Without doubt, our 4 days with Shirley and Lou Spycalla at Erindell Villa Guesthouse in Montserrat were the most relaxing, enjoyable and uproariously funny days of our recent 3-week visit to 5 islands in the British, Dutch and French West Indies.
At our request, Shirley kindly arranged transportation to and from the airport as well as a rental vehicle which was brought to us at Erindell. With the "loaner" cell phone that Shirley & Lou provide, and the rental vehicle, we had the tools to be independent, but the Spycallas' charm made it difficult to tear ourselves away to see their beloved island. Shirley is a born entertainer -- a terrific raconteur, writer of prose and verse (both musical and otherwise), and a gifted musician. Lou's creativity shines in his wit and in the culinary arts. (We're told he has talents at the pool table and the golf course as well, but we did not witness these!)
The Erindell website (www.erindellvilla.com) advertises "Resort service at a B&B price" and this is absolutely true. Some of Erindell's services are, quite appropriately, fee-based (e.g., dinner). But through their making travel arrangements, volunteering to do laundry, chauffeuring people to a restaurant dinner and late-night visits to the Volcano observatory, etc. Lou and Shirley provide their guests the greatest possible gift -- the gift of their time.
For us, any future visit to Montserrat will be based on room availability at Erindell Villa.
