I agree with you all as to Enclaves and the "studio-like" label is fair. No, there are no "traditional" units (ones without a sliding wall) in Enclaves. For those, choose Villages. I'll add my own perspective and address Greg's question some more as to the "Enclaves vs. Villages" debate. The sliding wall between the living room and master bedroom in Enclaves is VERY different. In fact, when I toured the mock-up during construction, they billed it as "Villa of the Future" or something similar! Well clearly we're still in the past, because I don't think that design made it outside of Palm Desert! So why the heck do we keep coming back to Enclaves and forgoing the Villages? For us, it comes down to HOW you use the villa. It's not just about it being a smaller one bedroom than just about any other purpose built MVC property, it's about the radically different floor plan. In Enclaves, the master bedroom is on the walkway/entry door side. In fact, the one window looks out on the walkway. When we first toured way back when, I thought to myself something like "what the heck, did Marriott copy a cheap motel design?!" But once you get inside, the kitchen and living room flow together alongside a magnificent span of sliding glass doors and big windows. Talking of flow, the kitchen just works. I always marvel that I can stand by the sink, be part of whatever is happening in the living room, see the TV and see my beloved desert/golf course/pool view all at once. To cap it off, I can easily reach anything in the kitchen within a couple of steps. The living space design is simply brilliant and keeps you in the vacation. Contrast that with your traditional MVC kitchen (as in Villages), usually at the back of the unit with wrap around counters so often times if you're working and facing the wrong way you could be in any old condo or back home.
I don't like to see my bedroom so I generally keep the slider closed or mostly closed, although it makes the space far smaller than almost every other 1 bedroom. There would be no privacy with someone staying on the sleeper sofa just feet away, as the sliding "wall" is a sad excuse for a wall and is not in the least sound proof. However, I never have anyone else sleep on that side with us, even the kids when they were smaller - always in the lock off (which by the way is an awful lock off to occupy by itself as it doesn't have a balcony which is bordering on the criminal in the desert, but it's a fine second room). Another positive for me.... I should note that the design in Enclaves is very modern, even by 2019 standards. In 2009 or so when we bought, it was radically luxe! Opaque glass inserts in the kitchen doors instead of generic oak/walnut/maple whatever. And the lighting, especially in the master bath...whoa! I'm talking halogen spots, under counter, subtle nightlights, dimmers...ok, maybe this is not as radical in 4 star hotel land today, but it was very striking for your average Marriott timeshare then. But you get the idea....as I said in my earlier post, above, I am very attracted to the resort vacation ambiance. Enclaves units give us that, more than Villages.
Other factors for me.... I love the Enclaves pool, particularly the last couple of years as they've added shade, an impressive big screen TV and a nice fire pit. It's just the right size for me. The main pool complex at the Villages can get crazy busy and attracts generally more little kids (splash zone, small water slide and the activity center are all right there). Also, the cafe/bar at Villages is stuck on the back of the pool around a corner, totally cut off from the views and ambiance. Crazy. At Enclaves, it's more integrated...again, that resort hotel feel. As for the Villages units, I've nothing bad to say. They're traditional, comfortable and have generally lovely golf views, but they're sort of forgettable I think. But....if you want the maximum space for your buck (particularly if you're looking to put 8 people in a 2 bedroom), then go for Villages. Note...it is a massive property so if you don't choose carefully you may be a trek from a pool in Villages, less likely in Enclaves. That may be fine for some, not for me.
At the end of the day, Shadow Ridge is a great resort, really well managed with incredibly professional and tenured staff (many have been there 10 and 20 years+).
Greg, as an aside you were probably one of my biggest sources of learning on here 10+ years ago, after I came home from our preview trip to Shadow Ridge having bought a platinum week during our presentation. No, I didn't rescind but we don't regret a thing! I learned so much from you and others kind enough to share on here and for that I thank you.
