Lord's Villa - Review Page 3

Master Bedroom

The master bedroom is marginally the largest of the three bedrooms with 22.4sq.m./ 240sq.ft. of floor space, including the en suite bathroom.  

This bedroom is furnished with a double bed. Herein lays one of our very few criticisms of Lord’s Villa. Given the space available, we would have expected a more typical queen-sized bed. Those extra seven inches of bed width can improve sleeping comfort considerably, particularly for those who dispense with the air-conditioning and prefer fresh air, but higher temperatures. We must also comment on the firm – almost hard – mattresses. We didn’t sleep badly, but the lack of ‘give’ was definitely a minus point, and all the more so in comparison to the other properties we have already stayed at during this year’s review tour.

The bed is fitted with a conventional suspended mosquito net. Given the nature of the terrain, it is understandable that the Bon Accord area suffers a little more from mossies than some other areas of Tobago. Sitting out after dark is fine if you use deterrent sprays, mosquito coils or citronella candles. However, we simply ensured that all doors and windows were closed before sunset and, as a result, had absolutely no problem with mossies in the house. In fact, we did not use the mosquito nets or even our trusty ‘Good Knight’ electronic mosquito deterrent (available at most local supermarkets/stores).

In addition to bedside tables and lamps, the master bedroom is furnished with an armchair, a built-in wardrobe with 1.5m of full-length hanging space (and lots of hangers) and shelving, plus two additional free-standing chest-of-drawer units, a half-height mirror and a security safe large enough to store documents, jewellery and valuable accessories including cameras, etc.

The en suite bathroom is of reasonable size and furnished with the usual trio of hot and cold washbasin, toilet and a fully tiled shower enclosure. The shower suffered from low pressure on the hot water and, as a result, showers were not quite as all-encompassing as I would have liked. Although the washbasin was mounted in a vanity unit, in front of a large mirror, there is very limited storage space in the basin area. An electric shaver point is provided, but there is nowhere to stand rechargeable shaver or toothbrush chargers. However, a large storage unit is mounted on an adjacent wall, so this is only a nit-picking criticism.     

Secure double glazed doors lead from the bedroom onto the main upper balcony, situated at the rear of the house. A further door gives access onto a small (2x1.7m) balcony to the front of the house. This is furnished with two all-weather plastic chairs and, as it catches the full morning sun, is a great place for a morning cuppa’.

Second Bedroom

The second bedroom is virtually a replica of the master bedroom. The fact that it is four inches narrower, giving an overall floor space of 21. 5sq.m./230sq.m., probably says more about the Tobagonian builder’s skills with a tape measure than any design intent by the architect.

This bedroom is furnished with two single beds, rather than a double. Each bed has its own mosquito net. The room is furnished with a single chest of drawers, rather than two, but is otherwise identical to the master bedroom. It also provides access onto the rear balcony and a small private balcony to the front.

Upper Balcony

The 10x2.7m upper balcony is sure to be a popular spot with guests. Located at the back of the house and overlooking the pool and garden, the balcony is totally private, very peaceful and in shade for all but the final hour of the afternoon.

The balcony is furnished with another fold-down divan, plus an all-weather table and four chairs. Best of all, however, is the Amerindian hammock slung across one end of the balcony. Oh what a wonderful spot to pass an hour or two with a good book. Mind you, I advise a soft paperback rather than a Kindle. Despite being no heavier than the average book, dropping a Kindle on your face when you fall asleep can be a painful experience. 

Terrace & Pool

Two sets of glazed double-doors lead from the living area onto the front terrace. A third door provides access from the downstairs bathroom. The terrace is sure to become the centre of life at the villa for most guests. The 2.75m width runs the full width of the house. As it is located beneath the upper floor it is protected from the elements and offers shade until mid to late afternoon.

The terrace is furnished with two circular tables and ten all-weather chairs. Like the three sun recliners and four chairs located around the swimming pool, they are typical of their type and not overly comfortable for extended use, except for those of more ample proportions and natural padding. However, in the absence of cushions, a folded towel can make a major difference.

A very smart large, stainless steel Brinkmann gas barbeque is available on the terrace.

The swimming pool dominates the rear garden. The irregular shape proved difficult to measure, but the maximum length and width are 8.7m and 4.7m. respectively and the depth ranges from 1.2m to nearly 2m.  So, it is not exactly a pool for Olympic training, but a useful pool for relaxation and ‘cooling off’ nevertheless. A single set of steps, with solid hand rail, lead into the pool. The integrated whirlpool looked attractive, but sadly has no air pumps, so is little more than a decorative.

Conclusion

In the course of conducting the myTobago reviews we experience accommodation levels varying from the most basic to the most luxurious. In this 2011 round of reviews, the properties we are reviewing vary from a modest local wooden house similar to those that so many Tobagonians live in, to the most luxurious hotel on the island. The honest bottom line is that not one of these properties would suit everyone. Not because of any fundamental problems or deficiencies, but simply because tastes and preferences vary so dramatically.

And so it is for Lord’s Villa. What Lord’s has that most of the others don’t is that it is a safe choice.  Sure, it hasn’t got the spectacular sea views of some villas. It isn’t as big, as new or as luxurious. Neither is it going to break the bank. What it has got, however, is a central location within walking distance of beaches, restaurants and shops with a perfectly acceptable level of accommodation and range of facilities.

As such, we have no qualms about recommending Lord’s Villa and would not hesitate to return – which, in our book, is always the ultimate test. 

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