The Villas at Stonehaven

French Colonial aesthetics define almost every aspect of this property, and the motif is carried through from the hotel’s lobby and restaurant complex to each of its 14 villas. Simple, traditional furniture, pleasant floral patterns, tile flooring, and classic, island-inspired accents create an atmosphere where Old World meets tropical splendor. The hotel’s Pavilion Restaurant is a mixed-use space that serves as the hotel's de facto social hub. Equal parts reception area, bar, restaurant, and pool lounge, this lone building -- unfortunately -- makes up the property’s entire social scene. As many guests take advantage of the in-room self-catering amenities, the restaurant is often quiet to the point of feeling deserted. The atmosphere is serene, and best suited for independently minded vacationers. Those looking for more action will need to venture to Crown Point for additional shopping, dining, and excursion opportunities. Families and couples make up the bulk of the guests here. 

The Villas at Stonehaven is situated on a quiet stretch of road that runs along the Caribbean Sea northeast of Crown Point. There's a bird sanctuary next door and a beach about 15-minutes downhill on foot that can be reached by car in just five minutes. The property is within a five to 10-minute drive of Mount Irvine Bay Golf Course, Fort Bennett lookout, and a handful of restaurants. However, with few bars, shops, or other restaurants and attractions in the immediate area, guests will need to drive into Crown Point for food or entertainment. That drive takes around 20 minutes. Pigeon Point Beach, one of the island's nicest, is 25 minutes away by car.

The hotel is located 25 minutes from Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport by car. Given the property’s upscale nature, it’s surprising that no dedicated airport shuttle is available. Larger groups may wish to arrange private shuttle transfer as this can prove to be a cost-effective option with rates often determined on a per-vehicle basis. Official taxi service is also readily available between the hotel and airport with affordable rates fixed by the island government. Tourists should be cautious of the area’s many private cab drivers, particularly at the airport, and always agree on a fixed fare in advance.

The French Colonial-style architecture and decor of the common areas are consistent throughout each of the 14 identical villas. From the tile flooring, traditional furniture, and simple floral patterns throughout, the overall fit and finish is luxurious though not extravagant.

The massive villas feature a two-story, open-concept floor plan with all of the amenities of a high-end home. There are multiple configurations available, from one-bedroom villas to those with multiple bedrooms, and all include with en-suite bathrooms, multiple flat-screen TVs, and gourmet kitchens with a variety of appliances, cookware, and dishes. In addition, all villas offer a large outdoor terrace with a private infinity pool and a hot tub with stunning water views. As the property is built into a hillside, villas near the top offer markedly better views than those below. Expected in-room essentials: air-conditioning, bottled water, free Wi-Fi, and ceiling fans in most rooms -- are all included.

Individual bedrooms have generous en-suite bathrooms with upscale decor that can include travertine countertops, glass block shower stalls, and brushed nickel fixtures. However, there are some subtle signs of age. Certain fixtures appear tarnished from the salt-rich air, wood cabinets could use refinishing, and the tilework is in need of touch-up grouting. All bathrooms offer small hairdryers and toiletries.

The property’s secluded hillside location ensures that it’s quiet and removed from nearby road noise. However, some guests commented on a notable amount of morning noise from the adjacent bird sanctuary, and the hilly surrounds may not be easy for everyone to navigate.

Outside of the individual villas, the lobby complex offers the property’s only real amenities, which include a tiny reception area, a single restaurant and bar, and a communal infinity pool. However, dining isn't the best and there's a lack of activities that creates an atmosphere geared toward self-catering travelers.

Though small, the infinity pool and surrounding terrace offer lovely panoramic sea views from their hilltop location. For such a small hotel, the surrounding pool deck provides a good amount of social space with dining tables and wooden lounge chairs. The deck also doubles as the sole dedicated event area for weddings and other private functions.

Situated adjacent to the pool deck, the Pavilion Restaurant offers indoor and alfresco dining along with lovely water views. Open for lunch and dinner, the a la carte menu is varied and heavily influenced by local dishes such as mahi-mahi and Tobagonian barbecue. The restaurant feels like an afterthought, however, with mixed reviews for inconsistent food quality and sky-high prices. It's closed for breakfast, though room service is available at that time. There is a clubhouse that serves cocktails and has a happy hour on select nights, but other wise entertainment is limited.

The Villas at Stonehaven is technically across the street from a public beach, though the hill is steep and the walk can take up to 15 minutes. Free Wi-Fi and parking are offered.