were rewarded with the gorgeous views above the sea, and we were delighted to catch the end of Sailing Week (N has a small boat on Lake Norman here). Nirvana! We wish you many, many happy years at your piece of paradise, and hope to get back to it before long.

Recommended for:

Guest: Nicola H
Date of Stay: 06/18/05 Review Submitted: 06/17/05

... we had a fantastic time at Shell Villa. The people that look after it are fantastic, especially the cleaner Daphne. Her commitment to her work is exemplary, she worked 6-7 hours twice a week and never stopped. She was so thorough even going as far as cleaning the glass candle holders. The villa was immaculate when she left. She even did all my washing... Kevin was lovely and took care of the pool really well. The equipment in the villa was way more than expected, I could have left lots of things at home. The cold Caribs in the fridge on arrival were just the job ...

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/05 Review Submitted: 06/01/05

you'll LOVE shell villa. this is a fabulous, and from our point of view, perfect spot. when you visit shell villa, you'll discover why these comments are not hyperbole! shell villa is a beautiful, comfortable accomodation, right on the ocea with incredible privacy and views. charming and lovely. also, the caretakers, owners and staff are fantastic and go the extra yard to ensure their guests' comfort. this is a beautiful place with first rate service. go for it.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/05 Review Submitted: 05/15/05

Shell Villa is a beautiful home with an even more incredible view of the sea. We found the home spotless upon arrival, and we were thrilled after an incredibly long journey to Antigua to find the kitchen and refrigerator with food and snacks to tide us over until we could get to the store. We spent many hours on the deck watching the sailboats pass by the house as well as cooling off in the plunge pool. While the road getting to the home is rough and slow-going, the drive is worth it for the peace and quiet at Shell Villa.

Recommended for:

Guest: Markus and Marie-Claire
Date of Stay: 03/01/03 Review Submitted: 02/28/03

Markus & Marie-Claire's Antiguan Honeymoon at David & Jenny's Shell Villa in the Caribbean. As the first guests in David & Jenny's Shell Villa on the beautiful Caribbean leeward island of Antigua, and as overjoyed honeymooners, we felt obliged to leave a testimony for future holidaymakers. With us, we bring visions of Shell Villa - the glowing sunrises over the ocean view of Monserrat's smoking volcano from the airy patio, golden suntans from the lazy mornings spent dipping in the swimming pool and enjoying our coffee in the spacious open concept kitchen and lounge, and happy memories of coming home in the evenings to such a quiet, peaceful yet convenient corner of the Island after sampling the delicious variety of cuisine at English Harbour's many restaurants and yacht clubs. As we've already made advance reservations for the next five years as new 'regulars', we have decided the best testimony we could leave you, as future guests, is a list of Ideas. First, do rent or borrow a car, or at least motorcycles. It is worth it, the mobility and potential to explore. It really was a terrific vacation and Shell Villa could not have been more beautiful if we had somehow dreamed it up.

Recommended for: