Introduction: Finding Our Island Retreat When my fiance and I started planning our return trip to Anguilla, we had a crystal-clear vision in mind. We dreamed of a cozy apartment with an ocean view, where we could indulge our passion for cooking even on vacation. The moment we saw the...
Introduction: Finding Our Island Retreat
When my fiance and I started planning our return trip to Anguilla, we had a crystal-clear vision in mind. We dreamed of a cozy apartment with an ocean view, where we could indulge our passion for cooking even on vacation. The moment we saw the enchanting kitchen featured on Fountain Residences' website, we were captivated. What's more, the resort's idyllic location on the pristine shores of Shoal Bay East, a beach that had already stolen my heart during my previous visit in February, made our choice easy.
Booking our stay was a breeze, thanks to the professionalism and kindness of the property management team at Refined Retreats. Sherri and Lori, in particular, were exceptional in addressing my numerous questions with patience and precision. Their guidance and assistance in selecting the perfect accommodation for our 15-day island adventure made us feel like we were making the 'right' choice.
We also rented an SUV from Andy Connor, and we can't recommend him enough for hassle-free car rentals.
Location: The Oasis by the Ocean
The location of Fountain Residences is undeniably one of its most remarkable attributes. Nestled just a short 2-minute stroll away from the enchanting Shoal Bay East, this property offers a uniquely elevated perspective. Most upper-level apartments grant you at least partial ocean views, a breathtaking sight to greet you each morning.
Perched adjacent to the esteemed Zemi Beach Resort, Fountain Residences boasts a serene ambiance with a backdrop of villas and vacant lots, ensuring a tranquil and peaceful retreat. The only delightful 'disturbance' in this calm haven is the occasional visit from friendly roosters and chickens, enhancing the island's charm.
During our stay, the serenity was unparalleled, making it an ideal place to relax, unwind, and recharge. It's worth noting that there are a handful of beach bars and restaurants within walking distance, including Zemi, Gwen's, and Tropical Sunset, with a few more further up the beach. However, dinner options seemed limited, so having a car to explore the island is advisable. Nevertheless, if your primary aim is to bask in the beauty of the beach and embrace tranquility, Fountain Residences is the perfect destination.
Accommodation: A Tale of Two Penthouses
It's important to note that both penthouses are situated on the second floor, and there's no elevator, so be prepared for a bit of a workout. Pack light, or consider it your daily exercise as you head up ;)
Our adventure at Fountain Residences began with the "Windsong" penthouse in the poolside building. It charmed us from the start with partial ocean views and an expansive balcony that quickly became our happy place. It was furnished with a dining set, two comfy lounge chairs, and the essential coffee table - perfect for soaking in the stunning surroundings.
But the real star of the show was the kitchen. It was a home cook's dream come true, equipped with everything you could ever need, and then some. The island kitchen flowed seamlessly into a cozy living room with inviting sofas, a large TV, and, of course, those high ceilings that brought a refreshing airiness to the space.
The bedroom was a sanctuary, boasting an oh-so-comfy bed, luxurious cotton sheets, and the kind of pillows that made you feel like you were sleeping on a cloud. The en-suite bathroom had dual sinks, a roomy shower enclosed with sandblasted glass windows, and everything you'd want.
Here's where our adventure took an unexpected turn. An issue arose in our first penthouse, and this is where Fountain Residences truly shone. The local property managers, Merlin and Prudence, acted swiftly and professionally. Pablo, who is in charge of maintenance, was a true gem during our stay. He not only helped us with the luggage but also brought an extra touch of warmth to our experience. Always friendly, happy, and ready for a chat with me in Spanish - his native language, being from the Dominican Republic, which happens to be another favorite destination of mine. We were promptly relocated to the ocean side penthouse in the adjacent building.
The ocean side penthouse elevated our experience. It was even more nicely furnished and decorated, and we couldn't get enough of the direct ocean views that greeted us each day. While the property might not be brand new anymore, it's very well-maintained and exudes a tropical charm that felt like being at home.
We did notice some ongoing renovations as we neared the end of the season. However, they didn't disrupt our experience in the slightest. In fact, having the entire resort to ourselves during the last week of our stay was an unexpected luxury.
Fountain Residences is what we'd call 'simple luxury,' and we'd return in a heartbeat.
Beach Access: Your Own Slice of Paradise
Accessing the beach from Fountain Residences is a breeze. It's a short 2-minute walk along a paved path, which then meanders through bushes before arriving at the stunning Shoal Bay East. Although you won't find beach chairs and umbrellas provided, our visit during the off-season turned into a delightful surprise.
With Zemi Beach closed for the season, we practically had the entire beach to ourselves. The beach itself is like a postcard come to life, with the most incredible turquoise waters and clear, warm waves. This is the Caribbean at its finest, just as you'd imagine.
And there's more to explore. Apart from the path leading to the "most western part of Shoal Bay East," the beach stretches much further. You can take a leisurely 20-minute walk to where it continues as Shoal Bay North Beach.
Fountain Residences goes the extra mile by providing each guest with vouchers for complimentary beach chairs and an umbrella at Tropical Sunset. This welcoming spot is only a 10-minute walk via the beach or a quick drive further up the beach. It's an added bonus that ensures your beach days are even more comfortable and enjoyable.
