Riselle Celestina of The Traveling Island Girl shares her experiences of affordable accommodations in Anguilla. Here is her story on the The Pool House and Garden Room:
For those of us who like to wake up in the morning and jump straight into a swimming pool rather than have a cup of coffee first, The Pool House is ideal for you. It might have only one bedroom, but it feels like a small sized villa.
The Pool House is actually a house on its own with a wrap – around garden, private parking and an electric gate with remote control. Entering through the “front” door, you find yourself in the living room/kitchen area. There’s a small couch, a coffee table and a Smart tv in the corner.
The small yet fully equipped kitchen is to the left while a round dining table completes the room. Next to the kitchen is an opening leading to the bedroom. It’s a spacious bedroom with a desk, side tables and enough storage space.
A door to the far left leads to the bathroom where you will find a closet, safe and second chest of drawers for additional storage. Two air – conditioning units as well as ceiling fans and windows all around that can open to let in the Anguillan breeze make sure you are not hot at any time but even if, the pool is literally just a jump away from feeling alive and refreshed.
Right across the bed is a double door leading to the pool deck, which is where you will probably spend the majority of your time here. A pair of lounge chairs, an umbrella, an outdoor dining table, a hammock and the pool itself guarantee a stress – free time under the Caribbean sun.
In the back of the house is a separate room where you will find a washing machine and dryers as well as noodles for the pool. You would think that the pool is the highlight but the quiet and peacefulness of the area is what captivated me the most. I was lulled to sleep many of times in the hammock, listening only to the wind chime above my head.
The Thompsons who own The Pool House and adjacent Garden Room are a family with extensive years in the hospitality industry and it shows by the little touches here and there.
Who is The Pool House for?
The Pool House is for a couple or a solo or business traveler but should you need more space, there is the Garden room next door that is also for rent. It’s a beautiful room in the adjacent house, which is where the Thompson family and the owners of the Pool House reside.
The Garden room has its own private entrance and can be rented together with the Pool house or separate. The pool however is for the Pool house guests only unless the Garden Room is rented along with it.
What are the highlights of staying at the Pool House and Garden Room?
- Daryl and Shayne Thompson, manage the house and room and offer additional services such as planning, shopping and other concierge services to make your stay with them even more stress – free
- The pool deck is perfect for small intimate events and the owners allow events up to 10 persons at the house.
- Having the Thompsons living next door gives the extra sense of security, even though the island of Anguilla is known for its tranquility and safety. It’s a comfort having them close by.
- The complimentary bottle of wine, homemade muffins and handwritten note left on the dining table for guests to enjoy shows that the owners go that extra mile to satisfy their guests needs, and those muffins were so delicious I was afraid I would eat them all in one bite.
You can book The Pool House and the Garden Room on Airbnb or directly through Facebook or Instagram. Their nightly rate is US$ 185.00 with a three (3) day minimum.
So, you see, Anguilla definitely has a more affordable side to it. You just need to look a little further and beyond the brochures promoting luxury under the sun.