This villa is superb and just as pictured. Everything is in great shape, including a suite of brand new appliances. The kitchen was a joy to use, and it certainly didn’t hurt that the views are so inspiring. Each bedroom has a dedicated slimline AC unit for those who wanted it, and for those who didn't, the window placements encourage some lovely crosswinds. Downstairs, abundant shade options and gentle caribbean breezes were enough to keep things pleasant throughout the day, and whenever the heat pressed its advantage, the pool was there to soothe. The deck/pool area had sun from mid-morning to sunset each day.
Generally, there were very few bugs present during our stay (late February/early March). There were some occasional mosquitoes, but far less than a summer evening at home, and although we kept the house open late into the evening (with many of the lights in the outdoor kitchen and living spaces on), we were always comfortable. There appears to be a good population of frogs, lizards, and birds in the immediate vicinity, which probably helps.
We found the design aesthetic to be very pleasing, with the darkly stained wooden framing complimented by numerous maritime touches (ropes and such). We spent most of our waking hours with the house open to the bay and mountain views, but an easily mastered system of automatic rollup steel doors and thick wooden shutters can isolate the kitchen from the elements in short order.
This was an excellent location from which to explore the island. The "8 à Huit" just down the hill is open every day (usually to 8, but only 'till 1 on Sundays), and was usually well stocked with any necessities you might need (including warm baguettes several times a day). Wifi was constant, and while it did have trouble on occasion with the crowd of devices that we had brought, so long as you don't try to run entirely too many video streams simultaneously as we did, it should be sufficient. The best I've ever experienced in the caribbean, for sure.
Although we arrived much later than expected, our hosts met us with a warm welcome and several thoughtful and much appreciated touches to help us settle in after a long day of travel.
In short, it was so nice here that for every day we occupied this little slice of paradise, I felt as though we must be getting away with something. I'm more than a little envious of the Cordonnier’s freedom to call the Villa Zandoli home on a day to day basis.
Our thanks!
