ASTRAL RIDGE

Let me start by saying we'd originally booked Astral Cottage, but to my surprise my honey upgraded us to Astral Ridge! I would've been happy with the cottage, but WOW! Astral Ridge is amazing! When we returned from beach hopping, we went b/t the hot tub and the pool. There were many vanilla rum and root beers consumed here every afternoon. We grilled out twice and soaked up the views.

The views are amazing and the pictures do not do this home justice. It's even more beautiful in person. The vegetation has grown and you cannot see Astral Ridge from the cottage at all. You can see the cottage from the parking area, but not the hot tub and hammock. Complete privacy for both homes.

The kitchen was better equipped than mine at home! Coffee grinder, blender, all utensils you will need. There were spices and other non-perishables left from previous guests as well as some alcohol and mixers. Before you buy these things, I suggest looking at the house first. We liked Starfish Market the best, although Lilly's was good for little things.

The road up is not that bad. I guess being from Mississippi and having experience with "off-roading" we thought it was fun. It poured every night around 0200-0400, but the road was never muddy in the morning.

As far as no airconditioning, I keep my house at 73 degrees in the summer and only got too hot one night. I can probably blame that on too much rum and sun :-). The floor and ceiling fan was enough for us.

I was a little nervous when i found out there werent any locks on the doors, but after the first night I never really thought about it again. I live outside a city with a ridiculous crime rate and it was nice to sleep with the windows open and enjoy it. There's a safe to lock your valuables in. I must warn you about the 2 peeping toms I encountered EVERY NIGHT in the shower. As soon as I turned on the light, Larry and Leonard the lizards would hop on the window sill and eat the bugs that were coming to the light while I showered! Tell me lizards aren't smart. I miss them.

Diane called and checked on us when she could catch us at the villa. Jen was wonderful with suggestions and surprising me with the upgrade!

From Skinny Legs, to Miss Lucy's, to Francis Bay to the Stinky Donkey Dip and the morning rush hour of goats, I enjoyed every second of my stay at Astral Ridge. Unfortunately we have to skip a year before returning, but I would not hesitate to stay here again and have already recommended it to others!