I’ve stayed at many resorts, condos and private homes, but this was a first.
“Our concierge driver will, of course, pick you up from your home in the property’s Lincoln Aviator,” the soothing voice on the other end of phone informed me.
I looked down at the well-worn set of 2012 Ford Expedition keys in my hand, torn between the idea of VIP service and losing my independence.
Sensing my hesitation, they continued: “We can deliver anything you require to your apartment, but there are also Teslas available for your use at any time.”
I dropped the Ford keys like they were on fire. So began our introduction to the extraordinary FIN experience.
NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE
My best friend Lynne and I were booked to stay in a penthouse apartment for the weekend at Art Deco FIN in South Sound.
As soon as we arrived, Concierge Avery-Ann Rankine and Property and Lifestyle Manager Courtney Yates welcomed us to our temporary home… and what a home it was. The lift opened into the foyer of a 5,000-square-foot multi-level residence that included four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, multiple lounge areas and a private outdoor plunge pool.
All the floors had decks or balconies, but the balcony off the main living space, accessible by floor-to-ceiling tinted heavy glass sliding doors, was a revelation. We stepped out to 180-degree views of the Caribbean Sea, with a sailboat lazily making its way along parallel to the horizon. A large thundercloud was hanging far out in the sky with hues of pink, yellow and orange behind it while the sun slowly set. What a breathtaking vista.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
It became clear from the start that the staff at FIN are in a league all their own – a realisation reinforced over our three-night stay. This entire article could be about the thoughtfully curated meals that were delivered to our dwelling for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or the personalised notes and touches that went above and beyond anything we had expected.
Just as Courtney and her team set this property apart, so do its public spaces, fabulous amenities and unique design elements.
Large slabs of cool, polished marble and quartz have been expertly fashioned into floors, stairs and walls. Sparkling stainless steel railings adorn staircases, the elevator interiors and balconies, continuing that Art Deco theme. High-quality glass is incorporated throughout the building, welcoming in the swath of natural light to which the property is privy, thanks to its prime location overlooking the water. By the end of the first day, I was beginning to feel like the Great Gatsby.
TESTING THE WATERS
Although working out in the state-of-the-art gym might have been a good idea, we were instead lured to the on-property spa oasis and treated to massages by the booked mobile therapist. It was just what the doctor ordered.
After a quick nap in our bedrooms, we headed outdoors to the loungers positioned near the crystal-clear saltwater lagoon. It was an idyllic setting, with a quiet – almost meditative atmosphere – as the water gently lapped against the ironshore.
The next day, we took full advantage of the freshwater lap pool on the third floor. Located in a breezeway running the width of the main building, this distinctive design element is something to behold. Its glass floor sections extend out beyond the confines of the property’s seaside-facing wall. One moment you are swimming indoors, and the next, you are suspended in the air, with unfettered views of the sea, George Town and beyond. It’s an extraordinary feeling.
DINING IN STYLE
Of course, what is the point of having access to such a place if you can’t share it with friends? On one of the nights, FIN arranged a five-course catered dinner for 10 with wine-pairing by Grand Old House.
The evening began with Champagne and canapés in the Owners’ Lounge, a space where residents can relax on authentic 1920s furniture, highlighted by luxurious polished walnut finishes. Each owner has their own temperature-controlled wine cabinet, for those social get-togethers in sumptuous surroundings.
After cocktail hour, we made our way up to the apartment and its third floor, where a table was beautifully laid, with name tags for every guest and branded menus. Again, it is intuitive touches like these that elevate the whole FIN experience.
A FIN FAREWELL
On Monday, we bade the gorgeous apartment goodbye.
That night at home, we wondered when our food would be delivered. Oh, right – we had to get it ourselves.
We opened our fridge. Why hadn’t it been restocked?
I went outside to drive the Tesla to the supermarket, but all I could see was a 2012 Ford Expedition.
Now we knew just how Cinderella felt. Was it all just a dream, or was it FIN?
Vicki Wheaton stayed at FIN as part of the property’s short-term rental launch. Now you can experience it for yourself.
This article appears in the Autumn/Winter 2022 issue of InsideOut magazine, now available at magazine stands and delivered to select homes.
