ARNOS VALE // ADMISSION CHARGE! and BAD PRESS!

[OllyFoster]

Half way through another fortnight at the Sanctuary Villas. Staying at Tosca this time (very comfortable).
I had read all the bad press about Arnos Vale but thought we would give the beach a go.

Arriving at the seemingly deserted hotel there was a new looking sign warning about admission charge for the beach. As soon as we parked up a young lad came out of a shed and asked for 20tt per adult and 10tt per child. I refused to pay for the kids and paid 40tt in the end. Is this a new thing? Had driven up to the carparklast year for a snoop but never noticed anything about entrance fee.

I can understand why Pigeon Point charges to get in. They have showers/toilets/cafe/bar/watersports/shops and lifeguards. The Arnos Vale Hotel is like a tropical version of The Shining. Walking down through the grounds the state of disrepair is almost criminal. I have no idea how this place is still operating.

A man was trying to clean the pool but it looked like a lost cause. The beach was clean in places but there was a pile of rubbish at one end. The whole reason we made the effort was for the snorkelling but even that wasn't that good.. Much better at Mount Irvine or Englishmans Bay. We spent 2 hours and left. We won't return.

Will post about our positive experiences at the end of our stay

Olly Foster

[John H Fox]

I have just posted my experiences under the Hotel - and agree with Olly on what they found. However, I did enjoy the snorkelling especially as I finally got my 12 year old grandson hooked on it. I actually saw sea horses for the very first time - that after 100 dives previously without such luck!

I am sure it will be free to walk through the grounds very soon - simply because it will have closed down!!