This is a hard review to write, because we've stayed in AirBnB's all over the world, and this was the first time I felt genuinely unwelcome. First, let me stress that the property itself is lovely, and the view is breathtaking, and the golf cart was a major convenience. So if you're not someone who notices a "vibe," book this place without hesitation, because it's a great place. (Oh, but consider yourself warned that there are no shades in the master bedroom, so it's an early rise-and-shine.)
The vibe started for me right after we booked, when we were asked to sign multiple DocuSign contracts, which was a first for me. I also had to submit a photo of my license and credit card in order to open the lock box upon arrival. This was all outside the usual AirBnB purview. Communication was lacking, because we were supposed to call an office with questions, and when I did, I was just put on hold for a long time. Typically, I can ask questions through the app, but repeated queries about the keys to the golf cart (we didn't realize the one in the garage was not for us to use) and how to use the fireplace (never did find out) went unanswered the entire time.
Normally, a property has "the book" where I can look up how to use household items--it's a courtesy we've enjoyed at every other place we've stayed. Here, there were placards in various locations, about how we'd be fined for making too much noise and other rules, but precious little about how to actually enjoy the place. The very early check-out time was complicated by the fact that we had to re-gas the golf cart on the other side of the island and also deliver the keys to the office. So imagine my surprise when we did this and 15 minutes later I get a call demanding to know where the keys are because we didn't leave them in the property! Someone needs to clarify all these rules.
Honestly, most of this I would have shrugged off as a mild annoyance, except for a very scary incident that took place the first night we were there. It was 8:30 p.m., my family and I were in our pajamas enjoying a quiet dinner and some TV after a long day, when someone began aggressively and repeatedly pounding on the front door. It was so alarming that my daughter described it as "a jump scare." Against my better judgment, my husband opened the door to discover a man in uniform who immediately demanded to know who we were and why we weren't "on the schedule." He didn't even introduce himself--just laid into us as soon as the door was opened. My husband attempted to explain that we'd booked through AirBnB, but this person was not satisfied and kept asking more questions, quiet threateningly. Eventually, I said "WHO ARE YOU?" and he said he was the owner and checking on the place (Catalina Vacations later told me this isn't even true.)
Honestly, I was shaking when he left. I went from completely relaxed to frightened, worried and feeling like an intruder, which is definitely not how I want to feel on vacation.