arrival. That’s part of the charm of Turtle Inn and Martin assumes his role like a natural. A handful of individual thatched cabanas are mere steps from the beach. I particularly delight in my airy private deck for the serene option of in-cottage breakfast. Coppola wins my award for coolest contraption in a hotel room, the ‘Shell Phone.’ Don’t expect traditional phones in the rooms of either of his properties. The Shell phone is a large beautiful Conch shell attached to what look like a gramophone base. It connects directly to Reception as the shell echoes the voice on the other end; a quirky way to order coffee to my room.
Luxe Living With so much beauty outside, it’s difficult to find an excuse to stay inside. My preferred spot is the open beach bar for lunch. Dining on gourmet Red Snapper burger or Garlic butter Lobster, whilst feeling the powdery sand between my toes and listening to the motion of the sea just a metre away is, quite frankly, my idea of heaven. I find Turtle Inn staff impeccable too as the service is standalone excellence, above and beyond requirement. For example, bringing a change of shoes from my room to a nearby bar whilst on an evening out (don’t wear heels to Barefoot Bar – the clue is in the name), which is met speedily and with finesse. Outside my cabana, I while away the hours on a hammock on the beach, tucking into fresh Shrimp tacos on the baby chairs and wooden table in the shallows of the sea and swing myself to a lull before bed on a twinkling tree-swing.
Photo: Anisha Shah
Virgin Beauty Long walks on the vast rugged beach are a given in Placencia. Without a person in sight, they’re picturepostcard views, passing sparse rustic beachfront homes and the odd natural log, tree or shell which breaks up endless white sand beach. This is the Caribbean dream. At sunrise, I take 2-hour beachfront strolls at low tide to the end of the peninsula, before wandering 30 seconds inland for my morning coffee at ‘Above Ground.’ The one-of-a-kind treetop coffee shop on stilts lies just off the beach and is run by a friendly Scottish man who
www.theaddressmagazine.com
361