Generally, I am quick to whine so this is my opportunity to balance my book. Omens were good from the moment out plane landed 2 1/2 hours late in Porlimar at midnight, and Dario from Villa del Sol was still waiting with with a welcoming smile to drive us to Playa el agua.


From arrival at Villa del sol, where Dario offered us a bite to eat from his fridge at 1 AM, until departure where they offered to get us to the airport for our departure tomorrow morning (dec 26th) at 7AM, my wife and I experienced service on a level which seemed foreign to JW Marriott in Caracas which cost $261 per night. How refreshing.


The posada exudes intimacy, familiarity, and relaxation. But most of all, problem resolution. Among the desires the ever-effervescent Amanda and Dario salved for us were: moped for $20, a day fishing for $75 (4 yellow-fin tuna weighing a total of 19 kilos, and 3 barracuda), a cooking class for free en casa with our magnifique housekeeper (arepa recipe), micro-light flights for both of us for $30 each, pointed in the right direction for $'s exchange (2,900 blv's), and much more.


The pool is beautiful, warm, and impeccably maintained. As is the entire posada. The omnipresent hammocks set the tone. Just hang out. The daily room service goes the extra yard with small touches of class such as artistic renderings of towels on your bed etc.


The multimedia options in the common area serve to make it almost tempting not to leave the posada. Wide-screen over-head projection with a plethora of dvd's to sit back in a hammock with a cervesa by the pool and dose off after an active day.


The value is unbeatable. The service, unrivalled. And my wife and I have been far and wide. Our modus Operandi is "never re-trace our steps - the world is too large", but we will make an exception for villa del sol and Amanda and Dario.


Maybe not next year, but my wife and I intend organize a grand reunion of my friends from my native Ireland in villa del sol the not to distant future. I will be a hero among my compatriots!


My only advice to Villa del Sol is to organize a community effort to install one or two lights on the 150 yard walk to the playa. My wife is afraid of the dark. (certainly not me!) I will add photos later.


BTW, I've been using tripadvisor for 8 years or more and this is the first time I've been compelled to be part of the collective effort! In fact, I depend on it as my primary source for accommodations. That says it all!