We spent 3 nights at VSM after spending 4 nights on the beach. We were in the 3-bedroom villa with our 3 teenage kids.
VSM is just perfect. There is the main villa (6 bedrooms) on the cliff side with its own pool and cliff access, and then several smaller (1-3 beds) across the road, tucked in among palm trees, shady paths, and one of the most beautiful pools I’ve ever seen. From the jungle side, you can take a tunnel under the road to their private cave/grotto with water access to some good snorkeling. It would be ideal for families traveling together, or groups like ours, with kids. I’m dying for an excuse to rent the seaside villa!
Our villa was large and spacious, decorated in a refreshing, beachy style. The kitchen was serviceable (though we didn’t cook too much!) with plenty of dishes, glasses, a coffee maker/toaster, etc. There’s a superette within a 5-10 minute walk (up across from Ivan’s) for snacks, rum, etc. From VSM, you can walk to the LTU pub, Rick’s, Ivan’s and the Caves, as well as several smaller restaurants, like TBirds (try the pork!).
The villa had AC in the bedrooms and beds were comfy. We had a few hours with low water pressure, but it wasn’t a big problem for us.
The hotel has snorkeling gear that we borrowed to snorkel in the cove. It was amazing — we had the place to ourselves and it is just gorgeous.
For the last 2 days we were there, the seaside villas was vacant, and Cassandra, the manager, kindly let us use the pool and water access there. We felt like rockstars — you can see all of the crowds at Rick’s next door, but there you are at your private villa!
VSM doesn’t have a restaurant on site, but there is a small bar by the pool for drinks (Lumair made some great ones!). You’ll find all of the staff to be friendly, kind and committed to making you as comfortable as possible. Cassandra provided recommendations for local restaurants and things to do, and was available if we had any questions. We found our way to the jerk chicken stand outside of Rick’s one night and brought chicken back to the villa to eat there.
I recommend going across the street to LTU for dinner and a sunset view, dinner at Ivans (same thing - views and sunsets!), and breakfast at Just Natural, which is about a 15-20 minute walk.
The whole area of the cliffs is quiet and peaceful, and it was a nice respite from the hubbub of the beach. It is walkable, but cars do speed around, so be careful! Taxis are plentiful - just set out in the general direction you want to go, and you’ll be picked up within minutes if want.
We will return to VSM. We loved it. It is such a special place, in large part due to the kindness and attention of all of the staff. It is obviously lovingly cared for, and guests are treated like friends.
