Perfect despite a few imperfections is how I would describe the Fountain Resort Residences at first sight. Located in Shoal Bay East, it’s a quaint place that doesn’t have all the usual resort amenities but doesn’t really need them either. Offering one bedroom, two bedrooms or studio accommodations the Fountain is the ideal place to stay for couples, groups and families.
The Room
We were appointed a one bedroom unit at check in and eagerly climbed the flight of stairs to the second floor to what was going to be our home for the next four days. Little yelps of “wow” and “check this out” and ” there’s a tv in here!” could be heard all the way outside as my husband and I took in our new surroundings. Avid travelers that we are we have seen our share of hotel rooms from the luxurious to the roach motel. The Fountain is neither but it was perfect!
Our unit consisted of a kitchen with all the modern day appliances and utensils one can need, a living room complete with large flat screen tv and plush couch, a bedroom with a king size bed and a second tv and a balcony overlooking the swimming pool and gardens below. But the “piece de resistance” was by far the shower. It is the first room I tried out as soon as we settled in and as I let the warm water pour down on me from two shower heads (yes, you read that right: TWO) I felt all my stress and worries slip away. The dual sink bathroom and dual head shower get an unanimous A+.
The balcony was perfect for sunset watching, relaxing, wine sipping and blog writing. Other than the occasional chatter of our neighbors or splash when someone jumped into the pool the hotel was very quiet, which made those mornings or evenings on the balcony all the more ideal.
The Resort
The grounds are meticulously kept and are the pride and joy of owner and developer Bevington Harrigan. Mr. Harrigan, who was born and raised in Anguilla took great pride in decorating each and every single one of the 12 condos and his love for his work shows. The conch shells lining the different pathways, the dozens of different plants, shrubs, flowers and trees all give the allure of a lush Caribbean garden.
The swimming pool is the perfect size and depth for kids or for adults like myself who’d rather lounge in the pool with a cold beverage in hand. It is a great treat on those very hot Anguilla days.
Easy access to the Beach
If you follow the shell lined pathway past the pool and the outdoor shower you will reach a small gate. Once through this gate it is an easy 5-minute walk down to the ever so gorgeous Shoal Bay beach below. With clear turquoise waters,the whitest of sands, an array of cute beach shacks and water sports galore, Shoal Bay beach offers a full day of entertainment. We took the easy to follow trail to the beach one early morning and were delighted to find that we were the only two people around. For a brief moment it was just us two, the beautiful water and a lone seagull.
That little Extra
They say the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just that little extra and that is especially true when it comes to this resort. The Fountain took care of our every need from booking us on a fast ferry from St. Maarten to Anguilla, to organizing the 20-minute cab ride to the resort, to booking me a massage on the beach at the outdoor Malakh Spa and dinner at the nearby Madeariman restaurant. It was such a delight to know that anything we wanted or needed was just a call to the concierge away.
The staff
The resort is run by a small staff who all take great pride in their individual tasks. Our requests were immediately taken care of from directions to the best breakfast place in town to adjusting the bedroom air-conditioning. Calls to maintenance were promptly answered and it was a true joy to come back to the room and see that whatever it is that we needed was taken care of in our absence.
In conclusion
Small, charming and intimate are words I would use to describe the Fountain Resort Residences. A resort it is not though, at least not in my opinion and if you’re looking for chic, a party atmosphere or if you’re looking to rub shoulders with the who’s who on the island than the Fountain is not for you. The Fountain is rather a very inviting and homey boutique hotel. After 4 days it was hard for us to say goodbye to Mr. Harrigan, Shirone the room attendant and new concierge Kalyn who by the end of our four day stay became so much more than our go-to persons. Our stay felt like we were visiting long lost friends who still gave us the time and space to do our own thing while still being beyond accommodating. The size of the condos, the in-room amenities, the swimming pool and the washer and dryer complete with detergent and softener made our stay here that more relaxing and a return to the Fountain is definitely a must.
What do you think after reading this review? Is the Fountain the ideal place to stay for your next trip to Anguilla? I leave you with their contact info just in case: local phone# (264) 584 8566, US phone# (866) 373 2351 and do visit their website for more information.
My visit to the Fountain Resort Residences was complimentary and on invitation by Opus Destinations who manage the resort. All opinions and views are my own.
3 Comments
This has been a wonderful spot for my daughter and her boyfriend for several years.
They love returning each year and escaping the stress of their jobs and London’s weather! They always enjoy their time at the Fountain and the review above is right on target. Wonderful spot to enjoy all that Anguilla has to offer!
Isn’t it Barbara. I was delighted with this little gem and cannot wait to return.
It was a pleasure having you and Jimmy with us, and thank you for your honest review. As per your request we didn’t inform the staff of your visit, so you could get a true experience, and they didn’t disappoint. We are proud of our staff, thank you for giving them credit, we really appreciate it.