Reading the reviews on this site before i went really worried me about the state of the resort.

I feel the resort gets knocked a bit to much by people obviously looking for a 5 star resort.

When we arrived (a group of 14) the staff were quick to get us in are rooms. My family's room was a pool side view yet i do feel that it was one of the best rooms on the resort (room 222) as we were 5 steps away from the beach and 10 steps away from the pool.

The room which we were in was laid out and nice and simple, Air conditioned and the bathroom had just been re furbished. (It looked like the amount of work that was going on in the resort that this is the case for every room)

The staffs there was brilliant, if you have children then this is the resort for you as it was very friendly and welcoming.

The food also was better then i expected, again a few people have had a moan about the food on this site yet what these simple people do not seem to realise is that if you expect and al a carte menu then go to an al a carte restaurant (by the way the warri pier restaurant also know the resort caters for this...try the steak one of the best I have tasted anywhere)

The only thing i would say is that if you are going to come here go all inclusive as it is so much easier as there is no need to carry money or have it put on your bill.

The beach....1 word for this is WOW! Amazing....the beach is the best i have ever come across. Lovely clean and great views!!!

Overall the resort was much better then average. Even the staff in the restaurants when the extra mile to accommodate the group of 14 during meal times. Excellent, cannot thank everyone who works there enough for the wonderful experience.

Just back from Halcyon - we had a fantastic time. Like others we had read mixed reviews. We found the hotel, staff, location and country absolutely wonderful - a truely memorable holiday, for all the right reasons.

First off the hotel. We were a family of 4 and had a room right on the beach front, with huge bed, cable tv, a/c, modern bathroom, safe, hair dryer, trouser press and then our kids had 2 single beds in the large lounge area, which also had sofa, another tv, fridge and ceiling fan. The room was in good decoartive order and cleaned to a high standard daily. Crisp white sheets decorated with beautiful flowers on our arrival.

The resort was very quiet last week of May first week of June and a number of the rooms round the pool were being revamped. The pool was a good size and safe for kids as was 4 foot deep, and there were plenty of beds and wooden parasols round the pool. Large grass area around the pool with plenty of shade if desired.

The beach was lovely, greeny/blue sea, powdery white sand again with lots of beds and wooden parasols.

We were AI which was very good. You could have a continental breakfast on the pier, or a full buffet breakfast in the main restaurant. I would often walk up to the pier to get a takeaway tea/cofee in polostyrene cups as this opens at 7am. Lunch was either burger/hotdog/pizza/chips on the patio by the beach bar or a buffet lunch at rthe main restaurant which was varied and nice. At 4pm daily you could have afternoon tea on the pier with cake and sandwiches and you can also get ice cream for the kids, just ask the waitresses. Of an evening there was again a varied nice buffet menu at the main restaurant which did theme nights. Sunday for example they do roast dinner with 3 different joints of meat, vef, roast potatoes and even yorkshore puddings. They also had a Chinese night and Italian night. If you're AI you can also eat twice a week for free at the pier which was a la carte and very nice. The waters are lit up at night and you can watch all the fish, so was a favourite with the kids.

The only criticism with the food would be the lunch time patio barbeque - the plastic knives & forks and paper plates blew everywhere. It would have been so nice to have had a bit of variation with the food, some barbeque chicken or fresh fish would have been great - also a better salad selection.

The staff were brilliant a big thanks to Fenton and particularly Charm who entertained the kids relentlessly in the pool. They also ran events in the evening with things like casino night, bingo, kids disco etc.

Also big thanks to
La Shaun - who let my daughter help here behind the bar - it really made her holiday
Dwain - served us drinks and we talked about footy and put up with my tormenting!
Natasha - the all singing, all dancing bar tender who ALWAYS had a cheery smile
Collette - always happy and smiley whilst serving our table and served wicked ginger shandy

The weather was wonderful - the odd heavy shower, mainly at night or early morning. Always a beautiful cooling breeze.

Don't underestimate the strengh of the sun - as you are so near the equator you really need to protect yourself. Take strong factor sun cream (at least 30), t-shirts and hats for the kids.

We hired a car for 3 days and toured the island - always felt very safe. Got a bit lost in St John's but stopped and asked directions and found the locals to be extremely helpful and courteous.

Our favourite trip was the Eco Tour. My wife isn't great on boats but found this to be fine. The crew were very friendly and knowledgeable showing us a variety of sea creatures.

During our holiday a new manager took over the hotel. Not sure if she is permanent or just temporary but she was very helpful, friendly and professional and always keen to find out how we were and if we had any problems.

Stayed at Halcyon cove for a week, a little worried before our arrival after reading reviews on this site. However we were pleasently surprised. The room was clean and tidy, air-conditioning worked well and hot water everyday. The staff were friendly and helpful, (a problem with the shower was sorted out within the hour). The entertainment left a little to the imagination, but the food was quite good, quite a choice. The setting for the hotel is lovely and the beach was great.

The Good

Great beach - probably the best on the island and right next to Sandals. The pier restaurant is in a great position. The view from the top of the hill is also superb.
The price we paid represents good value for money - if you want luxury you should be prepared to pay a premium
Julien has the biggest smile and should be given an award for being the best ever waitress. Service otherwise is generally ok.
The al la carte food in the pier restaurant is very good.
Car hire is inexpensive and safe. You must get out and see the island - it is truly beautiful - especially around Shirley Heights.

The Bad

Bad #1: The hotel is in the process of a 'refurbishment'. The reality is that its in a very tired stated and is receiving only very minor treatment. Ever heard the phrase 'lipstick on a pig' ?

Bad #2: Unless you seriously like burgers and cheap hot dogs on plastic plates every single day (with absolutely no variation), then expect to get changed every lunchtime and hike back up to the main restaurant. What a shame the pier restaurant can't be used for lunch - it has the facilities and the views.

The Ugly

Ugly #1: The old restaurant sitting on the hill above the hotel is rented out for private parties. Even though it is still owned by the hotel, the management take no responsibility / action when the music is deafening and still going strong at 2.30am. This night was probably the worse any of the guests had experienced in their lives - even the Sandals guests were affected !

Ugly #2: Heather Williams the bartender in the Carib bar is probabaly the rudest person in the world. Tip for Heather - find a job that does not include customer service !