LUXURY TRAVEL 99
We stayed in a magnificent hillside villa . The property had its own private driveway and garden . On entering , you were struck by the cool white and blue décor , high ceilings and smart split level open plan living area , with kitchen and dining areas on an upper level and sitting room on lower level , with patio doors out to our sparkling infinity pool . Both master and twin bedrooms lead off these spaces – both spacious rooms with uber-comfortable beds , plenty of cupboard space ( great for long-term guests ) and palatial bathrooms .
Guests can request a dedicated chef for their stay , for the ultimate in luxury . And regardless of where you reside on the property during your trip , whether up the hill or closer to the beach , there is a fleet of minivan shuttles to take you to and from the lobby , spa or kids club . We never waited more than five mins for one to arrive .
The resort offers five superb restaurants and three bars – each with its own distinctive style and ambience . We started our days with breakfast in the Dragonfly restaurant , overlooking the beach and main pool . We tended to take lunch in the laid-back Caribbean-style Jammer ’ s or in the BBQgrill spot Embers , which served delicious pizzas and wraps . Both were also great for dinner , if you were wanting a more relaxed affair . We enjoyed the sea food menu in Dragonfly one night – specialities were the likes of ahi tuna tartar , Lucian coconut shrimp and pan-seared scallops in a lemon butter sauce . My vegetarian main of cauliflower steak fried with Colombo spices , cumin , fennel and paprika was delicious .
Our favourite last meal however was an Italian in Papa Don ’ s on the hillside – named after the hotel ’ s founder . We sat at our table , adorned with a pretty blue and white checked tablecloth , looking down on to the restaurant ’ s own curved pool and further afield the sea . My Caprese salad followed by a special of aubergine served Milanese-style both were meltingly moreish on the tongue .
Windjammer Landing has a large spa , which is located next to the tennis courts and gym . A calmness pervades on walking in , as the receptionists greet you in hushed tones and the trickle from an elaborate water fountain
provides a relaxing soundtrack , while you decide on your treatment . There are four treatment rooms , two couples ’ suites , a Japanese tub and an outdoor shower . We tried a couples massage , and it was truly heavenly .
We also discovered that post-pandemic the resort is reshaping its spa offering , with a new spa menu made up of new , innovative therapies and beauty treatments , all of which take inspiration from the local area . New Director of Spa & Wellness , Alex Danila , plans to focus on wellbeing and offer future guests more of an all-encompassing sanctuary , by providing tailored wellbeing and fitness classes focusing heavily on breathwork , nutrition and postural alignment classes .
Issue 56 2023 THE ART OF LUXURY