The hotel has apparently had new management recently and things seemed a little chaotic in some areas. The staff were very friendly, helpful and always smiling! Look out for Carolyn. She makes great cocktails and has an amazing memory for names!
The location is lovely but the sea, although a beautiful blue colour, was churred up by the Trade winds which also brought in seaweed which harboured stinging jelly fish! Watch out for the heavy showers, even in February which is supposed to be the driest month. Mind you there is a large umbrella in every room.
We only had trouble with mosquito bites after they mowed the grass one day otherwise they were not a problem. Never saw any in our room, though we did have a visit from a tiny tree frog one night!
The food was generally very good but we did have one or two meals that did not live up to expectations. Our comments were always passed to the chef who apologised each time. We ate one evening at the Cove for which all inclusive guests pay extra. The food was fabulous just a pity that the service didn't quite match! Mind you we were a party of six and it was Valentine's night!
Don't worry about packing lots of books, there is a library of free books in the shop.
We had a beachfront room which was easily accessible from the main area but watch out for some rooms which are quite a walk from the central area. They provide golf buggies from the reception area to the Cove or you can enjoy a pleasant walk through the gardens which had pretty lights at night. You can also have breakfast at the Cove which has a different menu from the main hotel. Try the eggs benedict!
We heard that they plan to close Vyvien's restaurant and turn it into a larger spa and beauty salon. I can see that they need a larger spa because the rooms there are small but it would be a pity to lose the choice of a child free restaurant. If you haven't tried a hot stone massage you don't know what you're missing! Expensive but worth it.
The hotel run a shuttle service into St John's every day which is very good but try to avoid a day when the cruise ships are in port.
Shirley Heights trip on a Sunday is an experience but only if you don't mind crowds and standing around on an uneven surface waiting for the sun to set whilst listening to reggie music. Better to visit on the classic 4x4 trip around the island when you can enjoy the views without the crowds. Watch out for a driver called Randolph (call me Randy!) who talks nonstop and begins every sentence with 'ladies and gentlemen'. He is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his country.
Most holiday makers were British so it was easy to make new friends.


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