Guest User
September 22, 2023
We booked and paid for our stay at The Lodge in April, before it opened and following a redirection from the Finca Serena which had no availability for the dates we were seeking. We were enticed by the pre-launch computer generated pictures and promise of a ‘true Mediterranean refuge’ and ‘an exceptional destination……..characterised by elegance tranquility and a deep respect for nature. Giving life to a new concept of luxury refuge’. Unfortunately, our experience did not match this. A warning about not delivering on the vision and an option to cancel or postpone would have been appreciated. That said it would be unfair to focus entirely on the negatives. All the staff were a credit to the establishment with ever present smiles and a desire to help and provide a positive experience. The public spaces in the main lodge have been sympathetically and attractively restored and the outside terrace is good and has potential, but the aspect is spoilt by the unfinished nature of the groundworks. The ‘Singular’ restaurant is good. We found our room located away from the Lodge to be fine. It was well appointed, comfortable and quiet with the ‘rustic chic’ look enhanced by mismatched paint. The biggest disappointment was the outside spaces. Whilst the concept, design and vision can be imagined the lack of maturity in the planting, the clearly unfinished groundworks and exposed rubble results in the feeling of staying in the midst of a building site; did it open at least one year too soon? The main pool is attractive but lacks the service of a 5-star establishment; where we would expect to be able to order a range drinks and snacks, not just help ourselves to nuts, water, coffee and zero alcohol beer. We were told the relevant licences were not in place, why were we not advised in advance? The second pool is tiny and has no resemblance to that shown in the marketing material. In summary we were disappointed and feel, to some degree, that we were misled by the marketing material upon which we booked. We certainly do not consider it value for the money we have paid. We shared our views before leaving and received only a partial response. We hope that in time the vison is realised, but there is a long way to go.