Canadian Snowbirds Winter at Robbins Retreat!!!
Review Submitted: April 3, 2010
Date of Stay: January 2010
Jan 4 - March 14 2010
My wife and I were looking for a place to spend the winter months.The description, reviews and price got our attention and I am pleased to say that everything stated on the site was completely accurate. We were very pleased with the villa and had no problem making it our winter home away.
We really appreciated the large stock of cooking and eating utensils provided in the kitchen as well as the free phone calls, books, DVDs, games room and touring information. Just like being at home.
Phil and Anna were excellent absentee landlords. They provided a virtual onsite representative in the name of Florida Pool Homes (just across the road). Cari (a sweetheart) and Billy were my main contacts and any interaction I had with them left me with a feeling of satisfaction. Yes, there were understandably a few issues that came up, however Phil and FPH dealt with each of them in a timely and satisfactory manner.
We spent a lot of time in Orland and Lakeland, so the location of the Villa was ideal. We mostly ate at HOME, so did not frequent any of the local restaurants. I can however recommend a beach that is second to none, namely Siesta Key just outside of Sarasota (2 hours drive). This beach is considered one of the best in the world. No matter how hot the sun, the sand remains cool to the touch. This is because the white powdery sand is 98% crushed quartz. lots of parking, plenty of lifeguards, good amenities.
In addition, I recommend a visit to the BOK Tower at Winter Haven, less than an hours drive from the villa. My wife wanted to go and I was ho-hum, who wanted to see a tower and some gardens? I was wrong. This is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places we have ever visited. Take a picnic lunch, a good book and plan to spend the day. Not for young children.
Lots of our friends winter in the area and some of our family and friends came down for a short time. They all loved the villa. Lots of privacy, wildlife, quiet and of course the pool and the separate hot tub - which was great because it was a cold winter, for Florida. It was often too cool for swimming but was ideal for a nice spell in the hot tub.
Lastly, there were the hot air baloons. Not mentioned in any other reviews. Several mornings I would get up and look out the back yard, only to be greeted by a cluster of huge hot air balloons lifting off from across the lake. I could almost touch them.
Thank you Phil and Anna for the use of your villa.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Pet-friendly,
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Families with Young Children,
People with Disabilities,
Romantic Getaway
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Helpful votes: 2/2