Pool & Amenities: Relaxed Convenience
Fountain Residences offers a cozy, well-kept pool - a perfect spot to unwind after a swim in the ocean. The pool deck has comfortable lounge chairs with soft cushions for your relaxation. At the entrance gate, there's a handy shower to rinse off the salt and sand from the beach.
You'll find the property managers in a small office by the pool, ready to assist you throughout the day with any questions or help you might need.
There's ample parking and lovely gardens to enjoy. Each apartment has its own laundry room with a washing machine, dryer, ironing board, and iron, making it easy to take care of your laundry.
One interesting thing to note is that each apartment consists of two separate units. One has a bedroom and a kitchen, while the other is more like a studio without a full kitchen. They're connected by a door, which is locked if only renting one unit. But if you wish, you can rent both units to have a two-bedroom apartment. If you rent only one unit, you'll share the laundry facilities with the other, keeping things practical and convenient.
Service & Staff: The Exceptional Team
The heart and soul of Fountain Residences is its exceptional staff, and we can't say enough about them. In particular, we'd like to give a special shout-out to the local property managers, Prudence and Merlin. They were not just fantastic but also incredibly professional. When you needed your space and privacy, they were like shadows, always giving you room to breathe. But the moment you needed them, they were right there, ready with a friendly smile and all the help you could ask for. Their dedication and professionalism truly make your stay memorable.
And then there's Pablo, the wizard of maintenance. He's not just great at his job but also a super friendly guy. He always found time for a chat in Spanish and was a huge help with our luggage. The entire team here is amazing and makes your stay a true delight.
We also want to express our gratitude to the diligent cleaning staff, who ensured that our apartment was sparkling clean. The level of cleanliness and upkeep was truly impressive, making our stay at Fountain Residences even more comfortable and enjoyable.
Dining & Entertainment: Beachside Choices
While Fountain Residences doesn't host its own restaurant or bar, the options for dining and entertainment along the beach are abundant. Here are a few notable choices listed in order of proximity to Fountain:
- 20 Knots at Zemi: Unfortunately, it was already closed for the season during our visit.
- Hank's: Though we were eager to visit, it seemed to be closed whenever we tried.
- Gwen's Reggae Bar & Grill
- Tropical Sunset Restaurant & Bar
- Olas Tacos
- Madeariman
- Elodias Beach Bar: Home to the most delicious Piña Coladas in Anguilla!
Keep in mind that as far as we know, there are no dinner options available directly on Shoal Bay East. So, having a car at your disposal is recommended to explore other dining spots, such as Meads Bay or Sandy Ground, where you'll discover a wider range of dining choices.
Shopping: Savoring Local Flavors
Groceries
When it comes to grocery shopping on this charming island, we found two good options that met our needs perfectly. Both Best Buy East and Proctor's supermarkets offer a wide variety of products, and their prices are quite reasonable, especially considering how expensive everything is on Anguilla.
The staff at these supermarkets were not only friendly but also incredibly helpful. We appreciated their guidance and the warm atmosphere as we shopped for our essentials. Best Buy East, in particular, stood out for its excellent meat selection, offering local chicken breast on sale, and clean and fresh (imported) beef as well as some seafood. 
For fresh produce and a slightly wider variety of vegetables, Best Buy East was our go-to choice. It made shopping for ingredients to cook our meals a delightful experience.
If you enjoy cooking with fresh fish, take a drive down to Island Harbour and chat with the local fishermen around the docks. In the afternoons, you might just find them selling their daily catches. It's a wonderful way to savor the authentic flavors of Anguilla, right from the sea to your kitchen. Don't miss this special chance to relish the island's freshest seafood.
Spirits & Wines
Our search for spirits and wines led us to Tropical Distributors, where we found an impressive selection of rum and other spirits. If you're a wine enthusiast, you'll also be pleased with their choices. It's a great place to stock up on your favorite beverages. We did find good red wines at Best Buy East as well, and their prices were reasonable (for an island).
In addition to the larger supermarkets, we discovered a hidden gem in "Island Supermarket" in Island Harbour. This local store surprised us with its extensive rum collection, featuring options that were not available at the bigger supermarkets, and all at reasonable prices. We even stumbled upon a bottle of "Flor de Caña" from Nicaragua, a delightful find for rum connoisseurs like us.
So, whether you're looking for everyday essentials or seeking out unique spirits, Anguilla has a little something for every taste and budget. Happy shopping!
Conclusion & Rating: A Gem to Return To
Fountain Residences has won us over, and we can't wait to return to Anguilla. We've fallen in love with this place – the cozy apartments, the relaxed ambiance, and the easy access to one of the most breathtaking beaches and oceans.
What sets Fountain Residences apart is the feeling of being in a home away from home. There's an undeniable charm here, where time slows down, and you can truly appreciate life's simple pleasures.
Our experience has been nothing short of amazing. Fountain Residences has found a special place in our hearts, and we're already planning our next visit. It's not just a gem; it's a treasure, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a welcoming and memorable stay in Anguilla.
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