Mary's Hill Lodge - Review Page 4
Utilities & Services
A general utility area is provided on the lower floor of the lodge. A large washing machine and tumble dryer are available, together with an electric iron and board. The utility area is fitted with various cupboards in which can be found fresh linen, towels (including beach towels), bug matt burner pads, mosquito coils, citronella (anti-mosquito) candles and all the bits and bobs that you might need when things go wrong.
The lodge is serviced prior to the arrival of new guests and then only intermittently, depending upon the length of stay. The cleaner, Heather, was a cheery soul who made us feel very welcome. A manager/caretaker, Curtis, looks after the cottage. He also came a couple of times during our stay to do gardening work.
A couple of body boards are available for the more adventurous swimmers. Although we didn’t actually see it, we understand that a baby cot is available.
A telephone is provided, so occupants need never feel cut off. An honesty box is provided so that guests can contribute towards any usage. I hope they do so!
Two well-hidden security safes provide storage for smallish cameras, documents, cash and other valuables. The grounds of the property are secured by a high fence and wall and a gate with combination lock. The property has hit a nice balance, providing common-sense security without making occupants feel as if they are imprisoned within their own accommodation.
Exterior & Gardens
The property sits in half an acre of garden and grounds. Being located on a fairly steep hillside, much of the garden is inaccessible. The grounds have only recently been landscaped, but things grow very rapidly in the tropics and the gardens are bound to look far better within a season or two.
The property sits on an east-west axis so the sun travels high across the front aspect of the house. Whilst the frontage is constantly bathed in sunshine, it never intrudes into the rooms. The rear covered veranda is permanently in shade and, being on the north side, benefits from the dominant trade winds. So, the veranda is always a cool place to sit.
Two sun loungers are provided and there are several spots that benefit from the sun for most of the day. If that gets too much, there is a hammock on the main veranda.
A gas barbeque is stored under the outside kitchen sink. Clearly, this should not be operated on the wooden boards of the veranda, but it is a small light unit, so can easily be moved to a safer garden area, still handy for the kitchen.
Conclusion
We invariably say that the best judgement on a property is whether we are sorry to be leaving and whether we would wish to return.
There is no doubt that we can say yes to both these questions.
Jill is an avid beach babe. We arrived at Mary’s Hill Lodge after five days directly on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Having just arrived on Tobago and acclimatised, Jill was just getting into her stride. She did not want to leave. We would normally have done these two reviews in reverse order, but availability prevented that. Frankly, the lodge was up against stiff competition and I expected that Jill, at least, would be somewhat disappointed.
In truth, neither of us were disappointed. Mary’s Hill Lodge has its own unique charm. You simply need to read the visitor reports on myTobago to appreciate that we are far from alone in this opinion. The location and open nature of the property mean it is not for everyone. However, it could undoubtedly provide an ideal base for those wanting to get away from the touristy parts of Tobago and who want to experience something resembling the ‘real’ Tobago.
We look forward to our return.
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