I have been reading other reviews and my wifes, having stayed at the neighbouring complex more than once we decided to visit the Casuarina (soft opening)
The management idea of the staff telling us their name in conversation - certainly does not work when the staff especially the bar staff are flat out.
Some of the staff were working extra jobs and extra shifts, (bar staff were also porters , reception staff were also cocktail staff in the evening ) we were informed there is a problem getting staff.
My thanks to Crystal and Adrian (sorry cannot remember other names in the Bars ), they represent the excellent attitude and committment shown by all the staff.
Read the other reviews , the Complex when complete and has a full compliment of staff will be a fantastic example of Barbados South Coast service and with the other Hotel complexs on Turtle Beach and Maxwell Beach, forget the expensive west side its all here. By the way when on holiday , forget the alarm clock, internet and the TV , enjoy and gain the extra 10 pounds .
My only negative observation is my concern for the mussys, lots of follage, garden and ponds , so take your own precautions do not blame the hotel if you get biten !!!

We stayed here one week from 26/6. Most of the other reviews say it all. So here is my summary;
Rooms are fine, but several missing bits, no bath plug (replaced after 6 days), hair dryer u/s and curtain rail fell off the ceiling.
Restaurants OK, not enough staff, so slow starts and service even with buffets. Staff very helpful but stretched.
Lovely beach, but NO watersports, unless you count 7 boogie boards with more paperwork than a hip joint op.I spoke with THE hotel manager who 'promised' to get the hobies in the water.By the time this happened, I was packed and leaving.
Bars- in theory 4, often only 1 or 2 open, not enough barmen for an A-Inc resort.

As of 3/7, one accom block is still being refurbished, and the new block only partly occupied. I do not think the food/drink facilities will cope. On the last morning there was a VERY long queue for breakfast which started late as usual.

My advice; If any problems are not quickly resolved, go to the top manager or nothing will happen.
On the first night, you are pre-booked into Enid's restaurant. This is a contradiction, there are NO bookings in this place.You will have to wait a long time, so ask for a timed seating in the other restaurants.

Overall a nice place, good value at the cheap intro rate, but not good as prices rise.Should be fine, but maybe in six months.

My wife and i have just returned from the renovated Casuarina and i can't say enough good words to it justice.

Firstly we were greeted with a nice cold cocktail when we arrived and taken to our room.

Once we shown in we couldn't believe our luck it looked like the decoraters had just left with lovely colours the biggest bed you've ever seen and great view of the gardens and a nice plasma tv

From this point onward on the holiday just got better, the food is wonderful in all 3 resturants although you need to book in advance and it can be a little slow, but hey i'm on vacation so whats the rush as were on Caribbean time!!!.

The lunch time beach BBQ had to be one of my highlights with beautiful fish served.

Make sure you pay the extra $30 one night for the lobster tails mmm

Everything else really was in keeping with the room and food, the pools are great especially the pool bar which serves gorgeous cocktail and beer to, the beach is fantastic and everyone is so friendly.

We didn't travel with children however the rsorts seems very child friendly .

The entertainment finished at around 12PM each night although you could still get drinks in the late night bar, if this isn't for you then we told the party goes on long into the night in the town, maybe 20 years ago LOL

We visited the other Almond resorts via the free shuttle, however i must admit there not a patch on the Casuarina as there both a lttle tired looking, tho perfect for day trips as the pools and food were equally good.

There is some building work going on which i was told is near to completion this being located on the beach front which will have stunning view.

All in all this resort is terrific and will be the real deal once the service is improved and the beach front block is completed.

I would certainly return to this resort but would stay in the uncompleted block on the beach front as the views are breath taking

We have just returned for a 7 night stay at Almond Casuarina, When we arrived we were checked in very quickly and shown to our room in block 3, a good size but lacking the extra bed we had called the previous week to order. This was sorted out the following day by Joanna from guest services who was very pleasant and helpful.

The food quality was very good and I can honestly say I enjoyed every meal although I found the buffet lunch quite repetitive there was always something to eat. The reastaurant and bar staff vary quite a lot.. Some are clearly new but very helpful and we recognised a few who had moved from ABV..

Never used the kids club as our son loved the pool and boogie boarding but got a warm welcome from Juliette who we know again form ABV.

All staff seemed very enthusiastic about the hotel which is good. The head chef is also from ABV which probably explains why the food is good as we have never had any complaints there either.

My only thought is how are they going to cope when the hotel is full? The pool areas although lovely are not very spacious and the restaurants are not very big..I look forward to hearing for people who go in the summer holidays!

All in all a great holiday, great hotel, great staff, but loads of not so great mossies. Still would not put me off returning!