Paynes Bay holiday apartment: West Coast -

From the moment we were greeted by a firm Caribbean handshake at the airport by Perry (or laughing boy as we named him) ...... we knew we were in for a great time!

The attention to detail during the initial booking service was second to none - from diet and welcome pack requirements to whether we needed a car - or as it happened in our case - a bike!

When the solid mahogany front door opened, we were met by what can only be described as 'the dream view' - we felt as though we could literally touch the warm Caribbean sea from where we were standing. Rosalind, our housekeeper for the week, was also there to greet us - and on hand all trip to prepare meals, to give endless help, advice and knowledge, and to act as our saviour when lost on the bike, 10 miles from home!

The apartment is 100% as described, and delivered everything we could want from our holiday without the kids - from the most comfortable bed in a room with fabulous views, to the fantastically equipped kitchen and lounge. We were also very impressed with the on site security guards, who were always happy to help.

The beach is wide and stunning - endless golden sand and turquoise blue sea where you can swim out to the turtles, and plenty of private sun loungers to use. Walking past Sandy Lane, we couldn't help feeling we had got the real deal!

The Cliff restaurant, which was only a short walk away, was our pick of the restaurants - but you are spoilt for choice with Holetown close by.

If you feel you need a pick-you-up, then this is the place! We have returned tanned and totally relaxed. And, would we return? Without a doubt!!

"This property is perfect in every way. It has all the comforts of a first class hotel with all the benefits of a private home.
The apartment is large and spacious with excellent air conditioning and ceiling fans. The views from the master bedroom and the main living room are spectacular - looking at the beach and turquoise sea.
The master bedroom is beautifully furnished with a huge and extremly comfortable bed and there is a large walk-in wardrobe with more than enough space for anyone.
The bathrooms are marble and are very luxurious with huge white fluffy towels.
Ros, the housekeeper is wonderful- nothing is too much trouble and she caters for your every need with a smile. Breakfast was served each morning on the terrace and Ros is happy to make anything you fancy. Each day she cleans the apartment and ensures an endless supply of fresh towels for the bathrooms and the beach.
On the beach there are loungers and umbrellas reserved for the apartment and if you fancy a change of scenery the pool and jacuzzi on the terrace is private and a great place to cool down.
The apartment is very conveniently situated close to the famous Sandy Lane Hotel and many restaurants and shops.
An excellent property and a wonderful holiday I would recommend to anyone. "

My husband and I have just returned from a 2 week stay at this wonderful apartment. From the moment we arrived at the airport and were whisked away in an air-conditioned taxi organised by Laura's team right up to our last lunch, we have not stopped smiling.

Imagine this:

You arrive, frazzled, from the long ( and this time, because of the snow disruption, extra anxious) tiring, journey to be greeted by Roz, your maid/housekeeper/cook for the duration of your stay. She has a roast dinner waiting for you, the patio doors open and a warm Caribbean breeze is circulating in the calm of a stunningly beautiful apartment. You eat dinner, quickly tour your new home and Roz, quietly and efficiently clears away the dinner things.

Climb aboard the luxurious bed for the sleep of kings, turn your air con on or off.....have the generous ceiling fan going..its up to you... Bathe, in a marble bathroom, his and her sinks, soft, fluffy, white towels...this is life at the Mahogany Tree.

Awake, and after a sunrise walk along a perfect beach, enjoy a breakfast of your choice, we had the eggs and bacon, french toast, pancakes and syrup, cereals and fresh fruit...not all at once you understand!!!!

Tear yourself away from the fine interior, and spend some time in a charming garden setting, complete with cushioned loungers and electric awnings....or...take the small walk down into a private area (which I called the "pre-beach" where the shower for rinsing off after being on the beach lives) before going through a gate onto what must be Paradise itself...a breathtaking beach complete with an Azure (or is it turquoise...??? ponder...ponder...) sea, which I defy anybody not to enter.

So many things that pleased us...I can't list them all.....but here are the things that are near the top of the list....

The wireless internet..... made staying in touch a doddle...

A safe in the dressing room..

The large American-style fridge...endless ice and cooled water - lots of space for beer and wine!

The comfiest bed I have ever slept on apart from my own...and I am dead fussy!

Taking my clothes and beach things home clean!

The weather..SUCH a relief from cold and dreary England. Even though we had showers on a few days, it interrupted our holiday not a jot.

The people, the scenery, the flora and the fauna..

But most of all...Roz, who made this the most relaxing holiday we have had for many a year.....I havent stopped smiling, Thank you so much.