I agree with much of what is set out in other reviews: gorgeous grounds, huge and lovely rooms, friendly and helpful staff, almost magical island location.

The property has two significant drawbacks, both of which could be easily fixed. First, it desperately needs a decent kitchen. Because of the island location, you are hostage to whatever they serve. In most cases the food is merely bland. Unfortunately, the food was worse in the ala carte restaurants to the point of being inedible. At least at the buffet there was more choice. My strategy was to eat a high protein breakfast, and subsist at lunch and dinner.

The second and more surprising issue was the comfort of the beds. Pillows resemble cinder blocks in size and comfort. I didn’t enjoy waking up with a backache every morning from the poor mattress. Management would be well advised to look at what major chains do to make their beds comfortable.

Other issues were minor but annoying in a property that I wanted to like more than I did: oversweetened drinks, cheesy entertainment, unvented bathrooms, housekeeping being consistently late in making up a room.

This hotel is like an over-decorated cake: pretty but unsatisfying. Fix the cooking - maybe an upcharge for palatable items - and the beds and we’ll be back next year.

We were there Jan 28th to Feb 4th 2008. The resort was beautiful and the rooms were georgeous. I have been in Cancun, Punta Cana and Cuba this was the nicest room I had ever stayed in. All the reviews are accurate about what they say. The food was great and lots of variety. The weather was a little rainy when we were there. It rained about 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night. It was a bit overcast most of the days. But when the sun was out for the full day it was hot. Although there were a few people who spoke a bit of english, I wish I had brushed up on my spanish. Special regards to Gabriel who gave me a tennis lesson, he spoke the best english, Miky at the beach bar who was going to be a new dad the day we left, and also Adan at the lobby bar, great bunch of guys. There was no night life and we had wished there would have been more at the water sports hut. Communication wasn't great there and they didn't offer alot. The snorkeling was not good, the ocean was too rough and cloudy. The best spot we found for snorkeling was on the south side of the public beach which was beautiful. We saw mostly starfish, conch and a few unusal fish but nothing colorful. The only problem we had was the key card to our room kept failing, so we were frustrated from time to time.

My Husband and I were recommended by our travel agent to go to this resort and glad we did!! Our week was fantastic! Beautiful grounds, clean pools, friendly staff and lavish rooms in the villas. Our room had a king size canopy bed, jacuzzi tub seperate shower, private balcony etc. We also had 24 hour room service and a mini bar which was totally awesome!!! Our whole trip started off with a cool towel once arriving at the dock at the resort. You don't even worry about your baggage, it's all taken care of! Then we were entertained with dancers and were given a welcome drink and welcomed by the whole management staff! It just got better from there, the food was amazing at the buffet and at the A La Cartes. We liked both DonPablo and the Mediterrainian just the same. The Seafood restaurant unfortunately we didn't get to try. The regular buffet has themes aswell which was great. My fav was Gala night. Red carpet style and candlelight. Very nice. Overall we didn't have any problems exept for turndown we only received it a few times. The entertainment got better and better as the week went on. My favorite place to relax was by the bottom pool by the ocean in the comfy lounge chairs. You are close to the action. Ie: Games, Snack Bar, regular bar etc We are definately considering making this resort our yearly tradition! But before you go brush up on your spanish. Some speak english but not many. Enjoy!

A group of us have just returned from this hotel and all-in-all were very happy with our vacation. This resort is beautiful!! Gardens, grounds, pool, beach very lush and well kept. The resort is quite new so still in very good condition. Most of the staff were very helpful although few spoke english.

The food: At the buffet - somedays it was very good, other days hit and miss. Not as much variety as in other resorts we've stayed at but probably something to satisfy you. Good prompt service. Great coffee. At the restaurants - 3 star at best. The room service menu was limited and the food not of good quality. I do not think that the food was even near 5 star quality except on a day when outside management was visiting. Some of us returned with intestinal problems.

The room: Was very beautiful and clean. We had problems with the maid serivce - some days good others so so. One couple we travelled with got no maid service one day. As for the turn down service offered along with the upgraded villa - we never had it, not once! We came back from the beach one day to find our room door open and a card left in the card box. Nothing was taken but I have never had this happen before in any hotel. We tried to make our concerns known to staff members but felt that they were not really interested. Another couple we travelled with had the same experience -- this is very unnerving.

Otherwise, we had a very relaxing vacation. We did not leave the island or take any trips. Others in our group took the trip to El Limon the waterfalls and were very happy with it. Also one person took the whale watching trip and did get a chance to see six whales. This island is so beautiful and well worth the trip although it is unlikely that I would return to this resort. I feel that while the resort is beautiful it should not really be classified above a 4 star.