I don't usually review stays, but this is one of those where you feel compelled to do so, not because it was terrible. We really enjoyed ourselves, but it's one of those missed opportunities and expectations that needs to be explained to the establishment to maybe think about their offerings. L'Ermitage is a story of, it's almost great but not quite there. It's presented as luxury, but just misses the boat. It ends up more like a low-end holiday resort experience than a luxury hotel and villa. It starts with a comical inventory process in the room that reminds me of a cheap seaside holiday resort, where on arrival you have to take inventory. This is important as there is a very lengthy checkout process where you have to call reception so they can send someone to come and count the items in the villa. This takes a long time and doesn't give you the nice streamlined and luxury checkout experience. It rather gives you an impression they're more worried about their spoons and bowls than the actual experience. Not one of luxury, but leans more towards a cheap holiday experience to get your deposit back (which you are also charged). Remember to allow at least 20 minutes for this process before you actually head to check-out. You are also asked on the phone while arranging this: "Are you packed? Can we do the room inspection?" — instead of what you expect at any hotel, even the 2-star ones: "Can we send a porter?" Luckily you have the 20 minutes to load your car while you wait with nothing better to do. The villa itself is really nice. However, it also misses the mark on the full luxury experience as the lounge literally has a clothes dryer, ironing board and iron on the floor. This also seems to be a feature as the staff tell you about it immediately on arrival that you have an "ironing board." The kitchen is well equipped; however, simple details such as towels are not included in the kitchen. You are reminded of this oversight each time you have to go upstairs to dry your hands. Remember to pack a kitchen towel on your next visit. Also, simple details such as: there's a kitchen counter which you can't use as there are no "bar-style" chairs for it. This probably all leads back to general staff training in the hospitality industry, especially for this type of "luxury accommodation." The staff are really nice and friendly. They try to do the correct things, but you do definitely sense a lack of training. There's also no sense of any sort of managerial staff visible. The dinner restaurant food is really good, and I had one of the best sirloin steaks I've had in a while, but the experience around that is not great. You will receive a glass of Sauvignon Blanc when asking for Cabernet Sauvignon. Banana milkshakes instead of vanilla, etc. This is all likely down to staff training. The restaurant is also eerily empty, with just us there. Have to wonder why? The staff also seem very casual — some in uniform, some just in random hoodies and casual clothes w
