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Shangri-La Recently Reviwed - By: Vicky Wheaton
November 2005 - What's Hot magazine
 Once
upon a time, on an island paradise in the middle of the deep
blue sea, there lived a prince and princess in an enchanted
castle called Shangri La at the bottom of Sticky Toffee Lane.
Many throughout the land had heard of this mystical place, which
was said to have its own waterfall and magical pools that could
heal weary bones. There were even dragons swimming in the lake
nearby who sometimes ventured on land to bask in the warmth
of a magical sun - magical because it shone almost every day.
Ahhh yes - if only such a wonderful dream were true…
It is.
Here on Grand Cayman there is indeed a Sticky Toffee Lane in
our district of West Bay, and at the end of that lane you'll
find Shangri La - a gorgeous Bed-and-Breakfast sanctuary owned
by George and Eileen Davidson. Some of you may be familiar with
George Davidson's masterful strokes on the piano, heard live
in the Westin lobby or on one of his many popular CDs. He and
his wife Eileen built their home and the B & B on a piece of
land they purchased years ago, and as such, both residences
are unique and stunning. I visited Shangri La last month, and
instantly fell in love. The surroundings are quiet and soothing,
and the interior has been decorated with taste and comfort in
mind. There are five different bedrooms available, each with
their own characteristics that make them special, so Eileen
took me on a tour to discover each one.
The Royal Palm Room, the largest of the five, was where we began.
An enormous king-size four poster bed dominates the room, clad
in layers of sumptuous linens and festooned with pillows. If
we were still discussing fairy stories, I'd put the Princess
and the Pea in the Royal Palm room. Once in this bed, you'd
never want to leave! High ceilings are a great feature of this
and many other areas in the house. The en suite bathroom has
a Jacuzzi bathtub and separate shower as well as his & hers
closets - a master stroke. When you feel like going outside
for a spell, merely open the French doors leading from the bedroom
onto the patio where chairs and tables are shaded from the sun
by a large trellis canopy. Here you can sit and read a book,
relax and listen to your iPod or watch the dragons swimming
up to the shore to sunbathe. That's right - the dragons, or
iguanas as they are better known here in the islands, grow to
quite a size around here, and love spending their day enjoying
Mother Nature's warmth. (For those unfamiliar with Iguanas,
they are not harmful and do not breathe fire).
We next entered the Oleander Room, decorated predominantly in
white. The queen four poster bed was yet again not shunned by
bedclothes. The en suite bathroom is large with a bath/shower
and lots of space for your lotions, brushes and anything else
you might need on your trip. The high ceilings allow for windows
that really let in the light.
The Poinciana Room has a queen bed (yup, sheets and duvet aplenty),
a walk-in closet with a mini-fridge inside, a large bathroom
with a bath/shower and an oversized vanity that is sure to appeal
to any lady who likes her space so she can spread out her things.
This room is so-called because of the Poinciana Trees that reside
just outside the windows.
The Travellers Palm Room, although one of the smaller rooms,
has an appeal all its own. First of all, it has sloping ceilings
thanks to the wonderful design of the house. It also has a private
balcony that can be reached through French doors so that residents
can go outside whenever they wish without having to take the
stairs. The quaint bathroom has a bath/shower, not to mention
a special shower curtain rod to accommodate the slant, but anyone
who's tall need not worry - there's plenty of space for all.
Finally, The Hibiscus Room, also featuring slanted ceilings,
has a lovely queen bed and matching furniture, along with a
separate bathroom just outside. A curtained entrance to both
rooms allows privacy and gives the impression of having your
very own suite!
Of course, the bedrooms are just the start at Shangri La. There
is an inviting common room downstairs and upstairs where residents
can relax and watch TV on cozy couches. The dining room features
a dark wood table with surrounding chairs, and the kitchen has
every amenity for those who enjoy self-catering. Naturally breakfast
is included (hence Bed and Breakfast), but pack lunches can
be supplied for an extra charge - just inquire when you arrive.
Bicycles will also be available - how's that for convenient?
Me personally, I think I'd like to lounge by the swimming pool,
or sit in the Jacuzzi pool every day. This is the perfect, relaxing
setting for anyone who wants a break from the madness of the
everyday grind.
The real enchantment of Shangri La is the obvious amount of
time and love that has gone into this house and business. All
the little touches that are so important are found throughout
the property, and then you have George and Eileen, a lovely
young couple who bring a personal style to all that they do.
Shangri La is now taking reservations for the winter season
starting December 15th, and if you have guests visiting you
in Cayman or you're a tourist considering coming down to stay,
I urge you to reserve a room at Shangri La. You can't beat the
price - the most expensive room - The Royal Palm Room - is only
US$139.00 + tax per night! That's an amazing deal for winter
rates here.
Do you want to feel like a prince or princess? Have you dreamed
of staying in a castle watching the dragons roaming free and
soaking yourself in the clear waters of a soothing pool? Then
Shangri La is your destination. Book today and see that fairytales
really do come true.
Shangri La is located at the end of Sticky Toffee Lane in West
Bay
Call 1-800-479-3056 or locally 526-1170 for reservations and
information
www.shangrilabandb.com
Major credit cards accepted |
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