My husband and I stayed at this resort April 17-24. First of all I would say that like many/most resorts in the Caribbean or Mexico the rooms in this resort would be more like a 3.5 star but the rest of the amenities would be a 4 star including food. The room was very clean though and we only had a problem with one pesky mosquito on a few occasions. We had upgraded to the VIP, which although not totally what I thought it would be, was still great because it was soooo close to the main pool (and on the main floor) so going and putting a towel on a pool chair was the easiest thing in the world and I was grateful for that. And yes -- bring your own facecloths, I don't know if employees steal them or what, but it is really tough to get one. This is not the first time I have encountered this in my travels.
As stated, the beautiful lobby - which is really spacious and has a very nice bar is way too far from the rooms. I think this really puts a damper on night time socializing with other guests. I really believe that in light of this design, they desperately need a good size beach or pool bar so people feel they have an alternate entertainment option to the nightly shows. For this reason, don't be looking to party to hard at the resort.
The grounds are beautiful with the ducks, birds which make calls like monkeys at night and peacocks. It's nice to walk around there but bring comfortable shoes as it is quite a trek from the lobby to the rooms.
I found the food to be very good and I have travelled extensively in the Caribbean, Mexico and also in Europe. The variety is fantastic at the buffet restaurant and we ate there every day for breakfast and lunch, and the first night for dinner. All other nights we ate at the a la carte restaurants, with the Italian and Mexican being our favorite. I didn't want to try the Chinese and Brazilian because I had read/heard that both were not as good. Surprisingly, the Ribeye steak at the Mexican restaurant was very good - not tough, although the steaknife might as well have been a butter knife. We also ate at the one gourmet restaurant (french)- can't remember the name. It was very nice, and I found the service at the a la cartes to be very good - and much better English at these restaurants.
Pool bar - swim up bar is really fun and Jose is very fun even though his English is limited. He really needs some more interesting shot glasses for his never-ending MAMA JUANA shots. If anyone is going, I think he would love a new shot glass or two. He is very entertaining and we became fast friends. He even called us at home when we returned. You have to realize that they get more French guests, so they don't get to practice their English as much. They are eager to learn so make the effort and they will too. Be nice and tip if you feel it is deserved. These people work 11-16 days in a row without a day off. How nice could you be after all that time on your feet?
The beach is of course second to none. Shopping is ok but I was disappointed by the lack of quality of the silver (spoiled by Mexico obviously). Barter religiously. We bought 2 paintings (unframed) at the market down the beach - about $190 for both - one was an oil and both were quite large. Also bought coffee beans by the pound for $4 each (4 of them) at the same place.
Don't be stupid and forget to pack the immodium you bought (like I did) or it will cost you $9 for 4 tablets. Fortunately, I was fine after taking one. Bring lots of sunscreen, we did and never got burnt, which was nice. Bring bandaids for those new shoes you may be wearing for the first time (or aren't used to walking in) - ladies you know what I'm talking about.
There's a guy at the beach bar who makes a delicious drink he calls "especial" with bananas and chocolate - it tastes like a banana split. He got tipped everytime I asked for that.
Went to the casino the first night - there's a free shuttle there and back - it was nice. Did have a spa treatment - forced my hubby into it too. The body scrub was awesome and massage -- Julia is probably the strongest if you like a deep massage like I do. Wouldn't recommend the manicures/pedicures - they are quite ammateur for the money.
All in all a really nice getaway. I would go back with my kids next time and hopefully it will be in April also because it isn't too crowded then (except Easter week - beware around that time).





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