Casino Drive, Paradise Island. Between the stately One and Only Ocean Club and the commercial Riu Resort, this place is a short walk from shopping and the casino.
This property is a relatively tranquil village of Mediterranean-style villas, replete with porches (some with balconies), palm-laced walkways and white picket fences. It is a multifaceted operation combining time-share, condominium and hotel operations. The cozy Jungle Bar is tucked into a garden cabana and serves from a limited menu. A second bar, Archie’s is on the beach. Managers host a festive barbecue every Tuesday during the busy season.
Fringed with palms, a grotto waterfall embellishes the small pool, while the larger free-form pool, also palm-shaded, offers beach glimpses. Water sports are arranged. Guests have access to five kilometers of beautiful beach. Water sports, laundry and a shuttle to a grocery store once a week round out the amenities.
Accommodations are in standard one-bedroom villas and in two-bedroom deluxe villas, which have king beds and baths in the master bedrooms and twin or queen beds in the second,
smaller bedrooms. Some also add sofa beds and an additional half bath. Decor varies, though most are tropical and offer pool or garden vistas. All provide kitchenettes or full kitchens, and many guests save money by cooking their own meals. All villas have private patios or balconies, TVs, phones, irons, ironing boards, safes, and king or queen beds. The mix of cane and wicker furniture, sofa beds in tiled living areas and carpeted bedrooms feels homey, but the mirrored accent walls are tacky, and maintenance glitches plague most rooms. The one-bedroom villas 109 and 111 are reliable choices for their poolview balconies.
Guests here, including many Europeans, take care of themselves, as most of the usual hotel services are missing here, though a complimentary breakfast pack is offered to arrivals. This sanctuary is close to island attractions but far from crowds.
