What we learned

How they Roll

In our very brief time spent at New Cambium, information about anything and everything was incredibly easy to discover. People talk. We learned that New Cambium is operated as a co-operative to which all property owners belong. The overseeing body is Vive Libre... which operates like a corporation. It has a board of directors but not all owners are directors. A few years ago the man who had the vision and started New Cambium was somehow removed / bought out by a small group of New Cambium property owners. I don't know the situation that surrounded that event but I do know there was some discontent as to the management or direction this one person had for New Cambium. We really don't care what went on. Short of researching the current co-operative and corporation setup, it seems like control is still held by a few. Doesn't sound ideal.

It was not difficult to ascertain the names and country of origin of the owners of Mango 8 (our first rental). We were shocked to learn they had not been to their property in 3 years. But through asking questions, we learned how the place operates. If you own a house, you have the option to rent it if you wish. You may let the corporation rent it on your behalf and they take care of the details and offer support to renters, or you may chose to rent it out yourself (AirBNB, VRBO, etc.) and you'll be on your own. The real issue becomes who's responsible for what when owners can jump on and off the corporation rental band wagon so to speak. If an owner rents privately for 6 months and after it becomes vacant offers it back to the company to rent who's responsible for its condition? Its a very poor hospitality business plan and with even worse execution. The have no idea what they are doing.

In our first case, Mango 8, had recently been rented for 6 months (directly through the owners). After the renter moved on, the house was thrown back into the rental pool... but in terrible condition (please see 'The Nightmare Rentals')... we became victims of the neglect. Who do we consider responsible for the condition of the house? The owners who rented it, the previous renter or the corporation that rented it to us after the fact? There is no quality control, no basic standards... we got whatever was left behind. No cleaning, no inspections, no quality standards, no maintenance, no nothing.  Just owners grabbing cash at our expense... an act of desperatation.

In the case of the second rental house, Palm Gardens 8 (PG8) we were told it had been recently rented. An effort was made at cleaning but in hindsight, a lot was overlooked. Again, it was not difficult to ascertain both the name and origin of the property owner. The shortcomings of PG8 are written about in 'The Nightmare Rentals'.

Pricing

Through speaking with other guests we learned that while we paid the full asking price for 7 nights, others negotiated their prices. Our mistake for not doing the same. But know we paid $1000 US for a week and another guest paid $1000 for a month !! That makes us the dummies. So, if you choose to go to New Cambium despite everything you read here, you can at least negotiate the price way down. Paying less lowers expectations and believe us.... your expectations will not be met so don't spend more money on being disappointed than necessary.

Arrogant Attitudes

As far as the people are concerned... the guests (renters) were great!!  All were supportive and sympathetic to our miserable experience, but ultimately that is not their role or responsibility. We spoke to renters of Paw Paw and learned how the poor maintenance program also affected their rental.  Pictures don't tell the whole truth. 

Our experience with 2 of the owners/board members that we met was less than impressive. First was the owner of Mango 11.  We met in passing on the road in New Cambium and we stopped and introduced ourselves. Conversation was limited and he stated 'We have a few things we'd like to talk to you about but we have a load of laundry that needs to be hung up to dry.'  Its reassuring to know that his wet laundry was much more important and urgent than any conversation with us.  We were standing right in front of them, how long could it possibly have taken? We never heard from or saw them again... wasn't so important after all it seems.

The second owner/board member that attempted to influence our total displeasure was 'Tim'. He appeared late on Day 3, following the complete release ofour anger on Diogenes for accusing us of sabotaging the hot water. (Please see 'The Nightmare Rentals' page). We cut him off quickly by presenting him with all the things that were wrong with with Palm Gardens 8. We graciously offered him a snack from the dirty bowl... he declined. He left with a greater appreciation of our frustration and disappointment, and was very much made aware of our reality.