I'm writing this review while my kitchen table is covered in wonderful shells. It's been four days since we checked out of Stella Maris Resort and left Long Island and its beautiful locals. My son and I now have the Stella Maris Blues.

This was our first trip out of Canada and I was terrified of making such a journey alone as a female with my 8 year old son. I researched everything and read both Frommers and Lonely Planet guides from front to back. Long Island held my interest for reasons I can't explain. We wanted an adventure, not a crowded all inclusive . Stella Maris Resort is a place you check in to but - as we've both found out - be warned a piece of you will remain there. It is nestled within lush coconut palms, cacti, flowers I can't begin to name with views of the ocean below. There are beaches to explore, pools to discover, plantation ruins to meander through. There are daily excursions you can join and always a smiling face to answer any questions.

The people of Long Island are warm, kind and genuine. When you live in a city where people often forget to say please & thank you - trust me, it will humble you. My son had the "best time ever." Everyone was wonderful... Peter, who took us up to the plantation and assisted us with "research", Karen who made sure we were well equipped for each day, all of the lovely ladies at the front desk & restaurant - especially those who slipped us an extra freshly baked bun at dinner, Scoffield our taxi-man who told us about this beautiful island, the kind gentleman who de-husked a coconut for my son, Shawn (my first banana daquiri) & Matthew our very patient guide as we attempted snorkeling, the marine life we saw was amazing. The list goes on...

What you need to know is that you will feel absolutely safe here. The rooms are large and clean and offer a great cross breeze at night. Honestly you wont be spending much time in them as there is a ton to discover. There is a funky pub and terrific restaurant. The prices are reasonable and the water was fine to drink. The owners and staff truly make you feel like you are family. They will take you on free excursions to several beaches (including Cape Santa Maria) and other places of interest. We met several people who were returning after multiple years and I think that really speaks to the way Stella Maris treats its guests.

In my son's words to his grandmother upon return:

"Gramma, you don't even know the colour blue until you've been to Long Island and the people are really nice."

We are planning to return soon.

I wrote a previous review and now upon reconsideration and hindsight I wish to share some thoughts. The hotel staff treated us like family.They were considerate and thoughtfull. You have to remember that this is a out island and not a big money resort. The owner Peter was always around to assist us in anything we wanted or needed. It was truely one of the best vacations we have ever gone on. Our main mode of transportation was by bicycle. 20 miles per day and walking deserted roads and Beaches 4-8 more miles. There was Kayaking,Sailing and boat rides to be held but if you wish to be left alone for a romantic reconect then you should go and try out this resort.

We booked a wedding, sight unseen, and have absolutely no regrets. Jill was fantastic with the plans, and it was the most beautiful ceremony ever! Everyone at Stella Maris is fantastic, and polite, and would do anything for you. The guests and residents of the Island are so friendly. One of the residents even offered their home to have the wedding there! They even went as far as to get up at 6 in the morning to put together the wedding flowers and bouquet! Every detail was meticulous. The food was outstanding. Never ate the same thing twice and the food was so fresh and tasty! Compliments to the chefs! The Island itself is so different from one coast to the next that you never get tired of walking the beaches or taking bike rides to different places. The resort offers so many free activities that you really never run out of things to do! Don't miss the rum punch party with the conch fritters! Stella Maris is a tiny gem on a gorgeous island. I hope it never changes!!!

Every January we plan a company meeting/retreat with over 30 guests. We work hard during the day and play even harder when the sun goes down. Stella Maris was the perfect venue for us! The entire staff was amazing from the moment we arrived. We had a private room for our morning meetings and each days activities were planned out in advance (no thinking involved :) ).
Everyone agreed that this was our BEST TRIP ever! We look forward to our next visit with our new friends.